Modern Building Services

MODERN BUILDING SERVICES MARCH 2022 25 FEATURE INSTALLERS VIEW W hilst radiators have been primarily associated with residential developments and replacement domestic heating systems, they are also key to the successful design of commercial spaces.Workplaces need tomeet the needs of the modern working environment and provide a comfortable and usable space for occupants, whilst adhering to increasing energy targets and requirements to reduce carbon impact. As such, selecting the right heat emitters for the space needs careful consideration. Energy efficiency In 2019, the UK government set its target to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, and since then there has been a significant push for new and existing commercial spaces to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. Manywill be aware of Approved Document L of the Building Regulations, which is dedicated to the conservation of fuel and power and raising the energy performance of buildingswith clear and well-defined targets for the fabric of the building and the equipment used. For the commercial sector, Part L2 offers important guidance for the design of newbuild and refurbishment projects and looks to ensure that energy efficiency is at the forefront of design. It says that non-domestic buildings should be looking to update heating systemswith low-carbon alternatives such as heat pumps. Beyond this, there are a number of further initiatives like the government’s Carbon Reduction Commitment Energy Efficiency Scheme (CRC EES) that emphasises the need to reduce carbon output through taxation. In addition, the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI), Feed-in Tariffs (Fits) and Green Deal initiative all encourage the use of new technologies in the commercial sector. UKGBC (UK Green Building Council) is also calling for office spaces to reduce energy demand by an average of 60%by 2050 and strive to become net zero in their operation. Whilst this might seem like a mammoth task, even small steps like ensuring the right heat emitters are installed will go a long way to improving the energy efficiency of commercial buildings. As such, working withmanufacturers to identify the level of output needed from radiators to sufficiently heat the space will help to ensure that themost appropriate solutions are selected. According to Opus Energy, the optimum temperature range for sedentary work is 21-23°C. Whilst it may sound obvious, it is important that the radiators installed can reach andmaintain this temperature to not only ensure worker comfort and productivity, but also the health and carbon footprint of the system. ➜ INSTALLER VIEW Heating things up in commercial spaces Alex Burgess , National Sales Manager at Clyde Radiators looks at the wide-ranging factors to consider when specifying radiators within commercial environments, and how the correct specification can help tomeet carbon reduction targets.