News
Engineers ‘can learn
from nature’ to cope
with climate change
Oscar
n
Faber
Building services engineers
should use the laws of
nature to help them overcome
Faber fades
the challenges of climate change,
under AECOM
according to a leading expert in
the science of biomimetics, which
rebrand
considers how technology can
learn from nature. Leading building services
Professor George Jeronimidis, engineering consultancy Faber
from the University of Reading, Maunsell | AECOM has officially
told a meeting of the Rumford changed its name to that of its
Club last month that building parent company, AECOM.
services engineers tend to take an The multi-disciplinary
“additive approach” where they consultancy has been owned by
add technical systems on top of the the largest provider of professional,
building design rather than using technical and management
the structure of the building to services in the world since 2001,
mitigate environmental impacts. when it was still known as Oscar
“It is not a case of trying Faber. In March 2002, Oscar Faber
to imitate nature, but to take was merged with Maunsell. The
inspiration from it – simple physics Engineering inspiration: termite nests have an amazing ability to regulate temperature brand alignment is expected to
can lead to smart engineering,” create a “more agile and client-
he said. but the real benefits would come be adapted for use in building focused company”, AECOM said.
He urged engineers to look at from looking at their functional façades to stop dirt clinging to their Ant Wilson, an AECOM director,
how nature overcomes changes attributes. Termite nests are often surfaces, according to Jeronimidis. said: “It’s the right time to do it
in climate and shortages of regarded as amazing architectural The same science is being applied because everybody is focused on
resources. feats, but it is their ability to to aircraft skins to reduce drag, and international markets.
“Trees have a lot in common regulate temperature that should can also reduce fuel consumption. “We’ll be one company
with buildings,” he said. “They are provide the greatest inspiration to The ability of natural fibres to going under one brand, which
rooted to the ground so, in order to engineers. deal with forces and stresses has gives our staff in the UK [more]
survive, they have to produce their Lotus plants have developed also inspired the structural design opportunities.” The AECOM
own solutions. In nature, if you are self-cleaning leaves, which are of buildings. “It is all about having group currently employs more
wasteful you will not survive.” vital to their survival as they are the right structure,” he said. “We than 43,000 people in over 100
Jeronimidis told Rumford Club solar collectors and, to remain have to change our approach and countries, with more than 3,500
members that architects often try efficient, must be clear of dirt. The learn how to do the things that people working across Europe.
to mimic the shapes of nature, leaf wax they have developed can biology does effectively.”
Member wins Queen’s award for enterprise
A small company in the UK cooking appliances, electric and
has won a Queen’s Award for conventional showers. By reducing
Enterprise for its patented dampness, condensation and
ventilation controls. cooking odours, the controllers
The controls automatically protect the fabric of dwellings
turn on a fan when a cooker or from damage as well as
shower is being used. improving indoor air quality in an
Nottingham-based West Energy increasing number of properties,
Saving Technologies Ltd, set up according to the company.
by CIBSE member Phil West, West said: “We are delighted to
won the award in the Innovation receive this Queen’s Award, which
category. The company developed we are sure will further legitimise
the Ventmiser CMSM automatic our technology both in the UK
ventilation controller to provide and overseas.”
precise control over fans or Some major fan manufacturers
central ventilation systems by have already taken up the
responding to the usage of electric technology, he added. Phil West: the award will “further legitimise” the technology in the UK and overseas
www.cibsejournal.com May 2009 CIBSE Journal 11
CIBSEmay09 pp10-11 news.indd 11 4/30/09 5:34:44 PM
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