Bipolar ionisation can improve air quality and remove odours from hotel rooms, says Spire Building Services’ Adam Taylor, who highlights research in Spain on its use to reduce the risk of Covid-19
Category: Technical
Tall order: fire safety guidance for façades
Following the ban on the use of combustible materials in some building façades, two industry bodies have come together to produce guidance on these legislative changes. Liza Young looks at the wider implications of the new regulations
Safety with numbers: using data to make workplaces Covid-secure
Data monitoring can help identify poorly ventilated office spaces at risk from Covid-19, as well as highlight poorly performing HVAC systems during lockdowns, says Carbon Intelligence’s Khasha Mohammadian
Understanding Hepa filters
An appropriately specified Hepa filter can be used in mechanically ventilated spaces and recirculating systems to practically remove small airborne particulates. CIBSE Journal technical editor Tim Dwyer looks at what must be considered when integrating them into HVAC systems
Clear guidance: TR40 Best practice for exhaust ventilation
The risk of death and illness because of exposure to hazardous substances in the workplace can be cut by following the best practice guidance in ILEVE and BESA’s new TR40 publication. Alex Smith summarises the guidance aimed at the safe design and installation of local exhaust ventilation
Measuring overheating
To minimise overheating in homes it is important to produce accurate models to understand where risks might lie. To test the accuracy of modellers’ predictions, researchers – led by Ben Roberts – compared four models with real-life temperatures in two homes
Calculating Covid-19 risk according to activity and indoor space
A group of UK researchers has attempted to quantify the transmission risk of airborne Covid-19 infection according to activity and type of indoor space. Chris Iddon describes the methodology and how the risk of infection falls as ventilation rates are increased
Safe return: making school air conditioning Covid-secure
As children across the UK return to the classroom, schools have had to devise Covid-secure services strategies to safeguard pupils and staff. Chris Baker details the plan for safe air conditioning at Parrs Wood High School
How thermal storage will free up roofspace at Millennium Bridge House
By using thermal storage in buildings with cooling and heating requirements, designers can cut energy use, reduce HVAC plant and potentially free up space for rooftop gardens. Joshua Martoo reports
Quality assured: regulating the heat network industry
With investment in heat networks expected to rise exponentially, the government is proposing mandatory testing to ensure the new wave of low carbon district heating delivers performance and value for consumers. Alex Smith reports