LOW CARBON SOLUTIONS
Bridging the EPC Gap with modular fan coil units
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With around 1.6 million commercial buildings in the UK, the Government has set ambitious targets to drive energy efficiency and support the country’s Net Zero goal. Alexis Roberts, C&I channel marketing manager at Diffusion, explains how modular fan coil design is ideal for refurbishment offering good thermal comfort, reducing carbon emissions, and helping improve EPC Ratings
ew research from the British Property Federation (BPF) has revealed a stark reality for commercial real estate: 83% of commercial buildings in seven major UK cities currently have
an EPC rating below B. With current targets of EPC C by 2028 and EPC B by 2030, (subject to change, pending an upcoming consultation response), the commercial property sector faces a significant challenge. As regulatory pressure intensifies, building owners are increasingly turning to energy- efficient refurbishments to improve their properties’ EPC ratings. This trend is driving demand for innovative and adaptable building services that can be easily retrofitted. One standout solution is the adoption of modular fan coil units (FCUs), especially with the development of larger, high-performance models designed to enhance energy efficiency and ease of installation. The BPF’s analysis of commercial real estate in London, Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, and Newcastle highlights the scale of the challenge ahead. Only 2% of commercial buildings in these cities hold an EPC A rating, while just 15% have an EPC B rating. Manchester leads the way, with 20% of its commercial buildings achieving an A or B rating, while Birmingham and Bristol lag behind, with 85% of their commercial spaces still needing an upgrade to EPC B.
Energy-efficient upgrades
With the looming EPC deadlines, commercial landlords and facilities managers are looking for ways to improve energy performance without the disruption and cost of major structural changes. Modular fan coil units provide a solution, offering ease of retrofit, scalability, energy efficiency, and sustainability benefits. Their modular designs allow for easy
reconfiguration, meaning units can be adapted to meet new building layouts and occupancy changes. The latest models, such as Diffusion’s Modular Highline 235 fan coil range, feature high-efficiency EC motors and fans, delivering improved Specific Fan Powers (SFP) as low as 0.14 W/l/s, helping reduce overall building energy consumption. Compact designs reduce material usage, and filters made from wire mesh, such as Diffusion’s Lifetime Eco filter, help cut down on non-biodegradable filter waste. Plus, the Highline Modular fan coil units make both installation and maintenance simple with specific side access. This is a suitable solution if there are site co-ordination issues caused by other services in buildings’ ceilings which prevent access to FCUs from underneath.
Meeting changing needs
The commercial sector is experiencing a shift, not only due to energy efficiency regulations but also as a result of evolving working patterns. The pandemic has accelerated flexible working, prompting many commercial buildings to be repurposed for mixed-use, co- working, or residential conversion. Modular FCUs support these changes by offering flexible installation, customisable features, and enhanced thermal comfort.
Units can be ceiling-exposed or concealed to
align with architectural aesthetics, while options for powder-coated finishes and variable plenum arrangements allow for tailored installations, with the latest modular FCUs offering nearly 300,000 model configurations to suit any application. High-performance heat exchangers ensure optimal heating and cooling, improving occupant comfort and productivity.
A practical solution
For building services consultants, modular fan coil units provide a suitable solution to meet the dual challenges of regulatory compliance and sustainability. By offering a lower embodied carbon footprint, ease of installation, and long- term efficiency gains, modular FCUs support the wider push towards Net Zero goals in the built environment.
As the demand for energy-efficient
refurbishments rises, forward-thinking building services professionals can position themselves at the forefront of this trend, guiding commercial property owners toward smart, sustainable building upgrades. The introduction of new larger FCUs will ensure that even large-scale commercial spaces can benefit from these advancements.
Role of modular fan coils
In addition to helping commercial property owners meet EPC targets, modular fan coil units also contribute to broader sustainability initiatives. With the UK’s commitment to achieving Net Zero by 2050, the focus on
14 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER MAY 2025 Read the latest at:
www.bsee.co.uk
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