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 

With commercial building managers under increasing pressure from the Government to perform in line with the UK's green agenda, the close management of carbon emissions and onsite energy consumption are now top of the agenda. Phil Chilton explores how leading manufacturers are tailoring their product development to ensure easier installation, easier maintenance and energy efficiency to help installers meet demand 

With the industry taking the radiator for low temperature heating systems to its heart, do we still need low surface temperature radiators? Barry Lynch explains why the low surface temperature radiator is still the optimum choice in certain situations 

Water heating specialist Rinnai says heating and hot water account for more than one third of UK business energy consumption, so having firm control over this area can help reduce energy bills and achieve all important CSR environmental requirements on carbon reduction. 

With heating and hot water plant refurbishment projects we are seeing a shift from traditional atmospheric boilers to modern condensing models. Stuart Turner suggests that when embarking on this type of project it is vital to assess the current system along with the proposed new scheme in order to gain the maximum benefit from these products and make the best possible use of the existing system including pipework and flue runs. 

Darren Finley of Ideal Commercial examines how the innovative features offered by modern commercial condensing boilers simplify the replacement of old inefficient boilers, offering the potential for significant cost and energy savings as well as ensuring existing buildings will be able to meet increasingly stringent efficiency requirements 

In the colder months when businesses place further focus on their energy usage, installers and heating engineers are being called upon to help commercial operations cut their carbon emissions and reduce their fuel costs. Here, Lee Gannon, of Flogas, discusses how this is leading to a rise in the use of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) amongst the more eco-conscious of businesses 

Chris Davis, at Kensa Heat Pumps, explains the benefits of district ground source heat pump systems for the residential sector 

The popularity of forced ventilation systems is increasing dramatically, largely driven by air tightness regulations and increasing energy efficiency requirements. This means a dramatic increase of ventilation ducting and valves which inevitably penetrate the fire compartments, both in ceilings and walls. Mark Davies has the inside story 

Malcolm Moss, explains why ductwork needs close attention at every stage of its lifetime in order to provide a safe, healthy and energy efficient indoor environment 

Having just got used to PICC valves, the market is now faced with EPIVs - so what's an EPIV? Peter Lowther explains 

With the economy still in a fragile state of recovery, how can the HVAC industry make a difference? Martin Fahey explains how adopting a lean, mean and green approach can help grow your business and save customers money 

Improving ventilation control enhances building performance and staff productivity, while reducing fuel bills and carbon emissions. David Cook, explains how demand control ventilation saves energy and reduces carbon while providing the comfort staff require 

Specifying, designing and installing heat pump systems presents building services engineers with several challenges, but how are they best met? Bob Towse, Head of Technical and Safety at B&ES, has an answer 

Commitment to its distributors has been at the heart of Albion's business model since opening its doors in South Yorkshire 20 years ago. Today, maintaining these relations is still a focal point in the company's strategic approach, and continues to contribute to its growth says sales director Les Littlewood
 

Sandy Patience of GreenSpec.co.uk, discusses how to identify green products among all the greenwash 

With energy continuing to dominate the headlines and rising fuel prices an increasing concern for society at large, Mark Northcott argues that energy efficiency is the sustainable answer 

Commercial buildings are being forced to be ever more energy efficient, but all too often the humble gas valve is forgotten when it comes to new build specification or as a retrofit. Paul Aston explains how being ahead of the game on gas valve choice could ensure increased energy efficiency in commercial buildings