For the first time, an industry steering group has been set up to encourage the take up of Train to Gain. Led by BEST (Building Engineering Services Training), the group includes the HVCA (Heating & Ventilating Contractors Association), the ECA (Electrical Contractors Association), SummitSkills and EAS (Electrical Assessment Services) and provides a fully joined-up approach to address the training needs of the M&E (Mechanical & Electrical) sector.

A ground-breaking report on the construction sector is providing
an agenda for action that could help Government to improve its procurement procedures and the industry to ensure that its working practices are truly world-class.

EnOcean GmbH has received 4.5 million Euros for acquisition of new markets worldwide and continued development of its self-powered wireless technology for energy-efficient systems in the building sector. This brings the company's total amount of venture and growth capital since it was founded to over 20 million Euros.

Climate change has been a major issue that has shaped our industry for a number of years, and still is, with global warming and depletion of scarce energy resources the main areas of debate.  Over the last year we have seen steep rises in energy prices and these, it seems, are set to continue, dominating the political agenda.

The LonWorks open protocol provides many advantages to all concerned with building systems: planners, owners, system integrators, users and energy managers.  It allows system components to be chosen from various manufacturers to achieve best results with the confidence that they will integrate perfectly, and allows compatible devices from any manufacturers to be installed as replacements and during upgrades.  But a question often asked is: How can LonWorks be an open protocol when it is controlled by the Echelon Corporation?

Oceanair Distribution Ltd has been acquired by an investment group for an undisclosed sum. The deal does not affect Oceanair (UK) Ltd, the Nottingham-based distributor, which continues as a separate stand-alone company.

The countdown has begun to the next Building Schools Exhibition and Conference (BSEC) which is the only event that focuses solely on the construction, maintenance and design of schools in the UK and takes place at Manchester Central on 11-12 February 2009. 

HVCA Publications, the publishing division of the Heating and Ventilating Contractors' Association, has launched two guides to good practice for the Installation of Combined Heat and Power (CHP) (TR/37) and the Installation of Biofuel Heating (TR/38). Both these technologies are becoming increasingly important as the UK drives towards low or zero carbon buildings. These guides form an important part of the integration of CHP and Biofuels into the delivery of the low carbon buildings of the future, and give the installing engineer concise and user friendly guidance on what should be achieved.

LG  has announced its biggest ever selection of training courses for air conditioning installation engineers at its Slough Training Academy this autumn.

IQ Refrigeration, the recently launched specialist design and project management company, has appointed well-known industry figure Ben Brown to the senior management team.

Tour & Andersson has formed a partnership with Central Chemical Services (CCS) to provide customers with a comprehensive Legionella Control System. This is an integrated, largely chemical free and sustainable service that delivers unrivalled peace of mind in the removal and prevention of the lethal Legionella bacteria in waterborne systems.

Somfy's animeo LON façade controller was voted the winner of the ‘Best Product of the Year' Award at the 2007 LonWorld trade fair.

Leading training provider BEST Ltd has appointed Mark Baxter, as the new Chief Operations Officer (COO), based at their head office in Burnham, Buckinghamshire.

GE Consumer and Industrial is offering free lighting energy audits in an attempt to get businesses and public sector organisations thinking about their energy usage.

Sanyo Airconditioners' growth in the UK has been further strengthened by the appointment of Ian Savage to the position of Technical Manager. Drawing on his vast technical knowledge, Ian will play a key role in building on the success of Sanyo's ground breaking products, by providing Sanyo's distributors' with a technical resource, as well as key product information and literature.

Ian Thomas has been appointed as Product Manager at leading air distribution system provider Trox UK.

Further research developing the themes of the recent Sector Skills Agreement has highlighted the key issues facing building services engineering that need to be addressed to secure a successful future for our sector. 

Riegens Lighting has developed a special version of its Concido Pendant luminaire for the main entrance area and the perfumery counters of the recently rebuilt John Lewis Store in Cambridge. Working closely with Barry Ayling, the lighting design manager for John Lewis, Riegens came up with a practical, yet stylish solution that would meet all of the requirements of the scheme. 

In a major re-fit at its Edinburgh data centre, Standard Life has installed four Chloride 500kVA 90-NET UPS for critical power protection. The choice of this advanced static system, which maintains power continuity at the facility, followed a thorough evaluation of the technical specifications, performance and cost comparisons of the industry's leading static and rotary UPS systems.

Trox UK has completed a major £450,000 project at London Heathrow Airport's Terminal 5 in conjunction with SPIE Matthew Hall's newly formed Southern Central and Airports Division to supply exposed and recessed multi-service chilled beams (MSCBs) for British Airways luxurious Galleries.  

Set in North Wales high above Colwyn Bay, the Welsh Mountain Zoo is proud of its reputation as a caring conservation zoo. It is home to many rare and endangered species from Britain and around the world, including Snow Leopards, Chimpanzees, Red Pandas and Sumatran Tigers.

Building designers and electrical contractors looking to bring a new dimension to their work can take inspiration from a project carried out on behalf of a specialist technology college in Cornwall.

Heralded locally as a flagship demonstration of how green technologies can be used to the benefit of a whole community, the new Healthy Living Centre in Staveley, Derbyshire has opted to fit Dimplex ARC architectural air curtains as part of an extensive list of energy saving measures.

Rick Stein's Prospect House in Padstow is a stylish hotel development that combines seaside luxury with cutting-edge building intelligence.  KNX technology has been effectively deployed to enhance the tranquillity and homeliness of the property with features of the system including window and blind control, wet under-floor heating control and electrical tile warming in the bathrooms. 

Having undergone a £36m refurbishment, St Martin-in-the-Fields church, one of the best known London landmarks has seen many changes since it was first recorded as the site of a church back in 1222.   The architect of the present day church was James Gibb and it was completed in 1726. Since then its design has been copied and replicated worldwide.  The role the church plays is very much one that is at the heart of the wider society it represents and the recent upgrades will make it even more accessible and fit for purpose.

Zumtobel's flush mounted Mellow Light IV luminaires have allowed a major financial institution to meet the Ceiling Brightness Impression (CBI) requirements of the LG7 CIBSE lighting code without having to use suspended luminaires.

A new Eco-town being planned for the Paljassaare peninsula near Tallinn in Estonia aims to put the Baltic state firmly on the green map. EcoBay is being designed by Copenhagen-based architects Schmidt Hammer Lassen, in close collaboration with international multi-disciplinary engineering practice Buro Happold and Møller & Grønborg Landscape Architects.

With over 1.4 million square feet of retail space and 270 stores under one roof, Meadowhall in Sheffield is one of the UK's largest and most successful shopping centres. Recently, the decision was taken to further enhance the Meadowhall shopping experience by adding comfort cooling systems and a new energy efficient lighting system. Distribution equipment from Square D, a brand of Schneider Electric, was chosen to provide the electrical supply for these new installations.

BSEE and the BCIA have once again joined forces to bring you The 2009 Building Controls Industry Awards, an awards programme designed to bring together the entire building controls industry in a celebration of the companies, innovations and people that are achieving the highest professional standards and helping to drive this dynamic industry forward.

John Guest are well known in the industry for their unique Speedfit push fit connection system, but two new products which they have recently launched will take the company in a new direction as they enter the controls market.

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.

One of the key aims of building services engineers, in any sector is the reduction of energy use and the associated CO₂ emissions.  Despite this, some 12% of the energy generated in industrial facilities, and as much as 30% in commercial properties, is wasted.  This waste not only causes unnecessary carbon emissions, but also detracts directly from the bottom line, compromising core business activities.  Here are some top tips to ensure that buildings perform with energy efficiency.

This month sees the deadline for Display Energy Certificates (DECs) arrive. From 1 October, all buildings with a total useful floor area over 1,000m² that are occupied by a public authority and institution providing a public service are required to clearly display a DEC.

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

As energy costs rise and the need to reduce carbon emissions grows, many businesses are looking towards the facilities managers to cut energy use and create a more sustainable business model. Greater public scrutiny is making environmental performance almost as important as financial performance in today's business climate.

The Roadmap has four milestones: Design, Build and Install, Maintenance and Management and Go Green. Expert speakers will be covering topics relevant to the industries focused on by each of the three shows: So, facilities managers coming to Total Workplace Management can learn about their role in designing sustainable buildings, and in influencing the supply chain. Engineers and contractors at M&E will hear about the latest legislation and technology for sustainable building design. To visitors at Energy Solutions Expo, speakers will be addressing sustainability at the strategic level, looking at carbon in organisation, carbon trading, and energy management.

To help you take this know-how back to the office, visitors will receive a free Sustainability Starter Pack which will give hints on how to start saving energy straight away as well as providing information from leading professional organisations including BIFM, CIBSE, HVCA, FETA, the National Energy Foundation and others. The pack will bring together more information on topics such as Energy Performance certificates and carbon calculators into one place so that you can build your own Sustainable Roadmap for your business.

If you know you have to make the projects you're responsible for more sustainable, but don't know where to start then a visit to the Training Academy at the M&E Event is a must. Sponsored by SummitSkills, this is a series of free seminars forming a step-by-step guide to achieving a more sustainable business. Compiled in conjunction with all the leading associations, institutes and groups including CIBSE and the ECA, the seminars include guidelines, advice and information from the heart of the industry and will give you access to opinion formers in the M&E sector.

Vectaire has introduced various products which will be on show and are designed to comply with the latest requirements of Part F of the Building Regulations, whilst recognising the need for energy efficient products which can be relied upon to give the proper degree of ventilation. 

JG Speedfit will be showcasing their plumbing, heating and underfloor heating systems which are easy to use, quick and cost effective.

LG's stand at the M&E Event will be stacked with the latest products from the VRF range of Multi V air conditioning products -along with the very latest in the renowned Art Cool range - it will be a uniquely attractive combination.

On the Baxi Commercial Division stand, Andrews Water Heaters and Potterton Commercial will be launching new products and showing recent additions to these ranges alongside already well established and popular heating and hot water appliances and a selection of renewable solutions. Yan Evans, Technical Director of Baxi Commercial Division will be delivering a CPD presentation each day within the Seminar programme on the subject of ‘The Marriage of LZC Solutions and Conventional Technologies in the Modern Commercial Plant Room'.

Victaulic, the world's leading grooved pipe joining system manufacturer, is showcasing its wide range of couplings, accessories, valves and fittings for the HVAC, fire protection and industrial process piping markets at this year's London M&E Event. 

Leading cable management manufacturer Marshall-Tufflex will be showcasing three new products at the M&E Event, two of them the next developments in the MT32 Power Connection System product range.

Kee Safety Ltd is bringing its new series of Suspension Fixings to M&E. This exciting addition to the Kee Safety product range will be showcased on stand C30, alongside the company's ever-popular BeamClamp and BoxBolt steelwork fixing solutions.

Visitors looking for the benefits of innovative M&E tools, fixings and site supplies will have plenty of new solutions to see at Kem Edwards' stand.

Intelligent energy efficient products for wireless monitoring and control in building automation applications will be demonstrated on the EnOcean Alliance stand. Ivory Egg, EnOcean GmbH and Distech Controls will be supporting partners on the stand. Key products include an environmental monitoring device for lighting and HVAC applications, Omnio occupancy detectors for automatic on/off of lights and shutters, and battery-free light switches from MK Electric.

The Coolmation Group will be showcasing its comprehensive range of services to the M&E sector which embraces chiller and air conditioning equipment hire and chiller service and sales. 

Xpelair's stand at the M&E Event will be displaying several energy saving systems from the company's extensive range.

Fuel Polishing keeps your fuel in optimum condition and avoids generator breakdowns, which is one of the topics you will be able to discuss with the company at the M&E show.

Lapp Group UK is to exhibit for the first time at M&E 2008 and will use the event to demonstrate its wide-ranging cable solutions capability and will show several new products introduced earlier this year at the Hannover Fair, together with products not previously announced.

With outputs of between 600kW and 1.9MW, the Ultramax R3400 and 3600SB series of gas fired condensing boilers from MHS are breaking new boundaries in terms of output and efficiency from a compact unit.

Greater efficiency and more compact dimensions are key improvements now incorporated in the popular Panasonic FS Inverter Standard Series commercial air conditioners. CU-YL outdoor units are 10% more efficient than previous models as a result of design improvements in the compressors, which now fit a smaller casing. The FS Series is designed to provide cost-effective cooling and heating for a year-round comfortable environment in small to medium shops and offices.    

Independent testing of Hoval's new range of Belaria air-source, air-to-water heat pumps has confirmed a Coefficient of Performance of 3.8 - the highest efficiency ever measured for air to water heat pumps at the Buchs Interstate Technical University NTB.

JG Speedfit has announced the introduction of a new Grey range of fittings and pipe to go alongside their existing white range.

Multi-purpose AV 23 SETTER SD flow measuring and setting valve from Taconova (UK) is ideal for controlling water and glycol flow rates in Heat Pump applications. Typical systems include ground source heat pumps and air to water heat pumps where an accurate flow rate will optimise the heat pumps COP (coefficient of performance).

Airflow's range of air handling units with heat recovery has been further expanded with the introduction of the high performance Duplexvent 15000.

Contractors can now use http://www.thornlighting.co.uk/ to quickly calculate the number of indoor luminaires needed to light a rectangular room. By selecting a luminaire from the website's product catalogue, and clicking on the CalcExpress tab, contractors can enter the room dimensions and then view the number of luminaires required and a proposed layout.

Thorn has extended the Mica ‘drive-over' range of luminaires with the addition of a new, shallower version. With a depth of 175-195mm, the Mica Slim series is up to 60% slimmer than the existing models, which eases installation and extends usage.

Buderus has extended their highly popular and award winning GB162 boiler series with the addition of a 65kW output model to join the existing 80kW and 100kW models.  The new wall mounted GB162 offers heating engineers and system designers even more choice and planning flexibility when it comes to specifying modern, high efficiency, easy to install, higher output boilers for commercial applications. Especially when considering multi-boiler cascade systems.

New from LG Air Conditioning is the Multi V Sync II, claimed to be a unique heat recovery system which means simultaneous cooling and heating is possible from one outdoor unit, reducing energy consumption and operating cost - by as much as 20%.

Kopex International now manufactures a wide range of ATEX and IECEx approved cable management products.  These include metallic and non-metallic conduit and fittings, a full range of conduit accessories as well as non-metallic cable glands and fittings.

Walter Meier (Climate UK) is now offering the new Hitachi Utopia ES condensing unit, the first single phase, single fan range on the market to offer cooling capacities up to 14kW. Competitively priced, these compact units have a maximum height of just 800mm, making it easier to conceal them from view.

Titan Products has expanded their range of TPDPT7 Differential Pressure Sensors. The new additions to the range include a High Accuracy model TPDPT7/100 and the TPDPT7/10000. These new ranges complement the existing TPDPT7/2500.

Versatility is the keynote of the DobyGrip Wire Suspension System now available from Doby Verrolec.

Danlers manufacture a comprehensive range of passive infra-red occupancy switches for automatic lighting control. The products are easy to install, using the existing wiring in a building.

Douglas Delabie says its new Tempofix Frame System is the first frame system purpose-designed to resist specific constraints of public and commercial places.

Clyde Energy Solutions has expanded its catalogue with the addition of three new floor standing cast iron boiler ranges which replace the higher output models in the CK range. Specifiers can now choose from a total of 27 models, all high-efficiency units with outputs from 40kW to 930kW, and with fuel options including natural gas, Class D oil and dual fuel.

Mitsubishi Electric has launched a new piece of specialised software that can help anyone with air conditioning realise the financial and environmental benefits of upgrading old, inefficient equipment.

The Finning Defence Group claims to be launching the most reliable and easiest to maintain Environmental Control Unit available to the forces.

New from Xpelair is the Xcell 150U EC Appendix Q recognised compact MVHR unit, which is added to the recently launched CarbonLite range of low energy and long-life ventilation products.

The ETI 7200 moisture meter is a compact, easy to use, general-purpose, instrument that is designed for use by building professionals and tradesmen to check the moisture level of building materials. 

As a leading manufacturer of chilled water products, Quartz are continually reviewing their product ranges and have thus totally revised their tried and tested Sapphire range to incorporate the latest innovations in the market place to create the new Sapphire range.

Specifying and designing mains distribution boards is now made easy with the launch of ABB's Triline-R enclosure range featuring it's Panel Design Configurator (PDC) software. Using the software, panel builders can now simply drag and drop components into pre-set templates, enabling them to easily and quickly design mains distribution boards.

The Romney LED Exit sign from Orbik Electronics has provided the market with a low cost, robust and extremely adaptable emergency fitting which is ideal for almost any application.

The new Impulser Series from Steinel (UK) Ltd combines cutting edge sensor technology with intelligent processor control and reliable wireless communication to provide a security lighting solution for domestic, commercial and industrial applications. Quick and easy to install, the range includes sensors, hand held transmitters, halogen floodlights, LED floodlights and modules that can incorporate Steinel's sensIQ sensor and RS PRO HF interior lighting system into wireless linked lighting automation. Designed to be linked to both interior and exterior lighting, the systems components can be combined or grouped in any way to provide the perfect solution.

GM Techtronics has introduced a new Daitem wireless gate and entry control system for multiple entry applications such as apartment and office developments.  The Daitem system is based on high quality, wireless technology and requires no cabling within individual apartments or offices, thus minimising disruption during installation.

Hager has introduced a free Ashley Junction Box Guide to the 17^th Edition.  It has been produced because electricians may be unwittingly breaking the wiring regulations by using the wrong junction box for an application and thus not complying with the Part P of the Building Regulations.

GSM Door Entry Systems are the latest development from Videx Security and employ mobile phone technology to operate automatic gates or doors. Based on the 4000 Series door entry panel design, the GSM / amplifier is totally self contained and only requires an external power supply and antenna.

Hager has introduced a new range of easy to fit fuse carriers for the protection and control of circuits against overloads and short circuits.

Megaman has added 80W and 100W options to its Clusterlite range of energy saving lamps. Clusterlite is an innovative, high wattage lighting solution that provides a real alternative to HID lamps. Combining all the virtues of compact fluorescent technology, excellent lumen maintenance after 15,000 hours of operation, superb colour rendering and uniformity and excellent lumen output, Clusterlite's performance exceeds that of the majority of HID lamps.

Interplast has added Contractor Packs containing flexible trunking and accessories to their Decoduct product line.

Seaward's latest electrical safety testing kit incorporates all  the  essential equipment required by professional portable appliance test (PAT) companies.

The new Orion Architectural Floodlight from Ansell Lighting has been developed to cater for interior or exterior lighting applications. Protected to IP65 it features a symmetric aluminium reflector which provides a controlled light distribution to enhance architectural features.

Now that the revisions to Part L have taken effect there is an understanding of the direction in which the industry is moving

Tyco Fire Suppression & Building Products has launched an extensive new range of portable extinguishers in the UK under the TOTAL brand.  They are available through Express Fire in Manchester and from a country-wide network of approved TOTAL supply partners that are trained to advise, install and maintain the right extinguishers in peak condition.  The options include foam, water, dry powder and CO₂ extinguishing agents.

The new Condair CP3 electrode steam humidifier from Walter Meier combines versatile performance and precise control with ease of use and low cost of ownership, making it ideal for a wide range of applications including large offices, call centres, hospitals and production facilities.

Freshvector is an innovative new product from Dunham Bush that combines passive, natural ventilation with the company's Finvector perimeter heating system. As such it addresses the need to ensure high air quality with minimum energy consumption and low noise in classrooms and many other applications.

Thorn has upgraded its Glacier II pendant range to perform a wider variety of roles. While retaining its predecessor's reputation for design flair - note the cool-looking cone styling and clean colours - it gains more reflector options, more lamp choices and easier fixings. There are two sizes for commercial and contract lighting use.  

Ellis Patents has raised the industry bar by developing a range of extruded aluminium saddle cleats designed specifically to restrain high voltage cables up to 400kV with a diameter range of 100 to 160mm.

Airedale has released CDR V5, the latest version of its popular, multi-lingual Product Portfolio CD Rom. The new CDR V5 presents Airedale's newest products, cutting edge technology and up-to-date information on existing ranges.

A new solution for space heating and hot water developed by Armstrong can prevent many of the problems currently experienced by UK landlords, property developers and contractors.

Merlin Power Management has launched a new service for owners and users of standby diesel generators, which is designed to prevent fuel deterioration. Called Diesel Fuel Polishing, the fuel cleaning service is a non-invasive procedure that re-optimises the diesel in the tank to ensure that the generator always has a cleaned source of fuel.

Emergi-Lite's new Serenga LED emergency lighting range integrates LED light sources with compact modular electronics to produce new and exciting luminaires that offer contemporary styling, plus ease of installation and performance.