The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) has announced its support for the Olympic Delivery Authority’s (ODA) Learning Legacy, a collaborative programme between the ODA, contractors, professional bodies, the government and academia, which aims to gather knowledge and share the lessons learned from the London 2012 construction project in order to raise the bar across the UK’s construction sector.

Little Watty Baxter was the name chosen for the Baxi-SenerTec UK badger who appears on the company logo, after a competition was launched in their newsletter last year. Short for ‘Little Walter’, it was thought that Little Watty reflects the emphasis of the business being represented, which is Combined Heat and Power (CHP), both of which have the unit ‘Watt’.

Fläkt Woods is delivering a range of its new iQ Star chilled beams, AHU’s and chillers as part of an integrated package for the new Birmingham Ormiston Academy. The iQ Star is a free-hanging multi-service chilled beam, characterised by modularity, flexibility, sustainability and energy efficiency. With an aluminium profile, it incorporates an array of integrated features ranging from direct/indirect lighting with either satin louvered or the new prismatic diffuser options, PIR’s, smoke detectors, speakers and sprinklers.

Fläkt Woods is delivering a range of its new iQ Star chilled beams, AHU’s and chillers as part of an integrated package for the new Birmingham Ormiston Academy. The iQ Star is a free-hanging multi-service chilled beam, characterised by modularity, flexibility, sustainability and energy efficiency. With an aluminium profile, it incorporates an array of integrated features ranging from direct/indirect lighting with either satin louvered or the new prismatic diffuser options, PIR’s, smoke detectors, speakers and sprinklers. The project incorporates louvered luminaries and fitment of free issue emergency lighting.

Staff and pupils have settled into their brand new eco-friendly Sidney Stringer Academy building in Coventry which is one of the newest Academies in the Midlands and benefits from the latest advancements in green technology, designed by Couch Perry & Wilkes (CPW). The company developed, designed and delivered much of the passive and active energy saving devices, and low and zero carbon technologies at the new £27 million Academy, which is sponsored by Coventry City Council, City College and supported by Coventry University and Jaguar Cars.

Displacement air terminal units from Trox are helping the new Terminal 2 at Dublin Airport to achieve outstanding levels of energy efficiency. The units are housed in stunning purpose-designed stainless steel grilles which enhance the aesthetic effects created by the architect. In addition, the 75,000sq m terminal uses approximately two thirds less energy compared to other equivalent buildings.

The first Buildings Control Show organised by BSEE was a unique event. With memories of big events like EcoBuild still fresh, none of us really knew what to expect and were pleased to find ourselves at an event where visitors were as excited as us about new ideas coming to market. Equally useful was the opportunity to talk to other exhibitors about how all our products work together, because the increasing use of open protocols has now changed the way systems integrators work and the way that manufacturers think.

The world is changing – and it’s not all just about global warming and economic meltdown. Major shifts in population and demographics are having a significant impact on the way we live our lives and according to Richard Hayward of Legrand these changes are shaping the future of wiring devices.

Recent figures place the world’s population at 6.93 billion, and predictions point to it reaching 10 billion by 2050. At the same time the average age is soaring, with a 42% increase expected in the number of over 65s in Europe by 2030, and a 98% increase expected in those aged 80 or over.

When installed correctly, an air curtain will minimise the amount of cold air entering a building while keeping the warm air inside. However, there are many myths surrounding the technology, and a lack of know­ledge and under­standing has resulted in some poor installations in the UK. Air curtains are ideal for any frequently used entrance, and can be successfully used to minimise the amount of cold air entering the building, while keeping the warm air inside.