To minimise carbon emissions, developers behind two huge greenhouses in East Anglia are using heat from nearby wastewater treatment plants to provide perfect growing conditions. Phil Lattimore reports on the innovative engineering behind the facilities
Category: Technical
What is the most efficient system for heating zero carbon homes?
What is the most effective way of heating our future zero carbon homes? Chris Twinn has been researching the issue for five years and has found that standalone ‘autonomous’ heat recovery systems offer the most benefits when considering high-density homes
A condensing guide to CHP efficiency
CHP can offer savings in applications with high, constant heat demand, but how designers integrate it will impact on the benefits. Remeha’s Ryan Kirkwood considers the options in the first of a two-part series
Level best: highlights from the 10th Symposium on Lift and Escalator Technologies
The 10th Symposium on Lift and Escalator Technologies covered simulation, connectivity and safety, as the Lift and Escalator Industry Association’s Nick Mellor reports
In the pipeline – is hydrogen a potential low carbon replacement for natural gas?
Hydrogen is being widely touted as a potential low carbon replacement for natural gas but, for it to succeed industry will need to address substantial challenges. Andy Pearson speaks to the pioneers in the sector to see what progress is being made
Roundtable: the importance and appropriateness of material selection when specifying pipework
Appropriate material selection for pipework is essential if HVAC systems are to be fully optimised. At a roundtable sponsored by Geberit, experts from across the supply chain discuss the current issues around pipework specification. Amanda Birch reports
Case study: One Angel Square, Northampton
Robust modelling and an intelligent redesign enabled BDP to retain natural ventilation in Northamptonshire County Council’s new offices. Andy Pearson finds out how collaborative value engineering resulted in a CIBSE Building Performance Award
Testing the water – designing the UK’s first Passivhaus swimming pool
The UK’s first Passivhaus swimming pool, currently being developed by Exeter City Council, seeks to halve energy use and create a chemical-free, healthy environment. Andy Pearson speaks to project team members about the innovative design that aims to set new Passivhaus standards for pools
Completing the picture – London Energy Map
The London Energy Map project tried to provide a clearer picture of building energy use in the capital by analysing the existing dataset. Dora Ma and Ed Cremin, of Etude, analyse the numbers
The Passivhaus that Max Fordham built
Max Fordham’s Passivhaus house features automated insulated shutters, developed to reduce night-time heat losses and to achieve an energy balance between gains and losses on a cold winter’s night. Liza Young reports