New CIBSE research shows that embodied energy in heating and hot-water systems accounts for up to 25% of a dwelling’s whole-life embodied carbon. Elementa Consulting’s Yara Machnouk reports on the study that will form the basis of CIBSE guidance TM65.1
Category: Technical
Unlocking the potential of heat networks
The rollout of heat networks are a key plank of the government’s Heat and Buildings Strategy. To identify the urban areas most suitable for networks, the government has published a new document on zoning, as Andy Pearson reports
Designing efficient hybrid heat pump systems
Considering the optimal operational design conditions of both technologies is essential to maximise the efficiency of a hybrid heat pump system. Baxi Heating’s Ryan Kirkwood offers advice on how to avoid conflict
Rethinking the fan coil
The Artus hybrid air conditioning unit is only 200mm deep, yet it achieves energy savings of 83% over conventional fan coil units thanks to patented designs for the heat exchanger and fan assembly. Andy Pearson speaks to inventor Roger Olsen about his quest to cool buildings more efficiently
Making building performance visible
Making building performance visible is the aim of a new tool that tracks the impact of design changes on energy intensity and cost. Roderic Bunn and John Field describe the tool and its advantages for use on Soft Landings projects
Saving energy at a stroke in leisure centre swimming pools
Improved insulation in wet leisure centres not only cuts heat loss through walls and windows, but also allows swimming pools to operate at a higher relative humidity, resulting in energy savings as ventilation rates are reduced. Dee Associates’ Mike Hancock explains
Arc detection devices: fault-finding mission
Arc fault detection devices have been recommended in wiring regulations since 2019. Based on his own experiments, Hoare Lea’s Kenelm Hoare MCIBSE looks at the realities of arc risk and discusses how effective the devices are in preventing electrical fires
The art of illumination in museums and galleries
LEDs and the internet of things have transformed specification in the lighting industry, and this has been reflected in the updated Lighting Guide 8 – Lighting for museums and art galleries. Guide author Mark Sutton Vane summarises the key changes
A novel approach: air cleaning devices
A new CIBSE guide aims to equip specifiers and facilities managers with the knowledge to safely and effectively select air cleaners. Cundall’s Ed Wealend summarises the contents
Upward trend: ventilating buildings to minimise Covid-19 risk
In a summary of his winning paper at the CIBSE Technical Symposium, Ventive’s Tom Lipinski discusses the evidence available for the best methods for ventilating buildings in a ‘Covid-conscious future’