IN FOCUS Bucking The Trend - Commercial Gas Water Heating A
ccording to research conducted on behalf of hot water specialist Adveco into the adoption of low-carbon technology gas-fired applications continue to dominate the UK commercial landscape. Of the 2,800 commercial sites specifying new or refurbished hot water systems
between 2019 and 2023, the research demonstrated 74% had committed to gas-fired appliances. Despite the introduction of a limitation on new gas grid connections for heating systems in 2022, gas remained the popular option throughout 2023 with installations rivalling and even exceeding numbers recorded in 2019 across major vertical sectors including education, healthcare and catering. While new build focuses on electric water heating and heat pumps, the retrofit market has predominantly remained on gas, despite most locations (73%) stating commitments to net zero. When questioning consultants and contractors, heat pumps will always be specified for heating, but the majority stated heating and hot water in many cases are best left separate, which from a design perspective makes absolute sense. While hybrid hot water systems are being specified for new build, for retrofit the majority of those questioned confirmed that while initially leaning toward heat pumps, they were encountering problems with costs, infrastructure and design. There were also concerns over European regulation changes on refrigerants, and the safety of propane units, also highlighted recently by the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA). As a result, specifications are being revised back to gas when connections are available. Reasons cited included gas being much simpler, familiar, and cost-effective to replace and run as electricity remains considerably more expensive than natural gas in the UK, at the time of writing, gas costs 5.48p per kWh (kilowatt hour), versus electricity, at 22.36p per kWh. A proportion of the refurbishment work recorded was driven by a need to replace ageing systems rather than actively addressing energy efficiency to reduce carbon emissions. For commercial premises with an existing gas connection upgrading to new condensing gas-fired appliances remains an option without fear of breaching new building regulations until 2035. With expected working lifespans of at least 15 years for well-maintained water heaters that option takes many buildings well into the 2040s when the expectation is that the next generation of proven renewables or grid green gas (hydrogen) are likely to be more cost-effective alternatives. Given expectations that approximately 70% of existing non-domestic building stock will still be in use by 2050, this exposes a major requirement for the government to clarify and invest in future energy sources to enable widescale, nationwide transition to low-carbon energy before 2050. For businesses using gas and intending to refurbish hot water applications, Adveco offers comprehensive metering services to assess demands and generate advanced theoretical modelling to shape sustainability strategies and deliver a lower-cost transition to electric water heating. For organisations with high, daily hot water demands, or site complexities such as a lack of external space which can curtail the use of heat pumps or solar thermal systems Adveco offers two ranges of direct-fired condensing water heaters – the AD and the ADplus for instantaneous demands. Both ranges provide a compact, floor-standing design that is easy to introduce into an existing plant room. High efficiency translates into 30% savings in fuel consumption, making it more cost-effective while reducing emissions. Both AD and ADplus exhibit ultra-low NOX and CO emissions. 20% hydrogen-blend ready out of the box, the AD & ADplus can help bridge towards the next generation of more cost-effective sustainable technologies.
Those systems with gas as a primary energy source can still make commitments to net zero through
the application of solar thermal as a source of pre-heat to offset at least 30% of annual energy demands. Between 2019 and 2023 the adoption of solar thermal exhibited consistent growth as recognition of its ability to actively cut operational costs of gas and electricity-based applications and reduce carbon emissions for faster return on investment has influenced its specification. On many accounts, solar thermal was perceived as the easiest and most effective way of offsetting existing gas- fired systems for active investment in measurable sustainability.
www.adveco.co
Click’s new wiring accessory additions
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lick Scolmore has introduced a variety of new products to its comprehensive wiring accessories portfolio. This includes the Deco and Deco Plus Decorative Unswitched Socket Outlets, the 50A Definity Control Switch Inserts and the Mode In-Wall Toothbrush Chargers.
The new Deco and Deco Plus 2 gang unswitched socket outlets have been added to Click’s extensive decorative wiring accessories range. Designed with the consumer in mind, the socket outlets come offered with a safety shutter feature to increase security and overall reassurance. The safety shutters are designed to exceed BS 1363 requirements, where a standard BS 1363 Shutter only requires an engaging earth pin to open the shutter. These are available in satin chrome or stainless steel finishes and black or white inserts. Added to the Definity range, are the 50A Control Switch Inserts which have been introduced in ‘Polar White’ and ‘Black’ to match the other Definity inserts in the decorative wiring range. This allows for a non-ingot solution for Polar White, Metal White, Matt Black and Metal Black cover plate finishes. New to the Click Mode range, is the 1 gang and 2 gang In-Wall Toothbrush Chargers. Compatible
with most Oral-B toothbrush models, these products offer a wireless charging point for electric toothbrushes as well as additional space for a spare/replacement toothbrush head. The design allows them to be fitted directly onto the bathroom wall, offering easy access to charging without messy cables, and ensuring the electric toothbrushes are always charged ready to go. They are also antibacterial and antiviral certified. The full range of wiring accessories can be found in the Click Issue 15 Catalogue and viewed on the Click website –
www.scolmore.com - as well as on the Scolmore Group app.
Unicrimp offers All-round Banding range
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www.scolmore.com 38 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER SEPTEMBER 2024
nicrimp, part of the Scolmore Group of companies, offers a comprehensive range of products in its growing Q-Fire fire-rated collection, including All Round Banding products. The All Round Banding range provides users with an expanded choice of fixing solutions,
suitable across a range of applications and environments – helping installers to satisfy the latest IET Wiring Regulations 18th Edition. The pre-punched steel banding is highly versatile and has multipurpose uses – to secure cables, pipes,
ducts and conduits. It is easy to cut and bend and the pre-punched holes allow for easy fixing using nail, screws, or bolts. The All Round Banding range comprises a choice of a non-coated galvanized steel finish in 12mm
and 17mm widths, LSF coated options in black (12mm and 17mm widths), plus red and white colour choices (available in 12mm widths). They are all supplied boxed in a 10 metre coil size.
www.unicrimp.com Read the latest at:
www.bsee.co.uk
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