The influence of culture on the drive for sustainability, and the latest innovative solutions for housing retrofits were two of the key insights on day two of the CIBSE ASHRAE Technical Symposium
Author: mollytooherrudd
It’s a breeze being cool in class
Overheated indoor spaces in tropical regions pose challenges for building occupants, particularly in areas with limited access to air conditioning. A study by Dr Charles Munonye evaluates the thermal comfort of Nigerian schoolchildren in two building types to see if cooling is needed in primary schools
Safety routes: assuring competence under the building safety regime
To comply with the Building Safety Act, engineers will have to prove their competence and assure the safety of buildings they design, construct and operate. CABE’s Richard Harral and CIBSE’s Hywel Davies discuss key challenges for industry professionals
Volumetric’s award-winning Modulhaus housing for the homeless
Recognised by the CIBSE Building Performance Awards, the Volumetric Modulhaus project revolutionises temporary housing solutions for the homeless through a unique blend of innovation, sustainability, and societal concern. Andy Pearson reports
Reflecting change: key updates to LG7 – Lighting for offices
A new revision to SLL’s Lighting Guide 7 for offices encompasses the upward trends of hybrid working and the circular economy. Author Simon Robinson shines a light on the biggest changes
Global attraction: delivering net zero in the desert climate
The UAE has a fast-paced, dynamic working environment, with some of the most ambitious building projects on Earth. Alex Smith speaks to regional chair Farah Naz FCIBSE about how CIBSE UAE Region is helping to deliver net zero projects in the desert climate
Calculated risk: intelligent use of low-voltage electrical design software
Using calculations from electrical distribution software simplifies designs, but should not be taken at face value, says Simon Rae, of Diales Technical. He recommends verifying outputs to minimise the risk of equipment damage, electric shocks and fire
Case study: Dubai’s award-winning Museum of the Future
Building information modelling and parametric modelling were key to the design and construction of the Museum of the Future, in Dubai, which won a design award for its unique façade. Andy Pearson reports on how the use of technology made the building possible
Assuring the technical performance of heat networks
To improve the efficiency and resilience of heat networks, a technical assurance scheme is being developed by government and industry to support a new regulatory framework overseen by Ofgem. Phil Jones FCIBSE, Gareth Jones, Freddie Valletta MCIBSE and Lucy Sherburn reveal how compliance will work
Heat in a box: the local route to green hydrogen
Producing hydrogen using local renewables and innovative storage could see carbon-neutral hydrogen soon being used to heat buildings, according to Baxi and H2GO, who are behind a government trial of the concept. Alex Smith reports