A micro greens farm below Clapham is helping researchers understand the impact of plants on their surroundings. The University of Cambridge’s Rebecca Ward reports on a project that aims to quantify the benefits
Category: Technical
Tunnel vision: the challenge of cooling the London Underground
It carries five million passengers a day and is integral to the smooth running of the capital – but could the Tube also allow developers to tap a huge secondary heat source? Andy Pearson investigates
Using cloud-based BIM to design London’s Royal Wharf development
Online-based BIM collaboration is helping to deliver the Royal Wharf development in London’s Docklands, as Phil Lattimore reports
Setting the standard – new BIM guides on security and health and safety
As the layers of BIM standards get more and more complex, it is important to identify the most useful protocols. CIBSE’s Carl Collins examines two new guides on security and health and safety
How catalysts in AHUs can improve indoor air quality
Electrostatic precipitators can stop PM2.5 dust particles from entering buildings, but could create dangerous levels of ozone. Catalysts in AHUs may be the answer, says Staffordshire University’s Derek Wardle
Becoming ‘the normal one’
Being a team player is important in BIM. Hurley Palmer Flatt’s Thomas Lindner shares his reflections as a post-heroic building information manager
Water ways – specifying soil and drainage pipes
Is inertia holding us back when it comes to material selection for key products, such as drainage pipes and fittings? Geberit’s Jonathan Briafield weighs up the benefits of four materials
Minimising risk of legionella in domestic water services
Good engineering design and client-side control management are key to the successful containment of legionella bacteria. Aecom’s Richard Beattie, Arup’s Damien Kane and Paul Nolan, of Paul Nolan Water Hygiene, address legionella risk in domestic water services
Reduce, reuse, recycle – meeting the F-Gas targets
Managing the supply of HFC refrigerants and reducing pressure on the newly lowered quotas introduced by the F-Gas regulations will be a critical issue for the industry. Martin Passingham at Daikin UK discusses the current legislation and industry issues, as well as the future of refrigerant
Sound advice – taking external noise into account when ventilating buildings
Ventilation strategies relying on residents opening windows falter if there is too much external noise. Anthony Chilton reports on a new guide designed to balance the needs of acoustics, ventilation
and overheating