An award-winning low-energy lighting scheme tuned into the stunning natural backdrop of its Norwegian landscape for inspiration. Jill Entwistle speaks to the designers behind the Espenes scenic rest stop
Category: Technical
Smart homes, zero bills: Octopus Energy’s scheme for housebuilders
Octopus Energy is offering a partnership with housebuilders that guarantees zero energy bills for occupiers using its Kraken technology platform. Andy Pearson speaks to Nigel Banks about the company’s first pilot and a 200-home scheme planned with Bellway Homes
Heat pump design from the ground up: upcoming TM51 update
New CIBSE guidance on ground source heat pumps is due to be published in early 2024. Here, project lead Ken Gordon outlines the changes
The balance of power: the bivalent approach to heat pumps
Using a boiler to top up peak space heating in heat pump systems can save CO2 and costs, says Mitsubishi Electric’s Chris Newman, who gives examples of two configurations
Sizing up the benefits: thermal storage in heat networks
Oversized thermal stores in heat networks could cut electric boiler capacity by up to 30%, says FairHeat’s Jake Adamson, who looks at data from existing heat networks and the potential for thermal stores
Under the lights: LG4 guide to sports lighting
The new version of LG4 Sports lighting is designed to ensure that stadium lighting matches the quality of today’s broadcast trends and technology. Mike Simpson outlines key updates to the guide
Greening the golden arches: net zero at McDonald’s
McDonald’s claims its operation at Walt Disney World in Florida is the first net zero energy fast-food restaurant in the world. Cyclone Energy Group’s Benjamin Skelton describes the services design
Balancing act: pressure independent thermostatic radiator valves
The growing range of PITRVs promises a simpler, more efficient and quicker way to balance heating systems than regular TRVs – as well as offering potential long-term cost savings. Phil Lattimore reports
Luxury awaits: turning the Old War Office into an upmarket hotel
Transforming the 1,000-room Old War Office building in London into a luxurious Raffles hotel has been a momentous project for Aecom engineers. Andy Pearson discovers how an extensive services refit was in keeping with the magnificence of the makeover
Building decarbonisation through sustainable climate control
Decarbonisation of the built environment is now essential if we are to reach net zero by 2050. Matteo Dall’Ombra, product manager commercial at Daikin, explains how advances in climate control technology, including Daikin’s VRV 5 Heat Recovery solution, can help achieve these goals