Mechanical Building Services - The Fundamentals

Overview

Unlock the core principles of Mechanical Building Services with BSRIA’s updated course, Mechanical Building Services: The Fundamentals. 

The course breaks down the mechanical products and systems that work together to create buildings that want to be in. Whether you're new to the field or looking to refresh your knowledge, this course provides a thorough grounding in the basics of heating, ventilation, cooling and air conditioning, and other key mechanical systems. 

Mechanical Building Services is all about choice and compromise, offering a range of systems and solutions that can be tailored to meet the unique needs of each building. Throughout the course you will be introduced to the pros and cons of the typical mechanical products and systems you will encounter in buildings.

During interactive course exercises you will be given the tools to choose and select the most appropriate mechanical system to deliver the outputs for our notional building, 21 Faulkner Square.  

"A great course broken down into easily understandable bites" - Justine Allum, Facilities Manager, Kiserv

"Good, knowledgeable lecturers" - George Aust, Multiplex

"Lecturer was really engaging and encouraged people to asked questions" - Sarah Cuffe, Hoare Lea

"I thoroughly enjoyed the course and the knowledge will greatly assist me in my role" - Elizabeth Yates, Aztec Financial Services

Learning aims

• Build Confidence and improve communication: Gain a strong understanding of HVAC systems and fire protection to help you feel more confident in your role. Knowing the basics means you'll be better equipped to engage in meaningful discussions with engineers, contractors and designers. You’ll better understand the language, which makes collaboration smoother and helps prevent costly miscommunications or mistakes.
• Learn Core Systems and Design: Explore the design, operation, and integration of mechanical systems in building projects. 
• Practical Applications: Learn how mechanical systems contribute to energy efficiency, sustainability, and occupant comfort.
• Stay Relevant in Your Industry: Mechanical systems are a crucial part of modern buildings. As buildings become more energy-efficient and technology-driven, having a solid understanding of complex mechanical systems can be very empowering.
• Cost Efficiency: When you understand mechanical systems, you can make better decisions that lead to better outcomes.

Who should attend

Whether you’re a professional looking to refresh your knowledge, a newcomer eager to learn, or seeking to enhance your career prospects, this comprehensive course provides the essential foundation in mechanical systems within the built environment. This course is perfect for anyone involved in the built environment who needs a clear grasp of how mechanical HVAC systems impact operations, maintenance, and design.

Course content

Module 1: Introduction

• Space requirements; costs (capital / operating)
• Objectives (sustainability, maintenance, thermal comfort, indoor air quality)
• Safety – fire safety and fire-stopping

Module 2: Conditioning the Air

• What air conditioning is
• Zoning
• Air Handling Units
• Zone terminals
  • Fan Coil Unit
  • Active Chilled Beam
  • Variable Air Volume

Module 3: Ventilation

• What ventilation is
• Natural / mechanical ventilation
• Heat recovery
  • Plate Heat Exchanger
  • Thermal Wheel
• Air supply positioning and systems

Module 4: Cooling

• What cooling is
• Refrigeration
• Packaged Direct Expansion system
• Packaged Water Chiller system
• Water Cooled Chiller system
• Dry cooler heat rejection
• Cooling towers heat rejection
• Legionella

Module 5: Heating

• What heating is
• Low Temperature Hot Water
• Heat pumps, boilers and combined heat and power
• Community/district heating
• Heat emitters

Module 6: Data capture and analysis

• Building management systems
• Data collection, analysis and control

Lecturers

Martin Ratcliffe 
Martin is a chartered engineer in Building Services. He spent 13 years as a senior lecturer at the former National College (part of London South Bank University) where he taught a range of mechanical building services including commissioning. Read Martin's full profile.

Gordon Hudson
Gordon has worked in Industry and Academia in Building Services Engineering for over 25 years.  Read Gordon's full profile.

Geoffrey Palmer
Geoffrey is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Building Service Engineers. Read Geoffrey's full profile.

Course details

1 day course 

6.5 CPD hrs

BSRIA Certified Course

Delegates are provided with a copy of BG 31/2017 Illustrated Guide to Mechanical Building Services.

Please be advised this course requires a minimum of 5 delegates.  Should we receive fewer bookings, BSRIA reserves the right to amend your booking to the next available date.