As the Paris Olympics 2024 is about to get underway, millions of fans will travel to the French capital city to attend one of the world’s largest sporting events. Thanks to the latest technology from Johnson Controls (NYSE: JCI), they will enjoy a more comfortable experience at some of the smartest and
A new research and development centre is taking shape in Hull, as a major manufacturer continues to invest in its long-term future in the city. Ideal Heating’s UK Technology Centre will support the development of low carbon technologies, including heat pumps, and drive further innovation in the way homes can
Carrier HVAC Service recently welcomed building owners and operators to its second HVAC asset management-focused event in London to learn how to maximise HVAC system performance and create healthier, more efficient indoor environments. Carrier is part of Carrier Global Corporation (NYSE: CARR), global leader in intelligent climate and energy solutions.
Carrier has officially opened a new training academy at its Bracknell service and rentals depot. The new state-of-the-art facility reinforces Carrier’s dedication to training and inspiring the next generation of engineers and technicians while helping to address the skills gap in the HVAC sector. Carrier is part of Carrier Global
Freedom Heat Pumps, one of the UK’s largest dedicated heat pump distributors, has chosen Baxi to forge a new strategic partnership, combining Freedom’s market expertise with Baxi’s heat pump range and award winning back-up customer service and support network. Chris Higgs, Managing Director of Freedom Heat Pumps, said “I’m proud to represent a
Baxi has added new Auriga medium temperature monobloc heat pumps, compatible cascade and hybrid controls, and a pre-contract design guidance service to its existing commercial heat pump offering. Leading heating and hot water solutions provider Baxi has announced the arrival of its new Auriga mid-temperature monobloc commercial heat pump series
Siemens Healthineers has announced a new facility in North Oxfordshire that will design and manufacture superconducting magnets used in healthcare facilities globally for MRI patient scans. With an investment of £250 million, the site will be home to novel technology that minimises the use of helium, making scanners lighter, easier
Wolseley Group today announced the launch of a new offering to its customers, ‘Renewables by Wolseley’, to help installers get the job done on renewable projects. The ‘Renewables by Wolseley’ range features a wide variety of products, including, Air Source Heat Pumps, Ground Source Heat Pumps, District Heating Solutions, Solar
Siemens Building Products has won the ‘Technical Innovation of the Year’ category in the biggest Awards scheme for the building controls and BEMS (Building & Energy Management System) industry. Siemens Wireless Room Solution won the hotly contested product category, sponsored by CIBSE, as one of six finalists at the BCIA
Honeywell security, fire and life safety technologies will be on interactive display at The Security Event on April 30 – May 2 in Birmingham at Stand 5/F20. The showcased Honeywell technologies help building (or facility) decision makers and operators manage threats while improving uptimes and driving operational efficiencies all delivered
BDC 319 : Aug 2024
As the Paris Olympics 2024 is about to get underway, millions of fans will travel to the French capital city to attend one of the world’s largest sporting events. Thanks to the latest technology from Johnson Controls (NYSE: JCI), they will enjoy a more comfortable experience at some of the smartest and most energy-efficient stadiums on the continent. By integrating advanced building automation systems, HVAC and fire suppression technologies across eight venues, the company not only is helping the International Olympic Committee prioritise safety and operational efficiency but also is contributing to the Committee’s ambitious goal of reducing the event’s carbon footprint by 50% compared to previous Games. Achieving this goal required making the building infrastructure behind the games’ venues more energy efficient and sustainable. For example, two of the latest innovations of Johnson Controls’ York 3.3 MW industrial chillers are in operation at the new cooling production plant, the La Chapelle plant, located in the Adidas Arena sports and cultural complex. As the twelfth power plant in the city of Paris’ cooling network, it meets the cooling needs of the Adidas Arena and the surrounding area. This equipment provides sustainable and energy-efficient cooling at one of the flagship sites of the Olympic Games. “With temperatures rising year on year and heatwaves becoming the norm, the need for sustainable cooling technology is critical to ensure optimal conditions in venues while minimising the impact on the planet,” said Marc Vandiepenbeeck, CFO and EMEALA President for Johnson Controls. “Chillers are one of the most energy-consuming pieces of equipment in a building and represent an important opportunity to cut energy use and cost, while minimising carbon footprint and delivering a healthier indoor environment.” A further example is a renowned tennis stadium where the Johnson Controls Metasys building automation system links the most vital building equipment including HVAC, lighting control and energy management. The system controls and monitors performance and provides real-time data so facility managers can identify potential issues, make adjustments and ensure the stadium is running as efficiently and sustainably as possible. “We are proud to work with these prestigious venues and help our customers achieve their desired outcomes in energy efficiency, carbon reduction emissions, safety, security and building management. Our expertise in smart stadiums and large venues has made Johnson Controls the partner of choice for stadiums across the world and we continue to innovate in this space to further elevate the fan experience,” continued Vandiepenbeeck. Johnson Controls drives fan engagement, operational efficiency and sustainability with innovative building technology at sports and entertainment venues across the globe. The company provides smart buildings solutions to Intaleq in Doha,Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, O2 Arena in London, Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Chase Centre in San Francisco, Borussia Dortmund at SIGNAL IDUNA PARK, and more. It offers its full range of technologies for this sector including its OpenBlue digital platform, building automation system, HVAC, fire detection and suppression Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A new research and development centre is taking shape in Hull, as a major manufacturer continues to invest in its long-term future in the city. Ideal Heating’s UK Technology Centre will support the development of low carbon technologies, including heat pumps, and drive further innovation in the way homes can be heated sustainably. After a competitive tender process, Ideal Heating appointed Henry Boot Construction as lead contractor on the project. The project is backed by more than £2m of seed capital funding from Humber Freeport, having been identified as a significant project which will help the region decarbonise its industries and transition to a net zero economy. The steelwork for the UK Technology Centre is now in place, with work on the new facility moving forward at pace. Craig Finn, Director at Henry Boot Construction said: “We are delighted to be delivering this significant technology centre in Hull. “Sustainability and innovation are at the heart of our business, so it’s a pleasure to be working with a company that shares these values, alongside playing our part in contributing to a greener future for the UK. “Like us, Ideal Heating is always looking to integrate new technologies and be at the forefront of the sector — in particular, trying to deliver more innovative low-carbon solutions — so this partnership was the perfect fit.” Ideal Heating Chief Operations Officer, Jason Speedy, further emphasised the importance of innovative technologies: “The UK Technology Centre represents a significant investment in more ways than one. “We’re part-way through a £60m development programme at our National Avenue headquarters in Hull, largely focused on heat pump production, distribution and innovation. The R&D facility forms a key part of that programme. “But, more than that, the UK Technology Centre signals a new chapter in our 100-plus years of history in Hull. It will enable us to continue the evolution of the products which will heat homes for decades to come.” The UK Technology Centre will provide a purpose-designed new home for Ideal Heating’s expert R&D team, which has an increasing range of engineering roles related to design, development, electronics, simulation and product testing. The 38,000 sq ft facility will house a heat pump testing area, workshop spaces and a training room, as well as new laboratory facilities. In addition to increasing Ideal Heating’s R&D capacities, the Technology Centre will boast excellent sustainability credentials, with roof-mounted solar panels and air source heat pumps. LED lighting and controls will also help to reduce energy consumption within the building and high-performance building fabrics will reduce heat loss. The facility is set to be operational in early 2025 and will house a range of simulators, test rigs and environmental chambers, all of which will advance the efficiency and performance of Ideal Heating’s product portfolio. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Carrier HVAC Service recently welcomed building owners and operators to its second HVAC asset management-focused event in London to learn how to maximise HVAC system performance and create healthier, more efficient indoor environments. Carrier is part of Carrier Global Corporation (NYSE: CARR), global leader in intelligent climate and energy solutions. Held at The Gherkin in central London, guests from various sectors, including real estate management, hospitality, healthcare, education, banking, energy, transport, and local authorities, explored how market trends are driving Carrier’s proactive performance upgrades, modernisation strategies, and predictive maintenance to enhance equipment efficiency and lifespan. “With HVAC systems, traditional maintenance alone is no longer sufficient,” said Ralph Davies, Head of Sales, Carrier Service. “Around 80% of the buildings we have today will still be in use in 2050. In order to optimise HVAC performance, enhance energy efficiency, and drive decarbonisation efforts, organisations need to shift to a total asset management approach.” Attendees also had the opportunity to hear about a number of recent projects where Carrier’s life cycle asset management provides substantial improvements in energy efficiency, reduced CO2 emissions and cost savings to its customers. “Our second Life Cycle Asset Management event at the Gherkin was another insightful afternoon,” continued Davies. “It reinforced how connected services, such as Carrier’s BluEdge® service solution integrated with the Abound™ cloud-based connected services platform, can provide real-time data and analytics to enhance system performance. This in turn helps maximise equipment uptime, reduce operational costs, enhance efficiency, and contribute to decarbonisation goals.” The asset management-focused series, which launched in January 2024, aims to equip professionals with the knowledge to unlock their HVAC system’s full potential through Carrier’s life cycle asset management capabilities. As urbanisation accelerates, with 80% of the global population projected to live in cities by 2050, decarbonisation and improving indoor air quality are more crucial than ever. Carrier is committed to addressing these challenges and will host other events in this series in cities across the UK later this year and into 2025. To find out more about Carrier’s life cycle asset management solutions, visit: www.carrier.com/commercial/en/uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Carrier has officially opened a new training academy at its Bracknell service and rentals depot. The new state-of-the-art facility reinforces Carrier’s dedication to training and inspiring the next generation of engineers and technicians while helping to address the skills gap in the HVAC sector. Carrier is part of Carrier Global Corporation (NYSE: CARR), global leader in intelligent climate and energy solutions. The training academy offers trainee engineers and technicians hands-on experience with Carrier’s commercial product portfolio, including heat pumps, chillers, and air handling units. To enhance their learning and understanding of total life cycle asset management, trainees can also gain skills in service repairs and upgrades, such as VFD (Variable Frequency Drives), refrigerant, compressor overhauls and controls, as well as modernisation and preventative and predictive maintenance. Opening the academy is an important step towards Carrier’s Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) goal to support its customers’ shift towards sustainable solutions and avoid more than 1 gigaton of greenhouse gas emissions from their carbon footprint by 2030. “The grand opening of our new training academy marks a significant milestone for Carrier and stands as a testament to our commitment to building a skilled workforce capable of leading the way in intelligent climate and energy solutions,” said Andrew Paddock, Managing Director Carrier Commercial HVAC UK and Nordics. “We recognise that a future without new talent and continual skill enhancement makes it difficult to fully embrace the electrification of heating systems and to meet net zero targets.” During the grand opening, guests were able to tour the new facilities and see learning come to life with equipment demonstrations. Attendees also celebrated the achievements of its graduating apprentices who have progressed through Carrier’s Apprenticeship programme. Shortly after, guests then heard more about how Carrier is actively growing its apprenticeship programme with the recent appointment of a dedicated apprenticeship programme leader, Adele Watson, along with plans to recruit 20 new apprentices in the coming months. “With the skills gap growing and the industry at risk of losing a wealth of knowledge when our experienced technicians retire, it is crucial that we invest in training new talent,” said Adele Watson, Apprenticeship Programme Lead UK. “Our apprenticeship programme, supported by our new training academy, is designed to help young people master skills for the future so we can achieve sustainability and decarbonisation goals.” Over the coming months, Carrier will develop a training programme focused on educating its engineers about the adoption of new refrigerants, including R290, and invite customers and contract partners to experience exclusive training days at the new facility, further enhancing their awareness and understanding of Carrier’s HVAC solutions. Additionally, the training academy will also be utilised for Carrier’s CIBSE-approved CPD training courses to support HVAC professional’s ongoing professional growth. For more information, visit www.carrier.com/commercial/en/uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Freedom Heat Pumps, one of the UK’s largest dedicated heat pump distributors, has chosen Baxi to forge a new strategic partnership, combining Freedom’s market expertise with Baxi’s heat pump range and award winning back-up customer service and support network. Chris Higgs, Managing Director of Freedom Heat Pumps, said “I’m proud to represent a highly regarded British brand like Baxi and we’re excited to support Baxi’s growth in this increasingly important part of the heating industry.” Freedom Heat Pumps was founded in 2010 and has established its reputation for a full range of heat pumps, complementary accessories and cylinders. By selecting Baxi to sit alongside other top brands, the partnership is a statement of confidence in Baxi’s role and opportunity in the heat pump market and sustainable energy solutions, says the company. Baxi’s Bamber Bridge factory is less than two miles from Freedom’s distribution centre, giving the match an additional closeness to ensure a seamless integration of Baxi’s products into Freedom’s distribution channels. “Being neighbours in Bamber Bridge underscores the efficiency and alignment between our two companies, which we expect will lead to faster delivery times and superior customer service” said Rob Pearse, Baxi’s Distribution Sales Director. Baxi already makes pre-plumbed cylinders and other internal components required for a heat pump installation at its Lancashire factory, and is developing its business to become a partner of choice in the heat pump market. An example of this development is the recently launched initiative with Carno, aimed at simplifying heat pump installations for installers and available through Baxi’s training programmes. Carno’s digital survey and design tool with automated MCS documentation can save 8-10 hours per job. Related to that is a significant investment in Baxi’s training capability to grow opportunities for installers to partner with Baxi to gain heat pump skills. In 2022 Freedom became part of Certas Energy, part of the FTSE listed DCC Plc Group, giving its customers access to a broad portfolio of lower carbon options to power and heat their home. For more information, please visit Baxi and Freedom Heat Pumps.
Baxi has added new Auriga medium temperature monobloc heat pumps, compatible cascade and hybrid controls, and a pre-contract design guidance service to its existing commercial heat pump offering. Leading heating and hot water solutions provider Baxi has announced the arrival of its new Auriga mid-temperature monobloc commercial heat pump series with compatible cascade and hybrid controls. Baxi’s expanded commercial heat pump offering, now backed with a design guidance service from its technical solutions team, will be supported by a high temperature R290 (propane) heat pump range later this year. Baxi’s new air to water Auriga Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) series can achieve temperatures of up to 60°C with reduced global warming potential (GWP) due to the R32 refrigerant. Available in single outputs of 20 kw, 26 kW, 33kW and 40 kW, with cascade options of up to 320 kW, the new Auriga series offers design flexibility for commercial buildings of all sizes. As part of the new Auriga range, Baxi has launched a series of Auriga-compatible cascade and hybrid controls to maximise system efficiency. The new Baxi Commercial HVAC (CHVAC) Manager offers modular and flexible control of hybrid heating systems, with the option to cascade up to eight heat generators (either eight ASHPs or a combination of ASHPs and boilers). The new Auriga indoor controller is designed for simple ASHP cascade system control. The new Baxi VM-T controller can be used as an extension to increase the number of secondary zones controlled. The CHVAC Manager also enables connection to a BMS through Modbus or 0-10V for full remote monitoring and system optimisation. James Matthews, Director of Building Solutions at Baxi, said: “Our new Baxi Auriga ASHP has been designed with efficiency, occupant comfort and design flexibility in mind. Its excellent seasonal coefficient of performance (SCOP) of up to 4.83 at W35 is combined with quiet operation and sound power of less than 65 dBA. “To help tackle the decarbonisation challenge and ensure optimal whole-life benefit from ASHPs, we have evolved our commercial customer support service as well as our heat pump range. At the outset, our technical sales team work collaboratively with our customers to understand their project goals, scoping out potential solutions and feasibility studies. “Following this initial assessment, our newly formed technical solutions team support our customers with system design, system sizing and simulation testing to assess solution suitability against the project requirements. “By partnering with customers at the early stages, we can not only supply the required ASHP system components, but the precise, validated advice, backed with predicted energy and carbon savings and capital expenditure modelling, that will help make the switch to ASHPs more seamless.” Designed, manufactured and tested at Baxi’s dedicated commercial heat pump facility in Vilafranca, Spain, Baxi’s new Auriga series comes with full Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) to help customers assess the embodied carbon of their projects. The Auriga is backed with a Parts and Labour warranty of up to 5 years when commissioned by Baxi or a Baxi-authorised engineer. The Auriga is available to quote now, for July delivery. Features and benefits at a glance Dimensions For more information, visit: https://www.baxi.co.uk/lp/baxi-auriga-air-source-heat-pump Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Siemens Healthineers has announced a new facility in North Oxfordshire that will design and manufacture superconducting magnets used in healthcare facilities globally for MRI patient scans. With an investment of £250 million, the site will be home to novel technology that minimises the use of helium, making scanners lighter, easier to install and more sustainable. Construction has begun on the 56,000m2 site, which will support more than 1,300 skilled jobs. It will be the UK’s first major production site for new so-called DryCool technology, which reduces the amount of helium required in an MRI scanner from 1,500 litres to under a single litre. The new facility, which will be operationally carbon-neutral, will provide a range of financial, infrastructure and environmental benefits to the local economy from its planned opening in 2026, underlining the company’s decades-long commitment to manufacturing in the Oxford area. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “I am delighted Siemens Healthineers has chosen Oxfordshire for its new facility, supporting over 1,300 skilled jobs in the area, and reinforcing the region’s status as a vanguard in healthcare and R&D. But as well as the incredible local benefits this will bring, this cutting-edge facility also presents an opportunity to enhance patient care globally – which means British innovation is saving lives around the world.” Chief executive of Siemens Healthineers Bernd Montag said: “MRI technology plays a vital role in diagnosing disease, helping patients to get healthy and stay healthy. As a world leader in medical imaging, we are very proud to open the next chapter of our history here in Oxford. This factory will be the global centre for our innovative low-helium magnet technology, meaning we consume far less of a scarce natural resource and enable access to MRIs for many more patients.” With high-end manufacturing automation technology in place, Siemens Healthineers will provide vital additional capacity to help satisfy rising global demand for MRI products as populations age and chronic diseases become more prevalent. The new factory will include a research and development hub responsible for new technologies such as designing and manufacturing some of the world’s smallest and most lightweight whole-body scanners. As one of six current and future Siemens Healthineers manufacturing sites in the UK, the new facility underscores the company’s significant high-tech footprint across the country. The new site is set to support over 1,300 jobs when fully operational, including the retention of over 600 Oxfordshire-based jobs currently at an existing Siemens Healthineers facility in Eynsham. Many of the roles are for highly skilled workers such as physicists, engineers, technicians and specialised support staff. These are in addition to workers who will be employed during the site’s construction. The phased transition is estimated to be completed by 2030, subject to variable demand for the products developed at the site. With support from developer Tritax Symmetry, the building is designed to be carbon-neutral in operation, with careful consideration for the community and environment, and strategies aimed at reducing energy demand and increasing health and wellbeing. Beyond employment, public benefits include financial investment in the local economy along with improvements to the local highway network, and environmental benefits in terms of biodiversity net gain. This is in addition to support for local services such as bus routes, footpaths and cycleways. As part of its expansion plans in Oxfordshire, Siemens Healthineers Magnet Technology will be renewing its education commitments to the local community. This includes the provision of mentoring services to students in nearby schools, in addition to increasing apprenticeship intake by a quarter over a three-year programme. The company is also a main sponsor of the Oxford Science and Ideas Festival, inspiring young people to find out more about science, technology, engineering and mathematics in the area.
Wolseley Group today announced the launch of a new offering to its customers, ‘Renewables by Wolseley’, to help installers get the job done on renewable projects. The ‘Renewables by Wolseley’ range features a wide variety of products, including, Air Source Heat Pumps, Ground Source Heat Pumps, District Heating Solutions, Solar Panels, Battery Storage and Accessories, Heat Emitters, Biomass Solutions, Ventilation Systems and Heat Interface Units. The initial range will feature products from industry-leading brands including Panasonic, Vaillant, Mitsubishi, Samsung, Bosch, Ideal, Daikin and Grant. It will launch through all 400+ Plumb Centre branches and online at www.wolseley.co.uk/renewables from Tuesday 28 May 2024. Wolseley continues to invest in colleague training to build further expertise within renewables. Additional to this, they have also launched a specialist hub to support teams in helping customers with product queries and quotations in the renewables space. Chief Operating Officer, John Hancock, said: “’Renewables by Wolseley’ is part of a longer-term strategy to enhance our capabilities and offering in renewable heating and energy efficient solutions. The aim is to connect our customers, colleagues, and suppliers in delivering energy-efficient solutions into the market that make a difference.” “Renewables is a rapidly developing sector; our aim is to help customers grow their expertise to install energy-efficient products with confidence. With our vast product range and in-house support hub, we aim to be the trusted partner for our customers as they navigate the ever-evolving landscape of renewable energy technologies. I believe that by working together with our partners and customers, we can make a significant environmental impact.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Siemens Building Products has won the ‘Technical Innovation of the Year’ category in the biggest Awards scheme for the building controls and BEMS (Building & Energy Management System) industry. Siemens Wireless Room Solution won the hotly contested product category, sponsored by CIBSE, as one of six finalists at the BCIA (Building Controls Industry Association) Awards dinner at The Eastside Rooms in Birmingham on 2 May, 2024. It was the first time the Awards have been presented at this venue which saw almost 500 people attend the annual celebration of innovation, product development, project delivery and training in this important sector of the construction industry. The Wireless Room Solution from Siemens features three new sensors as part of the company’s ongoing development of the company’s expanding IoT range. The battery-operated sensors allow quick and easy installation to provide important monitoring of indoor air quality (IAQ), with three options available: temperature only; temperature and relative humidity; temperature, relative humidity and CO2. With buildings being repurposed and reconfigured, the capability for ease of installation or relocation of sensors to meet new requirements without damaging walls and ceilings through re-wiring is a particular advantage. With CO2 being an excellent indicator of IAQ, the new sensor offers a measurement accuracy of +/-2%. Open interfaces are key in enabling more intelligent room devices and building solutions. The new sensors communicate wirelessly through Thread – an open source, mesh networking, IP-based protocol – meaning they operate seamlessly, either with Siemens own BMS, such as the popular Desigo system, or with those of other manufacturers. Entrants were required to provide a testimonial from a product user and the comment on the Wireless Room Solution recognised that it was “…fast and easy to deploy with continuous data reporting capabilities, automated alarms and no line of sight required…enabling installation of 20 room sensors in a single day.” The Awards were hosted by comedian Ellie Taylor, with funds raised for Carers UK, the charity nominated by new BCIA President, Stacey Lucas. Sachin Penukonda from Siemens was also one of the nominees in the ‘Apprentice of the Year’ category which was ultimately won by Anya Turner of Schneider Electric. Commenting on the award, Ron Purcell, Product Manager for Siemens Building Products, UK and Ireland, said – “we are naturally delighted to win such a prestigious award. Innovation is so important in continuing to drive forward improvements in creating healthy, energy efficient and productive building environments so to win this category is particularly pleasing.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Honeywell security, fire and life safety technologies will be on interactive display at The Security Event on April 30 – May 2 in Birmingham at Stand 5/F20. The showcased Honeywell technologies help building (or facility) decision makers and operators manage threats while improving uptimes and driving operational efficiencies all delivered within an optimal occupant experience. In line with Honeywell’s focus on delivering robust, digitalised automation solutions, Honeywell security technologies on display include: Honeywell’s fire and life safety technologies on display include: For more information about Honeywell’s latest security and fire and life safety products, stop by stand 5/F20 at The Security Event or visit Buildings.Honeywell.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
