NEWS UPDATE LIVING LABORATORY


BSRIA challenge to install exemplar HVAC and lighting system


EU citizens panel to focus on energy efficiency


The European Commission is creating a new Citizens’ Panel on energy efficiency, made up of 150 non-expert people, randomly selected from the 27 member countries of the European Union. The initiative follows successful


experiments in both Ireland and Slovenia convening such panels. These have proved valuable to civil servants and politicians, anxious to better understand what policies may be most acceptable in order to expedite the Energy Efficiency First (EE1st) principle, which forms the basis of EU energy policy via the existing Energy Efficiency Directive. Participants are being asked


to examine different ways each energy using sector can become more energy efficient “in a realistic and impactful way”. Choices must be considered weighing costs and benefits, seeking initiatives that “bring the greatest benefit to society as a whole”, because “energy efficiency provides for cost-optimal choices”. Panel discussions are being guided and advised by a dedicated ‘Knowledge Committee’. This consists of specialists in energy delivery programmes within individual EU countries. The initial briefing documents


provide an example of this principle in planning decisions: “Instead of increasing heat production and the capacity of the heat distribution network, governments can decide to initiate a large-scale programme to refurbish buildings. “Better insulated buildings


require less heat, which means that less energy needs to be produced and distributed. Applying the EE1st principle means factoring in options other than increasing the volume or production of energy.” Conclusions reached by the


Citizens’ Panel exercise will be presented to the new College of European Commissioners, meeting shortly after the European Parliament elections this May.


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The Building Services Research and Information Association (BSRIA) has launched the Living Laboratory Innovation Challenge. Reflecting its vision to create


greener, smarter and more comfortable indoor environments, the Association is offering organisations the chance to utilise one of two floors of its head office space to design, install and commission an exemplar


HVAC and lighting system, with the in-use performance monitored and displayed in real-time. Interested parties should submit an outline of their proposed solution by Friday 29th March 2024. Once commissioned, BSRIA will then provide real-time in-use monitoring of the systems’ performance – including air quality, light levels and thermal comfort – with live reporting hosted on


the BSRIA website. The case study can then be used by the stakeholders to promote their solution as a showcase for innovative and effective retrofit methods that support decarbonisation and good indoor environmental quality. Proposed designs should


prioritise sustainable innovation, with the inclusion of biophilic design encouraged, as well as comfort, productivity and integration with smart technologies. Meanwhile the solution should be cost-effective, taking maintenance and energy consumption into account. Tom Garrigan, technical director


at BSRIA, says: “We are excited to invite stakeholders to submit an expression of interest in our Living Laboratory Innovation Challenge. It is a unique opportunity to collaborate on the development of a truly cutting- edge office environment, whilst establishing in-use performance metrics and occupant behavioural patterns over an extended period of time, which will provide valuable insights for stakeholders in future retrofit projects.”


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Report explores potential of data centre heat export for district heating


In a new report, techUK has delved into the potential benefits and challenges of utilising data centres to provide heat for district heating networks in the UK. The report examines the advantages of redirecting surplus heat from data centres towards local communities, highlighting the opportunities to contribute to sustainability and address fuel poverty. The report asserts that by adopting a circular


economy model, data centres can optimise resource utilisation by repurposing excess heat, aligning with environmental goals and corporate social responsibility. This approach not only offers a greener alternative but also provides cost-effective heating solutions to communities. However, it also acknowledges practical challenges


associated with implementing data centre heat export. These challenges include addressing issues related to seasonal changes, infrastructure proximity, varying occupancy levels, emerging technology, and potential sustainability outcomes that may not align with desired goals. The report, submitted alongside techUK’s response


to the government’s consultation on heat network zoning proposals in England, emphasises the substantial potential of data centre heat export to reduce energy consumption, carbon emissions, and


costs for local homes and businesses. Craig Melson, associate director for climate,


environment and sustainability at techUK, says: “Residual heat energy reuse isn’t just efficient from a circular energy perspective — where appropriate, it’s a way for data centres to give back to the communities where they operate, creating a sustainable cycle of energy and goodwill. As the backbone of our digital economy, data centres have the potential to play a crucial role in securing a greener future for all.”


EIBI | MARCH 2024


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