Category: Technical

Empty retail space in the UK is attracting the attention of the booming life sciences sector. Cundall’s Rob van Zyl looks at the trend for retrofitting laboratories and, in particular, the challenge of ventilating them in built-up areas

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

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

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

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

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

Too many all-electric schools are being designed for peak loads that will never be met, says Cundall’s Peter Hazzard, who has been analysing data from previous designs to slash electrical demand

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

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