How a BRE office became the centre piece for major biophilic design research

A chance encounter in a traffic jam has led to a major scientific investigation on the wellbeing effects of biophilic design History tells us that people have always been influenced and attracted by nature. For example, tomb paintings from ancient Egypt, as well as remains found in the ruins of Pompeii, demonstrate that people brought … Continue reading “How a BRE office became the centre piece for major biophilic design research”

World first biophilic design research project connects buildings with nature

A live office refurbishment will provide environmental and human data as evidence for positive health and wellbeing impacts on office occupants BRE has launched The Biophilic Office project – a ground-breaking office refurbishment project that will provide quantified evidence on the benefits of biophilic design on health, well-being and productivity of office occupants. The project … Continue reading “World first biophilic design research project connects buildings with nature”

Heat metering

Heating accounts for nearly half of final energy consumption in the UK (48% in 2013) and 78% of non-transport energy use (DECC, 2013). Heat is a utility, like water, gas, and electricity.  Communal or district heating systems are becoming more common and these involve the centralised generation of heat and the distribution of this heat … Continue reading “Heat metering”

5 questions about Phase Change Materials (including one about cocktails)

BRE Global technical author Corinne Williams answers 5 questions about her new publication Assessing the performance of Phase Change Materials in buildings. Question 1: Did you have to test several cocktails during the writing of this publication? No! The ice cube example is a simple way to explain how PCMs work. Ice is a commonly used … Continue reading “5 questions about Phase Change Materials (including one about cocktails)”