This week, the government announced £2m of support for the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) to improve the processing of new-build applications.

The move follows calls by industry to tackle the backlog of planning for higher-risk buildings, as defined under the Building Safety Act.

The British Property Federation said delays in the process were causing projects to be delayed or abandoned altogether.

Industry is continuing to respond to the requirements of the new safety regime. For example, Helen Sturdy MCIBSE, head of construction and ProCure23 lead at NHS England, has helped provide clarification around the fire safety requirements for tall buildings on the vast NHS estate.

Also this week, technical editor Tim Dwyer summarises a paper that explores the suitability of heat pumps for existing homes. The study of boiler performance suggests that more homes in the UK may be ready for heat pumps than previously thought.

Read the latest CIBSE Journal

How ready are UK buildings for heat pumps?

A new study analysing the performance of existing boilers challenges assumptions about the need for radiator upgrades and fabric improvements when switching from gas, says Tim Dwyer

Driving for efficiency: analysing HVAC performance

By monitoring and analysing the performance of motor drives in HVAC equipment, ABB’s Richard Gee says building managers can identify opportunities for energy efficiency quick wins

Air of excitement: air quality award shortlist

Ahead of the 2025 CIBSE Building Performance Awards, we review the shortlist for the Product or Innovation – Air Quality Award

A safer future for NHS estates

The complexity of hospital estates makes it particularly challenging for NHS Trusts to meet the requirements of the Building Safety Act. The NHS has issued guidance in response, and published key resources around competency and the golden thread

Government grants £2m to Building Safety Regulator to ease planning delays

Funding aims to ensure ‘greater timeliness and efficiency’ by the regulator when signing off new tall buildings

Timetable set for social landlords to tackle damp and mould

Deputy Prime Minister announces plan for rollout of Awaab’s Law

Flush challenge shortlisted for award

CIBSE’s hands-on educational game Flush Challenge has been shortlisted for the STEM Initiative category at The Engineer’s 2024 Collaborate to Innovate Awards.

Life-cycle assessment training

The free course offers insights into assessing and reducing project carbon emissions

Beware double standards: pressurisation design and expansion vessel sizing

There are two standards for pressurisation design and expansion vessel sizing, which is causing confusion that threatens performance, says Spirotech’s Steve Simmonds

Unlock the future of building safety with our new training course: the digitalisation of Building Safety Act and the Golden Thread

The course offers an overview of the standards, regulations and practices surrounding fire safety, building safety, and information management

Ideal Heating Commercial announces 10-year warranty on Evomax 2 boiler

Evomax 2, the UK’s number one selling commercial wall-mounted boiler from Ideal Heating Commercial, is now available with a 10-year warranty

BlueEdge solutions for every HVAC application

BlueEdge from Badger Meter offers a portfolio of leading-edge solutions for the HVAC sector that accurately measure flow and water quality

Module 244: Commissioning air distribution systems for the 21st century

This module explores aspects of CIBSE Commissioning Code A: Air Distribution Systems and its relationship to the latest BSRIA updates