HeatingAndVentilating.net - Heating and VentilatingThere can be a temptation to underestimate the returns offered by retrofit technologies on energy efficiency investments, warns Chris

• The benefits of retrofit technologies• Good ventilation for airtight schools• Maintaining good indoor air quality in

the classroom• The right heat transfer fluids lead

to longevity of HVAC systems• Interactive energy management

dashboards show pupilshow to cut carbon

INSIDE THIS SUPPLEMENT

It’s a wonderful world, let’s keep it that way.

HVR-APR14-PG17:Layout 1 25/03/2014 14:47 Page 1

18 | April 2014 | HVAC in education supplement to HVR Daily news update at www.heatingandventilating.net

When budgets are tight, it isimportant to identify efficiencysavings wherever possible.Schools are a case in point. Withutility bills continuing to rise dueto spiralling fuel prices and educa-tion resources already stretchedthin, adopting energy efficiencymeasures is a practical, affordableapproach for schools and localauthorities seeking to lower utilitybills and carbon emissions andfree up funds for the benefit oftheir students.In its work with 3,000 schools

over a 10-year period, the CarbonTrust identified that schools couldsave up to £21,500 a year in ener-gy bills by improving their energy

efficiency and cutting energy use –that’s the equivalent of the salaryof a newly qualified teacher. Andwith heating accounting for onaverage 58 per cent of a school’stotal energy use, it makes sensefor this to be the first step towards

improved energy efficiency.The UK has a high proportion

of old school buildings with oldheating systems in place. Thismeans that often the only logisticalsolution to cutting energy con-sumption from heating is throughretrofitting a modern condensingor super condensing boiler.Retrofit technologies may not havethe impact or visibility of renew-able technologies, but it is impor-tant not to underestimate thereturns they offer for energy efficiency investments. Retrofit canhelp schools reduce not only theirenergy bills but their carbon foot-print, thereby assisting them inmeeting their environmental

targets. Replacing a 10-15 year oldatmospheric boiler with a moderncondensing or super condensingboiler, for example, has more thanhalved energy consumption andbills for some schools. Whilstrequiring relatively low initial outlay, they deliver rapid financialpayback. Clean burning and lowin harmful NOx emissions, theyare proven to reduce carbon emissions by up to 90 per cent.Advances in condensing boiler

technology apply not only to theirimproved efficiencies but also toinnovations in their design. Onesuch example is the introductionof condensing boiler models thatcan be disassembled into sections

Retrofit can help

schools reduce not

only their energy

bills but the carbon

footprint

HVAC in education

Lessons in retrofit lead to energy efficiencyThere can be a temptation to underestimate the returns offered by retrofit technologies onenergy efficiency investments, warns Chris Meir, of Remeha Commercial. In fact, adoptingthe appropriate measures could save schools up to £21,500 a year

Three high-efficiency RemehaQuinta Pro 65 replacementboilers on a cascade systemhelped provide energy-savingheating safely and quickly atWoodlea Primary School inSurrey school with ventilation,location and asbestosproblems in its existingbasement plant room

Chris Meir is national salesmanager at Remeha

Commercial

Sponsored by


for ease of installation. This fea-ture is particularly advantageousin old school buildings whereaccess to the plant room is difficultdue to its location, typically in thebasement, or accessible onlythrough narrow stairways and cor-ridors. Boilers that can be disas-sembled to facilitate entry into theplant room speed up installationtime and therefore reduce labourcosts. Any disruption is also mini-mal as the disassembled boiler canbe reassembled and installed withno need for hire of additionalequipment such as cranes to lowerthe boiler in through the window.

Modern heating solutions such

as prefabricated heating systemsalso make boiler replacements easier and more flexible to carryout. With disruption kept to a bareminimum, schools are no longerconstrained to restrict such energy-saving improvements to the holiday period. Condensing boilerson a cascade system, for example,are delivered on site in a pre-assembled wheeled unit. Notonly does this reduce the installa-tion time, which in turn reduceslabour costs, but quality control isalso improved as the pre-config-ured unit is pre-tested and deliv-ered as a whole system, from a single supplier, rather than individ-

ual components. Furthermore,installing boilers in a modulardesign on a cascade system allowsthe heat output demand to bematched more accurately and morereliably in a fraction of the space.

According to a report by theCommittee on Carcinology for theDepartment of Education, aboutthree-quarters of England’s 24,000schools are estimated to havesome buildings with asbestos. TheGovernment’s recommendation isto leave the asbestos in placeundisturbed. Fortunately forschools wishing to replace ageingboilers, the speed and ease withwhich prefabricated heating sys-

tem such as modern condensingboilers on a cascade system canbe fitted can help them in themanagement of their existingasbestos problems and ensure nodisruption during the school day.

In order to achieve maximum‘Blue Efficiency’ levels from heat-ing, however, it is important toconsider the system design as awhole. For this reason, the boilershould be seen as the first part inthe refurbishment project. Addingthe appropriate advanced controlwill ensure that the boiler operatesat its optimum efficiency level formaximum energy and carbon savings. Controls are simple to fitand use and, what’s more, typical-ly achieve payback in just one totwo years.

Adding low temperature radia-tors is another consideration. Thiswill allow the boilers to operate atreduced temperatures which willhelp them to achieve higher efficiency and energy savings.Low temperature radiators are particularly suitable for schools asthey remove any scald hazardfrom exposed pipework for theprotection of the children.

However, on old heating systems which by their nature takemore energy to heat, even themost efficient boilers could struggle to achieve their maximumquoted efficiencies as they aresized on high flow and return temperatures, which prevents theboiler from fully condensing. Insuch cases, it is worth lookingbeyond condensing to ‘super condensing’ passive flue gas heatrecovery technology. Such systems use energy input stillmore effectively and profitably,delivering an outstanding 107 NCVper cent efficiency at all times irrespective of flow and returntemperatures. These heat recoverydevices are the optimal solutionfor retrofit and refurbishment projects as they deliver maximumcondensing efficiency and maxi-mum use of the energy input,recovering any otherwise wastedenergy for the benefit of spaceheating or cold water preheat.

For schools keen to stretch thestrained budgets further and helpfight climate change, the goodnews is that the technology is herenow to deliver affordable energy-efficient heating with rapid finan-cial payback. At RemehaCommercial we look forward tohelping schools become energysmart with ‘Blue Efficiency’ level,energy-efficient heating.

// The author is the national sales managerat Remeha Commercial //

HVAC in education

Daily news update at www.heatingandventilating.net HVAC in education supplement to HVR | April 2014 | 19

Farley Junior School in Luton slashed its energy consumption by more than half from 660,995kWh to 273,148kWh withcarbon savings in the region of 53 tonnes following the installation of three Remeha Quinta Pro 115 condensing boilerswith low temperature radiators and fan heaters

A ‘super condensing’ Quinta Eco Plus 115kW passive flue gas heat recovery system with a Quinta Pro 115kW werespecified at Taunton Academy as the favoured solution to meeting the school’s requirement for environmentally-friendly, sustainable heating. The Quinta Eco Plus delivers a higher attainable level of efficiency of 107 per cent NCVat all times irrespective of primary circuit temperatures, making it the ultimate ‘green’ retrofit solution

Sponsored by



One Of the key factors emergingout of trends in contemporaryschool design has been the creation of a balanced classroomenvironment, with optimumIndoor Air Quality (IAQ) at itsheart. IAQ has grown in prominence with the onset of better-insulated buildings, raisingthe matter of ‘good ventilation’ tothe top of the agenda. A move towards zero-leakage,

airtight property is now standardacross the building industry as theGovernment strives to achieve itscarbon reduction commitments. However, whilst carbon savings

are key to how buildings aredesigned, there are a host of vitalfactors in the build process, andone that is becoming more universally acknowledged is pupilhealth – achieved through betterventilation.Poor ventilation is a serious

issue. Excessive condensation cancause mould growth, leading tocosmetic and structural damage tothe fabric of a building and cancreate extremely poor IAQ, whichcan lead to potential health issuesfor the building’s occupants. Thelevel of carbon dioxide in classrooms will also impact pupilconcentration.A correctly designed, specified

and installed system will ensurethe required performance levels,help reduce carbon emissions andcomply with industry regulations.CO2 should never exceed 5,000ppm, and on average levelsshould not be in excess of 1,500ppm. At any occupied time, occu-pants should be able to lower theconcentration of CO2 to 1,000ppm. When ventilation is suppliedat 8 l/s per person, the CO2 con-centration will generally staybelow 1,000 ppm.Traditionally, schools have been

designed for natural ventilationand good natural light, whichresulted in narrow-plan schoolswith large window space andcross ventilation combined withstack ventilation.Modern schools will generally

be much more air tight, so it’s critical that users have control ofthe ventilation, understand thebest system for them and

understand how to use it properly. As trends change, technology

evolves to offer a solution, andXpelair Ventilation Solutions hasdeveloped a new technology tomeet the demands of school appli-cations. The hybrid, or mixed-mode, low-energy ventilation system is designed specially toenjoy all the benefits of naturalventilation but without the pitfalls. Unlike its natural or mechanical

counterparts, mixed-mode ventila-tion is, in many instances, the moreenvironmentally and financiallysound solution. The underlyingprinciple of a hybrid system is thatthe school is designed as a natural-ly ventilated building – withoutductwork for air transport, whilstprovision is made to assist the air-flow through the space when natu-ral driving forces are inadequate. The Building Regulations Part F

and Building Bulletin 101 governthat ‘Natural ventilation should beused for standard teaching andlearning areas’ BB101 2.2. Whilenatural ventilation is an innova-

tive, and sometimes preferable,system it cannot cope withwarmer weather, so the assistanceof comfort cooling through mixed-mode ventilation is an ideal top-up solution to maintain a comfort-able school environment. Xpelair’s Classmate solution

controls the learning environmentby automatically reacting to CO2levels, room occupancies and sea-sonal and daytime temperatures tomaintain optimum IAQ. Since itslaunch in 2008, and its pilot instal-lation at Williamstown PrimarySchool, Rhondda Cynon Taff,South Wales, the technology hascontinued to prove its effective-ness in a host of local authorityand private school applications.As part of the £9.5 million devel-

opment, Williamstown sought tosecure an A-rating for environmen-tal standards and Classmate wasspecified to enhance the learningenvironment.The control system selected was

designed to provide each class-room, nursery and music room

with the correct environmentalconditions, acoustic and air quality. The installation was also

required to interact with centralBMS systems, and in this case,modulating dampers were combined with the operation ofhigh level windows located in theschools central atrium to allowexhaust air from each classroom toexit the building.Classmate may be the solution

to many of the pitfalls to modernzero-leakage building design, butthe application has also proved itsworth in a host of other applications, too. Xpelair was specified in early

2011 to provide a bespoke, state-of-the-art ventilation system as partof a £9 million project to transformthe prestigious Tonbridge GirlsGrammar School in Kent.The school – a nationally

acclaimed centre of educationalexcellence – was in the process ofdeveloping a brand new facilitywith 39 classrooms, a sports halland a Learning Guidance andInformation Centre. Other keyconsiderations to the installationwere the orientation and layout ofthe building, solar exposure, occupancy periods of each roomand acoustic performance to eliminate indoor (crosstalk) andoutdoor noise intrusion. Xpelair’s installation of automat-

ic control panels now allows usersto select appropriate ventilationoptions for each individual class-room. As a result, lower carbonemissions are looking likely andthe school could enjoy energy costsavings of as much as 40 per centcompared with what would havebeen gained with conventionalsystem installation. Up to six unitsare now managed from one con-troller incorporating: timed func-tion, CO2 control, night coolingfunction, temperature differentialsensing and manual override.In addition to works on the new

facility, the school’s original 1905building was also regenerated tocater for music and art curriculumneeds, dining and kitchen facilitiesand lecture theatres – Classmatewas specified in both applications.

HVAC in education Sponsored by

Good ventilation fortoday’s airtight schoolsMark Quigley discusses the importance of good ventilation in educational buildings

coil)

Xpelair’sClassmatesolution

// The author is the commercial directorat Xpelair Ventilation Solutions //


HVAC in education


Sponsored by

Birches Head Academy, Stoke-on-Trent

There are three reasons why ventilation is key in school buildings.Firstly the shift to more airtight school buildings; secondly the trendtowards maximising the use of the available floor area in a classroomthrough design of deep plan spaces; and thirdly, the increased use ofICT as a central teaching tool. All of these have led to concerns aboutoverheating in classrooms, bringing about renewed interest in naturaland mechanical ventilation systems.

As part of its phase 3 redevelopment plans, the BSF funded BirchesHead Academy, Stoke-on-Trent, was faced with many of the samechallenges of new school design, and its centerpiece science building– opened April 2012 – required a system that negated against theproblems of overheating and poor ventilation.

The academy invested £3.2m in its new science block, with Xpelair’sClassmate solution specified. Like in previous installations, the mixed-mode system offered state-of-the-art natural and low energyventilation and heating, whilst ensuring the acoustic requirements forthe classrooms were maintained in accordance with the BuildingBulletin requirements for schools.



It Is hard for grown adults – letalone schoolchildren – to concen-trate in stuffy, humid environments.Teachers are constantly battlingwith the sometimes short attentionspans of their students anyway, solack of ventilation and poor IndoorAir Quality (IAQ) is another prob-lem that they really don’t need.CO2 is the primary indicator of

IAQ, and high levels are a tell-talesign that stale air is not beingreplaced quickly enough in rela-tion to the occupancy levels of theroom. Studies have proven thatexcessive build-up of CO2 canresult in poor concentration,lethargy, headaches, nausea, andhas a significantly detrimentaleffect on attentiveness too. Theseailments demonstrate that the needfor good IAQ is particularly crucialin order to keep students perform-ing to the best of their ability. In addition, high humidity

caused by poor air circulation canlead to excessive condensation,thus creating the ideal breedingground for black mould and dustmites. As these can seriouslyimpact our health, the need foreffective ventilation is also crucialin any indoor environment fre-quented by the vulnerable, such asthe elderly or young children, andparticularly schools where childrenwill be spending hours on end.Furthermore, Wim Zeiler and

Gert Boxem of University ofTechnology Eindhovenin, foundthat natural ventilation in class-rooms without any draught prevention is an unacceptablesolution to increasing IAQ, andthat demand controlled ventilationconditions were required.Unfortunately, all too often teach-ers think that simply opening awindow is sufficient for increasingventilation. However, this is notthe case. Opening a window letsin both freezing air during thewinter months and noise pollutionfrom outside all year round – notideal in a situation where chil-dren’s concentration can be broken by the slightest distraction. However, due to national build-

ing regulations, more and moreeducational facilities are movingtowards energy-efficient ventila-tion systems to ensure premiumIAQ in their learning environ-ments. Just some of the influential

regulations include the BuildingBulletin 87 (BB87) – a guide forenvironmental design in schools,and the Building Bulletin 93(BB93) – a guide for acousticdesign of schools.Furthermore, the Building

Bulletin 101 (BB101) – a guide forventilation of school buildings,includes how to prevent over-heating and boost Indoor AirQuality through effective use ofventilation systems. However the need for an effec-

tive heating and ventilation solu-tion that optimises IAQ goesbeyond mere compliance. Ageneric, one-size-fits-all approachto ensuring good IAQ is notenough – there are too many vari-ables in play, and ventilationshould be managed on a room-by-room basis. With CO2 sensors,IAQ can be constantly monitored;and with a centralised controller,refresh units can be directed toincrease or decrease the amountof fresh air being delivered. Directdistribution of filtered air into eachroom via external air ducts ratherthan through central supply ducts,ensures a clean, healthy, and pol-lutant-free indoor environment.The importance of effective

ventilation in classrooms, isequalled by the need for efficientspace heating, but for educationauthorities, buying heating andventilation systems exclusive ofeach other is not cost effective.The answer? A combination ofboth – specifically, a DemandControlled Ventilation (DCV) system with balanced supply andextraction, plus an integrated low-water content heating system. With a DCV system, the con-

trolled supply of fresh air at lowlevel and extraction of stale air athigh level on opposite side of theclassroom ensure optimal IAQ forpupils, and offers an energy effi-cient solution. A low-mass, low-water content heat emitter willalso be highly energy efficient bynature of its rapid response timesand precise controllability; as wellas being highly suited to lowwater flow temperature heatpump applications. This two-in-one approach was

recently implemented by StockwellPrimary School in South London.Funded by the Government and

administered by the LambethCouncil, the educational facilityunderwent a £3.3million expan-sion to introduce nine new class-rooms and a nursery – allowing foran extra class of students to beadded to each year group at a timewhen school places are increasing-ly under pressure.While the school has been

expanded several times over thelast few decades, the most recentextension had an added agenda.This included equipping the newlearning spaces with state-of-the-artheating and ventilation systems tohelp the school reach a BREEAM‘Very Good’ standard, and technol-ogy to improve the Indoor AirQuality (IAQ) of each classroom.Located on the busy Stockwell

High Street, opening windowswas not an option due to the noisepollution and with the facadesbeing primarily constructed fromglass – which is a poor heat retain-er – effective heating was essen-tial. The project required a systemthat could not only heat the space,but provide fresh, clean air into theclassrooms as well. The answerwas the specification of the Jaga

Strada Oxygen Refresh system.Equipped with Jaga’s Low-H�O

technology, 12 Strada OxygenRefresh radiators were installedthroughout the six new classrooms.Jaga worked closely with the archi-tects to come up with a novel wayof introducing air into the Jagaheating and ventilating system. Due to the external façade of

the building traditional circulargrilles would have looked out ofplace, so Jaga researched ways ofachieving sufficient air volumes.The solution was to provide a“groove” along the length of thebuilding so the air can enter build-ing. The cavity wall of the buildingwas used as a plenum area so thatair can enter each of the JagaOxygen fans in sufficient volumes.The advanced intelligence of thesystem also automatically regu-lates the intake to manage theCO2 in each classroom. The heating and ventilating

industry now offers several typesof ventilation systems to choosefrom. But when designingOxygen, Jaga chose a unique dis-placement ventilation system. Inorder to prevent draughts, freshfiltered air enters the room at lowvelocity. Furthermore, unlike tra-ditional ventilation systems,unique displacement ventilationenters a room at a low level whereit is needed – extracting stale airfrom higher level. In recent years, schools across

the nation have made substantialefforts to improve their indoor airquality (IAQ). Delivering a con-trolled supply of filtered, fresh airby ventilation only when andwhere it is needed – and in theexact quantity required – through-out the nation’s classroom envi-ronments, will not only improveour children’s health, but ensuretheir learning abilities are not hin-dered by something as simple asthe lack of fresh, clean air.

HVAC in education

Clean air boosts learningPhil Marris looks at the importance of maintaining good Indoor AirQuality within schools and what to consider in a ventilation system

Jaga’s Strada OxygenRefresh system

// The author is the managing director ofJaga Heating Products UK //

Sponsored by


It’s a wonderful world, let’s keep it that way.

Remeha Fusion.Our new gas absorptionheat pumpwon’t make a big impression.

Just the way we like it.

At Remeha, we’ve neverbeen one to tiptoe aroundthe carbon footprint issue. Much better to tackle the challenge head on. Such isthe case with the Remeha Fusion Heat Pump, whichuses gas-fired technology and low LOx thermodynamic condensing heat generators to draw energy from the air. Naturally, this results in a more environmentally friendly option than electricity. Not to mention an exceptionally effective one, with high fuel efficiencies of around 144%. After all, it’s about treading lightly on the planet. Suitable for natural gas and LPG operations, both high andlow temperature models are available depending on your requirements. To find out more call 0118 978 3434 or visit remeha.co.uk/product/fusion

BROAG REMEHA:Layout 1 14/03/2014 10:11 Page 1

It Is Important for schools tohave a reliable and well main-tained HVAC system to ensure ahealthy working environment forboth pupils and teachers. Whileclassroom temperatures need tobe at a comfortable level, thereshould also be adequate ventila-tion to limit the concentration ofcarbon dioxide in all teaching andlearning spaces.

The reliability of HVAC systemsin schools is paramount as brokenheating or cooling systems in theheight of winter or summer canlead to pupil discomfort and evenillness. This can be extremelydamaging to a school’s reputation,sometimes creating the need forschools to close while systems arerepaired. So, what are the mainchallenges associated with heatingor cooling systems and what is theimpact of heat transfer fluids onsystem longevity and reliability?

The little things count The importance of the quality andcomposition of heat transfer fluidsshould not be underestimatedwhen specifying a fluid for anHVAC system. This is because thereliability and longevity of a system can depend on the heattransfer fluid used.

Many heat transfer fluids areglycol-based. While they are notparticularly corrosive in concen-trate form, corrosion challengesarise when they are diluted withwater to achieve the required frostprotection.

Another important considera-tion is the quality of the waterused as the corrosive effect ofwater can vary considerablydepending on its chemical compo-sition. Hard or inferior water cancause bacterial growth and scalingwithin the system, as chemicalssuch as calcium and magnesiumare introduced. This has thepotential to reduce the system’slifespan and increase the need formaintenance and repairs.

As a result, mixing an inhibitedglycol-based heat transfer fluid,with water of a sufficient quality,enables the system to last longerby reducing corrosion, bacteriaand scaling. This results in cleanercircuits, efficient heat transfer andlong-term cost benefits. The needfor system repairs and to replaceexpensive equipment is reduced,saving both time and money forthe installer and school.

But how can the installer reallyknow the quality of the heat trans-fer fluid in operation? As theindustry recognises the impor-tance of corrosion prevention, aninternational standard, known asthe ASTM D 1384 corrosion teststandard is playing an increasingly

important role. During the test,metals such as aluminium, iron,steel, brass, solder and copper,which are commonly used in heattransfer systems, are immersed ina glycol/water mixture. After thisprocedure, they are analysed inlaboratory conditions for signs ofcorrosion.

This is an effective way todemonstrate the ability of the fluidto protect sufficiently against cor-rosion. However, as the standardremains voluntary, there is still aneed for a greater focus in theindustry on the importance of cor-rosion prevention and the qualityof heat transfer fluids.

System maintenanceWhile selecting a fluid with theASTM corrosion test standard canhelp to reduce the need for main-tenance and repairs, regular quali-ty checks remain important in theschool environment. They areneeded not only to confirm thatthe HVAC system is performingcorrectly, but that it is in goodcondition, with no signs of degra-dation or indications that it willfail. During maintenance, the gly-col content within the system

should also be monitored to main-tain sufficient frost protection.

In addition, the various conditions under which heattransfer fluids are transferred,stored, heated and applied can allhave an impact on their perform-ance. As a result, regular qualitychecks should be performed inorder to ensure that fluids are inan adequate condition for use allyear round.

The perfect combination In summary, the right combinationof regular maintenance and carefully selected heat transfer fluids, can help installers to ensurethat their systems remain opera-tional and in good conditionthroughout the year. This is partic-ularly vital in the school environ-ment where failing or unreliablesystems can lead to school closures, pupil illness, disruptededucation and complaints. Whileheat transfer fluids may seem asmall part of a system, poor quality fluids can potentially bevery expensive and damaging.

The reliability of

HVAC systems in

schools is

paramount as

broken systems

could lead to pupil

discomfort or illness

HVAC in education

Heat transfer fluids –the little things countAndrew Murray examines the importance of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC)systems in the school environment and the benefits of carefully selecting heat transfer fluidsto ensure the lifespan and reliability of systems


// The author is the senior manager atKilfrost’s speciality fluids division //

Kilfrost’s range of heat transfer fluidsprovides protection against

corrosion such as this

Sponsored by


HVAC in educationSponsored by


Cutting carbon in the classroomLisa Gingell explains why proactive energymanagement is just as important in the schoolenvironment as the office and highlights why interactiveenergy management dashboards are great for givingschools an energy boost and ideal for showing childrenhow they can cut carbon

It’s a well-known fact that behaviours learnt at a young agewill stand you in good stead inyour adult life and the same goesfor energy management and carbon cutting. Good habits are hard to quit. By

showing young people about theimportance of saving energy atschools, the hope is these routinesare then followed through intohomes and communities.Today, many schools are not

only teaching children about theimportance of sustainability andenergy management by includingit in the curriculum but also show-ing them. From recycling in theclassroom to learning about theeffects of the climate change,schools are tackling eco-initiativeshead on. By our very nature we are all

visual beings and children areeven more so than adults – byphysically showing them how theyare saving energy they can see inbright colours and easy to under-stand graphics what this means.It’s also been proven by psycholo-gist Ronald Brittle’s study of eco-visualisation that real-time display of energy data increasesconservation behaviours and thatregular feedback can result in 10per cent energy savings by people.At t-mac we have worked with a

number of schools across the UKto provide them with an energysaving and learning framework toenable teaching staff to embedthese principles into the heart ofschool life. How we do this is viaour energy management systemand our custom built energy dash-boards – visual energy saving dis-plays that can be shown in real-time on laptops, ipads, tv screensor mobile phones to pupils.We recently installed our

Building energy ManagementSystem (BeMS) into a school’s vastcampus for real-time metering of anumber of the building’s HVACequipment. t-mac was set to mon-

itor and meter a number of theschool’s areas such as the swim-ming pool and leisure centre, anumber of accommodationblocks, a student recreation centreand the kitchens.We enabled the school to

internally analyse and quantify its

energy consumption and under-stand the amount that each build-ing is costing in energy expenseand carbon output. The school was also keen for stu-

dents and staff to get involved andcarry out energy analysis of thefindings but also to look at howenergy can be saved and consump-

tion reduced through behaviour.The way in which we helped

demonstrate the energy savingsand energy costs was via a customdesigned ‘energy makeover’ dash-board – which shows pupils howthe school is saving energy andcarbon. This highly visual interac-

tive screen features educationalgraphics and calculations demon-strating energy savings from HVACequipment plus it provides aninteractive tool for pro-activemaintenance and managementequipment by site staff.All energy dashboards can be

single or multi-page, showing data

from single or multiple sites, andcan be interactive and/or touch-screen versions. Alternatively adashboard can scroll throughscreens to view on a plasmascreen. The dashboards are accessible online and can belinked from a corporate internetsite or running in a reception on aPC with internet access. Suitablefor showing the pupils daily what savings are being made – they canvisually see how their efforts to cutthe use of HVAC equipment is sav-ing energy and cost for the school.From our research we know

that a one off approach to energymanagement won’t reap returnsbut a long-term approach coupledwith getting people – as well assoftware – on board can make significant reductions. It’s all aboutchanging the mind-set behind theeveryday actions of pupils andstaff and letting them see the benefits of energy savings.t-mac Technologies is made up

of dedicated experts in the field ofelectronics engineering and webapplication bringing its associatedsystems and products to life; providing the next generation ofenergy management solutions. t-mac Technologies’ t-mac BeMSdevice and energy software canreap savings of up to 30 per centand offers a return on investmentof 12 to 18 months.The company’s products are

used globally enabling clients tomonitor and reduce their energyconsumption, make savings andcomply with Government legisla-tion. Using wireless and web-based technology, the com-pany provides intelligent systemsfor remote, Internet monitoringand control of assets such as heat-ing, ventilation, air conditioningand refrigeration as well as consumables such as water, air,gas and electricity.

// The author is a director at t-macTechnologies //


HeatingAndVentilating.net - Heating and VentilatingThere can be a temptation to underestimate the returns offered by retrofit technologies on energy efficiency investments, warns Chris

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