Heating systems to maximise efficiency

The mandatory commitment for the UK to use energy more efficiently, and to make significant reductions in carbon emissions by the middle of this century, is increasingly leading to fundamental changes in the way that utility power is generated. Energy users, historically accustomed to the availability of energy on demand, while not expecting to be directly involved in this transformation, are feeling its painful consequences through increasing energy bills. These unwelcome results are concentrating minds on another fundamental change resulting from climate change policies – namely the opportunity provided for energy users to generate power locally for personal use. Microgeneration saves energy and reduces costs by limiting the call on utility energy, while centrally funded incentive schemes add to potential cost savings over a number of years. Based on the increased use of renewable fuel technologies, the changes brought about are designed to involve both energy producers and users in this ambitious and demanding environmentally-focused project.

Almost half of all energy demand

It is generally accepted that, across the spectrum of commercial and domestic applications, heating buildings accounts for almost 50% of our energy demand. Facilities managers responsible for the energy performance of healthcare buildings will be only too aware of this, and will be anxious to evaluate the options available to limit energy use without degrading performance. The heating industry has not been slow to support the Government’s aims, and leading manufacturers do make available an impressive variety of product and system solutions to enable action to be taken at individual building level. These provide a range of choices that enable facilities managers to maximise the energy-saving potential, and minimise the cost implications, of compliance with climate change targets. The range and effectiveness of these options is reflected in the practical experiences of healthcare facility managers.