technology only has to work to keep the flow and
return temperature as low as possible without
compromising comfort. Such technology has
been used in other European countries and
should be recognised as ‘mature’.
Almost all gas boilers sold in the UK already
have the technology that enhances the overall
energy efficiency rating of the building. These
boilers also have traditional control interfaces
that allow the boiler to be installed in exactly
the same way as boilers were installed 40
years ago. This is what is happening in the UK
now. Unfortunately the use of such software is
regularly designed out of the installation, when
the installation of a boiler using the energy
saving software enables the boiler to work
efficiently, simplifies installation (less wiring),
reduces installation cost (less valves, and by
passes), and enhances boiler life by running
at the lowest and most efficient level possible.
Living with a modern condensing boiler,
maintain their light output throughout their life. do we really want a society where free choice is installed as the designers intended, has the extra
Right now you can buy a range of them with a denied in so many ways? And, as for the article’s benefit of a more uniform and comfortable
life of 2,000 hours, including a 105 watt with comment that the price of CFLs is set to drop temperature.
a light output of the 150W GLS, discontinued when “their popular tungsten cousins are no At some stage the technology does have to
last year. So no-one need be forced to use CFLs, longer available”, all I can say is “pull the other be embraced by everyone from CIBSE and
but would save money by doing so. leg – it’s got bells on it!” members of the public, too.
Ray Burgin Mark Wood-Robinson Alec Morrow, UK
Bristol, UK
Danger signs of CFLs Missing facade
It’s plain – some of us don’t like CFLs The news analysis ‘Shedding little light’ I have recently received my copy of the February
What an apt title for yet another article which reflects two issues: “the take-up of CFLs been 2009, CIBSE Journal, which I have read with
only tells half the story! I can assure you that so abysmally slow”; and “the mercury content interest. However, I note that the editorial
there really are a considerable number of of CFLs is not dangerous to dispose of”. Yet, in concerning the above when listing the project
people who find they are not comfortable in the North America, governments have published team for this Iconic Building (University of
presence of CFLs. My next-door neighbour, for precautions, including reference to the mercury Wales Newport campus, page 50) pays no
one. And she is one of an estimated 100,000 content, that should be taken when cleaning up mention to facade engineers. As the facade
in the country. a broken CFL in the home. And the mercury is noted as being the primary environmental
The technical shortcomings of these lamps content is one of the reasons why a discarded modifier, has this been considered and by
have already been much rehearsed in the CFL is not allowed in the regular garbage pick- who?
lighting journals but for Mike Simpson to up that is dumped at a landfill site. Peter R Bustin
say “The only reason incandescent lamps are Ernest Wotton Principal facade engineer
being banned is the take-up of CFLs has been Toronto, Canada Wintech Middle East Ltd, Bahrain
abysmally slow” really is too much! Perhaps the p.bustin@wintech-group.co.uk
fact is that people don’t like the things! There are We all need to embrace new
many reasons why they make that choice. boiler technology
CIBSE Journal welcomes article proposals from
He goes on to say “the government can’t allow As probably CIBSE’s only CORGI-registered
any reader, wherever you are – whether it be
letters, longer opinion pieces, news stories,
people to make choices that are going to be member it was refreshing to read Ewen Rose’s
people or events listings, humorous items, or any
ultimately harmful”. Well, well. So we should all article about energy efficiency (February, page
ideas for possible articles.
be made to insulate our houses more effectively, 58). Unfortunately he makes the whole subject
Please send all letters and any other items for
which would be infinitely more significant than seem more involved and complex than it needs possible publication to: bcervi@cibsejournal.
changing a few lamps. And, perhaps more to be. With respect to boiler retrofits, few if any
com, or write to Bob Cervi, Editor, CIBSE Journal,
Cambridge Publishers Ltd, 275 Newmarket Road,
controversially, the sale of ‘gas-guzzling’ cars modifications to the systems are necessary,
Cambridge, CB5 8JE, UK. We reserve the right to
should definitely be banned, and speed limits resulting in less disruption for the end-user edit all letters. Please indicate how you wish your
on motorways rigorously enforced. and, in fact, a simpler and quicker installation.
letter to be attributed, and whether you wish to
have your contact details included.
I’m certainly not approving of speeding but To achieve higher efficiencies, the control
www.cibsejournal.com March 2009 CIBSE Journal 17
CIBSEmar09 pp16-17 letters.indd 17 6/3/09 14:16:08
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