F is for efficiency

This is one of the Institution's most significant publications, which brings together in one place all known energy-related benchmarks for the first time.

Speaking at the launch, author Phil Jones of Building Energy Solutions, commented: "There isn't enough guidance on energy efficiency. This Guide covers energy efficient buildings from design through to commissioning and handover." He added that the changing role of services engineers means they will take more responsibility for energy use in buildings: "We're going to do more up-front thinking, and more about making the building work at the end as well." The Guide has been given greater emphasis by the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, which was introduced on 4 January 2003.

Management of buildings is the biggest single influence on energy efficiency in buildings, so strong links are made between design and operation. The guide includes a table which covers 'why buildings fail on energy' and Jones pointed out that as far as energy use is concerned, "it can go wrong at any stage". Advice on energy audits and surveys is also given.

Guide F is available from the CIBSE bookshop. Visit www.cibse.org for further details or to order a copy.