Tesco has announced it will spend over £100m with UK green technology companies, boosting the economy and safeguarding or creating thousands of jobs.

The UK is fast recognising the benefit of green technology and with expertise in research and development, engineering and innovation is well placed to capitalise on the growth of the industry. On the back of the recession, this investment is welcome news for small companies across the country.

The KNX UK Association has introduced a definitive guide to KNX intelligent building technology with their new 24 page Consultants Guide. It sets out precisely for M&E consultants and specifiers, detailed information on the KNX standard and the applications of KNX technology. It will assist building professionals in making informed choices on the use of KNX within any building services project.

Grundfos is proving to be a lifesaver in Haiti, providing clean water for the inhabitants of the capital of Port-au-Prince.

In the week following the disastrous earthquake, the first SQFlex pumping systems were donated by Grundfos for installation in the capital, with more arriving daily including 20 systems which have been donated by the Poul Due Jensen Foundation.

It’s probably true to say that the best lighting installations take account of all the options available in the context of the needs of the workforce and the client’s commercial and environmental imperatives. However, it’s equally true to observe that those lighting installations that fail to deliver best value are those that follow a formulaic approach with little regard to the specifics of the project.

With 2010 heralding football fever, Vent-Axia is running its Fan-tastic Footy Sales Promotion. Launched on 1 February, the promotion will offer Vent-Axia customers the chance to win £2,000 of holiday vouchers.

ConstructionSkills, the Sector Skills Council for the construction industry will launch a pilot Group Training Association (GTA) project in Merseyside to help save apprentices and protect the future skillset of the industry. The initiative, known as ‘Constructing the Future Merseyside’, will be led by Liverpool Housing Trust and a number of Regional Clients.

ABB has helped wind power generation experts quietrevolution ltd to develop an innovative wind turbine that promises to capture wind power in areas never before exploited.

Architects, developers and local councils are already showing strong interest in the company’s QR5, a vertical axis wind turbine designed to operate in urban areas, where wind speeds are lower and wind directions change frequently. Its helical design ensures it is robust and able to deal with even turbulent winds. It also eliminates virtually all noise and vibration.

Atkins, Wates, Max Fordham and Norman Disney & Young are flying the flag for the construction and engineering industry, underlining the role that the sector has to play in striving towards a low carbon future.

Raising the bar for low carbon design, operation and innovation, all the winners at the 2010 CIBSE Low Carbon Performance Awards proved that achieving carbon reductions in the built environment is not just possible but essential if the UK is to meet agreed targets.

The Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, the Rt Hon Ed Balls MP, has announced British Gas’s role in a £12 million energy efficiency initiative to help schools and pupils to become energy aware.

With immediate effect, all state funded schools in England will be invited to apply for free energy display meters and an education package which will be provided and installed by British Gas.

The hunt is on to find the most talented employees in the building services engineering sector, as SummitSkills, the Sector Skills Council for building services engineering, launches its 2010 Skill M&E competitions.

Skill M&E consists of four skills competitions that seek to find the finest mechanical and electrical engineers in the building services engineering sector.  During the competitions, entrants will be assessed on a series of practical tests reflecting their day to day work. 

Only 5% of project participants have any experience of using project bank accounts and only 30% of projects are likely to use them. These are the headline findings of an industry-wide consultation on the use of project bank accounts (PBAs) conducted by the Joint Contracts Tribunal (JCT).

Commenting on the evolution of all things smart at BEAMA’s Smart Electricity Systems Conference, Dr Howard Porter, BEAMA’s Chief Operating Officer said that for smart networks and smart grids: “This is reality – not just hype – it’s the future.”

He said BEAMA welcomes the Government’s phased approach to installing smart metering in all UK homes and SMEs, and the links to future developments for smart grids and smart housing. 

Schneider Electric has enhanced its measuring and monitoring solutions with the introduction of PowerView – a power and energy monitoring software, suitable for small system applications to help businesses save money and energy.

The PowerView software works with Schneider Electric’s PowerLogic EGX100 integrated gateway and comprehensive range of meters. It allows users to track real time power conditions and remotely monitor electrical equipment and installations across an entire electrical network.  Through the system, users can measure the energy consumption of specific applications or circuits by day and hour, analyse and compare total harmonic distortion, produce reports and plot trends.

At the beginning of January, the world’s tallest building by far was inaugurated in Dubai. At 828 metres high, Burj Khalifa has more than 160 floors. When the weather is clear, the skyscraper, which rises up to the sky between the sea and the desert, can be seen from a distance of almost 100 kilometres.

Engineering and technology expert Siemens has announced a strategic restructure of its Building Technologies (BT) division in the UK which has created a dedicated Products and Systems business unit that will incorporate all Siemens, Crabtree, Wylex and Volex branded products and systems for the buildings market.

SummitSkills, the Sector Skills Council for Building Services Engineering (BSE), welcomes the Government’s announcement which set out the pathway for three-quarters of young people to go to university or earn an advanced technical qualification, such as a high-level apprenticeship.

Over the last few years we have seen rapid expansion in the use of DALI (digital addressable lighting interface) protocols for the management of lighting. And, without a doubt, DALI can prove to be a better option than alternative dimming options such as DSI (digital serial interface) and 0-10V analogue dimming.

The Lighting Association has joined forces with WEEE Lite to offer a comprehensive solution that will help not only LA members, but the whole of the lighting industry to meet its environmental responsibilities - The LA Compliance Scheme.

Anne King, Marketing and Memebership Director of BSRIA, has been awarded an MBE in the New Year's Honours in recognition of her services to the construction industry.

Anne has worked at BSRIA for 30 years, bringing her economist's skills to the market intelligence group. After fifteen years of market research on a consultancy basis, she moved on to the marketing of BSRIA's own activities and is now Marketing and Membership Director. She has also been a leading member of the best practice programmes and is currently on the delivery team for the Knowledge Transfer Network for the Modern Built Environment working in issues around process improvement both of the construction process and the management and operation of buildings.

Sontay has appointed Trevor Palmer to the role of Managing Director. He brings over 15 years of combined HVAC controls experience which extends from expertise in the application of manufactured solutions to knowledge gained in key sales, marketing and product development functions at various international market leaders in the sector. Most recently, Trevor has held a senior role at Canadian-based HVAC controls manufacturer, Viconics, where he was director of marketing and international sales.

ABB has signed a deal with Nuaire Ltd to supply variable speed drives for its range of fans.

Nuaire, based in South Wales, manufactures the largest range of ventilation products and air handling units in the UK. This will now be complimented by ABB standard drives and ABB standard drives for HVAC which are available in power ratings from 0.75 to 90kW, with larger drives available on request.

Britain's commercial, industrial and public buildings need to improve from an average of an E energy rating today to C by 2020 and A by 2050 in order for the UK to meet its national carbon reduction obligations, according to a new report released by the Carbon Trust.

An office development in West London has been recognised for its outstanding approach to environmental best practice by winning two prestigious national awards in the space of a few days.

Chiswick Park Enjoy-Work, the office park developed by Stanhope which provides a workplace for almost 4,000 people, has been awarded Gold in the International Green Apple Awards for environmental best practice and sustainable development.

Most companies and organisations based in office blocks and large buildings are missing a wide open goal to save energy according to powerPerfector, a UK green tech company which has come up with a solution to save vast amounts of electricity almost instantly.   

The technology saves far more power than voluntary workplace schemes such as paper recycling, switching-off computers at night and biking to work.

It has never been more critical for the Government to recognise the value of the British construction industry and how it can be deployed to re-energise the UK economy – says the Get Britain Building (GBB) campaign – as the latest research published by the Construction Trade Survey (CTS) reveals the recession in the sector showing no signs of abating. The CTS survey is reinforced by December figures from the Construction Purchasing Managers’ Index (CPMI).

In response to increased demand for fully integrated hydronic solutions, Marflow Hydronics has changed its name to Marflow Hydronic Systems.

“Although this is a relatively small change to our name, it marks a significant shift in our approach to the market; and one that reflects feedback from our customers,” commented Marflow Managing Director Paul Fennell.

BSEE is joining forces with CEDIA (the Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association) to run Engineering Smart Home Networks; a conference consisting of free seminars which will help building services engineers, M&E consultants and contractors find out how electronic systems, including audio-visual, data, lighting control, security and HVAC can be successfully installed and integrated into significant residential schemes. 

The Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) welcomes the appointment of Paul Morrell as the Government Chief Construction Adviser (CCA). The new role will provide a single point of contact between government and industry, and an internal focus for resolving cross departmental issues.

Vaillant’s commitment to reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions has been reinforced by an endorsement by the Energy Saving Trust (EST) across its entire ecoTEC boiler range. This applies to 20 natural gas and 13 LPG boilers, including the ecoTEC exclusive, ecoTEC plus, ecoTEC plus 937, ecoTEC pro and ecoTEC commercial range.

Businesses, energy suppliers and credit insurers must work together to avoid a credit crisis says npower, as businesses face potential new challenges in securing energy supplies as a result of the recession.

The EnOcean Alliance has published the first global, open specification for energy harvesting wireless sensors which ensures interoperability between products of different manufacturers: EnOcean equipment profiles (EEPs). The specification, devised jointly by the members of the EnOcean Alliance, is public and accessible for anyone. It contains 50 equipment profiles supporting the development of a variety of solutions for building automation, such as switches, remote controls, sensors, sensor combinations and data of every kind. Publication of the specification is the first step taken by the EnOcean Alliance towards an international standard.

Wolseley UK is the latest business to lend its backing to the Get Britain Building (GBB) campaign. Get Britain Building – launched in February 2009 – is a pan-construction industry campaign determined to get politicians of all parties to recognise the value of the sector to the nation and to use it to rebuild the UK economy.

Dave Dossett, BEAMA’s Executive Chairman has been elected as President of CENELEC (European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardisation).

Mr Dossett’s appointment is part of a new CENELEC focus designed to impact on future European standardisation and the organisation’s own direction, governance and expansion through a common Management Centre for CEN and CENELEC (CCMC). 

If every person who started a Construction Apprenticeship this year stood arm-to-arm, they would stretch all the way around the new Olympic Stadium in London over 53 times, according to the National Apprenticeship Service which has launched its seventh annual Apprenticeship Awards.

Dave Lacey has been appointed Commercial Director for Vaillant in the UK and Ireland.  He is responsible for the continued development of the Vaillant business, including domestic and commercial boilers, renewable technologies, controls and hot water cylinders.

The Carbon Trust and the Strategic Forum for Construction (SFfC) have formed a partnership to help construction companies meet the targets of the joint government and industry Strategy for Sustainable Construction.

CHP manufacturer Baxi-SenerTec UK has won this year’s prestigious Combined Heat and Power Association Public Sector Award. The award was given in recognition of the work carried out by the company in partnership with the London Fire Brigade (LFB) to supply Dachs mini-CHP units to fire stations throughout the capital.

AECOM has welcomed the news that Newcastle upon Tyne has been named Britain's greenest city.

A report by think-tank, Forum for the Future, looked at the sustainability of the 20 biggest cities, measuring factors such as air quality, wildlife and quality of life. Newcastle, which beat 2008 winner Bristol into second, performed well on many measures of sustainability.

Delivering effective school environments that meet low or zero carbon targets will be a major challenge, according to the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE), in a response to the DCFS Consultation on Carbon Management for Schools.

A Pipe Center customer has been presented with a state-of-the-art Rothenberger Roscope video inspection tool after winning top prize in a competition organised by BSEE.

An innovative pre-warming system which helps ensure effective control of the internal environment has been developed by the leading natural ventilation solutions provider, Passivent Commercial Ltd.

Following the receipt of all necessary EU competition approvals, the transaction initially announced in July 2009 between De Dietrich Remeha Group and Baxi Group has been completed. The new group will be called BDR Thermea, recognising the contribution both groups bring to the combination.

Paul Wenden, engineering and product management director for Fläkt-Woods has been appointed President of FETA, the Federation of Environmental Trade Associations.

Paul is also President of HEVAC the Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning Manufacturers Association, which itself is an Incorporated Association of FETA.

Top Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) expert, Paul Stepan has warned that new carbon reduction legislation is weighted strongly against the property sector.

Mr Stepan, from environmental consultancy, Camco, said: "The government's well meaning process of policy simplification has left landlords in a poor position. Furthermore difficulties with regards to legally charging their tenants for CRC costs and the desire to recover administration and other associated expenses, compound the issue. These costs could become more significant once the financial impact of the scheme becomes clearer."

Waste glass, plastic and metal are to be converted into clean energy as the go-ahead was given by the Government for a new plant in Peterborough.

Energy and Climate Change Minister, David Kidney has granted consent to Peterborough Renewable Energy Ltd for the construction of the 80MW energy from waste and biomass fuelled power station at Storey's Bar Gate.

Johnson Controls and The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, has announced the creation of a European and Mediterranean Energy Efficiency & Climate Change Forum. The event will be hosted in Monaco in April 2010 and will focus on a range of energy efficiency and policy issues with the goal of elevating awareness and accelerating action on implementing energy efficiency programmes to slow climate change.

JET Environmental is adding its voice to Government advisors who are calling for a step change in policies to reduce carbon emissions, and less reliance on market forces to achieve this objective. As part of this step-change, JET is urging Government to incentivise the UK's big power users to adopt jet air induction technology more widely so that they can reduce energy consumption and help achieve the emission cuts demanded by Government and the Committee on Climate Change.  

Pipe Center's Modular Engineering has won the award for Best Product or System in the Offsite Construction Awards 2009.

The award recognised the ability of Pipe Center's approach to reduce costs, save waste, protect the environment, cut accidents and deliver an assured level of quality on time and to budget.

The names of the companies tasked with designing and building Scotland's homes of the future at a groundbreaking innovation park in the heart of Ravenscraig have been announced.

Priva Building Intelligence Ltd has appointed one of the UK's largest independent control system integrators, to its Priva Partner Network.

Enforcement of Building Regulations for the Conservation of fuel and power (Part L) 18.25% is running a close second behind Structure (Part A) 22.47% and ahead of Fire (Part B), according to recent research from LABC Cambridgeshire.

Megaman is part of a drive to reduce carbon emissions by 10% in one year by making the company part of the solution to climate change. As one of the first companies to sign up for 10:10, which is a national drive to cut carbon emissions by 10% during 2010, Megaman has made a commitment to pull out all the stops and reduce its carbon footprint and also get its staff, customers and suppliers involved.

HVCA has signed up to a Code of Practice which has been developed by the Confederation of British Industry's Trade Association Forum to promote best practice amongst its members, and so raise their overall quality and effectiveness.

The city of Jyväskylä in Finland has been awarded the first prize in the 2009 city.people.light awards, the annual competition organized by Philips and the Lighting Urban Community International Association (LUCI) to reward projects which demonstrate the contribution lighting can make to the well-being of those who live, work or visit a city or town.

Emma Marshall of Northumbria University has won the CIBSE/ASHRAE Graduate of the Year Award.

This well established and prestigious award, sponsored by Baxi Commercial, rewards the best graduate from a programme related to CIBSE/ASHRAE activities with a trip to the 2010 winter ASHRAE meeting in Orlando, USA.

Widespread non-compliance with legislation designed to address the twin challenges of sustainability and carbon reduction is already jeopardising the nation's ability to meet its long-term environmental targets, according to HVCA president Graham Manly.

Constructing Excellence (CE) and BRE have announced a new collaborative partnership that aims to support organisations in the built environment so they can emerge strongly from the current economic slowdown.  

Concerns have been raised over an apparent fall in the number of air conditioning systems assessments taking place. Up to date figures from leading energy services companies show a distinct fall in the quantity of new inspection contracts placed during the last few months, despite the fact that tens of thousands of the inspections which were required by 4 January 2009 are still to be carried out.

Schneider Electric, a global specialist in energy management and security solutions, has completed the strategic transformation and brand migration of TAC to Schneider Electric.

The Carbon Trust has recently announced an extension to their Big Business Refit scheme that offers both private companies as well as public sector organisations the opportunity to apply for an interest free loan that can be repaid over a period of four years.

The Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) will have a positive impact on the market for combined heat and power (CHP) in buildings when it comes into effect next April.

The impact of the compulsory carbon cap and trading scheme was one of the key messages delivered by speakers at the recent Heat & Energy 09 conference attended by a large audience of public sector specifiers and government departments.

National  museums and Marriott Hotels are dominating the list of the organisations signed up to the 100 Hours of Carbon Clean up Campaign, leading the way in reducing the amount of carbon emitted from their buildings.

With just half a day's use, a variable speed drive can compensate for the environmental cost of its own manufacture and disposal, a new study from ABB shows.

The study, carried out in cooperation with Tampere University of Technology, demonstrates how long drives of various sizes need to be used before they begin making a positive contribution to the environment.

Priva Building Intelligence Ltd has appointed Adrian Scott as its business development manager for the South East of England.  This latest addition to the Priva team demonstrates the company's commitment to growing its business in the UK and supporting its network of Partners and customers.

AECOM has been appointed as lead consultant for a proposed new wind turbine facility at Lancaster University.

The proposed project is to develop two 2.3MW wind turbines on the University's Hazelrigg site to the east of the M6 motorway. Lancaster University would be the first in England to install wind turbines which would reduce its electricity consumption by approximately one third - equivalent to the residential requirements of all students who live on campus.

In a step designed to add value to registration with the organisation, NICEIC has launched an Equipment Hire service in association with Hire Station.

Equipment for any electrical or construction job can be hired by registered installers at extremely competitive rates and delivered directly to site, or collected from a local Hire Station store. 

SummitSkills has launched the 2010 National Training Awards, an awards scheme celebrating the achievements of the building services engineering sector's finest talent.

As the Sector Skills Council for the building services engineering sector, SummitSkills is looking for outstanding employees in the sector to be nominated for the awards recognising those who have demonstrated exceptional work in the industry.

Tour & Andersson has appointed Graeme Waugh as its UK technical manager. As an associate of Tour & Andersson's specialist TA Hydronic College, Graeme is equipped with an in-depth knowledge of hydronic engineering solutions.

A new bursary scheme to support the attendance of young engineers at the DFI and EFFC International conference has been launched by the Geotechnical Challenges in Urban Regeneration organising committee.

GEM Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Thermal Energy International (TEI), has taken over the European rights to Kemco International's range of water and heat recovery products following the signing of an agreement between Thermal Energy International Inc and Florida based Kemco Systems Inc.  

The Open Metering System initiative of the manufacturers associations figawa, KNX and ZVEI has published an open, manufacturer independent, interoperable device and interface definition called an Open Metering System Specification.

Npower has launched a new tool enabling businesses to help forecast future energy consumption to save money, reduce carbon and better manage participation in the Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC). 

The winners of the SkillPLUMB and SkillELECTRIC 2008 finals, hosted by SummitSkills, the Sector Skills Council for building services engineering, have represented the UK at WorldSkills 2009 in Calgary in Canada at the world's largest international skills competition.

Matt Johnstone, Dimitri Harrisis and Matt Heaman from Hoare Lea's Bristol office together with Nigel Jones, a client from Guernsey, have raised £4000 for the Meningitis Trust by cycling from Land's End to John O'Groats.

Green energy product manufacturer Stiebel Eltron has launched a new leasing scheme to make its renewable energy heat pumps more affordable.

KNX UK's application for entry into the CIBSE Directory of CPD Course Providers has now been accepted and the full range of KNX CPD courses will now be listed in the CIBSE Directory for the next two years.

HCP, a division of SAS International, has been recognised by the Construction Products Association for its innovation in the design and manufacture of its radiant heating panels.

The deadline for the Lighting Design Awards is approaching fast, and for the first time since the awards began, you can enter on-line. Once again, the ceremony will be held in the opulent ballroom of the prestigious London Hilton on Park Lane and will be attended by architects, lighting designers and manufacturers.

Grundfos Pumps has established a new industry, water & waste water team combining the industrial end-user, water distribution and water utility teams.  Customers will now have access to a larger team of 26 full-time pump professionals who are all dedicated to delivering the highest standards of service across the extensive range of Grundfos products.

BSRIA is now UKAS accredited to carry out acoustic testing and consultancy on all types of buildings for Part E of the Building Regulations.

MK Electric's echo has picked up the award for ‘best application of energy harvesting' in a product at the inaugural IDTechEx Energy Harvesting Awards thanks to its commercial success to date. The wireless, batteryless and self-powered range of switches is gaining rapid market acceptance and volumes are set to grow as wireless switching becomes the norm in residential and commercial applications.

As the Government announces its white paper plans for reducing carbon emissions, Jet Environmental has urged UK industry to adopt jet air induction systems more widely if they wish to reduce the predicted 17% increase in energy bills over the next decade.

Multi-disciplinary engineering consultancy, AECOM has appointed John Redding and Shaun Edwards to the growing development team based in the Newcastle office.

Can sustainable ventilation approaches be as successful in health care environments as they have been in other buildings?

The obvious concern that differentiates health care facilities from other building types is enhanced hygiene and infection control. Traditional hospital ventilation systems introduce air from near the ceiling, force it downwards with a diffuser, and then suck it back out through an exhaust grille, also at ceiling level.

The UK Low Carbon Transition Plan published by the Government sets out the key actions and strategies to meet climate change targets: cutting the UK's carbon emissions by 34% from 1990 levels by 2020 and deriving 15% of all energy from renewable sources by the same date.

SummitSkills, the Sector Skills Council (SSC) for the building services engineering sector has been praised as a well run Sector Skills Council in the National Audit Office (NAO) assessment of its performance.  The assessment was undertaken on behalf of the UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES) as part of the relicensing process that all 25 SSCs will undertake this year.

The building services engineering sector has a great deal to gain from the increasing global commitment to carbon reduction and energy conservation, according to HVCA president Graham Manly.

The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) has launched the most extensive online library of engineering information in the world, ICE Virtual Library, which hosts the Institution's journal and book content back to 1836.

Walter Meier (Climate UK) has appointed Andy Johnson as business development manager for its Service & After Sales division, with responsibility to broaden and strengthen the UK client base and continue its growth in this area. Andy joins the company from York, where he gained extensive experience in the sale and ongoing support of chiller plant.

HETAS has launched a brand new scheme to assure biomass and wood fuel quality for both domestic and commercial users. The first company to have it's products approved under the unique Solid Biomass Approvals Scheme (SBAS) is Certainly Wood, which supplies kiln dried firewood and kindling throughout the UK.

The Institution of Civil Engineers has announced its official endorsement of the NEC3 as the best practice contract form for construction projects, in the UK and overseas.

New research from British Gas Business shows that almost two thirds of companies do not know who is responsible for energy efficiency or don't have a dedicated energy efficiency manager.

Kelly Butler, BEAMA's marketing director, has welcomed the Government's commitment to support heat pumps saying: "The BEAMA Domestic Heat Pump Association has only recently been set up, so the Government's announcement so soon is great news for the industry. 

Just a matter of weeks after its introduction, Ellis Patents has finalised a comprehensive short circuit testing process that means all of its cable cleats now have third party certification to, or above the levels outlined in the new International Standard for the use of cable cleats in electrical installations (IEC61914 - 2009).

The Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering has welcomed the decision in Northern Ireland to fall in line with safety regulations in the rest of the UK.

Grundfos has released their 2008 Sustainability Report, explaining the great strides that have been achieved by the international pump manufacturer. To ensure they retain this edge, Grundfos continue to invest a total of 5.2% of their annual turnover in researching and developing new products. 

Two reports recently published highlight the link between noise and the effects on human health. Institute of Acoustics' members Bernard Berry and Dr Ian Flindell were commissioned by Defra to undertake a review of research into links between noise and health. Nicole Porter was also part of the project team.

The quantity of luminaires being recycled in the UK has increased by over 200% between the second half of 2007 and the same period in 2008, according to Luminaire recycling specialist Lumicom. In the last six months of 2007, 34 tonnes were recycled and this had risen to 80 tonnes by the end of 2008.

Public sector procurement has not been sufficiently focused in the past on vocational education and skills, according to Kevin Brennan, Minister of State for Further Education, Apprenticeship Skills and Consumer Affairs at the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.

AECOM and Steensen Varming have proved their commitment to developing young engineers - winning at the inaugural CIBSE Young Engineers Network Champions Award.

Long distance runner Stuart Walker has just returned from a mammoth trek travelling the entire length of the British Isles by muscle power alone.

Thorn has launched a major energy saving campaign, urging small and medium electrical contractors to change from installing glow-starter switch (magnetic) driven fluorescent fittings to high frequency (HF) electronic versions, which consume about 20% less power and hence reduce CO2 emissions.

The dedicated test cell at the Trox Technical Centre has been totally rebuilt due to the massive demands for fan coil system research and development.  This demand has been brought about by the need to measure energy savings accurately as in the case of VAV fan coil development work, the need to verify performance data on a project by project basis, and to enable further product research to be undertaken.

Two new Quality Assurance Managers have joined The Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) to ensure the quality of the certificates being lodged by CIBSE Low Carbon Energy Assessors (LCEAs) and further raise standards within the industry.

REFCOM has signed an agreement with the Department for Environment,
Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) confirming its appointment as a mandatory F gas company certification body for businesses operating in the stationary refrigeration, air-conditioning and heat-pump (SRAC) sector in Great Britain.

EMCOR Group (UK) has been awarded a three year extension of its facilities management contract with one of London's most iconic institutions, the Natural History Museum.  EMCOR Group (UK) has provided mechanical and electrical engineering services across all of the Museum's sites since 2001, ensuring the Museum has a solid infrastructure in which to preserve and display many of the 70 million specimens under its care. 

Wieland Electric has appointed Glasgow-based Sinelco as a stocking distributor for its comprehensive range of safety products, including the 4000 series of safety relays as well as safety sensors and emergency stop buttons. Sinelco will also have access to Wieland's innovative Samos Pro modular safety system.

CIBSE and HVCA have issued a joint statement on air conditioning inspection training, warning potential trainees that they may not be able to be accredited to work as air conditioning inspectors after undergoing certain training.

Following its recent acquisition by Royal Philips Electronics, the newly named Philips Dynalite is looking ahead to bigger and better things. Now a key element of Philips Lighting's Lighting Electronics Business, Philips Dynalite has been designated a ‘Centre of Design Excellence' and is tasked with developing smart engineering control solutions for Philips worldwide.

BRE and partners Duany, Plater-Zyberk, Turnberry Consulting and the University of Hertfordshire are the proud recipients of a Charter Award from the US-based Congress for New Urbanism.  The award relates to their work on the development of a masterplan for growth in Hertfordshire in line with Government targets for the East of England region.

The IOA's Diploma in Acoustics and Noise Control, which has recently been revised and updated, is regarded as a significant qualification for those wanting to pursue a professional career related to acoustics and noise control.

Sanyo has introduced an approved installer scheme for its ECO C02 high efficiency heat pump-based heating system.

Dear Editor

Cavendish Engineers wanted to take the time to inform BSEE on how impressed and surprised we have been as to the impact the building control awards has made to our company. This is the first time that we have entered the awards, so we were delighted when Cavendish reached the finals for the ‘Best Service and Maintenance Provider award.'

Marflow Hydronics has appointed Mark Burns as sales & marketing manager, with particular responsibility for developing the company's sales and marketing strategy in line with new product developments. Mark has over 25 years experience in the HVAC industry and has held key positions in companies such as Vaillant, NuAire and AHED.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Europe (MHIE) is stepping up its air conditioning presence in mainland Europe with the appointment of London-based industry specialists to co-ordinate continental sales, focusing on growth of the KX6 VRF range. It has appointed Des Franklin and Louis Sullivan to strategically develop product sales and international key account business through the network of 27 MHIE distributors who cover Europe from Hamburg to Marseilles. Both have extensive experience of the air conditioning distribution business and the MHI product range, having previously worked for a UK distributor of MHI equipment.

In a year that has seen Monodraught develop new distributors overseas, the company is announcing a series of board and sales appointments to strengthen the management team.

Live trials of Mitsubishi Electric's unique PWFY water heating system have proved that it is far more cost-effective and produces far less CO2 emissions than traditional methods with demonstrated savings of 78% in both running costs and emissions over the previous system.

EMCOR Group (UK) has been awarded a three year extension of its facilities management contract with one of London's most iconic institutions, the Natural History Museum.  EMCOR Group (UK) has provided mechanical and electrical engineering services across all of the Museum's sites since 2001, ensuring the Museum has a solid infrastructure in which to preserve and display many of the 70 million specimens under its care. 

The Door & Hardware Federation (DHF) has played a key role in rolling out a revised British standard designed to improve access to and within buildings for disabled people.

Building Engineering Services Training (BEST) has been selected as one of only two national M&E training providers to share in £11m of Government funding to create new apprenticeship places. Announced on 14 May by Skills Secretary John Denham and Schools Secretary Ed Balls, the funding forms part of a new approach to help employers train skilled workers of the future.

De Dietrich Remeha Group and Baxi Group have entered into detailed discussions to form a new group company that will have a leading position in the European heating market.

Building controls expert BG Controls has reinforced its Systems Support arm of the business by opening a dedicated service and maintenance office in Preston.

The City of East London in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa, representing The Amathole District Municipality, will receive assistance from the City of Glasgow in the second global LightLinks Competition. The winner was announced at an awards ceremony held at the LumiVille public lighting trade fair.

Resource Data Management (RDM), the pioneering HVACR control and energy monitoring company has acquired leading software developer Resorsys.

A new footbridge in Aylesbury - the Bourg Walk - has been named Overall Winner at the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) Engineering Excellence Awards 2009, the highest honour for civil engineering excellence in the Thames Valley region.

Samsung has stepped up its drive to capture a significant slice of the UK air conditioning market by forging a strategic alliance with nationwide specialist wholesaler HRP Ltd. The move makes Samsung's DVM Plus III (VRF) range available nationally through a newly formed specialist HRP subsidiary, Samsung Air Conditioning Centre (SACC), and Samsung split systems available through HRP's extensive branch network.

Building Product Design Group, which includes brands such as Glidevale, Passivent, Kingfisher Louvre Systems, Richmond Building Products and Z-Led, has promoted Graham Dronfield and Neil Rideout to joint managing directors. The two combine to bring over 40 years' experience within divisions of the company to the board.

Working alongside key players from the mainstream heating industry including Worcester Bosch, Dimplex, Baxi, Danfoss Heat Pumps, Vaillant, Stiebel Eltron, Zehnder UK and Myson, BEAMA has created the BEAMA Domestic Heat Pump Association. Its chairman is Chris Davis, head of renewables at Dimplex.  

Live trials of Mitsubishi Electric's award-winning Ecodan systems over the past winter have clearly demonstrated that the low-carbon heating system lives up to expectations and is more than capable of dealing with whatever the British weather can throw at it.

Gas Safe Register now has more than 121,000 registrations for engineers and 56,500 for businesses - exceeding expectations for the first year in a matter of months.

SummitSkills, the Sector Skills Council for building services engineering has launched a UK-wide initiative to find people passionate about their work to fill the role of ambassadors for the sector.

Martin Bailey was inaugurated as the president of The Electrical Contractors' Association (ECA) for 2009-2010 at the opening of the organisation's annual industry conference. 

New legislation taking effect from the start of next year could be bad news for anyone with air conditioning that is older than five years - yet most companies remain ignorant of the major impact this could have on their business.

Baxi Group has been victorious at the Micropower Awards 2009, winning the hotly contested Innovation category for the Ecogen microCHP unit.

A buildings engineer is planning to swap planes, trains and automobiles for aches, pains and no mobiles as he prepares to travel the entire length of the British Isles using only muscle power.

Philips is calling upon leaders of world businesses, municipal authorities and other owners and operators of buildings to seize the opportunity to cut back on energy consumption by simply switching to energy-efficient lighting.

The Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering has declared its support for the Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment, launched in September 2008. The CBE Diploma is a qualification for 14 to 19-year-olds designed in collaboration with employers and universities. It is part of a national programme to encourage young people to continue learning for longer by widening their choices and helping them get the qualifications they need to succeed in work and life. It will allow young people to progress onto employment, college and university.

The Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) has welcomed the proposed carbon targets and green stimulus package announced in the 2009 Budget.

Recent news that EU member states have approved a plan to ban low and standard efficiency circulating pumps from 2013 has been warmly welcomed by Wilo here in the UK. The plan also states that from 2015, only very high efficiency intelligent circulators will be allowed.

NICEIC Group has been accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) to run a Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) for installers. The Scheme is designed to register businesses undertaking environmental technologies installation work in dwellings in the United Kingdom.

SAS International has developed a new CIBSE recognised CPD presentation on the theme of radiant heating. Ceiling mounted radiant heating panels (RHPs) are produced by HCP, the specialist heating division of SAS International.

ITT Corporation has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Laing GmbH of Germany, a privately-held leading producer of energy efficient circulator pumps primarily used in residential and commercial plumbing and heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.  Once completed, the acquisition will significantly broaden ITT's offering and will reflect the company's continued strategic focus on satisfying the market's growing demand for energy efficiency and lower life-cycle costs.

Samsung has announced the appointment of Dysk Air Conditioning, Easy Air Conditioning and Gallant Air Conditioning to a new line-up of distributors who will spearhead sales of its new DVM Plus III air conditioning systems alongside the range of RAC solutions.

There were some sharp intakes of breath recently when SummitSkills published its report on the likely impact of current economic conditions on jobs in the building services sector.

The Empire State Building is going green, following the unveiling of a landmark energy sustainability programme for the iconic property by Jones Lang LaSalle and its programme partners that will reduce the energy use and greenhouse gas emissions by up to 38%.

The CIBSE Young Engineers' Network is looking for companies who take the development of young people seriously and who know that supporting young people both in employment and in education is vital.

Meiny Prins, General Manager of Priva has become the Businesswoman of the year after being presented with the Prix Veuve Clicquot 2009.

There is increasing pressure on building managers to reduce energy use. Legislation in the form of Energy Performance Certificates and Display Energy Certificates is making building owners and occupants more aware of their energy consumption than ever before.  Perhaps even more important is the rising cost of energy in an increasingly uncertain economic climate. Managers in the private and public sectors are on the lookout for any ways to reduce operational costs.

Three innovative products and 11 outstanding projects were the winners of this year's Lighting Design Awards where projects were as diverse as they were distinguished, with a sublime cathedral and an urban gym sharing the laurels with a glistening 50m wide spider's web and a luxury apartment on the Strand in London.

Owners of buildings with air-conditioning systems are being urged to adhere to new inspection legislation or face fines. HVCA subsidiary, BESCA, warns that many owners are unaware of the European Union's Energy Performance in Buildings Directive (EPBD) and legislation in the UK requiring all air-conditioning systems of more than 12kW to be inspected, regardless of whether the system is in a commercial or domestic property.

Mitsubishi Electric's green initiative targeted at helping everyone reduce energy consumption has been acknowledged at the SEE Awards in Brussels as part of the 3^rd Annual EU Sustainable Energy Week.

As part of a new EU directive, incandescent lamps and other lighting products that are heavy users of electricity will be phased out from 1 September 2009. Starting with the most inefficient lamps, the ban will come into effect over a period of eight years until only energy efficient alternatives are available in the UK with the onus being placed on retailers and manufacturers to ensure only approved lamps are made available to purchase.

KNX UK, the association representing companies promoting KNX intelligent building technology, has published a new guide to KNX technology. ‘Putting the Intelligence into Building and Homes' is designed for building services engineers, specifiers and users of KNX technology in the commercial and residential sectors.

The Electrical Contractors' Association (ECA) is pleased to announce the launch of ECA Bid (www.ecabid.co.uk), an online auction site where electrical contractors can buy and sell goods.

The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) has announced that five projects are the recipients of the ICE London Merit Awards 2009, the city's highest honour for civil engineering excellence.

LG Electronics' hugely successful air conditioning operation, which has held the world number one ranking since 2000, has been spun off from the company's other home appliance businesses to its own independent division, LG Air Conditioning Company.

REFCOM is to be the UK's mandatory F-Gas company certification body for the stationary refrigeration and air-conditioning (SRAC) sector, to allow businesses to comply with European Commission F-Gas Regulation No 842/2006. Formal appointment by the Secretary of State is expected in the next two weeks.

Shaun Foster has joined Baxi Commercial Division as Area Sales Manager representing both Andrews Water Heaters and Potterton Commercial in the North West. Shaun has extensive experience in the H&V Sector, having worked as a Sales Engineer for British Gas for 19 years during which time he completed extensive technical and managerial courses. He originally joined Baxi in the domestic sector in 2000, and has now returned to his preferred role working in the commercial sector.

Buro Happold has been appointed as the engineering consultant for the Barnsley Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme. This follows the BSF experience already built up by the international multi disciplinary engineers, delivering a number of award winning educational facilities in Bristol.

Grundfos Pumps has been actively championing variable speed pumps for many years. The range of variable speed options has increased each year and although sales have continued to increase, their take-up, hasn't always lived up to the S to E (standard to electronic) programme goals they set for themselves.

SummitSkills, the Sector Skills Council for building services engineering, is advising those considering becoming a plumber, as a career change or looking for work, to beware of expensive, short plumbing courses that will not lead to the employment they expect.

Leading awarding body EAL has worked with the Electrical Contractor's Association (ECA) and SummitSkills to develop a suite of cabling qualifications, designed specifically for the electrotechnical sector.  EAL's NVQ qualifications in Installing Structured Cabling Systems at Level 2 and Electrotechnical Services Level 3 recognise competence in electrotechnical activities including pathways for installing and inspecting structured cabling systems and electrical installations.

Barry Gregory has become Managing Director of Riello Ltd, and is now responsible for all Riello's UK operations in both the residential and commercial burner markets. Barry has been with Riello for 17 years, most recently in the role of Technical Director.

SummitSkills, the Sector Skills Council for building services engineering (BSE), has published research that highlights the possible effects of the recession on the sector's workforce.

The 2008 KNX UK Awards were presented at the Association's AGM by President Iain Gordon and recognised winners in the categories of Product of the Year, Installation of the Year and KNX Champion.

Specially designed trailers from Stanley Handling have been supplied to longstanding client Enviro-Waste GB Ltd, a leading provider of sustainable and cost effective site-based waste management and recycling solutions.