As the national grid incorporates a growing percentage of renewables into its delivery, heat pumps are leading decarbonisation efforts in the built environment. In a sector that accounts for approximately 40% of total UK carbon emissions, heat pumps offer the potential for carbon neutral heating and cooling. Long-term benefits include improved safety when compared to […]
Maintaining thermal comfort inside our buildings and workplaces is critical for occupant wellbeing and productivity. However, with rising global temperatures and more extreme weather, regulating indoor temperatures has become an increasingly complex task for facilities managers (FMs). Thermal comfort and our changing climate Climate change has caused average temperatures to rise globally. Last year, the […]
Bacteria in water systems are ubiquitous and diverse. Should a closed system show signs of corrosion and loss of efficiency, biofilm might be the culprit, causing Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC). Biofilm is traditionally controlled by maintaining relatively low general bacteria (Total Viable Count) levels. These planktonic bacteria levels have no relationship with the presence biofilm, […]
SFG20 is the gold standard for building maintenance excellence and efficiency. Launched in 1990 by the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA), SFG20 stands for ‘Service Frequency Guide 20.’ It originated from the need for a unified approach to planned preventative maintenance (PPM), helping organisations save time, reduce costs, and ensure compliance. According to SFG20, a […]
Guardian is a proud member of the WCS Group, the leading water treatment, water and air hygiene and asbestos specialist, with 1200+ staff nationally. Being part of the Group, enhances our ability to provide comprehensive services to ensure water quality, safety, and efficiency. In this blog, we will explore the capabilities of WCS’ Water Treatment […]
Facilities managers and maintenance teams are often judged by occupant comfort, the ‘soft landings’ that are the front-facing arm of FM. To ensure buildings are heated and cooled correctly in an energy efficient manner, it is crucial that the equipment responsible for temperature control are working at their optimum. Seasonal commissioning is a key part […]
Experienced Building Services Consultant, Stewart McGillivray, has joined Guardian Water Treatment’s team, providing consultative support to BG50i, Guardian’s trailblazing approach to closed circuit HVAC system management with real-time, 24/7 condition monitoring at its core. A member of the BSRIA steering group for BG50 – Water Treatment for Closed Heating & Cooling (the inspiration behind Guardian’s […]
If not managed correctly, the demarcation of responsibility for repairs and maintenance in commercial buildings is something of a ‘grey area’ – particularly where there are multiple business tenants. Commercial landlords have a duty to ensure their property is safe for tenants and other users, but if FMs want the tenants to take responsibility it […]
Heat networks, or district heating systems, are a relatively new approach to delivering heat to domestic and commercial premises across the UK. Heat is generated from a central source and delivered to multiple locations through networks of pipework carrying hot water. This approach avoids the need for individual heating appliances and offers a quick route […]
VDI 2035 is a German standard that provides guidance on how to prevent scale and corrosion in heating and cooling systems and use monitoring to ensure treatment is effective. It’s non-additive approach to chemical water treatment is widely used in Germany and, increasingly, it is also being adopted in the UK alongside BSRIA BG50. Crucially, […]
