Ground source suits the residential sector Chris Davis explains the benefits of district ground source heat pump systems for the residential sector 

Hybrid heat pumps are an attractive option for combi boiler replacement, particularly as they are eligible for domestic Renewable Heat Incentive payments, argues Nancy Jonsson. 

The new UK Annex to BS EN 15287-1, the European installation standard for flues and chimneys, has introduced the most radical changes to the guidance on flue installations for biomass applications, for many years. 

As we approach what is predicted to be another scorching summer commercial property owners, facility managers and office managers will be under extreme pressure to ensure that their air conditioning plants can cope with higher, prolonged temperatures to maintain a cool comfortable working environment. Carl Webb identifies a solution for hire. 

Everyone knows that the boiler systems in combined heat and power (CHP) plants of any commercial building need maintenance and servicing at regular intervals, but John Hamnett says the same applies to flues and chimneys. 

When independent Rolls-Royce Motor Cars fanchise P&A Wood built a new showroom the utmost care and consideration had to go into specifying a heating system.

 

Mechanical ventilation and heat recovery units, more commonly known as MVHR, are increasingly common in the UK, but results can be variable. 

The privately owned manufacturer of air distribution products GDL which was acquired as part of a family run operation in 2004 is making the Government's aim to ensure schools are ventilated to EU standards works in its favour, as demand for its unique natural ventilation products grows. HVR spoke to commercial director Paul Callaghan
 

Powered flue fan-assisted heaters offer a flexible and economical solution to heating problems in public buildings. They also provide significant energy savings over gas heaters with pilot lights, particularly in situations where intermittent heating is required, according to Martin Emmerson of Vulcana. 

Advanced controls technology and the ability to get different systems talking to one another through an appropriate building management system (BMS) is a valuable tool when it comes to managing a cooling plant effectively and meeting energy efficiency objectives. This can quickly deliver a significant return on the initial investment, according to Alberto Zennaro of Airedale 

A new type of air conditioning, that combines the benefits of high efficiency heat pumps with whole-building heat recovery, has been introduced by Klima-Therm. Best known for its co-development of the Turbomiser chiller, the company has partnered with Italian manufacturer Rhoss to launch the technology in the UK 

To ensure the longevity of industrial air conditioning and VRF systems, many believe that product maintenance and regular servicing are imperative. Fewer, however, appear to recognise the importance of routine inspections. Marc Diaz, of Panasonic, looks at the role that scheduled inspections play in reducing energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions for VRF systems. 

Andy Cardy of Fläkt Woods discusses the need for a holistic approach to system design in modern ventilation systems to optimise working environments and reduce energy costs 

The last couple of decades have seen unprecedented investment in the energy efficiency of buildings. However, David Fitzpatrick believes this has led to a lack of focus on indoor air quality 

With specific CO2 reduction targets set out on both UK and European levels, how can the adoption of Passivhaus principles help companies meet these targets? Here, Tunca Sekban of Airflow Developments explains the theory behind Passivhaus and looks at one of the central technologies - Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) 

Building services maintenance engineers are often expected to help their clients or company to reduce energy consumption. To do so, they need to ensure that all control aspects have been addressed, says Geoff Newman 

Solar power, biomass and heat pumps are some of the key technologies when project managers think of developing an energy efficient building. However, the benefit of this renewable technology is multiplied when deployed in an energy efficient heating or cooling system. Stephen Hart of Frese says the use of Pressure Independent Control Valves (PICVs) to regulate the indoor climate have been shown to be one of the most effective designs to improve the efficiency of heating and cooling systems 

These are challenging times in building services. In January the EU announced a carbon reduction target of 40 per cent by 2030 against 1990 levels, an increase in energy generated by renewable sources by 27 per cent and an 'indicative' target of improving energy efficiency by 25 per cent by the same year. This April the amendments to Part L of the Building Regulations come into force, requiring a reduction of carbon emissions for non-domestic buildings by nine per cent compared with 2010 standards, ahead of the zero carbon target for new non-domestic buildings by 2019. The Government has also set the UK a carbon reduction target of 80 per cent by 2050. Mark Northcott tackles the challenges we face 

Extensive product development, expansion plans and a special focus on customer service has put the Aquatech Pressmain in a good position to be ready for a potential influx of new business as the economy recovers, according to MD Mark Taylor 

While commercial building services engineers will undoubtedly have the correct formal qualifications, manufacturers' training in individual products, preferably on-site, is also essential, according to Simon Spridgeon, Geberit's product and technical manager for Piping Systems