Calculating embodied energy in lighting equipment can now be done more accurately thanks to the new CIBSE TM65.2 guide, which, say co-authors Kristina Allison and Irene Mazzei, is targeted at manufacturers and lighting designers to lower whole life carbon
Category: Technical
Clear decisions: whole life carbon for façades
By applying the CWCT embodied carbon calculation methodology to a Croydon office, Patrick Ryan Associates estimated whether selecting a new high-performing façade is better for reducing whole life carbon than retaining elements of the original. Anri Doda and Jill Wang explain
What the awards data reveals
The quality of data submitted alongside project entries for CIBSE’s Building Performance Awards improves each year. Julie Godefroy analyses the 2023 entries and signposts potential information requirements for the future
Building Regulations update: single sex toilets
In response to a growing trend towards ‘gender neutral’ toilets, Government is consulting a new Part T of the Building Regulations dealing with toilet provision. Hywel Davies explains the proposals
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
Lighting’s critical role in healthcare
As well as minimising infection risk, the big trend in healthcare lighting is circadian lighting. HDR’s Karen Murphy looks at the latest research
Phased approach: optimising heat networks
The government’s new Heat Network Optimisation Guide aims to improve the performance of existing networks by rigorously analysing performance and making cost-effective interventions that maximise efficiency. Alex Smith reports
Beauty in standardisation: Travis Perkins’ digital plan to decarbonise housebuilding
Travis Perkins’ WholeHouse digital design platform allows housebuilders to deliver efficient, repeatable housing to the latest sustainability standards, and includes prefabricated heat pump systems. Alex Smith reports
Case study: Comberton Village College heat network
The installation of a new heat network at Comberton Village College is set to significantly reduce the heating bill and save 248 tonnes of CO2. Andy Pearson speaks to Bouygues Energies & Services about how two 500kW ground source heat pumps replaced oil-fired boilers scattered across 16 plantrooms
Protecting building occupants from wildfire smoke
With wildfires recognised as an ‘emergent risk’ in the UK, what can be done to HVAC systems to mitigate the impact on the health of people in buildings? Phil Lattimore looks at the worldwide effect of wildfire smoke