The energy-efficiency benefits of EC technology over AC for fan motors can be calculated using a free iPhone app from ebm-papst. Go EC asks for information such as number of fans, operational uptime and cost of electricity and then produces a cost comparison.

A free ‘Quick guide to the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme’ has been prepared by Ener-G and Cornwall Energy Associates to help organisations reduce the impact of this energy tax that will apply in 2012.

Marshall-Tufflex has produced literature outlining how electrical contractors can offer commercial and domestic customers solutions to reduce electricity bills and carbon emissions. The ‘Energy saving products’ brochure lists three systems designed to reduce electricity bills.

Mitsubishi Electric has prepared a free, independent, CPD-accredited guide looking at renewable heating systems to inform consultants, contractors and heating engineers about the key issues facing all involved in designing, building and maintaining commercial buildings. It is also available as a download from Mitsubishi Electric’s web site..

The ease with which commercial buildings can achieve renewable-energy targets is explained in a brochure from Mitsubishi Electric about its range of Ecodan heat-pump boilers. There are ground- and air-source systems that can be applied to existing and new commercial properties.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries has developed a quick and easy online product selector for its complete air-conditioning range. It covers split systems, multi splits and VRF systems. Specifiers and installers can use this free catalogue and select products or build up a system package using a simple on-screen guide.

The international web site of Armstrong Pumps also offers additional content tailored specifically for the UK. There are details of Armstrong’s product range and best-practice UK case studies across a number of sectors — including healthcare, data centres and retail. Visitors can also use resources such as the company’s white papers and videos.

The web site of Kensa Heat pumps has a series of short videos aimed at educating installers about ground-source heat pumps and covering key aspects. These videos vary in technical proficiency, so installers of all abilities can benefit from watching them.

Greenwood Airvac’s new web site has been updated with the company’s latest products and services, including the range of Smart technologies combining sensors, controls and innovative design features for ventilation systems. The site’s information centre provides up-to-date technical support and information on Building Regulations, energy efficiency and environmental policies.

Future Renewable Energy, in association with Worcester Bosch Group, has prepared a DVD explaining the route into renewable technologies and showing the dos and don’ts from an installer’s experience. It outlines the nine key renewable technologies available in the UK and is split into chapters so installers can access the information they need quickly and easily.

Grundfos Pumps has devised an online solution to help improve your skills on a range of subjects. Each module takes only a few minutes to complete. The current list of modules include life-cycle cost, mixing loops, air conditioning, water disinfection and wastewater. New focus areas are added regularly.

Flir has prepared a 68-page guide on the use of thermal imaging to see the thermal effect of building construction faults, making it easier to reduce carbon emissions. Problem areas are easily located in a single sweep of the camera, enabling appropriate remedial action to be taken.

Mitsubishi Electric has produced a short animated film to highlight how easy it can be for existing and new-build commercial buildings to achieve renewable-energy targets with its range of heat-pump water-heating systems. The 4-minute animation focuses on a modern school building and shows how easily air- and water-source heat-pump systems can be incorporated to work with, or replace, existing heating systems.

The BSI has introduced a new procurement standard for the construction industry. BS 8534:2011 ‘Construction procurement policies, strategies and procedures. Code of practice’ gives recommendations and guidance on the development of policies, strategies and procedures for the procurement of construction