Testing the water
Water hygiene within large buildings is of paramount importance. Bob Blincowe, strategic account manager UK healthcare at Trend Control Systems, explains how a Building Energy Management System (BEMS) can prevent …
Viewpoint
Can Green Roofs Reduce Storm Water Run-off?
As part of a sustainable drainage system strategy, it is essential that we find and implement alternative solutions to preventing localised flooding. In built up areas 95% of the ground …
Looking on the brighter side of the National Health Service
Reliable, clear and effective lighting in hospitals plays a key role in all aspects of operational effectiveness, patient recovery as well as staff productivity. Nathan Cole, global product manager at …
UKGBC responds to CCC net zero report
The UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) has today responded to The Committee on Climate Change’s (CCC) report ‘Net Zero The UK’s contribution to stopping global warming’. The report recommends a …
The benefits of epoxy paint and clear acrylic resins
Specifying the right coating for your premises can often be a difficult decision, says Rizistal UK product manager Alex Holdway. High build epoxy paint coats are two-component pigmented systems suitable …
Size matters: how to make the most of smaller outdoor spaces
From the Garden of Eden to The Hanging Gardens of Babylon and the ancient courtyards of countless palaces, outdoor spaces have long played a significant part in the history and …
UK Green Building Council presents industry framework for net zero carbon buildings
The UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) has today unveiled a framework for the UK construction and property industry to transition new and existing buildings to become net zero carbon by …
R32 – what was all the fuss about?
AC and heat pump trainer Ben Bartle-Ross looks at how mainstream R32 has become Well, we survived R32 didn’t we? One thing that has always heartened me about our industry …
Do you know how to recognise competency?
‘Competency’ is a word that comes up often in discussions about work at height and construction in general. But what does it mean for you? If you are the manager …
Building your digital future
~ How BIM can impact manufacturing ~ Building information modelling (BIM) has revolutionised the construction sector, by digitalising processes and enabling new ways for construction professionals and architects to collaborate. …
Modular: 21st Century Construction,19th Century Technology?
Martin Wadsworth, Managing Director of Discrete Heat, discusses what’s really happening in the modular construction market and how it’s impacting on building product manufacturers. When you think of modular construction, …
Heat pump energy efficient heating is as easy as EPC
A new app helps push true value of heat pumps For all properties being built, sold or let, you now need an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) which provides details on …
Old buildings are at their most vulnerable when undergoing repairs
Lessons to be learnt from the Notre Dame fire Last year in the UK some 300 historic buildings were damaged by fires, with many occurring whilst undergoing renovations or repairs. There is an online national …
80% of consumers say that the design of homes impacts their wellbeing
New research published by Eurocell plc, the UK’s leading manufacturer, distributor and recycler of PVC-U window, door, conservatory and roofline systems, has revealed that four in five consumers believe the design of their …
Vent-Axia Welcomes Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act
Leading British ventilation manufacturer Vent-Axia, has welcomed the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018, which came into force 20th March 2019. The Act makes it a legal requirement that …
Making an entrance
With advances in access control technology, key fobs and readers are replacing traditional locks and keys. PAC GDX area manager, Lloyd Palmer, examines what to consider when specifying access control …
Fixed ladder compliance: what does it mean?
Last month, we wrote about an issue many people tend to neglect: the inspection and recertification of fixed ladders. It is a common misconception that fixed ladders do not need …
Support when you need it most
What back up should you expect from a heat pump manufacturer? As a nation, we spend a staggering £13.5 billion a year on heating our homes and this is only …
UKGBC releases Circular Economy Guidance
The UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) has today released a comprehensive guidance document to promote the practical application of circular economy principles on construction projects. By providing detailed yet accessible information, Circular economy guidance for construction …
Change is now here for domestic heating
With changes to the building regulations, heat pumps become a more automatic choice for housing developers By Max Halliwell, Communications Manager for Mitsubishi Electric’s Heating & Ventilation Systems We’ve just …
Top three benefits of modular builds
Whether you love or loath IKEA, there is no denying the thrill of picking out furniture and seeing it in your home on the same day. More and more house …
Unintended Consequences
David Treharne, Senior Engineer at Domus Ventilation, looks at how improvements in the energy efficiency of dwellings has led to poor indoor air quality, and why mechanical ventilation is the …
UKGBC releases Social Value guidance for local authorities
The UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) has today released its latest guidance document, detailing how local authorities can help ensure that new construction and property development in their area positively …
What does sustainability mean in architecture?
From Hybrid air conditioning to the emergence of ‘plyscrapers’, Ellina Webb looks into sustainability in architecture and the built environment. Sustainable, sustainably and sustainability are three buzzwords that I’ve heard …
A window into the future – consumers demand large, energy efficient windows with noise reduction features
New research has revealed the window design and features that consumers hope to see in their future homes, with 52% of consumers saying that they would like to see windows …
The dangers of wrongly installed eyebolts
On buildings where access is regularly required using a harness, installing eyebolts such as the Kee i-Bolt range to attach a harness line to is worth considering to make work …
What if work at height can’t be avoided?
By Richard Dyson, Safesite General Manager The work at height hierarchy states that work at height should be avoided wherever possible. Working at height can be deemed a high risk …
Do Green Roofs Improve Air Quality?
Good air quality plays a major role in the health of people living in urban environments. People who live in concentrated urban areas are often exposed to high levels of pollution, …
Three Cheers to Roof Safety
According to the HSE, falls from height are the third highest cause of fatal and major injuries in the food and drinks sector, comprising 20% of fatal accidents and a …
Building for a sustainable future
Kirsty Hammond, editor of Specifier Review looks at how far we have come towards sustainable construction. It’s a well-known fact that we are in the midst of a housing crisis. …
Limiting sun exposure for installers and construction workers
by Ellina Webb ~ Senior Marketing Executive at Mitsubishi Electric With researchers estimating that 2% of deadly skin cancer cases in Britain affect people working outdoors, Ellina Webb revisits a previous Hub …
Is your ladder safe to use?
Ladders are a vital part of many work at height tasks, but also contribute to a large percentage of work at height injury statistics. In general, ladders are best used …
2019’s top 5 trends in green architecture for a livable environment
Climate change has become one of the most important environmental and social issues of the past decades, and thus mankind also faces its crucial challenges in 2019. The building industry …
Living with buildings: Mobile and modular construction
Ellina Webb visits the “Living with Buildings” exhibition at the Wellcome Collection and discusses the innovative building techniques used in The Global Clinic commission. Health, wellbeing and unique construction techniques …
New scheme could make developers help reverse wildlife declines
The Wildlife Trusts call for all new developments to contribute to a Nature Recovery Network The Government consultation into a new legal requirement which could make developers actively improve nature …
Change is in the air
Government departments are pouring over technical data and preparing new directives, trade bodies are examining every aspect of potential market implications. No, this is not another missive on BREXIT, but …
Why saving a few pounds on emergency lighting can be dangerous
When it comes to designing emergency lighting, there are many factors to consider. Peter Adams, Mackwell’s Central Service & Training Manager explains more. Not only must the emergency lighting system …
R32 is now mainstream but are you ready?
Air conditioning trainer Ben Bartle-Ross looks at what installers need to know about R32 As a trainer, I see lots of installers both young and old and I’m still getting …
Green Roofs and the Urban Heat Island Effect
It is generally accepted that it is warmer by a few degrees in urbanised areas than their rural counterparts. This is because of a phenomenon called the ‘Urban Heat Island’ …
Brighten up! Effective lighting control systems could be the key to improving the wellbeing of your staff
Are feelings of lethargy, despondency and irritability at work familiar? These traits are commonplace in offices, classrooms and lecture theatres across the country and are often the cause of unsuitably …