Expenditure on refurbishment of non-domestic buildings is expected to increase at a faster rate than that on new building. It is, therefore, important that the applicability and potential of daylighting, complete/partial natural ventilation and other passive solar techniques are assessed for use in refurbishment projects. This study assessed the technical and economic feasibility, and market acceptability of incorporating passive solar measures into non-domestic buildings at the time of refurbishment.

Thermal Energy Storage (TES) technologies particularly chilled water storage are being applied increasingly by Services Engineers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to reduce electrical demand and lower energy consumption in buildings. This development has received added impetus by the introduction in 1995 of the Load Reduction Programme by the electricity supply authority. The programme aims at managing the shortfall between available electrical supplies and the rapidly increasing demand.

Design for good indoor air quality IAQ) aims to prevent occupant discomfort, irritation, and illness. Sick building syndrome symptoms, discomfort and irritation can easily be the result of other, non-IAQ environmental variables. There is evidence that many such symptoms or complaints result from noise, poor lighting, lack of privacy or control, and other environmental factors that can cause these symptoms and complaints.

Fifty six office buildings in nine European countries were audited during the heating season of 1993-1994 using an agreed upon procedure to investigate the indoor air quality and energy consumption. The results of this IAQ-Audit project show that the largest indoor pollution sources in office buildings are construction materials furnishings and indoor activities, immediately followed by the HV AC systems themselves. Thus, priority must be given to source control.

Mixed mode buildings are attracting a considerable amount of interest due to their apparent potential to deliver comfortable, healthy conditions with significant energy and environmental benefits. BRE and WBA are currently engaged in a three year research programme to generate the guidance necessary to achieve the effective integration of various mixed mode strategies into the most appropriate building forms, considering the occupying organisation's mode of operation. The project will culminate in the production of a CIBSE Applications Manual.