At the beginning of January, the world’s tallest building by far was inaugurated in Dubai. At 828 metres high, Burj Khalifa has more than 160 floors. When the weather is clear, the skyscraper, which rises up to the sky between the sea and the desert, can be seen from a distance of almost 100 kilometres.

Engineering and technology expert Siemens has announced a strategic restructure of its Building Technologies (BT) division in the UK which has created a dedicated Products and Systems business unit that will incorporate all Siemens, Crabtree, Wylex and Volex branded products and systems for the buildings market.

SummitSkills, the Sector Skills Council for Building Services Engineering (BSE), welcomes the Government’s announcement which set out the pathway for three-quarters of young people to go to university or earn an advanced technical qualification, such as a high-level apprenticeship.

With the latest story to hit the news being that Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Energy and Climate Change Secretary Ed Miliband have kick started a national scheme to upgrade household heating systems to cut carbon, save money on fuel bills and sustain work for the heating industry, we have to ask ourselves whether it is going to really make the difference that the Government expects.

Over the last few years we have seen rapid expansion in the use of DALI (digital addressable lighting interface) protocols for the management of lighting. And, without a doubt, DALI can prove to be a better option than alternative dimming options such as DSI (digital serial interface) and 0-10V analogue dimming.

Action on climate change is gathering pace. The UK Government recently targeted climate change doubters in a prime time TV advert, by sending out the message that climate change is already under way. Meanwhile, the Committee on Climate Change has called for the Government to accelerate carbon emission reductions to meet UK carbon budgets.

The Lighting Association has joined forces with WEEE Lite to offer a comprehensive solution that will help not only LA members, but the whole of the lighting industry to meet its environmental responsibilities - The LA Compliance Scheme.

Anne King, Marketing and Memebership Director of BSRIA, has been awarded an MBE in the New Year's Honours in recognition of her services to the construction industry.

Anne has worked at BSRIA for 30 years, bringing her economist's skills to the market intelligence group. After fifteen years of market research on a consultancy basis, she moved on to the marketing of BSRIA's own activities and is now Marketing and Membership Director. She has also been a leading member of the best practice programmes and is currently on the delivery team for the Knowledge Transfer Network for the Modern Built Environment working in issues around process improvement both of the construction process and the management and operation of buildings.

Sontay has appointed Trevor Palmer to the role of Managing Director. He brings over 15 years of combined HVAC controls experience which extends from expertise in the application of manufactured solutions to knowledge gained in key sales, marketing and product development functions at various international market leaders in the sector. Most recently, Trevor has held a senior role at Canadian-based HVAC controls manufacturer, Viconics, where he was director of marketing and international sales.

ABB has signed a deal with Nuaire Ltd to supply variable speed drives for its range of fans.

Nuaire, based in South Wales, manufactures the largest range of ventilation products and air handling units in the UK. This will now be complimented by ABB standard drives and ABB standard drives for HVAC which are available in power ratings from 0.75 to 90kW, with larger drives available on request.

Britain's commercial, industrial and public buildings need to improve from an average of an E energy rating today to C by 2020 and A by 2050 in order for the UK to meet its national carbon reduction obligations, according to a new report released by the Carbon Trust.

An office development in West London has been recognised for its outstanding approach to environmental best practice by winning two prestigious national awards in the space of a few days.

Chiswick Park Enjoy-Work, the office park developed by Stanhope which provides a workplace for almost 4,000 people, has been awarded Gold in the International Green Apple Awards for environmental best practice and sustainable development.

Most companies and organisations based in office blocks and large buildings are missing a wide open goal to save energy according to powerPerfector, a UK green tech company which has come up with a solution to save vast amounts of electricity almost instantly.   

The technology saves far more power than voluntary workplace schemes such as paper recycling, switching-off computers at night and biking to work.

It has never been more critical for the Government to recognise the value of the British construction industry and how it can be deployed to re-energise the UK economy – says the Get Britain Building (GBB) campaign – as the latest research published by the Construction Trade Survey (CTS) reveals the recession in the sector showing no signs of abating. The CTS survey is reinforced by December figures from the Construction Purchasing Managers’ Index (CPMI).

In response to increased demand for fully integrated hydronic solutions, Marflow Hydronics has changed its name to Marflow Hydronic Systems.

“Although this is a relatively small change to our name, it marks a significant shift in our approach to the market; and one that reflects feedback from our customers,” commented Marflow Managing Director Paul Fennell.

Attracting some of the most influential names in the building controls industry, over 200 professionals will attend this glittering evening of networking and celebration, so why not join us for a great night of business and entertainment as the whole industry gathers together to mark the achievements of both companies and individuals.

In these energy conscious days it is important to remember that the need to control energy consumption has to be considered alongside the requirement for occupant comfort, but finding a balance between the two need not be difficult.

Tower 42, the prestigious City of London office building, has completed a major investment and refurbishment of its Level 12 office space, introducing specially customised solid state Savio remote phosphor LED light fittings and advanced Light Master Modular lighting controls from Philips Lighting. This is believed to be the first office space in the UK to use all solid state lighting, achieving a significant energy saving of around 40% compared to a conventional T5 fluorescent installation.

Cooper Lighting has supplied a wide variety of luminaires for the new headquarters building of SIG plc, which was founded in 1957 as Sheffield Insulations and has now grown into a £3 billion multinational distributor of specialist construction products.

The North division of building services firm, SES, has completed the £10 million installation of the mechanical & electrical services to Rockliffe Hall Hotel & Spa, in Hurworth-on-Tees near Darlington.

Since construction work began in 2006, the hall has been renovated from a run down 19th century mansion, into a luxurious 5-star hotel and golf complex.

The largest newly-built national museum built in the UK for more than a hundred years will be powered using advanced renewable and energy efficient technologies from sustainable power group ENER-G.

An innovative Morrisons store in West Yorkshire is the second owned by the retailer in two years to achieve a tough environmental rating, marking it out as a leader in sustainable retail design.

Eaton’s industry-leading Smart split-metered distribution boards will provide energy metering to the latest requirements of the UK Building Regulations, Part L2, in a new energy-efficient college building in North London. MITIE Engineering selected the Smartboards to provide low voltage distribution throughout Barnet College’s new Wood Street campus. Meanwhile, Eaton’s 400A Mempower busbar risers were selected to carry power to riser cupboards on each floor.

A variety of Megaman lamps have been used in the refurbishment of The Psyche Department Store in Middlesbrough, with the aim of reducing energy and showing the merchandise off to best effect.

Abercrombie Primary School in Chesterfield moved to a brand new site in September 2009 leaving behind a redbrick building that first opened for pupils in 1873. Among the many features purpose-designed for 220 pupils aged 3 to 11, was a Monodraught natural ventilation strategy, which was shown by  the buildings Energy Performance Certificate calculation to have made a significant contribution to the school becoming Derbyshire County Council’s first ‘A’ rated building.

Delmatic has supplied a range of lighting controls and sensors to 107 Cheapside in London, creating a highly energy efficient and responsive lighting management system for this 10-storey multi-tenancy commercial and retail building.

ESG glass products have proved a winning combination at Wembley 04, part of the much publicised new Wembley City development, constructed by main contractor Sisk for Quintain Investments. A total number of 1307 ESG glass panels have been used at Wembley 04, representing almost 2000sq m of highly technical glass. Glazing experts Hubbards selected ESG’s 10mm clear toughened glass; 13.5mm toughened laminated diffuser glass; and 13.5mm coloured toughened laminated glass in a variety of applications, including balconies, balustrades and privacy screening; and to provide decorative elements in the prestigious residential complex. 

Elta Fans have been chosen by the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) in London to create a ventilation system for its new Ceramics Galleries which would combine modern technology with un-obtrusive design.

CP Electronics has supplied dimming controls and microwave sensors for the new extension to Arthur Mellows Village College in Peterborough. Throughout the building, a key criteria for the lighting was that it should be energy efficient whilst providing a comfortable and pleasant working environment for students and staff alike.

Energy efficient reflector lamps from Osram’s halogen range have been installed throughout the Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology in Oxford as part of a £61 million development programme. Kevan Shaw Lighting Design turned to Osram in order to procure a solution that would achieve the delicate balance of reducing energy costs while showing the art works in their best possible light.

Energy use in commercial and public buildings is under increasingly intense scrutiny.

It is not only the moral responsibility of those of us in the building services sector to do something about reducing fuel consumption but it also a legal obligation under the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive and, subsequently, Part L of the Building Regulations as legislated within the UK during the past few years.

If you’re a building services consultant or contractor looking to specify audio-visual and related smart electronic systems in the home for the first time, and wondering how to go about it, then the trade body CEDIA is the best place to start.

Exterior spaces provide such a huge potential for lighting and design creativity; a potential that has only recently started to be considered or really taken full advantage of. Selecting high quality architectural exterior lighting products has been difficult for the building services engineer due to the lack of well designed, economic products available. 

Nuisance odours, grease, fat and other contaminants are routinely exhausted from commercial kitchens into the environment without proper concern for the problems they cause or the correct application of the filtration systems that should be used to prevent them.

Power correction technology came under the spotlight when performances could be claimed to challenge the micro-renewables for reliability to reduce energy usage. CLM Managing Director Paul Caddick describes why it is important in building services to make some voltage checks.

Shorter supply chains, less time spent onsite with improved installation and commissioning are all benefits that engineers are able to draw on when dealing with suppliers who understand this rationale to help bring programmes in on time. Here Peter Rees, Technical Director of Tour & Andersson, explains why it is not only operational efficiencies that are borne out of pre-fabricated systems, but technical solutions that provide real value engineering can be delivered in a pre-assembled format too.

Grundfos has become a well-known name in the supply of high quality pumps for commercial building services applications heating, air conditioning and pressure boosting but have not necessarily been the first name to spring to mind when considering wastewater pump suppliers. 

Two new microwave presence detectors from Ex-Or expand the control options of their LightSpot and MLS Digital systems by providing, for the first time, dimming control in conjunction with the extended coverage offered by microwave technology.

Reliability and simplicity is the hallmark of the Ultracom cxi/cx: this range of high efficiency condensing combis incorporates a stainless steel heat exchanger along with the option to add a plug-in analogue timer providing simple control of this high performance appliance. The top of the range cxi has the additional benefit of a back-lit digital display.

Enter the Grundfos new web portal and see the all new web window that will help to simplify pump selection by making available to you for the first time a one stop shop for commercial building services professionals.

Drives can now be easily connected to a HVAC system with BACnet, using a new IP router from ABB. The RBIP-01 router eliminates the need for gateways and is compatible with all ABB HVAC drives, including older product generations.

New to the comprehensive range of detectors from CP Electronics are two High Bay PIR Detectors (the EBDSPIR-HB-PRM and the EBDSPIR-HB-DD) specifically designed for the detection of movement in high bay lighting applications such as warehouses and factories. Both detectors can be used in either presence detection or absence detection mode, with incandescent, fluorescent and compact fluorescent light sources, to provide automatic control of lighting loads with optional manual control.

Glow-worm’s Flexicom cx is a compact and flexible range of high efficiency condensing combis, all SEDBUK A rated boasting a direct rear flue, along with the lowest emissions on the market. Flexicom is ideal for fitting in those hard-to-get-to spaces - and will fit into a kitchen cupboard.

Daikin Europe NV has announced a new series of air cooled chillers for use in comfort and process cooling applications and designed to exceed HVAC industry standards for operating efficiency levels.     

Stokvis Energy Systems has developed the Econoplate ‘C’ series of packaged plate heat exchangers to be used in conjunction with condensing boilers.

Specifically designed to operate with lower primary temperatures provided by condensing boilers, the ‘C’ series Econoplates are available in three ranges – a total of some 50 units – with outputs up to 742 KW.

Paviom has added to its exterior lighting portfolio with the launch of a comprehensive floodlight range. With three complete product groups; Cassus, Elencho and Tersus, the diverse range of projectors provide enormous flexibility ensuring that whatever the project, specifiers can find a solution.

A new website dedicated to R22 refrigerant legislation has just been launched by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Europe (MHIE) where companies affected by the new regulations can check out key deadlines in the run up to the ban on R22 and access advice on the options available whether they are an end user, a specifer, installer or service engineer.

Whatever your cable management requirements, specialist manufacturer Marshall-Tufflex can provide a solution, from standard PVC-U perimeter trunking to bespoke power and data distribution systems that incorporate the revolutionary MT32 Prefabricated Wiring Systems.

Now available from FG Eurofred is the Fujitsu Airstage V-II multi air conditioning VRF system for large buildings. It offers both efficiency and quick, easy installation with a host of new features for the end user.

Easy to install and use, the new range of de luxe feature rich Touch Screen Programmable Room Thermostats from JG Speedfit further enhance their Underfloor Heating Network Control System.

A network system differs from a normal underfloor heating system in that low voltage electrical components are networked together using computer network cable. This one cable carryies signals between a wiring centre and all the components.

Danlers Limited design and manufacture a long range, directional, passive infra-red occupancy switch which is suitable for applications such as corridors and storage aisles.

PIR occupancy switches detect the movement of people within their vicinity and switch the load on and off accordingly. This directional PIR switch can be adjusted to point in any direction and has a 25m detection range.

Jung has made it easier than ever for specifiers to create perfectly coordinated, ultra stylish homes and offices with the launch of its new design range of BS sockets.

Designed specifically for the UK, Far East and Middle East markets, the new sockets have been created to complement Jung’s existing Design range of electrical products, which include KNX building controls, switches and door entry systems.

Sontay has launched its new 2010 catalogue, showcasing its broadest range of building management, measurement and control products to date.

Available for download from the website, the new catalogue outlines Sontay’s latest technological advances, service offerings and pricing structure.

Flextraction Ltd has launched a new range of totally self supporting Hood Positioning Devices (HPD), the Flextractor HPD, Extended HPD, Mini HPD and Flextender HPD, all incorporating new mounting brackets, hoods and hoses for the capture and extraction of industrial dusts and fumes including hazardous and corrosive fumes at the point of source.

Representing a huge step forward for commercial lighting, Ridi has developed EBDTurbo – a high performance LED downlighter with intercooler and remote phosphor technology.

The new recessed luminaire offers the lighting designer all the benefits of LED technology (its durability, energy efficiency and low maintenance requirement) but combines these with a high level of output and a uniformity of colour that gives EBDTurbo the performance to provide full, general purpose lighting for corporate, retail and education applications.

The Harting Han(R) 7 D and Han(R) 8 D compact industrial connectors are now available with Han-Quick Lock(R) termination technology to give a combination of easy handling and space-saving design.

The Flores towel warmer range represents the best possible value for money in a designer radiator, combined with the quality for which Purmo is renowned. 

Available in white, chrome and a range of specialist colours, Purmo’s Flores allows homeowners on a budget to add a designer touch to any bathroom or kitchen.

MK Electric is enhancing the possibilities of wireless lighting control with the launch of astral – a MESH-based system that uses proven radio frequency (RF) technology to control lighting applications within residential, commercial or hospitality environments. The system offers significant benefits that will appeal to the installer, specifier and developer depending on requirements.

Vent-Axia has launched the high efficiency Sentinel Kinetic Plus, adding to its successful Sentinel Kinetic range of residential mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) systems. Designed for larger new build properties and light commercial applications, the Sentinel Kinetic Plus, supplies a maximum airflow of 400m³/hr at 150Pa. Manufactured in the UK, as part of the Vent-Axia Lo-Carbon initiative, the Sentinel Kinetic Plus is a SAP Appendix Q eligible ventilation solution capable of up to 92% heat recovery, so helping to reduce the DER of new build properties and deliver points in the Code for Sustainable Homes.

Simple control of a building's lighting, heating and entertainment functions can now be achieved at the touch of a single button with the launch of ABB's Busch pri-On intelligent control unit. Using the Busch pri-On, building operators or occupants can control and monitor all room functions from a central point, offering a range of new possibilities for hotels, commercial and residential premises.

As part of Bitzer’s commitment to environmentally friendly refrigeration technology, the company has introduced the new range of Ecoline semi-hermetic reciprocating compressors optimized for R134a. The new range increases energy efficiency by up to 20% and has been designed especially for medium temperature cooling applications. Based on the company’s well-known and highly successful Octagon and B5/B6 compressors, the application envelope of the new series has been extended to lower condensing temperatures allowing for COP improvements of more than 30% under these conditions. This leads to significant energy and cost savings for the operator.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Europe (MHIE) has announced a major expansion to its KX6 VRF (Variable Refrigerant Flow) range of air conditioning systems, offering an industry-leading combination of efficiency, installation flexibility, and compact dimensions.

Mitsubishi Electric has launched three new air conditioning interfaces to cement its position as the manufacturer with the most compatible and comprehensive control product-line up currently available.

The extensive range of fan coil units from Dunham Bush includes the innovative Concierge unit, specially designed for hotel rooms, as well as the introduction of EC motor options for the Panther, Leopard, Puma and Jaguar series.

Pop-Up Products, market leaders in the low-level push around scissor lift market, has upgraded its suite of scissor lifts to ensure they continue to lead innovation and sales in the low-level access market.

Now available from Powrmatic is a brand new range of suspended condensing gas fired unit heaters designed to deliver high performance, environmental benefits and significantly reduce running costs.

AMTECH 2010 is the latest generation of Electrical Design and Test & Inspection software, optimised to deliver a variety of time saving and productivity benefits that will help users work smarter and increase their profitability. In turn, this reinforces the company’s commitment to ensuring its customers have access to advanced technologies that evolve with their needs.

Lochinvar has announced the arrival of three new higher output additions to its EcoKnight range of high efficiency gas-fired boilers and water heaters.

The EcoKnight boiler range now comprises eight models with outputs ranging from 41 to 228kW with the three based upon a system design of 50°C/30°C. EcoKnight water heaters are designed for use with direct storage vessels and the eight models now offer recovery rates from 709 to 3819 litres per hour based upon a 50°C temperature rise.

Xpelair has extended its high efficiency Carbonlite range of ventilation solutions by introducing the Xcell 300 – a new generation of mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) units.

Available in three models (QV, QVW, QVI) and ideal for three to five bedroom houses, the range features a counterflow cell with up to 92% efficiency, Specific Fan Power as low as 0.6w/l/s, meets EST Best Practice Compliance and has been specifically developed to allow installers greater flexibility during system design and installation.

The new AdiaVent indirect adiabatic comfort cooling unit from Hoval features a patented pre-cooling, twin heat exchanger design that increases cooling efficiency by 20%, compared to conventional systems, while retaining the environmental benefits of adiabatic cooling. Using an indirect design provides sensible cooling to the space and ensures that no moisture is added to the supply air, so moisture levels within the space are unaffected.

S & P Coil Products Limited (SPC) has introduced a revolutionary Peltier heater to complement the MINIB range of trench and floor standing heaters. The new Peltier units are perimeter convectors which use the heat energy stored within the circulating fluid to power an integral fan. In such a way significantly more air is blown across the heat exchanger than would be available to conventional natural buoyancy convectors.

New from Carlo Gavazzi is a diffuse photoelectric sensor extending the company’s background suppression technology out to long-range operation. The new PD112 offers one-touch switching between door mode for entrance control applications and industrial mode for standard applications like packaging, wrapping and material handling and timber processing.

As part of its strategy for meeting challenging carbon emissions targets, York City Council is making use of biomass boilers and solar heating panels from Hoval. Recent projects include the Green Apple Award-winning Danesgate Skills Centre, Acomb Library and York High School. The latter project will use what is believed to be UK’s largest array of solar thermal panels.

In a bid to significantly increase its energy efficiency, Flegg High School in Martham, Norfolk, built in the 1960s, has undergone some major changes over the last few years.

In 2009, the 20+ year old Broag-Remeha oil boilers in the main boiler house were replaced with a 550kW Remeha- Gilles Biomass boiler which has made a key contribution, by reducing the school’s CO2 emissions by an estimated 177 tonnes per annum and with an estimated annual financial saving of £7,000.

Lancashire based Atlantic Boilers has installed a new boiler-plant including a bio-fuel burner to heat a new workshop and laboratory at the college’s town centre campus.

The installation consists of two R22-500 dual fuel B100 bio-fuel/natural gas lead condensing boilers each rated at 530kW and one NA-R 1160kW natural gas lag high efficiency boiler. The in-house control system ensures that the two R Series boilers take up most of the heating load.

The increasing pressure on building operators to increase their energy efficiency and minimise carbon emissions necessitates a holistic evaluation of every aspect of performance, down to the finest detail. At the same time, there is a tendency to assume that sophisticated control systems will take care of all of this detail –this isn’t necessarily the case and is often missed or not recognised.

In the current economic climate, companies are looking even more closely than usual at all areas of expenditure. Building services are coming under increasing scrutiny, and heating and hot water provision is no exception. Significant savings can be achieved by replacing even 10 year old boilers with new high specification condensing or high efficiency systems, and there are several grants and loans available to businesses looking to upgrade.

There’s no doubt that in recent years sustainability and renewables have become buzzwords in the industry, with energy efficiency and green issues at the top of the political and news agenda.

While condensing technology in commercial gas-fired boilers has probably been developed as far as the laws of physics allow in terms of increased combustion efficiency, oil fired technology in the commercial sector has lagged behind - until now. This is due to the practical difficulties arising from the process of condensing flue gases from burning oil, which is highly corrosive to metal. As most traditional non-condensing oil-fired boilers have heat exchangers constructed from a metal material, guaranteed for life by some leading manufacturers, the application of conventional condensing technology would very quickly adversely affect the operating performance and life of such an appliance.

The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations (GSIUR) 1998 deal with the installation, maintenance and use of gas appliances, fittings and flues in domestic premises and certain commercial premises. However, the HSE and CORGI expressed concerns over non-compliance, following incidents in 2008, and took prompt action to inform developers and contractors, landlords and property owners of the potential dangers from certain types of flues connected to gas-fired central heating installations in some properties.

While it may be the players’ salaries that grab all the headlines, the wages bill is not the only major expense that sports clubs have to deal with. Also high on the list of significant costs is the amount of money spent in running the stadium: usually a huge building that is difficult to heat and uses large amounts of energy to light. On match days, when the paying public pour into the building with their cash, running the stadium may not seem such an unjustified expense, but on non-match days and out of hours the cost of running these venues continues to mount while most of the building is lying idle.