Retrofitting heat pumps in non-domestic buildings will be key if the UK is to meet its net zero targets. To help building owners assess the best solutions, a UK-led International Energy Agency project is developing a tool based on potential cost and carbon savings. Roger Hitchin reports
Category: Technical
Heat networks: countdown to regulation
New regulations due next year are set to revolutionise the design and operation of heat networks in the UK. Phil Jones and Gareth Jones look at the latest rule proposals and explain the importance of technical assurance in setting performance standards in new and existing networks
The vital role of flow and energy measurement in hospital HVAC systems
Discover how this global shift towards precision and efficiency has resulted in another successful project using digital flow solutions from Badger Meter.
Heat network zoning: CIBSE response to the recent government consultation
Upcoming heat network zoning regulations must consider costs to consumers and carbon content of heat, using a technology-agnostic and transparent methodology, says CIBSE, in its response to a government consultation
Revisiting retrofits 10 years on: key lessons for the future of retrofit
CIBSE, Studio PDP and 10 Design have investigated how 10 housing projects are performing 10 years after they were retrofitted. The study highlights successes and uncovers crucial lessons for the future of housing retrofits
Decarbonising data centres: optimising operation with artificial intelligence
Two studies have looked at the impact of AI on improving the function of data centres. Molly Tooher-Rudd highlights the potential for optimisation and maintenance
Preparing for the worst: lessons on overheating from Futurebuild
CIBSE’s overheating session at Futurebuild detailed the risks to care homes and apartments of a warming planet. Alex Smith hears from modellers and academics about the extent of the threat posed to buildings and the measures that could be taken to increase the climate resilience of future designs
Twin cities: harnessing gaming technology for immersive digital twins
Buro Happold has collaborated with video games developer Epic Games to add another dimension to its digital twins. Andy Pearson speaks to Buro Happold’s Miraj Patel about the latest developments in digital engineering and the potential of the Unreal Engine
Cooling’s race against time: exploring next-generation cooling solutions
In response to anticipated rapid growth in demand for air conditioning by 2050, the International Energy Agency has released a report on the latest technology developments in the AC and heat pump sector, as the executive summary explains
High hopes: overcoming challenges with high-temperature heat pump integration
Retrofitting with high-temperature heat pumps can pose significant challenges if buildings are not properly investigated first. Baxi’s Ryan Kirkwood navigates the highs and low of swapping boilers for heat pumps in hard-to-heat buildings