Looking back

January
The bad news is that many European states are set to miss their Kyoto Protocol targets for reducing emissions. The good news is that the UK is well on track (along with Sweden). The Strategic Forum for Construction sets itself six key targets for 2004, including 50% of projects to be carried out by integrated teams by 2007, 300 000 people to be recruited and trained by 2006 and a fully trained, qualified and competent workforce by 2007.

February
The UK is the first European country to issue a draft National Allocation Plan – the first step in a European Emissions Trading Scheme. The HVCA celebrates its centenary year with a drive for greater work experience for young people. BSj examines the workings of the Strategic Alliance Partnership (SAP) set up by Taylor Woodrow, NG Bailey, Staveley and Rotary Group. We also take a look inside Aston Martin's first purpose-built manufacturing facility.

March
It cost a fortune, caused major headaches for all concerned, but what was the engineering like? BSj looks round the new Scottish Parliament. At the other end of the scale, sustainable homes came under scrutiny as we asked whether the mainstream house builders were really embracing 'green' principles.

April
Our first Workshop on partnering and integrated working saw the industry discussing the ways and means of building better teams. In the news, Ken Livingstone unveiled his London Energy Strategy, and announced £15 million funding to help reduce energy consumption in the capital. The Barker review highlights the massive shortfall in affordable homes, and says the construction industry needs to pull its socks up if demand is to be met.

May
Graham Manly takes over presidency of CIBSE and brings a practical edge to sustainability. He calls for the industry to concentrate on the how sustainable buildings can be delivered. Max Fordham LLP wins the Queen's Award for Enterprise in the sustainable development category. At the same time, the Sustainable Development Commission says the government must put more effort into its sustainable development policy – the title of the report is Shows promise, must try harder....

June
Engineers go back to school, and bring new hope to run down educational buildings. BSj looks at how better buildings have transformed the performance of teachers and pupils. The new hq for the Meteorological Office in Exeter is the subject of our building analysis, which managed to meet strict resilience requirements with a desire to create a building with real green credentials.

July
The winners of the Building Services Awards 2004 are announced, with Buro Happold taking Large consultancy of the year, and Southern Electric Contracting heading the field for Major M&E contractors. The Met Office was large project of the year. Also this month, what the Netherlands is doing to create a carbon-free city, and how the government is winning public buy-in with great media coverage. Two refurbishments of older buildings were also covered, the Royal Automobile Club’s Pall Mall hq and the Great Hall at Lincoln’s Inn.

August
BRE and BSRIA agree that a shocking third of UK buildings are failing air tightness tests, in spite of Part L requirements. The BBC moved into its new Media Village home, a high quality hq designed to lure those media types out of the West End and out to White City. Roberts and Partners UK operation was bought out by Foremans.

September
A call for industry comment on the new draft of Part L of the Building Regulations, designed to incorporate the European Energy Performance of Buildings Directive. There is concern over several aspects of the new law, including the regular checks on boilers and air conditioning systems. In the same issue, Peter Woolliscroft, head of construction for NHS Estates, says that building services engineers must show clients the way ahead for innovation in design. The latest thinking in the fight against hospital acquired is also given an airing.

October
The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister backs local councils which use their planning powers to encourage greater use of sustainable techniques and renewable energy in buildings. A report from BSRIA identifies China as the new powerhouse of the global air conditioning market, producing 26 million air conditioning units in 2003 which represented half the world's output. In the same issue, BSj interviews Greenpeace chief scientist Doug Parr who issues a strong warning that action must be taken now to prevent further climate change. We also took a detailed look at how the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive might work.

November
Speaking at the CIBSE National Conference, Sir David King the government's chief scientific advisor, said the world was facing irreversible effects from global warming. He also said that the UK needs to catch up with the Netherlands and Denmark in use of chp. The Institution also announced that it is working with the CIC Futures Group of 12 institutions to enhance collaboration. Industry response to the draft Part L is that it contains too many gaps, and not enough clear direction. BSj also revisits Plantation Place, developer British Land’s 80 000 m² office scheme.