Powered flue fan-assisted heaters offer a flexible and economical solution to heating problems in public buildings. They also provide significant energy savings over gas heaters with pilot lights, particularly in situations where intermittent heating is required, according to Martin Emmerson of Vulcana. 

Advanced controls technology and the ability to get different systems talking to one another through an appropriate building management system (BMS) is a valuable tool when it comes to managing a cooling plant effectively and meeting energy efficiency objectives. This can quickly deliver a significant return on the initial investment, according to Alberto Zennaro of Airedale 

A new type of air conditioning, that combines the benefits of high efficiency heat pumps with whole-building heat recovery, has been introduced by Klima-Therm. Best known for its co-development of the Turbomiser chiller, the company has partnered with Italian manufacturer Rhoss to launch the technology in the UK 

To ensure the longevity of industrial air conditioning and VRF systems, many believe that product maintenance and regular servicing are imperative. Fewer, however, appear to recognise the importance of routine inspections. Marc Diaz, of Panasonic, looks at the role that scheduled inspections play in reducing energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions for VRF systems. 

Andy Cardy of Fläkt Woods discusses the need for a holistic approach to system design in modern ventilation systems to optimise working environments and reduce energy costs 

The last couple of decades have seen unprecedented investment in the energy efficiency of buildings. However, David Fitzpatrick believes this has led to a lack of focus on indoor air quality 

With specific CO2 reduction targets set out on both UK and European levels, how can the adoption of Passivhaus principles help companies meet these targets? Here, Tunca Sekban of Airflow Developments explains the theory behind Passivhaus and looks at one of the central technologies - Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) 

Building services maintenance engineers are often expected to help their clients or company to reduce energy consumption. To do so, they need to ensure that all control aspects have been addressed, says Geoff Newman 

Solar power, biomass and heat pumps are some of the key technologies when project managers think of developing an energy efficient building. However, the benefit of this renewable technology is multiplied when deployed in an energy efficient heating or cooling system. Stephen Hart of Frese says the use of Pressure Independent Control Valves (PICVs) to regulate the indoor climate have been shown to be one of the most effective designs to improve the efficiency of heating and cooling systems 

These are challenging times in building services. In January the EU announced a carbon reduction target of 40 per cent by 2030 against 1990 levels, an increase in energy generated by renewable sources by 27 per cent and an 'indicative' target of improving energy efficiency by 25 per cent by the same year. This April the amendments to Part L of the Building Regulations come into force, requiring a reduction of carbon emissions for non-domestic buildings by nine per cent compared with 2010 standards, ahead of the zero carbon target for new non-domestic buildings by 2019. The Government has also set the UK a carbon reduction target of 80 per cent by 2050. Mark Northcott tackles the challenges we face 

Extensive product development, expansion plans and a special focus on customer service has put the Aquatech Pressmain in a good position to be ready for a potential influx of new business as the economy recovers, according to MD Mark Taylor 

While commercial building services engineers will undoubtedly have the correct formal qualifications, manufacturers' training in individual products, preferably on-site, is also essential, according to Simon Spridgeon, Geberit's product and technical manager for Piping Systems 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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