Modern Building Services

FEATURE AIR CONDITIONING, COOLING & VENTILATION The business improvement potential of applying the HVAC and process cooling elements within high performance building standards is well documented. One of our customers, a global consumer goods manufacturer completed energy-saving infrastructure upgrades in their plant, which increase uptime and reliability and provide a safer, more comfortable and more productive environment for workers, while saving hundreds of thousands of GBP in energy costs. As part of the process, leaders selected a comprehensive HVAC and process cooling solution that replaced the facility’s chilled water plant, along with management system and controls, and accompanied by centralised, continuous service. They expect to recoup their investment in infrastructure upgrades a little more than two years after completion. What else in addition to investing in temperature control equipment? Hire or subscribe flexibly As mentioned at the beginning of the article, organisations are focused on doing more with less, which also means counting every penny in their capital budgets to ensure the expenditure will provide the best return on investment. This applies to the HVAC and process cooling systems in the same way as to any other element of the plant. When Capital expenditure (Capex) is an issue, and it proves to be true more and more in real life, finding a partner and expert capable to design or redesign your cooling systems, one that would then remain as your service provider, is much more important than finding and purchasing the right chiller. Partnering with an expert process cooling company opens the door to more investment options and opportunities to enhance your process cooling and HVAC systems. One alternative to capital investment in a way of purchasing and installing a fixed HVAC and process cooling equipment is hire. Renting equipment is a straightforward process. The rental service provider’s local contact will work with you to determine your needs and will provide a proposal to meet those needs for periods that can stretch over years. Once you sign off on the proposal, the needed equipment will be mobilised and set-up on site on your schedule by the specialised rental service provider itself. Should any challenges arise with the rental equipment during the rental period, your local contact is available to help resolve them. If maintenance is needed for rental equipment, the rental service provider should be able to provide a technician to execute any needed repairs. New rental scheme options There are also new options in the rental schemes now available that give manufacturers additional flexibility in choosing their equipment. A membership or subscription type of a long- term rental agreement offers manufacturers access to the latest process temperature control technology, maintenance, and equipment upgrades – all with the flexibility of an operating expense. With the subscription model, manufacturers can transform their process temperature control system from a fixed asset into a dynamic solution that will be up-to- date with their changing business and process needs. This type of a complete HVAC and process temperature control packaged solution includes equipment, preventive and 24/7 emergency maintenance, replacements, and upgrades. The elements of the all-inclusive, monthly rate contract are tailored to the process’ needs and based on a detailed assessment by the service provider’s engineers. Manufacturers receive the right temperature control solutions for their process needs with the flexibility to adapt their capacity according to changing seasonal and operational requirements. They get bespoke systems installed in their processes – with no upfront cost and capital investment. They only pay for the temperature control they need and when they need it. Unlike in the case of a traditional long-term hire, they benefit from the flexibility to exchange and upgrade the equipment as their requirements change or technology improves. Adding to this the peace of mind of complete maintenance and contingency plans. To summarise, manufacturers can realise a wide range of benefits by adopting high performance technologies and practices that are widely available today. They can consider new technologies, solutions, services and financing options that open the door to improving their plant’s HVAC and process cooling systems’ efficiencies. With that they can keep their operations running at the highest level of performance while reducing lifecycle costs and thus allowing to invest in other priorities. More information can be found at www.icscoolenergy.com 10 MODERN BUILDING SERVICES JUNE 2022