EDITOR’S COMMENT & CONTENTS Building services critical in data centre boom


T


he rapid growth in AI, cloud computing and digital services is creating significant demand for data centres which puts building services firmly in


the spotlight. No data centre can operate successfully, continuously and efficiently without a sophisticated network of building services behind it. While HVAC systems are essentail in optimising


environmental conditions, electrical services, fire protection and building controls all work in conjuction with each other to ensure there is no break down in service and performance. In our feature this month we highlight three areas of concern in the delivery of data centres. • On page 10, Wilo highlights the growing opportunity to shift from reactive and preventative approaches to a largely predictive stance on maintenance in order to meet mounting expectations


12 16


around resilience, efficiency and sustainability. • On page 16, the OpenADR Alliance addresses the pressure being placed on the Grid and suggests a potential solution to providing flexible and clean energy for data centres through micro grids – small- scale, localised electrical grids that can operate independently or in conjunction with the main grid. • On page 18, DataScope Systems assesses the impact of rising data centre demand on project delivery and M&E coordination, and details the role of integrated digital tools in delivering safer, more efficient and compliant facilities. Other features this month include Heating,


Ventilation & Energy Efficiency; Construction & Renovation; Low Carbon Buildings; Pipes, Valves & Fittings; and Renewable Energy.


Heather Ramsden, Editor


26 From the Editor


Editor: Heather Ramsden hramsden@datateam.co.uk Tel: 07974 903 726


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The Editor and Publisher do not necessarily agree with the views expressed by contributors, nor do they accept responsibility for any errors in the transmission of the subject matter in this publication. In all matters, the Editor’s decision is final. This issue includes editorial and imagery provided and paid for by suppliers.


ISSN 1042-310


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4 News & Appointments Industry news, appointments and quotes


6 The Heat & Energy Briefing Training, apprenticeships and competence are vital to building the future workforce for commercial heating


7 Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning Healthcare facilities could cut emissions by up to 30% through building optimisation


8 Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning The changing face of HVAC


10 Industry Comment Closing the maintenance maturity gap in data centres


12 Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning Why heat pumps and copper could lead the next era of UK housing


14 Construction & Renovation How offsite M&E is reshaping sustainability in complex residential projects


15 Construction & Renovation From design to delivery: end-to-end M&E at residential development


16 Data Centres Can we cope with the demand for power- hungry data centres?


18 Data Centres Expediting delivery: the critical role of integrated construction software


20 Industry Comment Why smarter manufacturing matters to project delivery


21 Industry Comment Preparing buildings for a hotter future


23 Low Carbon Buildings The shift from DALI to DALI-2


24 Renewable Energy Designing commercial heat pump systems: from decarbonisation drivers to practical specification


26 Renewable Energy How businesses can make their power earn revenue


28 Pipes, Valves & Fittings How motorised valve design enhances engineer efficiency


29 In Focus


COMPACT


COST EFFECTIVE LOW CARBON ENERGY SAVING


FUSION TW Electric Water Heating Commercial Heating Product Of The Year


Offset up to 70% of direct energy demands for DHW Reduce carbon by 48% compared to equivalent direct electric commercial applications


- HEAT PUMPS - SOLAR THERMAL - ELECTRIC BOILERS - LIVE METERING - CYLINDERS -PACKAGED SYSTEMS - PLANT ROOMS - GAS WATER HEATERS - 01252 551 540 enquiries@adveco.co Adveco.co Read the latest at: www.bsee.co.uk Adveco qp BSEE Jul26.indd 1 1/6/26 10:07 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER JULY 2026 3


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