Route to jet zero: decarbonising aviation

With aviation accounting for 2.5% of global carbon emissions, it is vital that the sector prepares for the decarbonisation of air travel. Molly Tooher-Rudd finds out how Atkins is decarbonising airport infrastructure and gearing up for a new generation of electric and hydrogen-powered flight

Boxing clever: retrofits in Ireland

With Dublin planners now requiring that building re-use is considered over demolition, innovative office retrofits will soon become the norm. Andy Pearson looks at two: Tom Johnson House and the Tropical Fruit Warehouse

Formula for success: Sizing heat pumps in hybrid energy centres

Reducing the size of heat pumps in hybrid energy centres can cut carbon and capital costs dramatically – but what ratio of heat should they supply? Research by FairHeat’s Ellie Hiscock used hourly load modelling to come up with a rule of thumb for the optimal heat ratios for heat pumps and thermal storage with electric boilers

Case study: Comberton Village College heat network

The installation of a new heat network at Comberton Village College is set to significantly reduce the heating bill and save 248 tonnes of CO2. Andy Pearson speaks to Bouygues Energies & Services about how two 500kW ground source heat pumps replaced oil-fired boilers scattered across 16 plantrooms

Biodiversity: engineering nature’s blueprint

With developments soon having to create a 10% biodiversity net gain, Ashley Bateson, Chin Chen and Robert Winch discuss why nature-based solutions are vital in reducing climate risk

Leading the line: interview with CIBSE President Adrian Catchpole

To ensure engineers can meet net zero challenges while adhering to the building safety regime, CIBSE President Adrian Catchpole FCIBSE is launching bold initiatives to increase competency, tackle poor procurement and attract talent to the industry. Alex Smith reports

Beyond the fabric first approach

Fabric first is not necessarily the right approach when decarbonising heat, says CIBSE’s Engineer of the Year Stephen Hill, who considers the best approach to achieving net zero from a building and infrastructure perspective