It is not so long ago that ISO9001 was the sign of a market leading, reputable manufacturer. Certainly, when dealing business to business, it was not uncommon to get the question: “Is your company ISO approved?” Nowadays, a quality assurance system, such as ISO, is a pre-requisite and perhaps a minimum requirement for doing business.

Do you know of a worthy cause looking for some help? Maybe it’s your local village hall which needs a new water heater or the scout hut which is in need of a new boiler. If you know of any organisation that fits this category then write to us today because BSEE has teamed up with Baxi Commercial Division to offer one lucky reader the chance to help out their local community in the Baxi Community Challenge.

With all eyes focused on carbon emissions it’s important not to lose sight of the need to combine carbon reduction with energy efficiency. Kevin Stones, Engineering and Service Director with Hoval, explains how the two can be brought together, with particular reference to heat sources.

Heating technology is adapting to match environmental aspirations and the pressing need to deliver real running cost savings as quickly and cost-effectively as possible, says Ron Barker, Group Product Manager at Ideal Commercial Heating.

This year is set to be a pivotal year for the commercial heating sector as end users react to an exciting cocktail of market drivers. They are clinging to their environmental aspirations, but are also juggling with tighter budgets and onerous legislative requirements. So, they want solutions that are quick and cost-effective as well as energy saving.

There are, and always have been, a wide variety of requirements to consider when selecting a boiler model for commercial applications. A number of factors such as building land, boiler output, efficiency, modulation range and size must all be considered and matched appropriately to each project. As a result, high efficiency commercial boilers are emerging on the market that have smaller footprints than ever before for the outputs available.

Research commissioned by Purmo and conducted by the Helsinki University of Technology (HUT), has shown that radiators are still one of the most energy efficient heat emitters available, even at lower system temperatures.

The study looked at both new build and refurbished properties, concluding that in both circumstances, radiators start to perform efficiently as soon as the temperature of the water in the system exceeds the temperature in the space to be warmed, even when using temperatures much lower than in traditional heating systems. At lower temperatures, the research concluded that radiators are highly efficient and use far less energy.

As part of a continuous improvement programme at its off-site decontamination units serving its hospitals, Nuffield Health has recently installed Fulton skid-mounted steam boiler packages with remote monitoring capabilities.

Each of the six sites contains a skid-mounted package consisting of three 60J boiler plus ancillaries and all eighteen boilers are being remotely monitored by a Fulton-designed telemetry system, which complies with the current PGS2 standard.

Dalkia is providing an energy efficient, cost and carbon saving approach to energy generation at two university campuses. Using Combined Heat and Power (CHP), Dalkia is helping Loughborough and Sussex universities meet their energy generation needs.

Hot water is one of those things that we all take for granted and is just as important in the workplace (hotels, restaurants, sports and leisure facilities, schools, hospitals, offices and factories) as it is within the home.

The term Domestic Hot Water (DHW) means any hot water used for normal hygiene uses and is sometimes referred to as Sanitary Hot Water (SHW). Nonetheless, it’s a big mistake to think that DHW is simply a matter of using existing technology and practices just because it’s a given in daily life. In fact the design of both system and equipment is subject to continuous improvement and massive investment by the industry.

Mitsubishi Electric has revamped its Photovoltaic (PV) website to increase accessibility for those looking for details of the company’s advanced range of commercial and domestic solar power generating equipment.

The UK PV market is expanding rapidly as homeowners and businesses look to take advantage of the Government’s Feed In Tariff (FIT) programme, which promises an income from every kW of energy generated by rooftop panels.

Cablofil has launched its PVC Cable Tray range to the UK market in response to growing demand for the company’s quality and innovation in damp and corrosive environments.

Known as the company that has pioneered the use of steel wire cable tray in the UK, Cablofil already has a range of stainless steel systems, such as its 316L product, that have been especially designed to provide exceptional anti-corrosion benefits. However, the company’s PVC range has already proved extremely popular both in France and Spain and growing demand for Cablofil products in the water industry and heavy industrial environments has prompted the company to offer the range here too.

Cooper Lighting and Safety, a business unit of Cooper Safety, has introduced a completely new version of its Easicheck automatic test system for emergency lighting.

Featuring innovations such as spur wiring capability, a touch-screen user interface and web access to historical test data, Easicheck 2 has been designed to make the testing of emergency lighting as straightforward and as cost effective as possible for the building manager.

The suitability of Creda NOBO’s Series 8 range of convector heaters for a wide range of applications owes much to the sophisticated range of control systems available. These range from individual room controllers, perfect for student accommodation, to a cable remote system for hotels and commercial buildings, and the Orion 700 system for new build apartment homes.

BSS Industrial has extended its range of WRAS approved, cold water booster sets under its own brand BOSS.

The BOSS KVCX Cold Water Booster Sets use the latest in energy efficient inverter technology to cost effectively tackle the problems that low water pressure can cause.

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.

Architectural lighting specialist Paviom has launched a new website to provide support for its Fire Rated Downlight (FRD) range. The site offers the user very tangible benefits that extend way beyond simple product selection. Concise information on the latest building regulations and standards, questions and answers on the use of FRD’s, products and technical support, all presented in a clear, simple to navigate format.

Bitzer’s range of ECOLINE semi-hermetic reciprocating compressors, optimised for R134a, is featured in a new 16 page guide. Bitzer ECOLINE compressors are designed to lower the annual energy consumption by up to 20% and are especially suited to R134a medium temperature cooling applications within supermarkets, meat processing plant, bakeries, catering establishments and other areas.

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.

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.

Gilberts HG Series provides a tough, uncompromising but safe grille solution for both air supply and extract applications in sports halls, gymnasiums and other similar areas.

In the past, for large sports hall grilles, Gilberts have typically offered a stainless steel grille solution. Stainless steel grilles are certainly strong but they are not easy to fabricate and are often less aesthetically pleasing. Gilberts have been working on a fresh new alternative instead, based on aluminium, yet still retaining the high strength required over large grille surface areas.

Building on the success of the Imax W, Ideal Commercial Heating’s new Evomax wall-hung boiler looks set to further raise the bar for efficiency and performance.

Heralded as the one of the easiest commercial boilers to install, service, operate and maintain, the Evomax is the highest efficiency boiler of its type to be produced by Ideal to date, with seasonal boiler efficiencies in accordance with Building Regulations Part L2, of up to 97.2%.

Vent-Axia has launched the new Lo-Carbon Tempra – the first single room heat recovery unit on the market which allows contractors and social housing specifiers the opportunity to quickly and easily replace existing, inefficient fans with a discrete, low energy, continuously running alternative.

Suitable for all healthcare, leisure and multi-residential applications, the V12 shower and diverter range from Rada offers the design conscious specifier all the aesthetic appeal of contemporary shower controls, but with the build quality and safety features necessary in a non-domestic environment.

Shentongroup is launching a state-of-the-art dual fuel waste to energy system called Duplo. As well as being a prime power source, Duplo can also provide hot water via an optional heat exchanger and be fitted with a control system that enables excess electricity to be exported to the National Grid.

Hamworthy Heating will make this year’s Ecobuild show the launch pad for their new, highly specified Fleet range of wall hung and floor standing condensing commercial boilers. In addition, the company will be showcasing its DR-TC solar water heaters, its ModuSol high performance flat plate collectors, which are central to its solar hot water systems, and its latest biomass boilers.

Vaillant offers a range of high efficiency commercial system boilers. Both the ecoTEC 46 and ecoTEC 65 are high efficiency, SEDBUK A rated appliances, which produce a heating output of up to 65kW. Each model features a fully modulating class 5 low NOx burner and fan.

Glow-worm is introducing a revolutionary new domestic heating system, which uses hybrid renewable technology to provide homeowners with a heating system that will automatically choose the most cost effective method of heating their home.

The new Kensington range of lighting control plates from iLight by Cooper Controls, combines efficient performance and high level functionality with a stylish design that will meet the needs of the most demanding applications.

In a further extension to its comprehensive range of LED lights Collingwood Lighting has introduced three fixed directional ground marker lights, which, thanks to these opposing beams, are ideal for installation in any location – around the edges, corners, or even the middle of any ground space.

Danlers manufacture a wall mounted passive infra-red occupancy switch that does not require a neutral wire (product code WAPIR). This easy to fit, automatic lighting control, complete with override off switch, can be a direct replacement for a wall mounted switch, saving on installation costs.

It is less than four months since the launch of Click Energetic to the trade and already three new LED products have been added to the collection.

An LED 6 Watt Dimmable Reflector and two 12V Low Voltage Reflector lamps are now available, bringing the total LED lamp offering to 17.

Ridi Lighting has announced the UK launch of its versatile Spectral luminaire, IRIS. The decorative, circular T5 luminaire provides a striking touch to any commercial lighting design.

Available in surface mounted, suspended, wall mounted or recessed versions, with fully customisable decorative interior colour foils, IRIS will be suited to a wide range of applications, from the boardroom right through to office and core areas.

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.

Sontay has launched its new 2011 catalogue, featuring a raft of new products selected to provide outstanding performance, improved functionality, easy commissioning and value for money.

The new catalogue showcases SonNet, Sontay’s ground-breaking new series of wireless temperature and humidity sensors, and new stylish (TT-1000) Space Temperature sensor which is designed to meet the exacting standards of today’s building owners and architects. Alongside these are new self-calibrating CO2 sensors, the new compact terminal valves and actuators, and the company's most efficient zone and fan coil controllers to date.

Controlling a central heating system should be easy, both for the installer and the end-user. However, with sophisticated features being added to new models as ideas evolve, things can often get very complicated. That’s why the new range of Siemens heating controllers offers what the end user actually needs.

Armstrong has launched a new generation of expansion system which builds on the success of its Armex range. In addition to managing expansion and contraction of heating and cooling system water, and providing automatic water make-up, the new Armex II also offers dissolved gas de-aeration within the same self-contained system.

Nygel Humphrey, Product Marketing Manager – Non-Residential at Vent-Axia looks at the importance of good air quality in commercial and public buildings. He explains how on-demand ventilation with energy recovery, offers a far more fuel efficient solution compared to natural ventilation systems.

Today’s data centre managers face the challenge of utilising advanced processing technology to increase efficiency and reduce costs, whilst achieving high levels of availability, all of this in a dynamic, fluctuating demand environment that requires comprehensive infrastructure management. Or, put more directly, the challenge of maximising operating efficiency without compromising performance.

In large scale residential apartment blocks, building management systems (BMS) are commonly in place maintaining the variety of systems that keep these large buildings operational and secure. In this scenario automation is standard practice, but despite the fact that the modern home has a plethora of gadgets to control, management systems are still not commonplace.

Geoff Halliday, Head of Sales at Power Electrics considers generator selection in the context of the functional building environment of today.

In recent years the loads required to be handled by generating sets have become much more complex. Consequently more care has to be exercised in selecting the generating set to ensure optimum performance. It was quite common and it is still often the case even today that the generator was over sized. Given the current economic situation where budgets are very tight, a more scientific approach needs to be adopted.

In the last few years, a difficult conundrum has arisen for many organisations because there is less money available for green business efforts, yet there is also greater pressure from outside sources to be more environmentally responsible. Greater government legislation, tightening emissions targets and the growing presence of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) on boardroom agendas have made carbon reduction a corporate mandate. However, tough economic times mean that every low-carbon endeavour must be undertaken on a strict budget. For this reason, the ‘make do and mend’ mantra of the recession has been extended to the UK’s building stock.

The versatility of thermal imaging has prompted its take-up across virtually all industry sectors but there can be no doubt that building science is one the greatest beneficiaries of this technology. It is the ideal tool for so many diagnostic tasks in the built environment and its scope is considerably enhanced by the availability of dedicated thermal imaging cameras. Hardware and software have been developed in parallel to provide cameras that are optimally suited to building inspection.

If you’re battling with the winter blues, Cablofil may have just what you need to brighten your start to 2011 because they are offering one lucky BSEE reader the chance to win a fantastic new PS3 – the perfect treat for anyone who wants to raise their game!

A full Helvar DIGIDIM system has recently been installed at Newham IAC, a brand new indoor sports arena, built with the 2012 Olympics in mind. The comprehensive system allows the centre management, the neighbouring school (who share the use of the facilities) and local athletics clubs to effectively manage the lighting for maximum benefit for users while ensuring energy savings are made when possible.

Pioneering new green fuel technology that could drive down emissions and power airport vehicles of the future will be unveiled at London Stansted this spring.

Britain’s third busiest airport will be the first UK company to test a new hydrogen refuelling system (HFuel) and two specially adapted vehicles as part of ITM Power’s nationwide Hydrogen On Site Trials programme (HOST).

CP Electronics new An-10 wireless technology has been incorporated into the lighting scheme at the London based offices of the international consultancy RPS Group plc (RPS).

The revolutionary system allows fully featured lighting control with all of the benefits of wireless technology. By allowing the lighting to be controlled with detectors using the latest in wireless technology, rather than the conventional way of connecting to a wired network, the system provides a simpler way to include lighting control in new installations. It also makes the retrofit of new or additional control functionality to existing systems easier, thus increasing the potential for energy savings.

Darwen Aldridge Community Academy, a £32million state-of-the-art facility, recently opened its doors for the new school year to reveal 12 revolutionary air curtains from Airbloc.

The Academy welcomes more than 1,600 pupils, teachers and staff through its doors every day. With this high footfall, and multiple entrances in regular use, the Academy turned to Airbloc to solve the common problems caused by frequently opened doors - temperature fluctuations, wasted energy and increased running costs.

Global multidisciplinary services consultancy, AECOM has designed an art installation in Abu Dhabi that uses seawater and sunlight to generate clean, sustainable energy demonstrating that renewable energy can be beautiful.

The interdisciplinary team of architects, artists, engineers and landscape designers developed the iconic land art proposal for a prestigious competition organised by the Land Art Generator Initiative, a United Arab Emirates based arts group.

Following the installation of T5 lighting from Riegens, The Retail Supply Group (RSG) is living proof that a simple change to fluorescent lighting can now offer a cost effective alternative to HID luminaires for high bay applications in warehouses. The refurbishment, financed by a Carbon Trust loan, has allowed the company to install the new lighting quickly and efficiently, providing immediate savings in energy and costs.

The opening in September of a 90,000sq ft Civil Justice Centre, engineered to BREEAM Excellent standards by Hilson Moran, represents the culmination of a landmark project and the latest success in the consultancy’s long established working relationship with the owner/developer Scottish Widows and Development Manager Hanover Cube.

Delmatic has supplied a sophisticated lighting management system to Eleven Brindleyplace, contributing to this 14 storey edifice becoming the first building in Birmingham’s Brindleyplace development to achieve a BREEAM Excellent rating. As well as optimising lighting energy consumption, the system provides tenants with a high level of flexibility to customise the lighting to their needs, a key criterion for developers Argent.

Gathering data on your energy use is a bit like turning on a tap. You can let it run, but if you don’t keep an eye on things you can easily be awash before you know it. With the increasing availability of building management systems (BMS) that can gather energy use data and track patterns over time, some organisations can find that they are unprepared for the flood of information.

ENER-G has acquired the business assets of SmartHome Controls (SHC) as part of the international group’s strategic growth programme.

SHC designs, manufactures, installs and maintains intelligent heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) and lighting control systems to promote energy efficiency in high-end residential properties.

Monodraught Limited, part of VKR Holding, has acquired Artica Technologies Limited, a company that has in a very short time, gained an enviable reputation for developing highly sustainable ventilation systems.

With the acquisition of Artica Technologies, Monodraught strengthens its position within the low energy ventilation market, building on its success with natural ventilation products and more recently with its COOL-PHASE low energy ventilation system.

Advanced IT cooling systems specialist Trox AITCS has made an additional appointment to its senior leadership team to build on rapid international expansion.

German-born Joachim Backes joins Trox AITCS as Managing Director. He is supported by Guy Hutchins, who continues in his role of Chief Operating officer.

According to new research released to coincide with the launch of the Climate Week Awards, nearly 1 in 5 Brits do not act on climate change because they don’t believe others are doing their bit to save the planet, prompting renowned sociologist and eco expert Lord Professor Anthony Giddens to speak out about how communities influence environmentally responsible behaviour.

Scottish construction firms are adding momentum to a UK-wide drive to slash waste which recently celebrated its 500th member business.

The Halving Waste to Landfill commitment (an industry-wide voluntary agreement which is backed by Zero Waste Scotland) has attracted over 500 signatories since launching in October 2008. The total number of signatories based in Scotland stands at 27, with half of those joining in the last six months.

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).

The recent recession has forced many in our industry to make some difficult decisions. Although there are continuing cost pressures and consolidation in the market, many would say the worst is now over. However, the recent Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR) brought a further wave of depression to some in the industry, with the prospect of most government departments and agencies having to look at budget cuts of around 20% over the next four years.

Look at any magazine or website that deals with the supply and use of electrical power, and you’re almost certain to find references to the Smart Grid. Typically it’s described as something that will have implications for all users of electricity. But what exactly is it and what are its implications right now?

The lower threshold for air conditioning inspections which includes all systems with an output of 12KW or more came into effect on 4 January 2011. This means that most air-conditioned spaces of over 2,000 square feet should now have an air conditioning certificate.

The new UK headquarters for Westpac Banking Corporation has been awarded the first Gold Ska Rating for a building in the City of London.

Coordinated by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, Ska Rating is an assessment process to help organisations achieve more sustainable fit-outs.

BEAMA has welcomed the Government’s consultation on a package of options for reforming the electricity market. With its focus on affordability, low carbon and security of supply, the association says it goes a long way to reaching the 2050 Pathways aspirations from earlier in 2010, pointing the UK towards an electric future.