SPONSORED FEATURE ECA
BANISHING BLACKOUT BRITAIN
It’s easier than you might think to keep the lights on, says ECA Head of energy solutions, Bill Wright Business continuity
As the EU Large Combustion Plant Directive compels us to cut emissions and close some of our power stations, and with others coming to the end of their useful lives, the UK will soon be entering a period where generating capacity may not meet demand, particularly during peak winter periods.
If this happens, parts of the country may experience ‘brown outs’, or energy fluctuations from reduced voltage; and we may even need to get used to periodic black outs.
While such incidences are not likely to occur on a large or national scale, businesses need to know that their premises and systems can continue to operate if they are affected by local energy supply issues.
Standby solutions
As the most effective energy security measures are tied into the building and its operation, it makes sense to incorporate standby power systems into commercial premises.
For any scenario, critical systems should be identified to ensure they can be maintained in the event of a power outage.
Backup power systems provide the ideal solution; be it the installation of a permanent standby generator set, or the provision of a means of temporarily
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connecting an alternative power supply. These could be in the form of generating sets or Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS).
Lighten the load And of course all
buildings, existing or new, should seek to minimise their electricity demand and use energy as efficiently as possible.
The use of efficient lighting, variable speed drives and the incorporation of Building Management Systems (BMS) makes good business and financial
sense and can be relatively easily retrofitted in many cases.
Installing renewable energy sources such as PV or Heat Pumps will ensure the building uses substantially less energy and reduce energy bills. There are also financial incentives such as the Green Deal on hand to finance these energy efficient sources.
Peace of mind
A little forward planning could help shield a building against the security risks and
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CAN WE KEEP THE LIGHTS ON?
Don’t miss this ECA & BSRIA energy security seminar, London, March 27, with experts from ECA, BSRIA, National Grid, DECC & Ofgem.
Visit
http://ow.ly/srVLG.
Join ECA and you could attend this event for free.
Places available on a fi rst come fi rst served basis.
Call ECA Membership on 020 7313 4800 quoting CIBSE 4 or visit
www.eca.co.uk/client
February 2014 CIBSE Journal 51
loss of business that could otherwise be a reality should the lights go out.
For peace of mind, consult an ECA contractor who can advise on and install standby systems and suitable efficiency measures or alternative energy sources.
Find an ECA member at
www.eca.co.uk
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