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Contractors’ Corner


T


he Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA) has released a new Technical Guide to add to


its portfolio of online Guides available to download.


The new Guide, entitled “Good Practice Guide – Control Sensor Selection and Installation”, sets out to describe good selection of Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) sensors used in Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS). A BEMS is only as good as the sensor used to measure the controlled variable (temperature, humidity, pressure etc.) and transmit it as a measured value to the controller. It is crucial that the sensor should provide an accurate measurement of the controlled variable at the reference point in the control loop. Failure to meet the desired conditions satisfactorily can lead to poor control, energy wastage and occupant complaints.


Terry Sharp, President of the BCIA, said: “Good sensor selection and installation is key to better control. Often there are conflicts of interest in the location of sensors – architects want them out of sight, control


engineers ask they be located central to the controlled space. This document will show best practice and help resolve such issues.” The BCIA’s Technical Guides are designed to help members and those in the building controls and BEMS industry work more effectively. All Technical Guides can be downloaded from the “Resources” section of the BCIA website.


T


he Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) has become the first trade body to adopt a


new industry agreed prequalification standard that promises to cut expensive and time consuming ‘red tape’ for contractors.


The new Common Assessment


Standard, developed by Build UK and endorsed by the Construction Leadership Council, means suppliers will only need to be certified once a year by a single recognised assessment body before tendering for work with contractors and clients who specify it. This is a significant improvement


on the current system where different clients insist on their own prequalification questionnaires being


completed meaning contractors are forced to duplicate time and effort. Build UK estimates this wasteful process costs the construction industry as much as £1bn every year.


BESA chief executive David Frise said the new approach would transform the prequalification process and make it work better for both suppliers and clients.


“By streamlining the process and


linking it to a pan-industry agreed standard, it will be quicker and simpler for good quality firms to demonstrate their business credentials and clients will get the reassurance they need,” he said.


Build UK deputy chief executive Jo Fautley said the new system was “a huge step towards more efficient working, which is more important than ever in the current challenging economic climate”. Collaborative “Developing the Common Assessment Standard has been a collaborative effort, involving companies across the whole sector. There are already 10 major contractors and clients specifying it and we are


delighted that BESA has become our first Trade Association member to adopt it as a part of its membership process,” she added.


The standard has been made possible thanks to a data-sharing agreement with the three recognised assessment bodies: Achilles, CHAS and Constructionline. The building engineering alliance Actuate UK has also put its weight behind the new standard, which it said was an example of how cross- industry collaboration could deliver efficiency improvements for the whole construction supply chain. Build UK is also working with the government on having it adopted for public sector projects.


“The introduction of data sharing


means the long-awaited industry-wide solution to prequalification waste is now in sight,” said BESA’s director of certification Rachel Davidson. “Having an industry approved, single standard will also make it more appealing to main contractors and end clients. We encourage all public sector and commercial clients to embrace this ground-breaking development.”


Thermofrost 12 May 2021 www.acr-news.com


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