SUSTAINABILITY
IN IT FOR THE LONG HAUL
Earlier this year the Government introduced the Construction Strategy detailing its plans to improve the UK’s infrastructure over the next four years. Here,
Michael Fereday, Customer Solutions Manager at Rexel Energy Solutions, outlines the latest developments in energy-saving technology and how they can create buildings that provide a sound investment for the future.
Whole life building design is a powerful tool for calculating the lowest cost options for the entire commercial life of a building. It encourages the use of best value technology while also reducing the costs and disruption caused by unplanned repairs and maintenance.
Knowledge of a building’s costs over its full life span is important in achieving best value from both the capital costs of constructing the building, and the related ongoing costs of operating it. Taking a whole- life approach helps to ensure the most suitable building materials, components and systems are selected. Some of the most popular ‘whole-life’ technologies include:
LED LIGHTING LED lighting can offer significant
energy savings. After a system was installed in the Department of Energy and Climate Control HQ at Whitehall Place, there was a 25% decrease in electricity use on each floor.
LED was traditionally sold at a much higher price point than other types of lighting; however, due to high demand
and business competition, the financial outlay has fallen and it now sits in line with most other lighting options on the market.
So, with these abilities to drastically reduce energy costs at the starting line and annually, LED can benefit the facilities manager, whilst meeting the Government’s construction goals.
VOLTAGE OPTIMISATION Voltage Optimisation contributes to
reduced energy costs by reducing the voltage supplied by the grid - usually 242V - to 220V. This solution could provide up to a 19% reduction in electricity immediately and is also thought to reduce breakdowns.
Voltage Optimisation also works with solar PV, heat pumps and wind power to provide additional energy and cost savings on these green solutions.
EV CHARGING Although there is an initial outlay
involved in Electric Vehicles (EVs) and EV charging facilities, Government grants have considerably reduced these overheads, meaning they are increasingly becoming a financially viable vehicle upgrade or replacement option.
EVs are not only an environmentally- friendly transport option due to their significantly lower carbon emissions; they also offer long-term financial benefits because they are cheaper to run, costing approximately 2p per mile compared to 12p per mile for a petrol or diesel vehicle.
30 | TOMORROW’S FM
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