Building efficiency

Article Abstract:

Ways of improving building efficiency in the UK are examined, with the views of various key personnel in the construction industry described. Office construction could be cut 25% and operating costs reduced 30% if some items such as air-conditioning were not over-specified, according to a report. UK buildings do not use enough off-the-shelf components and are over-designed in relation to US equivalents, leading to UK customers paying as much as 32% more, according to another report. Waste in building procurement must be cut, site management personnel reduced and air-conditioning should be replaced with natural ventilation.

Construction industry, Economic aspects, Equipment and supplies, Energy use, Industrial efficiency, Economic efficiency

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Bright ideas

Article Abstract:

The British Cement Assn has developed a diagnostic kit that tests the permeability of concrete. The equipment should be available in 1992 at a cost of around 2,000 pounds sterling and is aimed mainly at quality control, repair and maintenance applications. Du Pont's Zemdrain formwork liner allows concrete to breathe whilst setting and prevents the formation of holes on the surface of the block. Roy Hatfield is the UK licensee for US manufacturer L.M. Schofield's Chromix pigment for ready-mix concrete. The range comprises 16 basic colours and special blends can also be supplied.

Concrete construction, Concrete, Molds (Forms), Concrete additives

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Overblown design

Article Abstract:

Joint research undertaken by the Building Services Research and Information Service and the Building Research Energy Conservation Unit shows that millions of pounds sterling have been wasted by developers in over-estimation of office services. This includes the over-estimation of electricty demands for personal computers, printers and lighting, which has led to oversized air-conditioning units and generators. Measurements show that only a fraction of electrical power is needed and 3 to 5% can be cut off overall building costs by cutting power loads in future construction.

Buildings and facilities, Electric power supply, Air conditioning

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