Viessmann has introduced its new Vitocrossal 200 range of condensing gas boilers. Available later this year and based on the established Viessmann designs, including stainless steel heat exchangers, the new range offers outstanding performance at price points which will fit the tightest of budgets. With gas prices rising ever faster, say Viessmann, the Vitocrossal 200 will enable users and their contractors to install a high quality, long lasting boiler at the lowest possible capital cost.

The new MWS5 from CP Electronics is the smallest microwave detector on the market, enabling lighting designers and end users to achieve effective control of their lighting without the need for bulky, obtrusive sensors.

Biological agents, such as bacteria and fungi, can be contributing agents to poor indoor air quality. Now, Jasun Filtration plc has improved the properties of its new generation of G4 and F5 grade pleated panel filters by producing them with Kimberly-Clark’s upgraded Intrepid filtration media which does not support the growth of bacteria or mold.

New to LG’s range is Multi V Plus – a two-pipe VRF system packed with features and benefits for both the contractor and end-user which gives ease and flexibility of installation, high efficiency, reliability and low noise.

With its new SED2 variable speed drives and the free HarmonEE software package, Siemens Building Technologies has launched a two-pronged attack on the generation of power system harmonics in building services installations – a subject which is now of greater importance than ever following the recent introduction of the new ERG5/4-1 planning guidelines for harmonic voltage distortion.

Colt International has developed WRF (Water and Refrigerant Flow) - a revolutionary air conditioning system designed to meet the environmental requirements of both current and future building regulations, including F-Gas. Colt is launching WRF as a viable alternative to VRF and VRV air conditioning, combining their advantages with a safe and flexible water-based system.

Bernard Lawton, Senior Business Development Engineer at THK, considers the growing potential for linear motion guides in civil engineering projects.

CCL Veloduct’s Mark Brown and Andy Watton assess the fan industry’s fast response to changing legislation.

As energy prices continue to rise, companies large and small are looking for ways to ensure that they have the best deal and the best energy package to meet both their own needs and the green initiatives from the Government. I spoke to Gordon Parsons, Managing Director of npower business to find out what they are doing to help.

Whilst this year’s fashion is bringing back the styles of the 1950s, the trend in refrigerants is reminiscent of the 1920s with natural refrigerants returning to popularity. Alexander Cohr Pachai, Senior Engineer at York, a Johnson Controls company, looks at the benefits that are bringing these refrigerants back in vogue.

The safe evacuation of a building’s occupants is the top priority in the event of any life-threatening incident, and a clear and unambiguous means of communicating with them is essential. This is especially so with hotels, where the safety of guests is of paramount importance. In the case of the four-star Hotel de France in St. Helier, Jersey, currently undergoing a new extension build, Gent by Honeywell’s Approved System Integrator Smail and Richards has been able to offer a high quality, state-of-the-art voice alarm that properly reflects this top hotel’s high-quality status.

As far as the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order (RRFSO) was concerned (made in June 2005) the new year announcement from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) was that the planned April 2006 introduction of the new fire safety rules affecting all non-domestic premises in England and Wales would be deferred. The aim being to give business and stakeholders more time to prepare and also to allow the Government to release guidance documents in advance of the legislation taking effect. The ODPM has now announced that the new rules will come into force on 1 October 2006.

Gyz-Galasy Tower, or Maiden Tower, in Baku, Azerbaijan is a significant medieval monument from the 12th century. Its historical function uncertain, the Tower may have been part of an ancient castle wall or even served as a temple for fire worship. Today, Maiden Tower houses a historical museum and serves as a meeting place and pilgrimage site for tourists.

Fläkt Woods has won the most important environmental award patented in Nordic countries, for their energy efficient CentriflowPlus plug fan, significantly more efficient than comparable fans.

Three innovative products, 11 stand-out projects and a UK lighting designer were the outstanding winners at this year’s Lighting Design Awards.

HM Prison Peterborough has been equipped with Honeywell pressure reducing valves, chosen for their quiet operation and because they provide the best available performance on high and low water demand.

The UK’s Leading TV Shopping Channel QVC has recently refurbished part of their studios at Marco Polo House in south west London, using the Kingspan KoolDuct System.

Hoare Lea Consulting Engineers has appointed Thomas Lefevre as Senior Sustainability Specialist in the Sustainability Group.

The trendy HA! HA! chain, a well-known brand of bars and restaurants throughout the UK, has specified Keston Boilers to satisfy its heating requirements in three sites in Oxford, Plymouth and Victoria.

Ambi-Rad has undergone a management buy-out for an undisclosed sum.

Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Services design consultants, Cunnington Clark have provided performance design services and site supervision on all mechanical, fire fighting and electrical engineering services for Phase Two of the IKEA Distribution Centre at Doncaster.

More than 100 ABB HVAC drives are playing a key role in handling the air and water for the new Blackburn Hospital, which is due to receive its first patients in August. The project is the first major building in the UK to use the BACnet communications protocol to control its building services, which has saved significant time during commissioning.

Under a €1.5 million contract, Fläkt Woods is supplying the complete ventilation requirements for one of Europe's new landmark buildings the Ice Dome in Düsseldorf.

The Building Controls Industry Association is opening its doors to new members through its newly introduced Associate Membership scheme. “The subject of an associate membership was raised at our industry conference in 2005 by several of the attending contractors and consultants, and subsequent investigation by our marketing working group clearly shows that there is a demand for such a scheme,” said Doug Robins, BCIA President. “Our objective in establishing the associate membership is to create an environment that will encourage greater communication between the controls manufacturers/installers and specifiers/end-users, as well as providing the Associates with easier access to developing building controls technology.”

Mott MacDonald shared recognition with architects, Foster and Partners and Gateshead Council for the outstanding design of the Sage Gateshead as it won a further two prestigious awards, this time from the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) at their North East Renaissance Awards.

This year saw the establishment of the first Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA) Training Awards Ceremony which took place at the Hilton in Coventry on 24 May and has proved to be a massive success for this area of the industry. As well as seeking out the best of the best, the awards have proved that there are a huge number of people who have been quietly working away to ensure that the building controls industry is one of the top places to work.

“Despite already being a legal requirement, it’s clear that employers are still not doing enough to train their workforce when it comes to asbestos awareness.” Says Ron Heyfron, Head of the Asbestos Aware Contractors Scheme training body (AACS).

Tony Gittings, the UK Head of LG says that some sectors of the industry are using ‘scare tactics’ as preparations to introduce the F-Gas Regs continue.

Hoare Lea has been appointed by Birmingham Development Company (BDC) to act as mechanical and electrical consulting engineers for The Cube. Hoare Lea will also provide advice on acoustics, BREEAM, lift engineering, specialist lighting and sustainability.

WSP are, at any particular time, involved in the design and delivery of a number of major international sporting venues around the World. Experience has shown us that the sport sector is a progressive and dynamic testing ground for the incorporation of new building technologies. For instance, past innovations include safety and security systems, EPOS, ticketing, materials specification and advanced media and rich product technologies.

Whitecroft Lighting’s comprehensive new catalogue has been created by drawing on feedback sought from customers thus providing unparalleled ease of use for anyone involved in the design,purchase or specification of lighting.

Interplast,manufacturers of the ‘Edison’ wiring accessory range has published a new brochure outlining their comprehensive product line of high impact durable switches and socket outlets for power, data and communications applications.