Energy efficiency is ever more imperative, as not only do environmental initiatives like Energy Performance Certificates drive the move towards low carbon, but also commercial buildings, like domestic homeowners, are seeing their fuel bills rocket. Heat pumps can make a substantial contribution to reducing energy usage and in more ways than straightforward space heating.

Energy supply continues to be at the forefront of government debate, with the latest initiatives including grants for insulation to help lower fuel bills.

Sustainability is a phrase that we are all familiar with and as we strive to meet Government targets, the benefits of an effective building control system cannot be underestimated. One recent project at Oundle School shows just what can be achieved through the integration of multiple control systems and the benefits which a common platform can bring to a project.

Steve Fitzsimons, Business Energy Manager at npower business, discusses why supply chain and regulatory pressures are placing a new priority on energy reduction.

The world is a very different place than 100 years ago, and will be different again in another 100 years. A key change will be climate. Without getting into the debate on the extent of climate change, increasing numbers of organisations realise that they have responsibility for minimising the impact their activities are having on the environment. This is not philanthropy, this is common sense: why should organisations generate a profit at the expense of future generations?

It seems that every time we open a newspaper or magazine someone is telling us that we must reduce our carbon footprint and make sure that our offices and homes are green. There is a huge amount of information in the media - some of which makes sense and some of which gives us conflicting opinions and it seems it is up to us to decide how we can make it work for us.

The environment inside an Audi Centre and the aesthetics outside, were both transformed following the installation of Monodraught natural ventilation and specially designed Windcatcher units.