JULY & AUGUST 2012 |www.opp.org.uk WORDS | Gordon Miller


problematic for those concerned about the environment and involved in delivering sustainability. It is a huge user of energy. But it is also a necessary aspect of modern life. In some cases it’s vital to our very existence, for example in hospitals. How can we manage the apparent oxymoron? At source is how. Passive building design can minimise the need for mechanical heating ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC). Thermal mass provides warmth in cold climates and cooling in hot ones – ever wandered into a wonderfully cool church on a blazing hot day in Spain, or France? That’s thermal mass at work. Appropriate orientation to maximise/ minimise (as required) solar gain is critical. Natural airfl ow through the correct positioning of the building to benefi t from the prevailing winds will assist cooling.


In extreme cases, such as hospitals and data centres – and when all feasible passive design elements have been introduced – mechanical intervention is required. Then, there is HVAC and then again there is more energy- effi cient HVAC. Much like cars, or indeed buildings, some are ‘greener’ than others. Climaveneta, the European HVAC market leader, believes providing energy effi cient sustainable solutions is core to its ongoing commercial success, and delivers brand value by positioning the company as


Keep it simple P


assive is cool Air-conditioning is


thought leaders. A case in point is Climaveneta’s latest innovation, free cooling technology, which enables air conditioning units to achieve the full cooling requirement without the use of compressors through a direct heat exchange between the plant’s hydraulic circuit and the outdoor air. The upshot is effective performance with reduced energy demand.


Andrea Bertelle, Communications Manager for Climaveneta, said: “Sustainability has been part of our mission and business success for many years. It is at the core of our business. We believe sustainability is delivered best through collaboration. Partnership working is critical to create benefi t and drive value for our business.” Collaboration in practice includes


“Ever wandered into a wonderfully cool church on a hot day? That’s thermal mass at work”


the recent installation of South Africa’s fi rst 5 Star Green Star building. Climaveneta, working with its client Aurecon who delivered full engineering services on the project, installed a state-of-the-art climate control system in Aurecon’s new offi ce building in Century City, Cape Town. The 7,000m2 property has been granted “5 Star Green Star” status


BUSINESS


From French churches to pyramids to India, our globetrotting environmentalist tells us how to save energy and cost in our property world – all without getting out of his chair or earning a single air mile.


SUSTAINABILITY | 51


Gordon Miller is the Co-founder and Sustainability & Communications Director of business alliance Sustain Worldwide (www.sustainworldwide.com). He is a licensed BREEAM International Assessor and consults on sustainability and environmental management systems. Gordon contributes to national newspapers including the Financial Times and The Guardian. Gordon@sustainworldwide.com


by The Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA). It is the fi rst building in the country to receive the prestigious award.


The design of the building’s HVAC system, in particular, did much to secure the 5 Star rating. The system is a Variable Air Volume (VAV) design, with rooftop chillers, air handling units and cooling towers. Two Climavaneta magnetic levitation chillers were selected for the task. The specifi cation has contributed signifi cantly towards a predicted energy consumption that is 50% lower than comparable buildings. The system’s chilled water circuit, with a variable primary fl ow, eliminates the need for secondary pumps, achieving a signifi cant energy saving for the property. The Climaveneta units are equipped with variable speed drives and consume less energy during the frequent part load conditions. The system was also designed for low temperature/low volume supply of air, reducing the size of the ducting as well as the size of the air handling units and fans reducing energy consumption. Jacques Kotzé, Aurecon’s Head of Facilities and Procurement, expects that the building will yield a positive return on investment, “Aurecon’s aim to achieve ‘greener’ building practices at our own facilities aligns with our global strategy to ‘continuously improve effi ciency and effectiveness of our business operations’.


Going green | new technology means that ‘green’ properties are smarter than ever


“Our culture of continuous improvement extends to our facilities. Making these more sustainable and environmentally friendly doesn’t only result in a positive return on investment, but also contributes to building our great brand.”


Pyramids may hold clue to more effi cient solar cells performance A team at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has found a new approach to maximize power output while minimizing silicon usage that could reduce the thickness of the silicon required by more than 90% while still maintaining high effi ciency. The ‘secret’ lies in a pattern of tiny inverted pyramids etched into the surface of the silicon. These tiny indentations, each less than a millionth of a meter across, can trap rays of light as effectively as conventional solid silicon surfaces that are 30 times thicker. If the theory holds up in practice it would reduce the cost of production signifi cantly while also increasing effi ciencies and therefore outputs.


Sustain Worldwide business mission to Gujarat, India: 8-13 January 2013 Sustain Worldwide, in partnership with its India-based sustainability sector specialist partner SEnS, is planning a tailored business mission to Gujarat, India, from 8-13 January 2013 (www.sustainworldwide.com/india- mission-2013.html). The visit is being timed to coincide with the b2b Vibrant Gujarat Summit (VGS). See www. vibrantgujarat.com. Those joining the mission will


receive senior level introductions to companies seeking British and European partners with specialist sustainability knowledge and services. Carefully tailored one-to- one meetings and group networking events will be arranged.


Delegates will be assisted to identify potential customers or partners and to arrange meetings with them prior to leaving the UK.


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