CIBSE in docklands

BSj readers should have the 29-30 September in their diaries for the 2004 CIBSE National Conference. This year’s theme, delivering sustainable construction, is one which affects all services engineers. A wide variety of speakers will focus on how we can deliver better, more sustainable buildings which also meet the needs of clients in a commercially viable way.

Papers at this conference have undergone a particularly rigorous selection process. Only presentations offering real solutions to implementation and delivery of sustainable buildings have been included.

But the conference has retained its usual wide range of subjects. Speakers include leading engineers from some of the UK’s largest consultants, specialist experts, manufacturers and well known industry figures. Subjects to be covered in the plenary sessions include contractual arrangements; influencing client needs; smart design and compliance and testing.

John Piggott, regional director of Faber Maunsell will be looking at sustained building performance. His paper will touch on methods of performance measurement and monitoring as well as operational feedback to drive continuous improvement. Piggott says that there is very little qualitative performance data available to benchmark buildings, but points to operational data gathered through helpdesks, maintenance records and occupier satisfaction surveys as sources of information. Piggott will explore alternative performance measurement methods that could be deployed to use operational experience to drive continuous improvement in building design.

Joseph Lai will also be considering the end-user’s role in ensuring buildings are sustainable. Lai, from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, will examine the gap between what information is available for facilities managers, and what they really need. This speaker will draw on experiences of building designers and managers in the Far East, but his theme is one which applies internationally.

Innovation in cooling systems is driving forward at a rapid pace. David Butler and Michael Swainson of the Building Research Establishment will be looking at the use of physical mock-up testing to help reduce the uncertainty in procuring these new systems. These methods are particularly useful for sustainable design as they can highlight the performance of innovative low energy cooling and ventilation systems.

There will be several case studies of sustainable buildings presented at the conference. John Burgess of Arup’s Ireland office will be talking about the University College Cork Art Gallery. This building has been designed to minimise its own environmental impact, in spite of the gallery’s requirements for closely controlled services. This includes operation of the ventilation systems with the ground source well water system.

One of the key speakers at this year’s conference is Emma Griffiths, principal consultant for accounting firm Casella Stanger. Griffiths will be looking at sustainability accounting. Although this is still a voluntary activity, companies are increasingly reporting on aspects of their social and environmental performance. This presentation includes a case study on the Great Western Hospital project at Swindon. Part of this project included developing and piloting methods for sustainable accounting.

The conference, which will be held at the Britannia International Hotel in London’s Docklands, also offers technical tours around East London including the award winning Laban Dance Studios and the Greenwich Millennium Village. Places are limited, so sign up early for these. There is also a gala dinner on the evening of the 29. This will be held at the historic Greenwich Naval College in the famous Painted Hall. 

Cost for CIBSE members is £325 + vat. For more information on how to book call Jennie Sinfield on 020 8675 5211 or e-mail jsinfield@cibse.org.