Briefing

Recent European and British legislation appears to have as its basic intention, to measure, record and raise awareness of the energy use in buildings. Although much public attention is given to the energy and environmental effect of car and air travel, the heating, lighting and air-conditioning of buildings is of greater significance. We believe that the various Energy Performance of Buildings requirements are the start of a global movement to recognize the importance of energy use related to the buildings in which we all live and work. Air-conditioned / comfort cooled buildings tend to use about 40% more electricity than equivalent non-conditioned buildings. The targeting of such premises with over 12kW of cooling power seems to be an effective way of addressing the energy consumption of the largest users in this sector.

An air-conditioning energy inspection is in effect a compulsory energy audit of air conditioning systems and the areas they serve. At a basic level, it covers the condition and cleanliness of the equipment, the way it is controlled and the temperature and time settings used. It also addresses the set up, operation and appropriateness of the equipment for the areas it serves, including matters such as furnishing and partitioning of the areas, and ‘management’ issues regarding controls. Rather than a simple audit of equipment maintenance, the statutory specification of the inspection indicates a ‘holistic’ approach to the operation of the equipment in the building.

The result is a detailed and bespoke report in which there are likely to be several money-saving recommendations. Depending on the nature of the findings, the inspection may pay for itself quite quickly. There may also be suggestions for capital expenditure to replace or upgrade equipment, or make other useful changes to the building. None of the recommendations are binding. An independent inspector is strongly recommended so as to avoid conflict of interest regarding preceding maintenance and recommendations for subsequent work. Perhaps more importantly, an independent inspector will review the installation with a fresh eye.