Essential lessons from electric schools

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

Sound advice

Noise and vibration from HVAC systems such as large heat pumps can have a huge impact on occupant comfort. KP Acoustics Group’s Kyriakos Papanagiotou and Mason UK’s Adam Fox say CIBSE’s Guide B4, and early engagement with acoustic specialists, will give peace of mind

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

Taking the waters: recovering heat from the Roman Baths

Heat from Bath’s hot springs is being used to warm surrounding buildings including the new Clore Learning Centre. Andy Pearson finds out how Buro Happold extracting heat from the mineral-rich waters of the Roman Baths