OPINION


forcing low income tenants further into fuel poverty). From our enquiries, we’ve found that, provided the developer pays for the heat network, the cheapest an ESCO will sell heat to householders is 5p to 10p/kWh. On top of this, there are maintenance costs and standing charges for the network that can be more than that of a gas boiler. The ESCOs are probably only


paying 2p to 3p/kWh for their gas and presumably sell the excess electricity to subsidise the costs further. This pricing would allow the ESCO to burn several times the amount of gas a householder would in their domestic boiler to provide the same amount of heat. There is no evidence in the financial model that any fuel or carbon savings will be achieved. Finally, to


Obsolete solar hot water heating systems As a retired CIBSE member I admire the innovation and green credentials shown by the younger and practising members. I understand, however,


that some are still specifying obsolete solar hot water heating systems that require anti-freeze and metal pipework. On my retirement six years


argue that heat networks should be used in the future to provide heat from a variety of sources is at best hopeful without knowing what the national energy strategy is going to be. What are the consequences of putting a heat pump, solar panels, heat stores, waste incinerators, or biomass boilers at the end of the district heating system? Is it feasible? Is it a good idea? Without the facts that this


will save any money, fuel or CO2, now or in the future, we shouldn’t be moving forward with this policy as it distracts from solving the problem. The best option for now is to reduce the problem – minimise the heating load we need to meet by investing in insulating our existing building stock. Bill Watts, senior partner, Max Fordham


www.cibsejournal.com


To argue that heat networks should be used in the future to provide heat from a variety of sources is at best hopeful without knowing what the national energy strategy is going to look like


ago I had a solar hot water system installed in my house, which took less than half a day to complete, was and still is significantly cheaper than the old fashioned systems, does not require a separate heating coil or heat exchanger, uses food grade quality flexible tubing and is independent of mains electricity. It has worked perfectly with no


maintenance requirement other than a six monthly replacement of water


conditioning crystals in the cold water feed and expansion cistern. I hope that any CIBSE members specifying these older systems will consider this letter. Mike Dewhirst


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MANUFACTURER’S VIEWPOINT


Watering down the energy requirements for buildings will only store up problems for future occupiers. The government must not lose its nerve by loosening green regulation,


writes Martin Fahey, of Mitsubishi Electric


There has been much said about Part L of the Building Regulations and whether the requirements for consequential improvements (CI) are a good or bad thing.


Some elements of the media took great delight in condemning how this will impact on the homeowner, who not only faces the bill to replace a broken boiler, but may have to face the cost of immediately insulating their home as well. Further alarmist noises were made around the prospect of a ‘conservatory tax’. However, if we are to get


anywhere near government targets for emissions reductions, we have to make our existing building stock more efficient.


Overall, buildings in the UK now account for 35%* of all greenhouse gas emissions, which is more than either industry or transport. Despite some ongoing and recent challenges, we do appear to be going in the right direction with new low carbon buildings. However, it is estimated that around 75% of our existing buildings will still be in use in 2050. The Department of Energy and Climate Change documents detail that around 80% of our heat demands are currently served by gas, and the Carbon Trust highlights that 90% of heating systems are not controlled effectively. So it is easy to see that the current status quo is not a sustainable proposition. One of the primary difficulties with more stringent requirements, of course, is the finances, especially in these economic times. However, there is a strong economic argument for improving energy efficiency in terms of the significant reductions in running costs that can be achieved.


Businesses can also look to offset the capital costs of any renewable equipment they add into the work against their annual tax bill, as long as the equipment is listed on the government’s Enhanced Capital Allowance (ECA) scheme.


Perhaps part of the problem is that with the current gloomy outlook, too few are prepared to take a long-term view and invest in their bricks and mortar.


At the same time, we hear daily reports that businesses are sitting on piles of cash, and are reluctant to spend it.


As an industry, we need to encourage that spend, not just for reasons of self-interest, but also to highlight how much energy –and money – can be saved.


Join in the debate by visiting our Green Gateway LinkedIn group, where you will also be able to view the latest thoughts of group members from across the UK building industry.


We also have a Twitter account @green_gateway, which offers followers a chance to receive up-to-the-minute news and views from those both within and outside the industry, including key opinion leaders.


Martin Fahey is sustainable solutions manager at Mitsubishi Electric and co-ordinator of the company’s Green Gateway programme. Further information is available at www. greengateway.mitsubishielectric. co.uk


*The Carbon Plan: Delivering our low carbon future


SPONSORED BY


August 2012 CIBSE Journal


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