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Welcome to the September edition of theNBS.com eNewsletter
In this issue we look at the forthcoming Energy-using Products Directive, discuss changes to the Construction Act, highlight NBS at the forthcoming M&E Event, and invite you to join our Advisory Panel.
Energy-using Products Directive
The implementation of the Energy-using Products Directive (EuP) is expected to occur over a two year period between 2009 and 2011, signalling changes in the way many energy-using products are designed and specified.
Exactly what shape the EuP will take is not yet clear. Under the Directive, inter-Governmental agreements could reduce the number of products on the market, or introduce energy ratings for complete systems. NBS Information Specialist Michael Smith looks briefly at the proposed implementation framework for the directive.
Changes to the Construction Act
In July 2008, the Department of Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR) issued a draft Bill to amend Part 2 of the Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996 ("the Construction Act"). This is the result of a lengthy period of consultation with Industry and other interested parties.
BERR has declared its intention to include the changes as part of the Community Empowerment, Housing and Economic Regeneration Bill, during the next Parliamentary cycle.
Speak to NBS staff at the M&E Building Services Event 2008
NBS will be attending M&E 2008, the premier exhibition for building services engineers, on 8-9 October at Olympia, London.
NBS staff will be available on stand C52 to give one-to-one demonstrations of NBS software products and answer any technical queries.
M&E 2008 is a great opportunity to learn about the latest solutions and best practice from the industry’s leading organisations. All visitors to the exhibition will receive a free Sustainability Starter Pack, have the opportunity to earn valuable CPD points within the CPD theatre, as well as network with peers and extend industry contacts.
For further information about M&E 2008, including full seminar content and how to register, visit www.buildingservicesevent.com.
Contribute to product development along with your peers
Our Advisory Panel is a group of NBS subscribers who meet regularly with us to discuss current issues facing construction industry professionals and help shape our product development. As an Advisory Panel member you will have the opportunity to express your views and opinions regarding industry issues with other professionals and NBS staff and we will give you free of charge licences to our products for the duration of your membership.
We are currently recruiting a new panel which will contribute for the next 2 years.
New from RIBA Bookshops
Keep up to date with the latest design and construction reading with these new releases from RIBA Publishing. All books featured are available to order from RIBA Bookshops.
Eco-minimalism: the antidote to eco-bling – In this age of 'eco-bling' where sustainability becomes yet another buzz word and people rush to technically fix green badges to their unsuspecting buildings, not all 'green' additions to buildings are necessary.
Eco-minimalism: the antidote to eco-bling is timely in highlighting more realistic and cost effective approaches to becoming ‘green' and in showcasing 'eco-minimalism' - a good-housekeeping approach to ecological building design and specification, involving apparently non-glaringly obvious strategies such as insulation, draught-proofing and the use of healthy materials.
Beijing: The New City – Beijing: The New City is a fully illustrated and in-depth investigation of the Chinese capital focusing on the changes in its urban layout within the last two decades (1990-2005). As demonstrated with the recent Olympic Games, Beijing is intent on revitalising its image as the capital of a nation capable of taking a leading role in the world.
2G-46: Tony Fretton Architects – Founded in 1982, Fretton's office has its starting point in the exploration of the social possibilities of architecture. Through a careful observation of reality (client, programme, city) Fretton designs buildings rooted in their surroundings, with an ability to put across an idea of community. His architecture does not have spectacular form as its aim, but rather a sense of composure and human well-being that refers to the essential aspects of life. The notion of architecture as social art is ultimately materialised in a sophisticated spatiality executed with enormous precision and material quality, thus reflecting the architect's interest in the visual arts.
Housing Design Awards 2008 – The 2008 awards have been published in a full colour perfect bound book, priced at £15.
All essays and full details of winning completed and project schemes are included, as well as an overview of some of the iconic winners from the last 60 years.
All books listed above are available to order from www.ribabookshops.com, from the mail order department: +44 (0) 207 256 7222 and from RIBA Bookshops in London, Birmingham, Manchester and Liverpool.
Most popular NBS articles - August
Find out what NBS website visitors are reading. This month, we round up the most popular technical articles from August on www.theNBS.com.
Down to the wire: automated timing and scoring systems
As the cost of electronics reduces, more and more sports are taking advantage of electronic timing systems.
Read more >>
Underfloor heating: the cover up
As underfloor heating grows in popularity, more and more people are finding that installing finishes over this form of heating is not quite the problem they thought it would be.
Read more >>
Dealing with glare: improving visual comfort
Even though it is difficult to define, and hard to remedy, glare is often a contributory factor affecting the proper use of computer screens, leading to personal discomfort, and affecting the health, safety and performance of personnel.
Read more >>
Recommended websites
This month's recommended websites are all on health and safety:
Association for Project Safety (APS)
The Association for Project Safety is a multi-disciplinary membership body for those who operate in, or have an interest in, health and safety risk management in the construction industry.
European Agency for Safety and Health at Work
The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work was set up to make Europe's workplaces safer, healthier and more productive, and in particular to promote an effective workplace prevention culture.
Health and Safety Executive
Gives guidance on how to avoid a variety of workplace risks, along with national statistics on the numbers and types of incidents resulting from the failure to adequately control workplace risks.
Health Protection Agency
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) is an independent body that protects the health and well-being of everyone in England and Wales. Includes an A-Z topic list, and detailed information on chemicals and poisons and radiation, including radon.
Safetynews
Safetynews provides regularly updated information for anyone with an interest in workplace safety and health.
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