BSEE-JAN22-PG12 CoverStory_Layout 1 13/12/2021 09:35 Page 12
BSEE
January is an excellent time for businesses to take stock and set new goals to meet their sustainability commitments. Rob Erwood, sales and specification director at Baxi Commercial Solutions, outlines some of the futureproof solutions for heating
sustainability is a must in today's business environment. It brings many benefits, from more innovative strategies that lead to reduced businesses costs to an improved reputation that attracts sustainably minded new customers and valuable talent. One obvious way to improve sustainability is through energy efficiency. Heating is the biggest reason we consume energy in our society and accounts for the largest proportion of UK greenhouse gas emissions, according to the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS). For this reason, it has long been identified as an urgent target for improvement measures.
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Unfortunately, it’s also one of the hardest sectors to decarbonise, given that individual buildings will require different solutions depending on their type, age and profile. Yet action is needed now. And even if full decarbonisation cannot be achieved overnight, actively encouraging companies to map out a phased refurbishment plan is a positive move towards the future of heat.
Fabric first
Ultimately, the transition to low carbon heating sources will require a shift to low carbon heat pumps, smart electric water heating equipment or hydrogen boilers. Older, poorly insulated buildings present the toughest challenge as low carbon heating technologies operate most effectively in conjunction with energy efficiency upgrades. In premises like these, where the technically and financially feasible opportunities are currently restricted, the first step should therefore be to reduce heat losses through a fabric first approach. Improving insulation and optimising solar gain are just two of the possible measures that will increase the energy efficiency of the building envelope. 20% more efficient
If heat pumps are not an option at present, the next stage should be to identify any opportunities to use the energy source more efficiently. Upgrading inefficient or ageing heating plant to modern, more energy-efficient equipment is a well-established quick win. Replacing non- condensing boilers with modern energy-efficient condensing boilers that are at least 20% more efficient, for example, will deliver immediate, significant energy, cost and carbon savings.
Futureready installation
“Isn’t the plan to switch to hydrogen boilers?” This is a common query from customers and building operators who understandably want to ensure a future-proof installation.
he New Year, given its association with new beginnings, is the perfect time for businesses and organisations to set out or reassess their pathway to greater sustainability. Economic, social and environmental
COVER STORY Setting pathways to more sustainable heating
Certainly, we see hydrogen boilers as a key pillar of the energy transition, along with electrification (heat pumps) and heat networks. We are also one of only a few manufacturers to have developed a hydrogen boiler and are actively working closely with government to trial hydrogen boilers in a number of projects.
The UK government has reaffirmed its commitments for clean hydrogen deployment at scale in its national hydrogen strategy. But the rollout is unlikely to happen much before 2030, with the actual date varying from region to region.
ranges that enable the boilers to achieve NOx emissions below 24 mg/kWh at no cost to performance.
Next step to low carbon heat
In harder-to-heat buildings, we see hybrid systems as a natural next step towards more sustainable heat generation and are pleased to be adding air source heat pumps to our Remeha range. Integrating low-carbon heat pumps with future- proof condensing boilers offers an effective solution to the complexities currently associated with retrofit projects – at least until heat pump technology evolves.
Hybrid heating systems can resolve the typical challenges caused by restricted space, limited budget/CAPEX expenditure and/or available electrical power to deliver an efficient, cost- effective heating system all year round.
Overcoming stumbling blocks
How we heat our buildings must change if we are to meet our 2050 net zero target. But a phased approach will likely be required to overcome the current financial and logistical stumbling blocks to the energy transition in our ‘energy-inefficient’ non-domestic building stock.
In fact, the first stage of the energy transition is expected to be the introduction of a 20% hydrogen blend into the natural gas mix. So, to provide peace of mind of a future-ready installation, we’ve put our Remeha Quinta Ace and Gas 320/620 Ace condensing boiler ranges through independent testing to certify their ability to operate on the proposed 20% hydrogen blend. We’ve also produced a concise guide to help debunk the myths about hydrogen and provide a timeline of the anticipated transition to this green gas.
Maximum BREEAM points
If the goal is to optimise the sustainability of the boiler installation, nitrogen oxide (NOx) emission levels will be a major determining factor in the selection process.
BREEAM 2018, the widely-adopted building sustainability assessment scheme, awards a maximum of two points for boilers with low NOx emissions below 24 mg/kWh in both high and low pollution areas.
Why the focus on NOx? Air quality is a key environmental issue, particularly in larger cities, due to the established link between poor air quality and asthma, lung and heart-related conditions. While road traffic has been identified as a major source of NOx emissions, almost all buildings emit air pollution due to combustion in their heating, cooling or electricity generation systems.
To support more sustainable installations, we have introduced new commissioning settings for our Remeha Quinta Ace and Gas 320/620 Ace
12 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER JANUARY 2022 Read the latest at:
www.bsee.co.uk
Condensing boilers have a bridging role to play in helping businesses and organisations bring their buildings up to code. By ensuring that the selected boilers are low in NOx, suitable for use with renewable and heat network technologies, and certified to operate on a future 20% hydrogen blend, we can support businesses as they embark on their pathway towards improved sustainability. ‘Your commercial guide to hydrogen for heat’ is available now for free download.
www.remeha.co.uk/theresmore
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