BUILDING CONTROLS & TECHNOLOGY
Optimising comfort and boosting efficiency with radiant ceiling panels in commercial and industrial buildings
Creating comfortable, energy efficient environments in commercial and industrial buildings requires smart, modern and adaptable heating and cooling solutions. Nicola Rivers, indoor climate specialist at Zehnder Group UK explains why radiant ceiling panels provide a compelling alternative to radiators particularly for high-volume or multifunctional spaces
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nstalled discreetly on the ceiling, radiant ceiling panels deliver even heating and cooling across offices, warehouses, classrooms, gym halls, fitness centres and more – yet they are not always the first choice. They work by warming objects and
surfaces directly rather than relying on heated air circulation. This ensures consistent temperature distribution, improved comfort and greater energy efficiency. Their slim design and ceiling placement saves valuable room space, and their low surface temperature removes any burn risk, making them suitable for environments with children, the infirm or elderly.
Radiant ceiling panels, such as Zehnder’s Alumline and the Zehnder ZFP, respond quickly to temperature changes, offering an energy efficient solution that can use up to 60% less energy, than traditional air heating methods, based on findings from an independent study carried out by Trubu Energy, while also providing architectural flexibility. The Alumline panels integrate seamlessly into lay-in ceilings, for offices and classrooms, while the ZFP ranges provides commercial spaces such as, warehouse, logistic halls etc, with a perfect source of heating and cooling for a high bay space. The panels feature, a high-quality powder coated finish over galvanised steel, ensuring long service life. Installation is straightforward too. Modern panels are lightweight, supplied ready to install, and use simple hydraulic connections. Unlike earlier industrial radiant panels that required welded connections and headers, the latest designs simplify installation by reducing the number of joints and potential leak points – speeding up commission and ensuring long-term reliability.
8 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER DECEMBER 2025
They can also work as a cooling solution during the summer by circulating cooled water through the system. This makes them ideal for use alongside reversible heat pumps, maintaining year-round comfort while optimising efficiency. Operating above dew point, panels use high cooling water temperatures of 14 - 18°C for cooling for example whilst low operating temperatures for heating such as 30 - 45°C. are perfect for achieving highest possible heat pump coefficient of performance (COP). The radiant effect further improves efficiency, typically saving 2°C in cooling, 3°C in heating Combined, these factors make radiant conditioning with heat pumps one of the most energy-efficient heating and cooling solutions available, often outperforming underfloor systems. In industrial applications, such as factories and warehouses, radiant panels are often installed in long strips – up to 50 meters in length. However, with the growing trend of repurposing industrial spaces for offices, restaurants and residential use products like the ZFP Urban panel which has been re- engineered into a compact, self-contained unit, this approach simplifies the specification and integration process for heating and cooling systems. There’s also potential to integrate additional features, such as lighting. For full indoor climate management, radiant panels are increasingly used with mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) across various parts of a building project, meaning all areas of the building can benefit from their unique energy saving benefits. With the panels providing efficient heating and cooling, the MVHR unit ensures consistent fresh air supply and extract while recovering heat from extracted air, thus reducing overall energy consumption.
Commercial MVHR systems provide precise
airflow control, automatic CO₂ monitoring, and ventilation adjustment, maintaining indoor air quality and occupant comfort for schools and offices, this contributes to improved wellbeing, concentration, and reduced absenteeism linked to airborne illnesses. For larger commercial projects, centralised MVHR systems such as Zehnder’s NeoTime and Carma units offer full-building control. By connecting all supply and extract points into a networked duct system, these units maintain uniform temperature and air quality across multiple zones. Designed for indoor or outdoor installation, they feature factory-fitted weather protection, high-quality filters, and double- walled insulation for quiet, efficient operation. Heat recovery via a mechanical ventilation system retains warmth from the extracted air by passing it over a heat exchanger. This retained heat then warms the supply air coming into the building meaning the load on the radiant ceiling panels is decreased, providing efficiencies in cost and operation. Then in the summer months, the system’s modulating summer bypass activates when temperatures reach a pre-set level, turning off the heat recovery element, and then heat and humidity is extracted from the warm, humid outdoor air before fresh air enters the building. The result is a more comfortable indoor climate with a fresh air feel all year round. When specified together, radiant ceiling panels, reversible heat pumps, and MVHR deliver a complete, low-energy indoor climate strategy.
For building engineers and consultants, this integrated approach offers year-round comfort, precise control, and substantial energy savings - meeting both performance and sustainability goals in modern commercial and industrial developments.
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