Ridi Lighting has installed an innovative new lighting trunking system at Lidl’s Braintree store – the first in a line of 50 UK stores to be fitted out with Ridi’s latest pre-wired lighting package.

Part of a pan-European contract that has already seen Ridi upgrade the lighting across most of Lidl’s 1500 French stores as well as Switzerland, Germany and Poland, the Braintree installation adds to a programme of refurbishments currently been carried out across the UK.

A landmark modernist building in the City of London, with an eye-catching glass exterior, has installed high-efficiency heat exchange modules, variable speed pumps and booster sets from Armstrong. By packaging the equipment off-site and supplying it in ready-to-install modules, Armstrong was able to streamline the building services element of this prestigious central London project.

Controlled Speed Limited has launched the first ever fully dimmable LED lighting driver.

Previously the technology behind LED lighting has only allowed flicker free dimming to 10% which ultimately excluded the lighting solution from many applications and potential markets.

TracPipe has launched a range of 5m, 10m and 15m replacement kits to save time, money and hassle with those difficult installations throughout the heating season.

With TracPipe you can bend it around those awkward corners, bury it underground or under floorboards, turn it around walls and guide it through the most difficult of installations. There's no need for hot work, welding joints or having to wait around after the installation.

Xpelair Ventilation Solutions has extended its popular Carbonlite Premier Ultra DC range of energy efficient ventilation systems, now offering the Premier Ultra DC2 and DC3 models.

Fujitsu has added a new compact cassette for use with its popular range of multi outdoor units. Nominal cooling capacity is 2.7kW with heating at 3.3kW. Dimensions are 245mm x 570mm x 570mm (excluding the grille), and the unit weighs just 15kg.

ALC Lighting Controls, now part of the Cooper Controls Limited, has launched a new DALI pre-addressed, pluggable lighting control module that helps users to comply with energy efficiency legislation and carbon reduction, whilst meeting the latest trend for flexible working environments.

Recognising the demands encountered by designers when lighting offices and educational areas, Thorn has made the Elevation luminaire even more efficient and stylish than its predecessors with upgraded aesthetics, optics and controls.

The FLIR B620 and B660 are thermal imaging cameras for expert, building thermographers and as such they already contain many smart features for swift and effective building inspection and detailed analysis. The latest generation of these high-end models add to this list another unique FLIR feature. This is MeterLink, wireless connection technology that allows the FLIR infrared camera to capture readings from an Extech moisture meter.

The new Vertex luminaire from Cooper Lighting and Safety, a business unit of Cooper Safety, features a sleek, low-profile design combined with the latest T5 lamp and gear technology, which enables it to deliver the high levels of energy efficiency required for contemporary lighting schemes.

A new range of hoods for Harting's Han-Compact(R) family of industrial connectors offer a choice of straight or angled cable entry, and are based on a two-piece structure for convenient handling.

The compact metal hoods are suitable for all contact inserts in the Han-Compact(R) range, and include variants with surfaces for standard and EMC applications. The outer threads are moulded onto the hood.

Mitsubishi Electric has launched a new air conditioning web-based controller to replace the Baby GB-50 and offer users high level control and energy monitoring functionality. The controller is aimed at the more cost and environmentally conscious end users.

Legrand has launched a new range of Salamandre trunking that independent tests have proven is 50% quicker to install than its predecessor – a statistic that considerably reduces its total installed cost.

New from Glow-worm is the Ultracom2 range of high efficiency boilers designed to give installers real benefits in the ease and speed of installation and servicing.

The Ultracom2 is an intelligently designed SEDBUK A rated boiler available in a wide range of combi and system models.

Osram’s new range of pin-base, DULUX L High Efficiency (HE) lamps bring greater efficiency to a broad range of applications.

These lamps come equipped with a light output of up to 100 lm/W and a long operating life of 20,000 hours which equates to lower maintenance costs. These efficient compact fluorescent lamps are an excellent choice for luminaires that are on for long periods of time in applications such as hotels and public buildings.

Paviom is launching a new range of Fire Rated Downlights that incorporates the patented UTEKTON System, which seals the ceiling aperture in the event of a fire and eliminates the need for a separate fire hood in a fire-rated ceiling. Featuring an easy to install ceiling clamp fixing system, these single and twin lamp downlights are quickly installed whilst retaining the BRE fire rating for 30, 60 and 90 minutes.

Fluke has introduced two new models, the Fluke 1654B and the Fluke 1652C, to its highly successful range of rugged, easy-to-use Fluke 1650B Series of Installation Testers.

The Fluke 1654B enhancements include RCD type B testing and increased data storage, while the Fluke 1652C includes a phase sequence indicator. The Fluke 1650B Series of multifunction Installation Testers are designed for high productivity testing and verification of domestic, commercial and industrial electrical installations.

Megaman UK Limited has released a new catalogue that endorses its position as one of the world’s leading manufacturers of energy saving lighting products. The company has also reconstructed its website to coincide with the launch of the literature and reflect its content.

Collingwood Lighting has launched a comprehensive new range of high quality colour changing ground and wall LED lights. Setting the mood and creating the perfect ambiance, they are designed to enliven both indoor and outdoor spaces in a myriad of hues.

Now available from FG Eurofred is the full range single split air conditioners which are design engineered to be powerful, efficient and cost effective. The units can provide both cooling and heating with the indoor units being suitable for virtually any application.

Fujitsu offers three VRF systems which are all designed to deliver performance coupled with cost and energy efficiency. From the J-Series Mini VRF System to the Airstage S-Series and V-II Series systems there are cooling capacities ranging from 15.2kW to 135KW and a connectable indoor unit capacity of up to 150%.

Trend building energy management systems (BEMS) can now be easily integrated with a wide range of third-party devices and systems that are used for controlling and monitoring building services such as heating and air conditioning, lighting, security equipment and fire detection.

Danlers Limited design and manufacture a passive infra-red thermostat for heating loads.

The product combines an adjustable room thermostat with a passive infra-red person detector. If somebody is present in the room, the heating unit is switched on to achieve the selected thermostat temperature.

A new PATBag test-kit concept from Seaward enables organisations of all types and sizes to meet their electrical safety responsibilities in a safe, simple and effective manner.

Specially designed to support fast and efficient electrical safety checking and testing routines, each PATBag comprises an easy to operate portable appliance tester with a test guide and training DVD alongside a log book for test results and a supply of ready-made pass/fail labels.

A purpose-designed fan for eliminating stratification of air at different temperatures, which results in inefficient use of energy and uncomfortable working conditions, has been introduced by Air Control Industries of Axminster. It is particularly effective in ensuring expensively heated air lost in the roof space is redistributed to heat those areas where it is required to achieve energy savings as high as 30%.

Taking the opportunity to review the situation when there is a requirement to replace a pump is rarely taken, instead the pump is replaced with a ‘like for like’ pump which means the opportunity to gain efficiency, save energy and improve comfort levels is lost.

Solar thermal water heating systems are highly efficient and this system from Stokvis substantially reduces the amount of parasitic energy lost (energy used up by the system itself during the process of converting solar energy to heat).

Knowing where we can go to access particular information is something that can save us incalculable amounts of valuable time. The new Thinking Buildings Universe from Grundfos now offers building services professionals a centralised information point that is a one stop shop for commercial buildings services pump applications.

Aereco has come up with a useful solution for new air tight dwellings requiring mechanical ventilation which offer economies in both energy and cost and allow contractors to meet the demands of the code for Sustainable Homes and the forthcoming changes in BREG 2010 Part L legislation.

Have you ever taken a step back to consider what you want your lighting scheme to achieve? Do you want it to create the perfect lighting conditions? Do you want it to motivate people? If you answered ‘yes’ to these questions then it is time to change the way you think about light and start using the best possible products to optimise your facilities.

Chris Irwin, Regional Director at Tridium Europe explains how through the convergence of building automation with information technology systems at a network level, a smart services solution can bring added-value for property owners of stand-alone buildings, groups of buildings or entire nationwide estates.

Managing the CRCEES necessitates an effective process for measuring and managing energy performance. Building services engineers have an important role to play in selecting the best systems, suggests David Bell of Causeway’s Sustainability iQ division.

Stephen Andrews, Technical Manager at Danfoss Heat Pumps, looks at the reasons why increasing numbers of engineers are choosing to enhance their skills in the renewable sector.

When you consider the opportunities that the renewable sector offers over the next 10 years, it is little wonder that engineers are increasingly seeking to extend their skills to heat pump technology.

The latest restaurant and bar to open its doors in Northern Ireland is not only ensuring its clientele of a warm welcome, but it also delivers energy efficient heating, cooling and ventilation thanks to the installation of a Mitsubishi Electric air conditioning system by Air Cool Engineering (NI) Ltd.

A natural approach to ventilation is helping a new €12million school create a better learning environment and simultaneously have a positive impact on carbon emissions and energy consumption.

The new two-storey Willow Park Junior School in Blackrock, designed by Coady Partnership Architects, brings the original 30+ year old facilities in line with contemporary space standards for primary schools, and with the current Department of Education & Science design guidelines which require that ventilation in the schools should, where possible, be natural.

A £3.5million Collaborative Learning Centre (CLC), funded by Essex County Council, is helping to transform education facilities in Wickford, Essex. Built on the site of The Bromfords School, accommodation includes a large hall, entrance area, small hall, theme room, video recording studio, external spaces and classrooms for workshops.

City of Bristol College’s Soundwell and Orpen Park Centres have improved their energy efficiency and boosted their Display Energy Certificate (DEC) ratings, as a result of the retrofit installation of a state-of-the-art building management system (BMS) from Priva Building Intelligence Ltd.

SAS International Integrated Service Modules (ISM’s) fitted with passive chilled beams have been installed at the newly built operations centre for Essex & Suffolk Water. Situated at the existing Hanningfield Water Treatment Works near Chelmsford, architects FaulknerBrowns were selected after a national competition to design this purpose built premises.

The days when information from a building management system could be tucked away in a filing cabinet in the office of the facilities manager are long gone. Not only has the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme pushed energy use higher up the corporate agenda, utilities bills themselves are set to grab a lot of attention. Data on business energy use is now as important as turnover, revenue and profit. Or it should be.

Baxi Commercial Division offers one of the broadest ranges of commercial condensing boilers and commercial condensing direct fired water heaters available in the UK. Over the years they have been approached by a number of severely cash strapped worthy causes asking for a donation of a product for installation in a building or refurbishment project being undertaken for the benefit of the community concerned which is why we have joined forces to make a difference in 2011.

BAS has been acquired by Bridgepoint Development Capital for an undisclosed sum.

Founded in 2006 following a buyout from Siemens, BAS specialises in supporting building owners to control, monitor and reduce energy usage via the efficient use of a building energy management system (BEMS). The latter is a computer-based control system that controls and monitors the building’s mechanical and electrical equipment to enable occupants to work in a comfortable environment whilst reducing energy usage and associated costs.

After nearly 50 years in the industry and 20 years with BEAMA, latterly as its Executive Chairman, popular electrotechnical sector figure Dave Dossett has retired.   

His roles have included Director of EIEMA, Director General and Chief Executive of BEAMA and Director of the Installation Sector. Dave Dossett said: “I’m proud to have been part of BEAMA’s evolution into the successful, lean and influential organisation it is today. It’s been a privilege and pleasure working in this industry and I thank the many colleagues and friends I have made for their friendship and support. It’s a great industry with excellent people - it’s been fun.”

The energy management division (EMD) of sustainable power group ENER-G has appointed five senior managers to drive an ambitious UK and international expansion programme.

EMD, led by Dr Cedric Rodrigues, currently employs over 100 and against the current recessionary trend, a total of 25 new people been recruited to support the expansion. Turnover is on course to rise by 20% this financial year, with aggressive growth plans and further international expansion in 2011 and 2012.  

Whilst many economists fear unemployment will rise when government cuts begin to kick in, SES remains resilient in its recruitment strategy to proactively produce a continuous flow of young plumbers, electricians, mechanical engineers and project managers, with site-ready skills, to work within its business.

Last year, Baxi-SenerTec UK, part of Baxi Commercial Division, ran a competition in their newsletter to find a name for the badger which forms part of their logo. The name Little Watty Baxter was chosen, as Little Watty (short for Little Walter) reflects the emphasis of the business being represented, which is Combined Heat and Power (CHP).

Standing in front of a room of consultant engineers and uttering the words electrical heating systems usually invokes a sharp intake of breath. Given the base information in SAP calculations and other energy assessment media it is understandable, particularly when considering fuel factors.

Energy efficiency and the need to reduce the carbon footprint are still high on the agenda. This is down to a number of factors including government targets, the CRC and other legislation, concern over rising fuel prices, fuel security issues and the greater awareness of green issues.

As we welcome in the New Year I think we are all hopeful that 2011 will bring with it more good news than 2010 did.

As far as the industry is concerned there would appear to be a general feeling that we have reached a turning point, with many projects which had previously been put on hold once again starting to show signs of action.

As we welcome in the New Year I think we are all hopeful that 2011 will bring with it more good news than 2010 did.

As far as the industry is concerned there would appear to be a general feeling that we have reached a turning point, with many projects which had previously been put on hold once again starting to show signs of action.

HVCA chief executive Robert Higgs has announced his intention to retire from the Association in May next year after 38 years of service. He has been a member of the HVCA executive staff since 1973, and was appointed its chief executive in July 1989.

For the first time in the UK, researchers from the University of Bath are working with RWE npower in a groundbreaking project exploring the potential energy savings of using a localised DC (Direct Current) electricity supply network.

Having celebrated the success of more than 350 students achieving the Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment (C&BE), senior industry figures have come together to pledge their continued support for the qualification.

The concept of using photovoltaic (PV) systems to generate electrical power from solar energy has held a strong appeal for building services engineers for some years but their widespread use has been restricted by the return on investment. However green a building owner wants to be, there is invariably a payback element to the decision making, and a 20+ year payback will be rejected by the majority of financial directors.

Modern healthcare is all about choices, with patients having the legal right to choose which hospital their GP refers them to for specialist treatment. The NHS suggests a number of criteria for comparing hospitals, from the mundane to the critical, for example parking facilities to mortality rates and hospital location to hospital infection rates.

The green agenda dominates the UK building and construction sector and is being driven by the Carbon Reduction Commitment Energy Efficiency Scheme. The CRC is the legislation that penalises those organisations that don’t cut their greenhouse gas emissions. The legislation is designed to reduce the carbon emissions made by larger commercial and public sector organisations by 1.2m tonnes of carbon per year by 2020. If organisations do not start putting carbon reduction strategies into place immediately, it could put a huge cost burden on them.