EDITOR’S COMMENT & CONTENTS A wider shift in building policy


T


he publication of the Future Homes Standard this week signals a broad shift in the direction of building policy in the UK. While the Standard is applicable to residential buildings, this general shift is also happening in the commercial sector and affects the way buildings are designed and specified. The drive to keep buildings energy efficient, compliant and fit for purpose under tightening regulations runs throughout this month’s features. Key features this month include: • Independent air hygiene specialist Airmec explores whether a risk- based approach to fire damper compliance can help you to manage costs without compromising on safety. The idea is that by understanding the likelihood and consequences of potential failures, facilities managers can make informed decisions about where to focus their resources. (Pg8) • The further education college, Halesowen


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College, has installed smart lighting as part of its latest environmental initiative, making up to 85% energy savings compared to the previous system. Halesowen has the target of reducing carbon emissions by 50% by 2032 and 75% by 2037 (Pg20) • Geberit discusses the evolution of piping systems to support modern regulatory demands, heightened awareness of water efficiency and expectations around whole life performance. The piping specialist explores considerations engineers should take into account when specifying solutions for modern buildings. (Pg 24) • Radiators are still key to heating systems around the country with 90 per cent of systems still including them. But these too are evolving and Stelrad explains how purchasers can make a contribution in the race to Net Zero. (Pg 26).


Heather Ramsden, Editor 16 20


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4 News & Appointments Industry news, appointments and quotes


6 Cover Story Mitsubishi Electric’s R32 VRF air conditioning designed for the future


8 Air Conditioning, Cooling & Ventilation Managing fire damper maintenance: a risk-based approach


10 Air Conditioning, Cooling & Ventilation Renovating for better indoor environment while reducing operating costs – a myth or reality?


11 Air Conditioning, Cooling & Ventilation New report highlights link between classroom air quality and pupil performance


12 Air Conditioning, Cooling & Ventilation R454C and the next generation of data centre air conditioning


14 Industry Comment What new rules mean for the trade in 2026


16 Training & Development Fire dampers: the hidden asset keeping your building safe


17 Industry Comment: NIBE Rethinking retrofit: why heating alone isn’t enough


18 Training & Development What commercial heating engineers need to know


20 Projects & Collaborations College sets sustainability example for higher education institutions


22 Water Treatment, Drainage & Piped Services Selecting filter treatment for optimum wastewater treatment performance


24 Water Treatment, Drainage & Piped Services Why piping specification matters more than even in modern buildings


26 Domestic Heating Solutions: Radiators Radiators – fit for the future in a renewables world


27 In Focus


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Read the latest at: www.bsee.co.uk Adveco qp BSEE Apr26.indd 1 5/3/26 10:31 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER APRIL 2026 3


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