Category: Technical

As well as minimising infection risk, the big trend in healthcare lighting is circadian lighting. HDR’s Karen Murphy looks at the latest research

The government’s new Heat Network Optimisation Guide aims to improve the performance of existing networks by rigorously analysing performance and making cost-effective interventions that maximise efficiency. Alex Smith reports

Travis Perkins’ WholeHouse digital design platform allows housebuilders to deliver efficient, repeatable housing to the latest sustainability standards, and includes prefabricated heat pump systems. Alex Smith reports

With wildfires recognised as an ‘emergent risk’ in the UK, what can be done to HVAC systems to mitigate the impact on the health of people in buildings? Phil Lattimore looks at the worldwide effect of wildfire smoke

To ensure the fire safety of building façades, designers should pay special attention to firestopping. CWCT’s David Metcalfe highlights the latest guidance on this key area and rounds up the most recent information on designing fire-safe façades

Indoor air pollution caused by cooking and cleaning poses a significant health risk, yet regulations focus on outdoor air quality. Now a new project has shed light on the complex chemistry behind these activities. By Nicola Carslaw, Helen Davies and Benjamin Jones

A patented cold thermal energy storage system from O-Hx uses ice slurry to increase the efficiency of chillers. The company’s Bob Long says a pilot scheme at a drug facility shows 27% operational cost savings

Poor ventilation has been identified as a contributing factor to Covid-19 transmission in NHS hospitals. In seeking solutions, a study by Lewis Turner found that, while air purification systems reduce infection risk, they should only be used when mechanical ventilation is not available. Tim Dwyer reports

A CIBSE award-winning research project led by Loughborough University made a major contribution to reopening large-scale events during the pandemic – and now the collaborative team behind ‘Airbods’ is bringing its learning to the wider built environment. Phil Lattimore finds out more