Ultra-high-resolution thermal imaging technology is giving researchers much more detail on how cities are affected by high temperatures. James Richards explains how a land-temperature sensing project, led by King’s College London, could help assess urban overheating risk and model ventilation strategies
Category: General
An engineer first – interview with new CIBSE President Lynne Jack
The new President of CIBSE, Professor Lynne Jack, is the first woman to hold the position. Here, she tells Alex Smith that the notion of women reaching senior positions in building services now needs to be considered the norm
Prime example – How industry can promote diversity in engineering
After the inauguration of the first female CIBSE President, Liza Young finds out why inclusivity and female role models benefit engineering organisations and looks at what industry is doing to boost diversity
Towering savings – water conservation in cooling towers
Big cuts in building water consumption can be achieved by using non-potable water in cooling towers, says Hilson Moran’s Andrew Russell, who considers what water treatment solutions make the best savings
Leaner machines – using data analytics to reduce oversizing in building systems
Data-driven design can reduce energy consumption by reducing the oversizing of plant. Ramboll’s Andrew Henderson shares building performance data that suggests 30% of heating and cooling plant capacity will never be required
Heightened awareness: Avoiding cold draughts in offices with exposed ceilings
The trend for exposed ceilings in offices can have serious consequences for occupant comfort if designers don’t take into account the impact they have on air movement. Gilbert’s Roy Jones explains how draughts and cold spots can be avoided by using special plates added to diffusers
How audio visualisation can drive the natural ventilation of buildings
Acoustics and ventilation should be designed in tandem to ensure optimal performance in naturally ventilated buildings, says Mach’s Ze Nunes, who shares research on software that visualises noise to give designers a sound basis for their decision-making
In the hot seat: Interview with Dave Pearson
Large heat pump installations could change the way heat is generated in the UK and help decarbonise existing buildings in cities, says Star Renewable Energy’s David Pearson, who speaks to our journalist Andy Pearson
Intranets for heat: Introducing BEN networks
The balanced energy network at London South Bank University has been part-funded by Innovate UK to help accelerate the creation of smart heat-sharing networks. These balance the heating and cooling needs of different buildings and act as a virtual energy store to help the National Grid match supply and demand. Andy Pearson reports
On the right track: services retrofit saves TfL’s Palestra £400,000
Like most large offices, TfL’s Palestra building is complex. To realise its true potential, it underwent significant interventions resulting in £400,000 of energy savings. Andy Pearson explains how an energy performance contract made the building 6% better than good practice