Power-grid congestion threatens the clean energy transition, but a shift to DC microgrids in buildings could help bypass bottlenecks, reduce waste and usher in the next chapter of electrification – one that’s decentralised, resilient and fit for purpose. Jacobs’ Adam Selvey reports
Category: Opinion
Community impact: celebrating CIBSE volunteers
During Volunteers’ Week, CIBSE highlights the role played by its volunteers in advancing the Institution’s work. Leon Markwell shares how volunteering has helped him give back to the profession while learning, connecting, and supporting the next generation
Keeping the bar high: CIBSE’s new competency framework
Under the Building Safety Act, building services engineers must demonstrate competence when working on higher-risk buildings. Dr Anastasia Mylona explains how CIBSE has created a competency framework for members working in the sector
Flying the standard: the pilots backing the Net Zero Carbon Building Standard
More than 220 projects are piloting the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard, due to be released later this year. Greengage’s Amrita Dasgupta Shekhar analyses the project cohort and looks at the process heralding a new era of net zero buildings
Rethinking resources: CIBSE’s new Circular Economy group
The new CIBSE Circular Economy subcommittee, led by Professor Philip Griffiths, aims to put circular thinking at the heart of MEP design and operation, encouraging smarter use of materials and extending product lifespans
No-brainer: creating a competence framework for sustainability
Developed as part of CIC’s Climate Action Plan, the Competence Framework for Sustainability lays the foundation for industry-wide standards that embed sustainability into the roles of professionals. The Edge’s Simon Foxell explains
The ties that bind: CIBSE and ASHRAE’s special relationship
Uncertainty over America’s international relationships may have been the backdrop to the ASHRAE Winter Conference, but CIBSE and its US counterparts continue to work together on key decarbonisation projects
Clarifying fire safety: understanding new standards
The updated BS 9991:2024 ushers in a new era of fire safety design for high-rise flats, with guidance on escape staircases, open-plan spaces, evacuation lifts, sprinklers, smoke control and care homes. Calum Smith explores the key updates
A safer future for NHS estates
The complexity of hospital estates makes it particularly challenging for NHS Trusts to meet the requirements of the Building Safety Act. The NHS has issued guidance in response, and published key resources around competency and the golden thread
International rescue: China’s route to decarbonisation
To share best practice on decarbonisation and climate resilience, CIBSE has just held knowledge-sharing face-to-face workshops organised by the Chinese government. Anastasia Mylona reports on learnings for both sides
