EDITOR’S COMMENT & CONTENTS Navigating new ventilation regulations


V


entilation is becoming a bigger priority in the design and construction of new homes. As buildings become more airtight and energy efficient, getting the balance right between energy performance, fresh air and indoor air quality is increasingly important. The 2026 edition of Approved Document F provides updated guidance on meeting the ventilation requirements of Part F of the Building Regulations. It is particularly relevant to the Future Homes Standard, which will require new homes to be more energy efficient and low carbon. At the same time, regulation is putting greater focus on damp, mould and the health of occupants. Awaab’s Law, introduced for social housing in England, requires social landlords to investigate damp and mould hazards within set timescales and take action to make affected homes safe.


6 14


Together, these changes highlight the need for ventilation, heating, building design and maintenance to work effectively as one. This month’s focus on ventilation explores what these regulatory changes mean in practice for registered social landlords and housing providers.


• On page 7, Click Scolmore expands on a new solution to help landlords maintain airflow where ventilation is critical to prevent condensation, damp and mould.


• On page 26 envirovent advises housing providers of five changes they need to be aware of before new Building Regulations come into effect in 2027. Other features this month include Training & Development; Off-Site Construction and Prefabrication; and Water Treatment, Drainage & Piped Services.


Heather Ramsden, Editor 28


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4 News & Appointments Industry news, appointments and quotes


6 Air Conditioning, Cooling & Ventilation The real story behind hospital humidity control


7 Air Conditioning, Cooling & Ventilation Awaab’s Law: why ventilation


8 Air Conditioning, Cooling & Ventilation Prepare to deliver year-round comfort


9 Webinar Scan to watch Stiebel Eltron’s webinar


10 Training & Development Why the engineering skills shortage is redefining the role of specialist suppliers


11 Industry Comment Building controls at the heart of better building performance


12 Industry Comment Has AI killed the approved supplier list?


14 Industry Comment What digital building control asks of building services design


16 Off-Site Construction Women leading the future of construction and modular building


18 Multi-Occupancy Plumbing & Heating How to approach plumbing and heating specification in multi-occupancy buildings


20 Water Treatment, Drainage & Piped Services Water treatment: Getting temperature monitoring right


22 Water Treatment, Drainage & Piped Services How EU changes could shape drinking water system design to futureproof UK buildings


24 Water Treatment, Drainage & Piped Services TMV management & Legionella risk assessment


26 Industry Comment Ventilation could become a compliance weak spot under 2027 Building Regulation changes


28 Industry Comment The UK’s ever-changing climate: We must build to meet it


29 In Focus


Award-Winning Pre-Sized & Bespoke Offsite Constructed Low-Carbon Hot Water Systems


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