New Approved Documents on energy use, ventilation and overheating are intended to be stepping stones towards zero carbon buildings. Julie Godefroy highlights their impact and where regulatory improvements can be made
Category: Opinion
A full-scale test
The Grenfell Tower tragedy has prompted discussion about the practicality and usefulness of full-scale fire tests of building products and assemblies. Hywel Davies considers the testing of building services systems
A framework for change?
The Construction Playbook triggered an independent review of public sector procurement that recommends adopting framework structures and features to deliver better, safer, faster and greener outcomes in the public sector. Hywel Davies reports
We need to focus on ‘short-term’ emissions
Aiming for net zero carbon in new homes means rethinking the upfront carbon in building services engineering. Ilke Homes’ Nigel Banks looks at what this means for engineering design if targets are to be met
Charging forward
Hard on the heels of COP26, the government is set to make a flurry of announcements about energy and buildings, to press ahead with decarbonising our homes and offices. Hywel Davies sets out what can be expected
Specifying fan coil units in a post-Covid environment
Why HDR’s Adrian Gray believes infectious disease transmission must be embedded in ventilation regulations
CIBSE and COP26
With the COP26 Glasgow conference fast approaching, CIBSE’s Julie Godefroy outlines the associated events and activities in which the Institution is taking part and supporting, as well as its upcoming guidance
Proving competency
The Building Safety Bill proposes new competence requirements for all those working on design and construction. Hywel Davies explains the draft regulations, and asks how clients and the new Building Safety Regulator will know who is competent
Tracking the gap
The performance gap cannot be closed until designers and main contractors plot the emerging energy and emissions profile of their projects, says Dr Roderic Bunn, who introduces a new tool that aims to do just that
Making a case
The Health and Safety Executive has published guidance on the safety case principles for high-rise residential buildings set out in the Building Safety Bill, and how to prepare for them. Hywel Davies considers the implications
