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Signify announces first ever on-demand CIBSE accredited CPDs

Kenneth Booth August 18, 2022

Signify (Euronext: LIGHT), the world leader in lighting, has announced five new CIBSE accredited Continuous Professional Development (CPD) courses to arm specifiers, lighting designers, facilities managers and installers with the knowledge to be able to respond to a range of business needs from meeting sustainability goals to protection from COVID-19.

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J S WRIGHT SECURES CONTRACTS FOR 800 NEW HOMES IN LONDON

Kenneth Booth October 17, 2018

Building services provider J S Wright is to design the mechanical services for 800 new homes at two major developments in north and east London. The mechanical and electrical (M&E) specialist, which has offices in Birmingham, Bristol and London, has been awarded two contracts together valued at more than £200,000

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CPW ANNOUNCES NEW COHORT OF CIBSE-ACCREDITED CONSULTANTS

Kenneth Booth October 2, 2018

TWELVE experienced engineers at national M&E consultancy Couch Perry Wilkes (CPW) have attained accreditation to join the CIBSE (Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers) Heat Networks Consultants Register. CIBSE Heat Networks Consultants are able to advise on the Code of Practice CP1 on Heat Networks, produced by CIBSE and the

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Latest Issue
Issue 328 : May 2025

CIBSE

CIBSE Building Performance Awards 2024: Celebrating excellence in the built environment

CIBSE Building Performance Awards 2024: Celebrating excellence in the built environment

BDC News Team March 4, 2024

The prestigious CIBSE Building Performance Awards 2024 took place on Thursday, February 29, at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, bringing together industry leaders, innovators, and visionaries, honouring those who have made significant contributions to advancing the building industry, pushing the boundaries of what is possible and setting new standards for excellence. Organised by the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE), the annual awards ceremony is dedicated to highlight outstanding accomplishments, acknowledging both the winners and those who secured a place on the shortlists. The Building Performance Awards undergo meticulous evaluation, emphasising data-driven performance assessment and serve as a platform to spotlight the industry’s highest achievements annually. This year’s event once more showcased a diverse range of categories, highlighting the crucial aspects that contribute to creating sustainable, efficient and innovative built environments. Some of the key categories included Best Digital Innovation, Project of the Year, Product or Innovation of the Year and Building Performance Champion. Philip Draper, Managing Director at Twenty One Engineering, was honoured with the prestigious title of Engineer of the Year. Among the numerous commendable instances of leadership and team development, Philip stood out for his unique blend of creativity and practical delivery of innovation. His genuine passion for the advancement and expansion of engineering was evident, establishing him as a true leader by example. According to the judges, Philip embodies the essence of engineering leadership, making him a deserving recipient of the Engineer of the Year award. SGA Consulting’s York Guildhall project, recognised as the Building Performance Champion of the night, has earned this prestigious title for its outstanding achievement in rejuvenating a centuries-old structure despite facing significant regulatory, historic, and environmental challenges. The judges commended the project for its excellence in navigating and overcoming these constraints. In a time when the industry confronts the urgent need to renovate existing structures to meet net-zero targets, York Guildhall stands as a symbol of potential within these limitations. The full list of winners is: Best Digital Innovation Winner: Decarbonomics™- AtkinsRéalis Sponsor: – no sponsor Building Performance Consultancy (over 300 employees) Winner: Hoare Lea Sponsor: ABB Building Performance Consultancy (51 – 300 employees) Winner: XCO2 Sponsor: Airflow Developments Building Performance Consultancy (up to 50 employees) Winner: Inkling Sponsor: Mitsubishi Electric CIBSE Embodied Carbon Award Winner: Whitecroft Lighting Sponsor: CMR Collaboration Winner: Decarbonisation via Data-Driven Collaboration – Smart Managed Solutions & Savills Sponsor: Borough Engineering Services Engineer of the Year Winner: Philip Draper, Managing Director – Twenty One Engineering Sponsor: Ideal Heating Commercial Facilities Management Winner: Broadgate – British Land Sponsor: Gratte Brothers Group Learning and Development Winner: Unlocking Potential: CSA’s Commissioning Management Training & Development – Commissioning Specialists Association Sponsor: Automated Logic, A Carrier Company Product or Innovation of the Year – Air Quality Winner: Vent-Axia Sentinel Apex – Vent-Axia Sponsor: CIBSE Patrons Product or Innovation of the Year – Thermal Comfort Winner: New Modular Highline 235 Fan Coil Range – Diffusion Sponsor: – No sponsor Product or Innovation of the Year – Wellbeing Winner: Clarence System – Remote Water Monitoring – Angel Guard Sponsor: Tamlite Lighting Project of the Year – Commercial and Offices Winner: York guildhall – SGA Consulting Sponsor: Crane Fluid Systems Project of the Year – International Winner: Kyoto City Hall Annex Building – Nikken Sekkei Sponsor: Crane Fluid Systems Project of the Year – Leisure Winner: Ravelin Sports Centre – Max Fordham Sponsor: Crane Fluid Systems Project of the Year – Public Use Winner: Hackbridge Primary School – Introba/Architype Sponsor: Crane Fluid Systems Project of the Year – Residential Winner: Bryn Bragl – Hoare Lea Sponsor: Crane Fluid Systems Project of the Year – Retrofit Winner: York guildhall – SGA Consulting Sponsor: Crane Fluid Systems Building Performance Champion Winner: York guildhall – SGA Consulting Sponsor: Tamlite Lighting Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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2023: The future of PropTech in decarbonising the built environment

2023: The future of PropTech in decarbonising the built environment

BDC News Team January 9, 2023

At the start of a new year, businesses usually consider the big decisions about how they will run, maintain, and enhance their operations for the year ahead. But this year, many businesses will have bigger and far more crucial decisions than ever before to make.  With the ongoing economic crisis and high energy prices, many businesses have already been faced with the dilemma of whether or not they can continue to run and to what extent purse strings will need to be tightened.  When investing for the long-term, money-saving tools might seem like just another outgoing that some businesses may struggle to afford, but several PropTech solutions could help UK businesses deliver on their net-zero targets, whilst also reducing energy costs.  The growth of PropTech Understanding the way buildings run and how their energy is used is crucial in the effort to decarbonise the built environment. From installing solar panels to reducing simultaneous heating and cooling and fitting automated lighting, there are numerous ways that buildings can save energy – particularly in commercial offices that might not be used to full capacity every day. One of the most effective ways for businesses to harness the power of PropTech is by applying data technology to their buildings. In 2020, 38% of UK PropTech companies were working in the commercial property sector – a number that will have likely risen exponentially in the face of increasing economic challenges and investment in these solutions.  In 2021, investment in the cleantech sector hit record highs, showing that concern about the climate crisis remains a priority. These notions also suggest that businesses and the government are welcoming the idea that sustainable technology is the present, not just the future, and is something to be harnessed rather than feared or dismissed. As many business leaders and politicians already know, green tech and PropTech isn’t just an important element in the fight against climate change; it’s also essential for boosting the UK economy. In November 2022, International Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch said: “Now is the time to future-proof our economy by investing in cutting-edge green technology, protecting our long-term energy security and creating thousands of jobs in industries of the future.” This was followed by a government investment, which was announced in the autumn statement. It stated that “[green technology] will be supported through measures to reduce unnecessary regulation and boost innovation and growth.” This included further plans to invest in and support green industries as a key growth sector. Reducing impact throughout a building’s lifecycle   The built environment is a major contributor to global carbon emissions, and with the use of green technologies this sector could drastically improve and reduce its impact. A report by venture capital firm A/O PropTech found that the future of green construction technology has the potential to be so effective, it could decarbonise the built world altogether. When we talk about the reducing impact of a building, many of us think of the adaptations that can be made for a building to be more carbon efficient during its operation. However, truly effective decarbonisation in the built environment needs to focus more widely on the building’s entire lifecycle, from the transportation of materials, to the construction process, and then the operational lifetime. Another benefit of PropTech when it comes to reducing the impact of a building throughout its lifecycle is that it can help to close the performance gap between the design and operation of a building. A study known as PROBE (Post Occupancy Review of Buildings and their Engineering), which looked at 23 buildings considered to be ‘exemplar designs’, between 1995 and 2002, found that actual energy usage in buildings often proved to be twice as much as predicted, with more recent studies suggesting this number could be as much as 5-10 times higher than expected. In addition, recent reports suggest that there is also a knowledge gap with regard to data analytics which means building teams are less likely to address suboptimal operations through building insights. This implies that more education around the need for these solutions might be needed.   Ultimately, the design of these buildings looked promising, but the reality was less so. With PropTech, buildings can take control of their energy usage and make efforts to keep it closely in line with their targets from the start.  How we’re helping the built environment  Last year, Demand Logic was proud to help even more partners reduce their energy usage by helping identify savings opportunities equivalent to over 90,000 tonnes of CO2e and improve indoor air quality. We’ve become a WiredScore accredited solution and have been shortlisted for the CIBSE Building Performance Awards 2023.  As well as continuing to improve and enhance our technology, we’ve been growing our team to help meet the increased demand and appetite for PropTech solutions, which is only growing as more businesses understand the need to lower emissions in the built environment. Want to know more about Demand Logic, how it works, and how it could benefit your building? Get in touch today. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Signify announces first ever on-demand CIBSE accredited CPDs

Kenneth Booth August 18, 2022

Signify (Euronext: LIGHT), the world leader in lighting, has announced five new CIBSE accredited Continuous Professional Development (CPD) courses to arm specifiers, lighting designers, facilities managers and installers with the knowledge to be able to respond to a range of business needs from meeting sustainability goals to protection from COVID-19. Ranging from topics like the correct use of UV-C technology as an added layer for disinfection to driving better connectivity through lighting, the five new CPDs are the first ever on-demand Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) accredited CPDs. These courses are an addition to an existing portfolio of 700 courses on the Signify Lighting Academy that delivers training to thousands of subscribers. The trainings are available on demand, and at the end of the training, a certificate is generated confirming the CPD hours. ‘’Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is a long-term commitment to undertake the systematic maintenance, improvement and broadening of knowledge and skills. It is about learning and putting into practice new competencies year after year and investing in your future. The on-demand digital CPDs are a great initiative by Signify to enable installers, specifiers and the whole community to learn about the latest technologies and innovations and move with the times, as this also aligns closely with our agenda at CIBSE. I encourage other members to also introduce more digital CPDs, on an ongoing basis.’’ John Aston FSLL, a member of the CIBSE CPD panel The list of on-demand CPDs announced includes: • With the World Health Organization now focusing on UV-C technology as a means of disinfection, a recorded webinar UV-C for Disinfection – General Awareness Training, has been made available. This training, which is ideal for Installers, contractors, specifiers, distributors, resellers, lighting designers and facilities managers, focuses on UV-C lighting for disinfection, how it works, research conducted to date, the benefits, safety considerations, and applications to help keep air and surfaces free from viruses & bacteria. Most importantly, the training also teaches how installers/managers can ensure safe use of the technology. • Addressing the ongoing disinfection challenges posed by COVID-19, the CPD titled Airborne transmission – why UV air disinfection is essential? is a webinar from Harvard Professor, Edward Nardell, about the necessity of UV-C technology from a medical perspective and how UV-C technology is readily available, safe for room occupants, cost-effective, and can be implemented today, learn more. • More and more devices connect to the internet every day, most wirelessly. While wireless connectivity is a must have, conventional wireless connectivity solutions use the crowded radio spectrum to communicate. What’s more there are areas where radio frequency wireless connectivity is not permitted or the best fit. Responding to the growing need for better connectivity, the CPD titled Trulifi by Signify offers an introduction to LiFi, how coworking, equipped with Trulifi, isn’t just the preserve of the jet-set and digital nomads. • For those installers interested in biophilic design and natural light indoors, the CPD titled Biophilic Design addresses how enhancing our connection with nature is more than simply adding plants and that it’s a design ethos that can appeal to us all. The CPD covers the core principles and 14 patterns of biophilic design, a business case and research demonstrating that it is good for people, and good for business. • Lastly, another CPD added is the Connected Lighting CPD. As the climate crisis intensifies, every business needs to play its part to cut carbon emissions. The use of lighting controls can be used to improve the efficiency of a lighting system. This CPD focuses on how connected lighting can be crucial to designing an energy-efficient system, along with its benefits and applications. The CPD also helps delve into how the IoT systems from Signify can take you beyond the base requirements in Part L to create a truly efficient lighting installation. All courses listed above are 1-hour long sessions. ” We are proud to work closely with CIBSE to provide the first ever on-demand digital CPDs. With the CPDs now being available on demand, we are excited to offer the trade community continuous learning and development, on the go and play our part in making the industry grow. It is our aim is to create a complete programme of CPDs covering the entire spectrum of lighting. We see it as an important part of our role to increase knowledge and raise technical standards for the lighting industry. These CPDs also affirm our dedication to developing long-term partnerships with our customers and supporting them in delivering their lighting visions – from design through to installation and maintenance as these CPD meet a pressing need for up-to-date guidance on the latest technology and legislation.” Simon Greenwood, Sales Director, Trade and Specification, Signify UK&I The Signify Lighting Academy offers a comprehensive range of educational resources to advance lighting knowledge. The educational lighting materials are provided by world-class lighting experts and professionals that come with assessment tests and certificate handouts that are certified by CIBSE.

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J S WRIGHT SECURES CONTRACTS FOR 800 NEW HOMES IN LONDON

Kenneth Booth October 17, 2018

Building services provider J S Wright is to design the mechanical services for 800 new homes at two major developments in north and east London. The mechanical and electrical (M&E) specialist, which has offices in Birmingham, Bristol and London, has been awarded two contracts together valued at more than £200,000 to design the heating, gas, hot and cold water, drainage and ventilation services for Seasprite Close in Northolt and New Road in Rainham. Both schemes of maisonettes, town houses and apartments totalling 800 units are being developed in partnerships between leading housebuilder Hill and Ealing Council and Clarion Housing Group respectively. J S Wright will design heat networks for the 62 private apartments housed in three blocks of four to eight storeys at the Seasprite Close scheme, and for the 666 apartments housed in 15 blocks of five to 15 storeys at New Road, Rainham where 35 per cent of all the new properties will be affordable housing. These communal heating systems will incorporate energy efficient and carbon-saving gas-fired combined heat and power (CHP) energy centres that will deliver low pressure domestic hot water on demand as well as underfloor heating to each apartment at low return temperatures. As heat network consultants accredited by the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE), J S Wright will build the systems to Fair Heat specification and in accordance with the principles of the CIBSE Heat Networks Code of Practice. The company will also reduce building energy costs at both developments by designing mechanical ventilation heat recovery (MVHR) systems that will extract stale air from apartments and replace it with fresh incoming air heated by the outgoing air. Seasprite Close is scheduled to be completed in Spring 2021, while the New Road, Rainham development is scheduled for completion in 2025. J S Wright is already working on design and build contracts for Hill and Peabody at a 300-home scheme at 97 Lea Bridge Road in Leyton and a 66-home development at The Reach in Thamesmead. Marcus Aniol, Managing Director of J S Wright, said: “We are delighted to be able to strengthen our relationship with such a prestigious housebuilder by designing energy saving services for ever-wider areas of London that are undergoing regeneration.” Founded in Birmingham in 1890, J S Wright designs, builds and maintains M&E services for the hotel, residential, social housing, student accommodation, leisure and commercial sectors. The company was voted one of the UK’s Top Ten Specialist Contractors to Work For in the 2016 Construction Enquirer Awards and was a finalist in three categories in this year’s H&V News Awards. For further details, please email jswright@jswright.co.uk

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CPW ANNOUNCES NEW COHORT OF CIBSE-ACCREDITED CONSULTANTS

Kenneth Booth October 2, 2018

TWELVE experienced engineers at national M&E consultancy Couch Perry Wilkes (CPW) have attained accreditation to join the CIBSE (Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers) Heat Networks Consultants Register. CIBSE Heat Networks Consultants are able to advise on the Code of Practice CP1 on Heat Networks, produced by CIBSE and the Association for Decentralised Energy (ADE) in collaboration with the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC). Rather than simply providing guidance for industry professionals, the code specifies minimum requirements which must be met in order to produce a successful scheme and comply with the code. Accredited Heat Networks Consultants are required to pass an examination which assesses their knowledge and understanding of the code of practice before they are able to join the register. Speaking of the achievement, Carl Humpage, director at CPW, said: “The ethos that underpins all of the work that we do at CPW is our unwavering commitment to industry standards, personal CPD and ultimately exceeding the expectations of our clients. With this in mind, my fellow consultants and I were keen to achieve this accreditation in order to confidently advise and offer a considered recommendation to each of our clients’ individual requirements. “District heating networks are now seen as one of the key solutions to deliver a low carbon energy economy, particularly in high heat density areas so they need to be designed, built and operated to a high standard to deliver customer and user satisfaction. Through this new accreditation, our team are now fully prepared to guide our clients so each project connects with the UK’s future low carbon energy infrastructure.” For further information visit www.cpwp.com or follow @Couchperrys on Twitter.

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