NEWS


Conference to focus on ‘pivotal’ HIU performance


H


eat Interface Units (HIUs) will play a pivotal role in the UK’s journey to a low carbon economy, according to industry experts. Two key parliamentary committees – Climate


Change and Science and Technical - have identified the decarbonisation of heat as the country’s single biggest challenge in the transition to net zero carbon emissions and have urged wider adoption of heat networks.


Heating specialists have pointed out that the performance of the HIUs connected to the heat networks is critical to their


overall efficiency and effectiveness, but historically this issue was largely ignored. A BEIS-funded research project conducted by consultant FairHeat found that poor performance of HIUs was one of the key drivers of the performance gap between design and actual performance of heat networks. Researchers concluded that it was difficult to limit network losses if the HIU performed poorly. The performance of HIUs was also a major determinant in the quality of heat delivery to residents.


Gareth Jones, chair of the UK HIU Steering Group, explained: “When considering heat network


Fri-Jado paints a greener picture


F


ri-Jado has used the relocation of its head offi ce and production facility as an opportunity to establish environmentally sustainable premises.


The new building has been certifi ed as “very good” under the BREEAM standard and incorporates new technology and automated features to deliver manufacturing and comfortable offi ce environments whilst having a minimal carbon footprint and low energy consumption. The building’s roof features 6,500 solar panels, generating enough electricity to serve the needs of 400-500 households per year. The climate control system is powered exclusively by electricity and is driven by three latest generation heat pumps for energy effi ciency.


The building has insulation to reduce energy


consumption and both the interior and exterior of the plant benefi t from sensor controlled LED lighting. Sustainability has been carried through to the


company’s manufacturing processes, with most operations being powered by electricity rather than gas.


Fri-Jado UK’s director of national accounts, Gary Thacker, claims that the investment made at the company’s new headquarters highlights its holistic approach to sustainability. Mr Thacker said: “Public opinion and the activity of climate change lobby groups will increase pressure on OEMs and suppliers to make further progress in delivering more environmentally sensitive equipment.”


performance, most attention tends to be focused on the energy centre and the pipework in the basement of buildings that connects to the wider network. This is a mistake. Heat network efficiency starts (and often ends) with performance at a dwelling level. HIUs, which provide the interface to the wider network, are, therefore, critical.” A new UK Test Standard for HIUs was developed


by the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA). To address this knowledge gap and delegates at the forthcoming BESA National Conference will receive the latest updates on the test methodology, which is now being rapidly adopted by HIU manufacturers and heat network developers. Mr Jones, who will chair the conference session at the Millennium Gloucester hotel in London, said: “Poor HIU performance has been the root cause of poor resident experience on several high-profile heat networks.In the past, there was no way to assess the relative performance of HIUs and there was often a significant discrepancy between the claims of manufacturers and the performance in practice. This meant that there was no way for those developing heat networks to make informed procurement decisions.”


Mitsubishi supports demand for energy effi cient buildings


M


itsubishi Electric has opened a London offi ce along with a specialist team dedicated to delivering energy effi cient


HVAC solutions in the capital. The offi ce, located at Sustainable Bankside II in Southwark, is supporting the growing construction market in London and is specifi cally aimed at bolstering its consultative off ering. Rob Bowden, London business manager at Mitsubishi Electric, who is heading up the new team, explained: “There are over 500 towers planned or under construction in the next few years across the capital. Combined with an increase in mixed-use buildings and carbon reduction targets, consultants and businesses need support to engineer the best solution whilst being mindful of increasingly stringent legislation.”


Mr Bowden’s team is geared to help customers and partners with matters relating to legislation, regulations and sustainable building practices, as well as sharing the latest innovations in cooling, heating, ventilation and smart controls integration for buildings in and around the capital. Ben Clover, director at The Interior Works, said: “We look to partner with companies that share our standards and service levels by providing engineered solutions to reduce carbon and energy within the built environment.


“Rob and his team not only know the London market, they are also very knowledgeable about the construction industry, the legislation that drives it and the sustainable solutions that help to deliver a more energy effi cient built environment.” Specifi ers and building operators also face the challenge of delivering internal comfort that can adapt to changing use, while minimising the space required for plant and taking into consideration indoor air quality and noise levels.


Mr Bowden added: “With the London plan being expanded to account for the next 20-25 years, it is important that we are right on hand to off er support and advice to designers, specifi ers and installers.


“The capital is continuing to see huge investment in buildings – both new and refurbished – and our customers and partners need to be able to easily access our support and services from a central London location. These new premises in Southwark will allow us to do just that.”


www.acr-news.com


November 2019 7


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