The UK’s net zero transition depends on solving the ‘five peaks challenge’ to balance energy supply and demand, according to a new report. Alex Smith discovers how flexibility and thermal storage could help unlock a low-cost, decarbonised Grid
Tag: Decarbonisation
Hard truths behind the energy transition
Building services engineers are eager to decarbonise, but need upskilling if they are to move from fossil fuels to clean energy, according to a new survey by CIBSE Journal and Eaton. Andy Pearson reports on the findings
Piloting the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard
The highly anticipated UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard is set to launch in early 2026, after a year of feedback from more than 200 pilot projects. At a recent CIBSE conference, engineers shared the lessons that have been instrumental to defining the Standard’s final version. Molly Tooher-Rudd reports
Rethinking hospital ventilation
UK hospitals must take a hybrid approach to ventilation if they are to achieve infection resilience and net zero carbon goals while also minimising costs, according to Frank Mills at a recent CIBSE Healthcare Group event. Tim Dwyer reports
Engineering a sustainable stay: how net zero impacts hotel design
With 24/7 operation, intensive energy demands and frequent refurbishments, hotels are among the toughest buildings to decarbonise. Given that the upcoming UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard has sector carbon limits, Molly Tooher-Rudd looks at the challenges of achieving net zero hotels
A global challenge: decarbonising heating and cooling
International best practice can inform UK policy, technology and design for more sustainable, equitable and resilient heating and cooling systems, says CIBSE’s Anastasia Mylona
Net zero’s mission possible? testing the UK-NZCBS pilot
Max Fordham has been testing the pilot version of the Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard to see if its projects would hit the carbon limits. The firm’s Henry Pelly reveals which building types are providing the most difficult challenges
Pushing the cooling limit: CIBSE Natural Ventilation Group
The limits of passive cooling, healthy learning environments and mitigating overheating were the core subjects of a topical summer event hosted by the CIBSE Natural Ventilation Group in July. Chair Chris Iddon reports
Making the future of the lighting industry brighter
The use of artificial intelligence in lighting is changing the industry rapidly. Darren Smith, specification leader at Signify UKI, explores how the technology is enhancing consumer experiences and professional workflows
Building on spending: investing in net zero
The government’s Spending Review committed £80bn to decarbonisation, but policy gaps remain around embodied carbon and skills, says CIBSE’S Anastasia Mylona