New Managed Detection and Response (MDR) service from Siemens enables enhanced 24/7 cybersecurity for critical infrastructures Siemens offers comprehensive and overarching protection with its MDR service and in-depth OT expertise across multiple sites  Reduces capital expenditures by up to 80 percent and lowers ongoing operating costs for cyber defense by up to 50 percent  With its new Managed Detection and Response (MDR) service, Siemens Smart Infrastructure is strengthening cyber resilience for energy suppliers and operators of energy-intensive industries and critical infrastructures like data centers and airports. As information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) continue to converge, companies are being challenged to manage a growing flood of security alerts. They often lack the required staffing with the appropriate expertise and 24/7 availability. The new service from Siemens addresses this gap and helps companies operate their increasingly digitalized systems securely, in compliance with NIS 2 EU-wide legislation concerning cybersecurity and from a single source of trust. Compared to setting up in-house 24/7 Security Operations Center (SOC), Siemens’ MDR service reduces investment costs by up to 80 percent. Ongoing operating costs for cyber defense are reduced by up to 50 percent through a predictable and scalable service model that is NIS 2-compliant. The MDR service provides 24/7 protection through monitoring, analysis of potential incidents, and recommendations for action. This enables up to 90 percent faster defense against cyber threats. The process begins with collecting security-related data from the customer’s IT and OT systems, which is securely transmitted to the Security Operations Center (SOC). The core task is alarm assessment and incident handling: Incoming events are analyzed, classified, and prioritized from false alarms to critical incidents. Based on this, the customer receives specific recommendations for mitigation and resolution. To ensure smart and proactive threat detection, the detection rules are continuously maintained, expanded, and adapted to new threat landscapes. “Today, energy security is inextricably linked to cybersecurity. This is precisely where we offer our customers crucial support,” said Stephan May, CEO of Electrification and Automation at Siemens Smart Infrastructure. “Our MDR service combines technology with the expertise of our OT specialists. This allows operators of critical infrastructure to focus on their core business while we protect their systems from cyberattacks. This is the only way we can securely advance the digital transformation and help accelerate the energy transition.” One of the first companies to benefit from this comprehensive protection is Hertener Stadtwerke, a municipal utility in Germany. It is already using the new MDR service to safeguard its operational systems. “The requirements for cybersecurity, especially for critical infrastructures like ours, are constantly increasing,” said Stefan Burkert, Head of Communications Technology at Hertener Stadtwerke. “The MDR service from Siemens is a crucial building block for us to meet these requirements and protect our critical infrastructure. It helps us comply with regulations and gives us peace of mind knowing that our systems are monitored by experts at all times. It allows us to focus on ensuring a reliable energy supply.” The MDR service provides the highest level of cybersecurity in accordance with the principles of the Charter of Trust. Siemens thereby helps operators of critical infrastructure worldwide to drive their digital transformation forward in a secure, scalable, and cost-effective manner. Initiated by Siemens, the Charter of Trust calls for binding rules and standards to build trust in cybersecurity and further advance digitalization. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Siemens Smart Infrastructure has launched a new, comprehensive portfolio of direct current (DC) protection and switching solutions, solidifying its position as a pioneer in the DC era. The new offering, including the innovative SENTRON 3QD2 semiconductor circuit breaker and the SIRIUS 3RF5 solid-state switching device, is designed to meet the growing demand for sustainable, efficient, and reliable low-voltage power distribution and industrial switching technology. Integrated in power distribution systems such as SIVACON S8 low-voltage switchboard and SIVACON 8PS busbar trunking systems, these solutions are particularly crucial for high-performance applications such as data centers, especially AI Factories, production facilities and battery storage systems, as well as for the integration of renewable energies. The shift from widely used AC (Alternating Current) systems towards DC technology is a critical step in the global energy transition. Renewable energy sources like photovoltaics (PV) and battery storage systems generate or store electricity as Direct Current. By reducing conversion (DC to AC) losses and enabling the direct integration of renewable energy sources, DC systems offer a more efficient and sustainable alternative to traditional AC grids. Siemens is at the forefront of this transformation, with a deep commitment to research and development, demonstrated by its active participation in initiatives like the Open Direct Current Alliance (ODCA) and Current/OS. A key innovation in the new portfolio is the SENTRON 3QD2 semiconductor circuit breaker. Based on semiconductor technology and smart protection algorithms, it enables ultra-fast interruption of short circuits in the microsecond range, up to 1,000 times faster than conventional systems. This is mandatory for DC grids and offers a significant increase of protection and system availability. “With the consistent development of our pioneering semiconductor switching technology, we enable a new level of electrical safety also for the DC era,” said Andreas Matthé, CEO of Electrical Products at Siemens. The parametrizable SENTRON 3QD2 combines protection, switching, monitoring, and energy management in a single compact and multifunctional unit, replacing multiple components and saving significant space. Being maintenance-free with no mechanical wear parts, the SENTRON 3QD2 ensures a long service life and maximum plant availability, making it ideal for critical infrastructure. “Our new DC portfolio equips customers with innovative solutions that not only enhance energy efficiency but also enable them to build a more resilient, future-ready infrastructure. This is a crucial contribution to the decarbonization of our industries and a testament to our commitment to creating technologies with purpose,” Andreas Matthé added. Complementing the SENTRON 3QD2 is the new SIRIUS 3RF5 solid-state switching device, the first of its kind for DC applications. It is designed for high-frequency switching of resistive loads, offering a low wear and durable solution that enhances the efficiency and availability of industrial plants. The SIRIUS 3RF5 also carries the Siemens EcoTech Label, highlighting its sustainable and transparent product design. Together with the SIVACON S8 low-voltage switchboard (with Siemens EcoTech Label), SIVACON 8PS busbar trunking systems as well as integrated DC protection and switching devices, we are paving the way for new DC solutions, supporting a high level of reliability and efficiency in production or infrastructure. The advantages of DC solutions extend beyond individual products. By implementing DC grids, customers can achieve significant cost and material savings. For example, in a manufacturing setting with the use of robots, applying DC technology combined with energy recuperation and storage can reduce peak power demand by up to 80 percent, leading to substantial cost reductions. Furthermore, DC systems eliminate the need for reactive power compensation and require less copper in cabling, resulting in up to 50 percent material savings and a smaller environmental footprint. Siemens will present its new portfolio at the Hannover Messe 2026 in Hall 27, booth A 48. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Global thermal imaging manufacturer TOPDON has launched the TC001 Max, a dual-lens smartphone-connected thermal camera aimed at HVAC engineers, electrical contractors and building services technicians. The camera combines an infrared sensor with a built-in visible light camera, fusing the two images together to give engineers precise, on-screen fault location across heating, ventilation, air conditioning refrigeration systems and electrical wiring. Fault-finding is the most time-intensive part of any HVAC call-out, and the most commercially sensitive. Whether it’s a refrigerant leak that has partially migrated, an underperforming heat exchanger, a poorly balanced duct system or a faulty contactor running hot inside a panel, the challenge is always the same: identifying the precise source quickly, without unnecessary dismantling, and with enough evidence to justify the repair to the customer. Traditional fault-finding methods like feeling pipework by hand, checking pressures at service ports, or isolating circuits one by one, are slow, often inconclusive, and leave the engineer with limited visual evidence to share with the customer or building manager. An experienced engineer working through an intermittent fault on a multi-zone system can lose an hour to tracing work that a thermal scan would resolve in minutes. The TC001 Max solves this by rendering heat distribution across any system as a live visual image, without contact. Blocked heat exchangers, poorly insulated pipework, overheating electrical contactors and air infiltration points in building fabric all produce distinct thermal signatures that become immediately visible on screen. Until recently, equipment capable of this level of sensitivity in a field environment cost several thousand pounds and was largely confined to specialist thermographic survey contractors. TOPDON has deliberately priced the TC001 Max to make thermal imaging a practical day-to-day tool rather than a specialist hire item. It connects directly to iOS, Android or Windows devices, using the engineer’s existing smartphone or tablet as its display, interface and storage platform. This removes the need for a dedicated screen and battery pack, which account for a significant portion of the cost of conventional handheld thermal cameras. The camera’s 256 × 192 infrared sensor is upscaled to 512 × 384 pixels through TOPDON’s TISR processing, giving resolution sufficient to distinguish temperature variation across individual components rather than broad surface areas. Thermal sensitivity of ≤40mK (NETD) means the camera picks up the small differentials that matter in HVAC and electrical diagnosis – a slightly cool section of refrigerant pipework, a marginally warm return air grille, or early-stage bearing heat in fan motor assemblies. A 25Hz refresh rate keeps the image fluid during live scanning. The key differentiator is the TC001 Max’s dual-lens design. Unlike single-sensor thermal cameras that produce a thermal-only image, the TC001 Max pairs its infrared sensor with a built-in visible light camera and electronically fuses the two into a single blended image. Five selectable fusion modes let the engineer dial between full thermal and full visible, with blended options in between, so component outlines remain sharp and identifiable even when scanning a densely packed plant room or electrical panel. In practice, this means an engineer can see exactly which valve body, terminal block or pipe joint is the source of a thermal anomaly. For building envelope surveys, where identifying the precise location of insulation voids or air infiltration paths is critical to a useful report, the fused image is particularly valuable. “HVAC engineers are under constant pressure to diagnose faster and document better,” said Oscar Diaz, CEO of TOPDON Europe. “The TC001 Max gives them a tool that does both. The fused imaging puts the fault location in the image itself, which speeds up the diagnosis and gives the engineer something concrete to show the customer.” The TC001 Max works with TOPDON’s TopInfrared (Mobile) and TopView (PC) applications across iOS, Android, and Windows, supporting thermal image capture, spot and area temperature measurement, isotherm analysis, and structured PDF report creation – including client-ready reports with annotated images and temperature readings suitable for handover to building managers or FM teams. When used alongside TOPDON’s TopFix AI, thermal findings can be cross-referenced against fault data to accelerate diagnosis and inform repair recommendations. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Building on the success of its ECOMOD 290HT natural refrigerant commercial heat pumps, Ideal Commercial Heating has expanded the range to include a 65kW model to meet demand for higher output systems.  This takes the ECOMOD 290HT range to four chassis sizes and six available outputs, from 15kW to 65kW. ECOMOD 290HT monobloc air source heat pumps have an exceptionally low global warming potential (GWP) of just three, thanks to the use of R290 natural refrigerant. The lower the GWP, the lower the contribution to climate change. Furthermore, with the 2014 F-Gas Regulations and, more recently, the EU’s Regulation 2024/573 pushing for a refrigerant phase-down, the use of low-GWP refrigerants helps future proof investments made in natural refrigerant heat pumps. The new ECOMOD 290HT 65kW has a maximum flow temperature of 70°C and an excellent coefficient of performance (CoP) of up to 4.6 which means it produces up to 4.6 units of heat for every single unit of electrical energy consumed. You can also cascade up to seven of these new 65kW models for where greater heating outputs are required. Whilst an integral control unit is included as standard, optional control units are available for cascade and where no BMS is present. As with other ECOMOD heat pumps, the ECOMOD 290HT 65kW can be used in a hybrid heating system.  It integrates seamlessly with other Ideal Commercial Heating products – including the EVOMAX 2 and IMAX XTRA 2 condensing boilers – to create efficient, low-carbon hybrid heating solutions. Commenting on this latest addition to the ECOMOD range, Chris Caton, Product Director – Commercial, at Ideal Heating said: “Ideal Heating has been providing heating solutions for the UK market for well over 100 years.  We have stood the test of time and built a reputation based on our ability to deliver customers with quality, reliable commercial heating solutions that meet contemporary market conditions.  Investing further in our ECOMOD heat pump range, including our latest natural refrigerant models, enables us to provide an even wider range of outputs to meet the changing needs of our customers.  As the market for heat pumps continues to grow, we will continue to stay ahead of the curve, delivering products and solutions that will support market needs now and in to the future.” All ECOMOD heat pumps are backed by a five-year warranty when commissioned by Ideal Commercial Heating. Ideal Commercial Heating remains the only manufacturer to continuously provide a free commissioning service across its commercial ECOMOD heat pumps and condensing boilers, helping contractors save time and reduce costs, whilst ensuring optimal system setup and performance. Ideal Commercial Heating continues to deliver advanced commercial heating solutions developed in line with emerging technologies, market requirements, and environmental legislation. For more details, visit: idealcommercialheating.com/products/ecomod-290ht Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Façade lighting plays an important role in shaping how buildings are perceived after dark, while also supporting the safety and usability of outdoor spaces. For residential, hospitality and commercial environments, wall luminaires must deliver not only visual impact, but also durability, efficiency and installation flexibility. When specifying exterior wall lighting, professionals must consider a number of factors, including light distribution, colour temperature, glare control, environmental protection and long-term reliability. Increasingly, there is also demand for solutions that offer adaptability on site, allowing lighting effects to be fine-tuned to suit different architectural styles and changing project requirements. To meet these needs, LEDVANCE has expanded its outdoor luminaire portfolio with the URBAN WALL VARIO – a highly versatile, decorative wall light designed to combine architectural aesthetics with robust outdoor performance. URBAN WALL VARIO is designed to provide upward, downward or combined up-and-down light emission, enabling specifiers and installers to accentuate façade textures, highlight entrances and create depth and visual interest across building elevations. Interchangeable reflectors are supplied as standard, allowing beam angles of 30° for more focused accent lighting or 55° for a wider, softer distribution, making it easy to tailor the lighting effect to the application. On-site adjustability allows lighting effects to be fine-tuned during or after installation, with discreet controls enabling changes to light direction, colour tone and output without affecting the clean external appearance. This allows more sensitive integration of lighting with different façade materials and architectural styles. Built for long-term outdoor use, the luminaire combines robust construction with protection against weather, impact and temperature extremes, making it suitable for a wide range of exterior settings. High durability and extended service life also help to reduce maintenance demands over the lifetime of the installation. Durability remains just as critical, especially in exposed outdoor locations where luminaires must withstand weather, temperature fluctuations and physical impact over many years of operation. URBAN WALL VARIO is rated IP65 for protection against dust and water ingress and IK08 for impact resistance, with a robust aluminium housing and C4 corrosion protection to ensure long-term performance in challenging external environments. A long lifetime of up to 100,000 hours (L70/B10) further reduces maintenance requirements and supports lower whole-life costs. From an installation perspective, efficiency and adaptability are also high on the priority list. With dual cable entries for through-wiring, snap-in connectors and a mounting design that allows installation in either orientation, the luminaire accommodates varied wiring approaches and simplifies coordination on site, helping to reduce installation time on fast-paced projects. For projects requiring intelligent control and seamless integration with building management systems, URBAN WALL VARIO is also available with DALI-2 control gear. These versions enable precise digital dimming, individual addressing and flexible grouping zones. Head of Project Sales at LEDVANCE UK – David Goddard adds, “Architectural lighting should enhance a building’s character while standing up to the realities of outdoor use. Our aim with URBAN WALL VARIO was to create a solution that supports creative façade lighting while also addressing the practical challenges faced by designers and installers on site.” Supported by LEDVANCE’s technical guidance and project support services, the URBAN WALL VARIO range is positioned to help professionals deliver exterior lighting schemes that balance visual quality, reliability and ease of implementation across a wide variety of outdoor applications.  For more information, contact LEDVANCE UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Carrier Solutions UK supplied a Toshiba climate control solution for Bannatyne Health Club & Spa in Wellingborough, delivering a complete HVAC refurbishment to improve customer comfort and operational efficiency. Carrier Solutions UK Ltd (formerly Toshiba Carrier UK Ltd) is a part of Carrier Global Corporation (NYSE: CARR), global leader in intelligent climate and energy solutions. The eight-week project involved decommissioning and removing ageing R407c split systems that had reached the end of their useful lives. These systems were proving costly for Bannatyne Group to maintain, making a modern replacement essential to enhance performance and reduce operating expenses. Ventec Services Ltd, the appointed installation contractor, selected Toshiba products for their high efficiency, reliability and tailored climate control capabilities. Equipment was procured through one of Carrier’s preferred distributors, Cool Designs Ltd, ensuring a smooth and reliable supply chain throughout the project. The installed solution included Toshiba Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) systems, featuring SMMSu Heat Pump 2-pipe and SHRMe Heat Recovery 3-pipe models, as well as Toshiba Digital Inverter R32 single, twin and triple split units. The project also replaced outdated DX cooling coils and condensing units within the club’s air handling units. Key features of the new installation include inverter-driven compressors, which adjust heating and cooling output in response to real-time demand, thereby reducing power consumption during periods of low usage. A Toshiba Black Pear Central Controller was also installed, allowing the club’s General Manager to control different temperature settings across the gym, studios, spa areas and offices from within the main office. Careful planning ensured the project was completed outside opening hours, thereby minimising disruption to daily operations. “Working with Ventec and Carrier Solutions UK ensured a hassle-free installation,” said Stuart Maclachlan, Regional Manager at Bannatyne Group. “The Toshiba system has improved comfort and both members and staff have noticed the difference.” Richard Goose, Director of Ventec Services Ltd, added: “The collaboration between Ventec, Bannatyne and Carrier Solutions UK made this project a great success. Toshiba’s systems were the ideal choice for their efficiency and flexibility and we’re proud to have delivered a solution that exceeds client expectations.” For more information on Toshiba products, visit: https://www.toshiba-aircon.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals