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- October 2011

Chillers: Traditional systems offer cold comfort 13 October 2011
Chiller-based hvac systems still have a vital role to play in improving energy efficiency in commercial buildings. In fact advances in technology mean that some chillers now qualify for the Renewable Heat Incentive. Martin Hayward looks at why chillers are still so important when it comes to cooling - and heating - our buildings.

Chillers: Saving our heritage and saving energy too 13 October 2011
A refurbishment of the chillers serving the National Archives' repositories at Kew is ensuring that the nation's heritage is protected.

Heat Pumps: Get your heat pump choice right to cut carbon footprint 13 October 2011
As the drive towards the elimination of carbon emissions accelerates, heat pumps are being viewed as an increasingly important weapon in the armoury of building services engineers and clients. However, says Maurice Diamond, it is crucial to choose the heat pump carefully.

Heat Pumps: Retrofits made easy 13 October 2011
Air source heat pumps are energy efficient and have green credentials, but have not always been suitable for retrofit applications. Robert Lockhart looks at how this is changing.

Heat Pumps: Training offers fitting reward in renewables 13 October 2011
The industry needs to invest in renewable systems training to be in the best position to take advantage of future growth opportunities in this sector, warns Stephen Andrews.

Ventilation: Tackling the effects of high CO2 levels 13 October 2011
In a classroom where CO2 levels are high, students will probably be less attentive and concentrate less well. There is, however, an answer, says Tim Kaye

Ventilation: Help save lives with fire protection servicing 13 October 2011
Built-in fire protection in buildings can save lives in the event of a fire, but only if hvac systems are correctly installed and regularly maintained, says Darren Ling.

Ventilation: Why pcm could well be the new ac 13 October 2011
It is time to acknowledge that phase change material technology offers an effective, environmentally-friendly and viable alternative to air conditioning for new and existing buildings, according to Tony Cull.

Commercial Heating: It sometimes pays to be on the skids 13 October 2011
Pre-fabricated packages can overcome obstacles and cut costs.

Commercial Heating: Wooden performance 13 October 2011
Poor specification will only damage the reputation of wood biomass, so Simon Holden offers advice on how to select it.

Commercial Heating: Cascading benefits can help cut energy usage 13 October 2011
With fuel prices taking off and larger organisations starting to feel the effects of the Carbon Reduction Commitment scheme, the efficiency of heating boilers is coming under increasing scrutiny. Employing an effective controls strategy can result in a significant reduction in energy use and carbon emissions. Jeff House examines the opportunities.

Commercial Heating: Unshackle the supply chain to cut costs 13 October 2011
The Government wants the industry to deliver quicker build times; lower lifecycle costs; and less energy demand. How can the commercial heating sector play its part and what supply chain changes will be necessary to make it possible? James Parkinson explains.

Contractor Focus: 'Big 8' committed to workforce reform 13 October 2011
Eight of the country's largest m&e employers are making long-awaited changes to employment conditions and industrial relations procedures.

Burning Issue: Give pension provision a sporting chance 13 October 2011
Next year the recession will end, the Olympics will come to London and hvac businesses will realise they're facing new pensions obligations.