Building services

Here are some selected links you might like to try.

Please note: sites open in a new window.

Acoustical Investigation and Research Organisation (AIRO)
This site provides an introduction to the acoustic consultancy and testing facilities of AIRO.
http://www.airo.co.uk/

Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Industry Board (ACRIB)
ACRIB provides a central forum for all sectors and interests which fall within or are served by the air conditioning and refrigeration industry.
http://www.acrib.org.uk/

Air Infiltration and Ventilation Centre (AIVC)
The role of the centre is to provide technical support to those involved in the research and development of ventilation technology as well as to ensure the widest dissemination of information on related energy and air quality issues.
http://www.aivc.org/

Association of Electricity Producers (AEP)
AEP is the leading trade association for the UK electricity market, representing companies that generate electricity using coal, gas and nuclear power as well as renewable sources such as wind, biomass and water.
http://www.aepuk.com/

Association of Noise Consultants (ANC)
The Association of Noise Consultants (ANC) is a corporate organisation for independent firms of consultants offering professional services in the fields of noise and vibration. Inludes a list of members.
http://www.association-of-noise-consultants.co.uk/

Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors (APHC)
APHC is a trade association for the plumbing and heating industry in England and Wales. The site includes a Find a Plumber section.
http://www.competentpersonsscheme.co.uk/

Audio and Three Dimensional Sound Links
Links to 3D and spatial sound-related resources on the web, including reference, research, educational, tools, people, commercial systems and products. Also includes links to other 3D-related and general audio lists and patent resources.
http://www.novastars.com/3d-sound/3d-sound-and-audio-links.htm

Audio Engineering Society (AES)
The Audio Engineering Society is the only international professional society devoted exclusively to audio technology, with branches throughout the world.
http://www.aes.org/

Audio Engineering Society Historical Committee
The AES Historical Committee is an international forum open to all who wish to investigate and learn about the achievements of those pioneers whose innovative ideas and inventions have contributed to audio's rich past. Dedicated to the preservation of over a century of audio history, the Committee is developing a broad-based history of audio engineering and the audio industry. The site includes a timeline of audio engineering, links and essays.
http://www.aes.org/aeshc/

BOWest Pty Ltd: Electrical & Project Engineering
A technical reference library in electrical engineering for students and engineers, with many theorems and formulae.
http://www.bowest.com.au/library.html

British Hydropower Association (BHA)
The British Hydropower Association (BHA) is a trade association which represents the interests of all those involved in the hydropower industry. Includes facts and figures on hydro-power, and a directory of members.
http://www.british-hydro.org/

British Refrigeration Association (BRA)
BRA is the only trade association representing manufacturers, importers, wholesalers, distributors, contractors, specifiers and end-users of refrigeration plant, equipment and components.
http://www.feta.co.uk/bra/index.htm

British Toilet Association (BTA)
The BTA campaigns for better public toilet provision and management.
http://www.britloos.co.uk/

British Water (BW)
British Water is the trade association for the British water and waste water industry worldwide. Includes consumers guides on water treatment systems, water softening, etc.
http://www.britishwater.co.uk/

Building Technologies Program: Building Toolbox
The US Department of Energy's Building Toolbox, part of the Building Technologies Program, offers a comprehensive guide to creating more efficient, affordable buildings. The site includes guidelines, tools, success stories, and links, and a directory of software tools to help plan and design an energy efficient building.
http://www.eere.energy.gov/buildings/info/toolboxdirectory.html

CADDET Energy Efficiency
This site collects, analyses and facilitates the international exchange of impartial information on new, cost-effective, energy-saving technologies.
http://www.caddet.org/

Carbon Trust
The Carbon Trust provides free, practical advice to business and public sector organisations to help you reduce energy use.
http://www.carbontrust.co.uk/energy

CELMA
CELMA is the Federation of National Manufacturers Associations for Luminaires and Electrotechnical Components for Luminaires in the European Union. The site includes information on the national member associations.
http://www.celma.org/home/index.php

Centre for Sustainable Energy (CSE)
CSE provides information and advice on energy awareness campaigns and advice on low energy building design.
http://www.cse.org.uk/

Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM)
CIWEM is an independent multi-disciplinary professional and examining body for scientists, engineers, other environmental professionals, students and those committed to the sustainable management and development of water and the environment.
http://www.ciwem.org/

CHP QA
CHP QA is a quality assurance scheme for combined heat and power carried out on behalf of the UK government. The site includes full text of documents and guidance notes.
http://www.chpqa.com/

Combined Heat and Power Association (CHPA)
The Combined Heat and Power Association works to promote the wider use of combined heat and power (CHP) and community heating. The site includes information on CHP, a directory of member companies and energy links.
http://www.chpa.co.uk/

ConnectingPower
ConnectingPower is an information service for the power and energy industries.
http://www.connectingpower.com

Consumer's Guide to Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Information and fact sheets provided by the US government's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, providing information on energy efficiency and renewable energy for the home or small business.
http://www.eere.energy.gov/consumer/

ELECSA
ELECSA is a joint venture between Fenestration Self-Assessment Scheme and the British Board of Agrément to deliver an independent certification scheme for tradesmen who undertake domestic electrical installation work, as required by Approved Document P.
http://www.elecsa.org.uk/

Electrical Contractors Association (ECA)
The ECA represents the interests of itsmember companies who undertake 80% of all the electrical installation engineering work in the UK.
http://www.eca.co.uk/

Energy & Environmental Building Association (EEBA)
US organisation promoting the awareness, education and development of energy efficient, environmentally responsible buildings and communities. Inlcudes some international information and links.
http://www.eeba.org/

Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Network
US Department of Energy site with energy efficiency and renewable energy information, with access to more then 600 links and 80,000 documents.
http://www.eere.energy.gov/

Energy Networks Association (ENA)
ENA represents the licensed gas and electricity transmission and distribution companies in the UK. The site includes information on ENA, the networks industry in the UK, and the issues affecting gas and electricity transmission and distribution companies across the country.
http://2008.energynetworks.org/

Energy Saving Trust
The Energy Saving Trust was set up by the UK Government after the 1992 Rio Earth Summit and is one of the UK's leading organisations addressing the damaging effects of climate change. Its goal is to achieve the sustainable and efficient use of energy, to cut the carbon dioxide emissions which are the key contributor to global warming.
http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/

Energy Saving Trust: Housing and Buildings
A source for the tools, training and support needed to deliver the best in energy efficiency in housing. Includes a simple energy calculator and a whole house boiler sizing wizard.
http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/housingbuildings/professionals/

EUROPA - Energy Research
This website provides information, research results and news regarding energy research activities managed by the Research Directorate of the European Commission, and covers sustainable energy systems, and both fission and fusion nuclear energy.
http://ec.europa.eu/research/energy/index_en.htm

EUROVENT Certification
The EUROVENT Product Certification scheme checks product performances by third party testing based on well defined procedures. The site gives full details of the programmes for various types of HVAC equipment.
http://www.eurovent-certification.com/

EUROVENT-CECOMAF
EUROVENT, the European Committee of Air Handling and Refrigerating Equipment Manufacturers, is made up of 11 national trade associations representing the manufacturers of air handling equipment in Europe.
http://www.eurovent-cecomaf.org/web/eurovent/web/

Fan Manufacturers Association (FMA)
FMA represents the interests of fan manufacturers, irrespective of the final application of their products. The site includes FMA Guidance Notes.
http://www.feta.co.uk/fma/

Federation of Environmental Trade Associations (FETA)
Trade association representing over 250 member companies in the UK heating, ventilating, refrigeration and air conditioning industry. Gives useful links and details of research facilities in the HVACR sector.
http://www.feta.co.uk/

Fuel Prophet
Provided by the Association for the Conservation of Energy, Fuel Prophet is a downloadable tool to help housing professionals and policy researchers decide which energy saving refurbishment measures should be supported and installed in typical UK dwellings.
http://old.ukace.org/research/fuelprophet/index.htm

Heating and Ventilating Contractors' Association (HVCA)
The HVCA represents the interests of firms active in the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of heating, ventilating, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR) products and equipment. Includes FAQs, links, and key documents.
http://www.hvca.org.uk/

Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning Manufacturers' Association (HEVAC)
HEVAC Association is the only trade association representing manufacturers and distributors in all sections of the HVAC industry.
http://www.feta.co.uk/hevac/

HETAS
HETAS is the official body recognised to approve solid fuel domestic heating appliances, fuels and services. Includes a list of members of the Competent Persons Registration Scheme, the full text of the HETAS Official Guide, and information on appliance efficiency.
http://www.hetas.co.uk/

HPAC Engineering Interactive
HPAC Engineering Interactive serves the American commercial and industrial HVAC/R and plumbing industries with an extensive library of on-line content.
http://hpac.com/

HUNC & RUG
The joint site of the Halon Users National Consortium and the Refrigerant Users Group, providing information on alternatives to halon use in refrigeration and in fire extinguishing systems. The site includes a glossary and links.
http://www.hunc.org/

ICOM Energy Association
ICOM Energy Association represents the industrial and commercial side of the heating industry. Includes a searchable directory of members.
http://www.icomenergyassociation.org.uk/

Industry Committee for Emergency Lighting (ICEL)
ICEL is the leading UK authority on emergency lighting. Inlcudes a directory of members, and pubication details.
http://www.icel.co.uk/

Institute of Acoustics (IOA)
The IOA is the leading organisation in the UK concerned with acoustics. Includes details of publications and consultation documents.
http://www.ioa.org.uk/

Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (IPHE)
The IPHE is the UK's professional and technical body for all plumbing and heating professionals.
http://www.iphe.org.uk/

Institute of Sound and Communications Engineers (ISCE)
The institute is the specialist learned society for sound and communications engineers. Includes the full text of Engineering Notes and Training Notes.
http://www.isce.org.uk/

International Commission on Illumination (CIE)
Organisation devoted to international cooperation and exchange of information among its member countries on all matters relating to the science and art of lighting. Includes links to related organisations worldwide, details of their publications, etc.
http://www.cie.co.at/

International Dark-Sky Association
The IDA is a US-based organisation that aims to preserve and protect the night-time environment and our heritage of dark skies through quality outdoor lighting. Inlcudes resources and links.
http://www.darksky.org/mc/page.do

Lighting Academy
Lighting Academy is a non profit association whose objectives are to study, to research and to promote the culture of light. The site includes a lighting encyclopaedia and glossary, searchable library of lighting-related books and magazines, an international list of lighting organisations, and details of individual designers and projects.
http://www.lightingacademy.org/

Lighting Association
The Association is the trade association for the UK lighting industry. Includes information on lighting your home, codes of practice, and energy efficiency, and has a searchable directory of lighting retailers.
http://www.lightingassociation.com/

Lighting Industry Federation (LIF)
LIF is a trade association which exists to promote the benefits of using modern lighting technology. Includes a searchable directory of members, links, and information on training.
http://www.lif.co.uk/

Lighting Research Center
The LRC is the world's largest university-based center for lighting research and education. Includes selected links and interactive image maps leading to information on different types of lighting.
http://www.lrc.rpi.edu/index.asp

Liquefied Natural Gas
Information on the production, storage and use of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)
http://www.energy.ca.gov/lng/

ManagEnergy
ManagEnergy is a European Commission initiative on energy efficiency, renewable energy and sustainable transport. The site provides details of energy agencies and other organisations, legislation, video presentations, speeches and interviews, case studies, details of programmes and funds, and a partner search system to help find participants for new energy projects.
http://www.managenergy.net/

Oil Firing Technical Association for the Petroleum Industry (OFTEC)
OFTEC represents the major oil companies, oil distributors and manufacturers of oil firing equipment in the UK and Ireland to provide a technical and marketing framework for the oil heating industry. Includes Technical Information Sheets, an equipment directory, and resources for specifiers.
http://www.oftec.co.uk/

Organizations for the Promotion of Energy Technologies (OPET)
The OPET Network is an initiative of the European Commission which aims to disseminate information on, and promote the benefits of, new innovative energy technologies. Includes publications details, diary and links to other sites.
http://cordis.europa.eu/opet/home.html

Part P Competent Person Scheme
The Part P Competent Person Scheme was approved by the then ODPM (now the DCLG) in 2004 to provide access to electrical installers who have been approved to self-certify that their work complies with the Building Regulations. The site includes a search for Competent Persons, general information on Part P, and for contractors, information on how to become a Competent Person.
http://www.partp.co.uk/

Professional Lighting and Sound Association Ltd (PLASA)
PLASA represents the professional entertainment technology industries working in the live, touring, theatre and presentation fields, including the installation of induction loop facilities.
http://www.plasa.org/

PV Power Resource Site
Site for the coordination and dissemination of information of global photovoltaic (PV) technologies, applications, history, and resources.
http://www.pvpower.com/

Rane Professional Audio Reference
Annotated glossary of professional audio, video and telecom terminology.
http://www.rane.com/digi-dic.html

REHVA: Federation of European Heating, Ventilating and Air-conditioning Associations
Rehva is the biggest HVAC organisation in the world with member associations in 25 countries and more than 110,000 personal members.
http://www.rehva.eu/

RepWars - A Resource for Plumbing Engineers
An American site, but it includes information with a wider application - including plumbing for architects!
http://repwars.com/

RoyMech
The site includes various tables relating to mechanical engineering, plus links to a wide variety of other mechanical engineering web sites. It also includes bibliographies of related documents.
http://www.royweb.ic24.net/

Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers' Federation (SNIPEF)
The SNIPEF is the national trade association for all types of firms involved in the plumbing and domestic heating industry in Scotland and Northern Ireland. The site includes a search for licensed firms.
http://www.snipef.org/welcome/

SEDBUK
SEDBUK (Seasonal Efficiency of Domestic Boilers in the UK) was developed under the Government's Energy Efficiency Best Practice Programme with the co-operation of boiler manufacturers, and provides a basis for fair comparison of the energy performance of different boilers. Full details of the energy efficiency of over 3,000 boilers are available on the site, which is fully searchable.
http://www.sedbuk.com/

Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association (SMACNA)
SMACNA is an international trade association representing 4,500 contributing contractor firms, and is dedicated to promoting quality and excellence in the sheet metal and air conditioning industry. An American site, but with some international information.
http://www.smacna.org/

Sound in Space
Information on the research into ambisonics and related 3-D audio systems by the Music Technology Group at the University of York, England, including an introduction to the basics, links and references.
http://www.york.ac.uk/inst/mustech/3d_audio/welcome.html

SustainaLite
SustainaLite promotes best practice in the management and resource use of end-of-life gas discharge light sources, and manages an accreditation scheme for those who manage the recycling of discharge lamps.
http://www.sustainalite.co.uk/

UK Gas and Electricity Directory
The site aims to enable you to find all the information you need to get competitive UK gas and electricity rates. It also includes other information on energy efficiency, regulatory bodies, finding an electrician, etc.
http://www.uk-gas-electricity-directory.co.uk/

UK Rainwater Harvesting Association (UKRHA)
The UK Rainwater Harvesting Association is a focal point for organisations with business interests in the rainwater harvesting industry. The site includes information on rainwater harvesting and an FAQ section, news, and some free downloadable Industry Fact Sheets.
http://www.ukrha.org/

Urban Water Technology Centre
The Urban Water Technology Centre (UWTC) carries out research and consultancy work associated with wastewater and environmental management.
http://www.uwtc.tay.ac.uk/

Virtual Acoustics Project
The virtual acoustics project at the Institute of Sound and Vibration Research (ISVR) at the University of Southampton, attempts to use digital signal processing combined with binaural technology to improve sound reproduction over loudspeakers.
http://www.isvr.soton.ac.uk/FDAG/vap/

Walk Through a Hydroelectric Project
A tour of a hydroelectric dam, including a timeline of the use of electricity and hyropower.
http://www.fwee.org/walk.html

Water Framework Directive Information Centre
The Information Centre explains in detail all aspects of the Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC), the most substantial piece of water legislation ever produced by the European Commission.
http://www.euwfd.com/

Water Industry Approved Plumbers' Scheme
Run by the Water Regulations Advisory Scheme, the Approved Plumbers site allows users to find a nationally approved plumber or groundworker.
http://www.wras.co.uk/plumber_scheme/

Water Reuse
Provided by Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM), these pages provide an overview of water reuse and other alternative water supplies associated with sustainable water management. Both industrial and domestic water reuse is covered, plus information on rainwater harvesting and Sustainable Drainage Systems (SUDS).
http://www.ciwem.org/resources/water/reuse.asp

BackToTop

| | |

Welcome to NBS |

NBS topic areas

NBS solutions|

Building services

Recommended link:

Here are some selected links you might like to try.

NBS eNews|

Articles

NBS Reading List