low water content radiators

The demand for co-working spaces is hotting up

Building Products Index Ltd March 27, 2019 Heating, Ventilation Leave a Comment

The demand for co-working spaces is increasing. Across Central London alone, flexible workplace providers have taken over 21% of office space in 2017, while competition in the regional cities is intensifying.

In response to such growth, industry stakeholders are rapidly examining their approach to designing and specifying equipment for modern workplaces. Unlike traditional offices, co-working spaces are not always occupied by the same amount of people, or indeed fully occupied at all. As a result, demand patterns are likely to be different, as the entire premise of flexible working centres on not having a 9-5 schedule.

So, what are the key considerations when specifying heating equipment for a co-working office?

Flexible, energy efficient heating

Co-working spaces are operationally more efficient than a typical office: facilities and staff are shared between a larger number of members, keeping overheads and other costs lower. This drives the use of more intelligent, automated technology, such as sensor-activated lighting, or smart thermostats. The advantage of such measures is that they can also decrease energy usage, reducing bills as well as environmental impact.

An aspect which is often overlooked is the technology used to emit heat. Paired with an efficient heat source and controls, the right radiators can really boost a building’s green credentials.

Low water content radiators contain a tenth of the water compared to a standard steel panel radiator, so they waste less heat and react at least three times faster to fluctuations in ambient temperature. This means that they heat up almost immediately if the temperature falls below the set level and stop emitting heat as soon as that same level is reached. BRE tests show that a switch to low water content radiators can deliver energy savings of up to 15% compared to standard steel-panel radiators.

Another innovative, yet easily deployed, radiator technology for managers to consider is fan assisted DBE (Dynamic Boost Effect), which improves airflow and boosts heat output by drawing air over the element – increasing the efficiency of the radiator and helping to quietly circulate air around the room.

Whilst the DBE unit maintains rapid, effective and accurate room comfort conditions, it can also supply a quick boost of heat if required.

Ventilation

People who work in well-ventilated offices with below-average levels of indoor pollutants and carbon dioxide (CO2) have significantly higher cognitive functioning scores—in crucial areas such as responding to a crisis or developing strategy—than those who work in offices with typical levels.

Conventional ventilation systems are not well suited to co-working spaces with their varying occupancy rates as there is not a consistent pattern in CO2 levels. Of course, vented windows provide a form of natural ventilation, but as many offices are in heavily polluted inner-city areas, may not be the most pleasant solution.

This is where demand control ventilation comes in. These systems are fitted with intelligent sensors that detect CO2 and only begin filtering the air when levels get higher than a specified point. This is the most efficient and comfortable way of ventilating a building as energy is only used when necessary.

Jaga’s Oxygen is a demand-based ventilation system that can be integrated with Low-H₂O radiators for a hybrid heating and cooling system.

Aesthetics

To attract co-workers into a space, the look and feel of a building is important. Glass façades are incredibly popular in modern offices as they look attractive and let in plenty of natural light. But they can be a specifier’s worst nightmare, as they are not very thermally efficient, meaning internal temperatures can become freezing in the winter and boiling in the summer. Also, they’re quite tricky to mount a traditional radiator on!

Thankfully, trench heating can help with temperature control issues in floor-to-ceiling glass environments by creating a curtain effect. Its subtle design is flush with the floor and can be customised with dozens of material options, to ensure the heating solution adds to the design rather than detracting from it.

With the popularity of co-working only set to increase, specifiers need to be aware of the technologies available to help foster an environment which is comfortable, harmonious and conducive to productivity.

Ready, set…EPC

Building Products Index Ltd February 26, 2018 Heating, Radiators Leave a Comment

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EPC Ratings, why does this matter? The government estimates that almost one-in-five commercial properties currently hold the lowest ratings of F or G. EPCs are legally required for all public and private buildings and assign an efficiency rating from A to G. So, are you ready for the new rules?

The built environment has been identified by government as a major contributor to Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions, contributing around 34 per cent of the UK total.

Non-domestic buildings account for nearly 25 per cent of the UK’s overall carbon emissions and heat in buildings accounts for a substantial proportion of this. As more are built and refurbished, the installation of energy efficient, cost-effective products must be a top priority – especially if the UK is to meet the ambitious carbon reduction targets for 2020 and 2050.

So, are you ready for the new rules?

The regulations will first apply to new domestic and non-domestic lettings and lease renewals from April 2018, to be followed by all existing non-domestic leases by 1st April 2023.

However, savvy building managers are taking steps to not only meet this minimum standard but to exceed it in preparation for a likely future tightening of the regulations.

Here we take a look at the steps you can take to upgrade to your heating system and boost building energy efficiency ratings in the process.

New tech

The latest heating technology can help you achieve some easy wins when it comes to energy efficiency and heat emitters should be a first port of call. When compared to other heating upgrades, such as replacing an old boiler, switching your radiators to more efficient models is relatively low cost and can be done fairly quickly. Low-mass, low water content radiators contain a tenth of the water compared to a standard steel panel radiator, resulting in a faster response time and providing up to a 16 per cent reduction in energy costs. Buildings which are fitted with this technology also produce much lower carbon emissions due to the reduced energy used, helping designers and engineers meet their carbon reduction targets.

Another innovative radiator technology is fan assisted DBE (Dynamic Boost Effect).

This improves airflow and boosts heat output, allowing Jaga radiators to work efficiently with sustainable low-flow temperature systems, such as heat pumps.

Heat pumps are estimated to reduce electricity use (and cost) for heating by around 50 per cent compared to electric resistance heaters. They are extremely efficient and, when utilised properly, can also provide excellent thermal comfort. With added support from the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) tariff payments for ground source and air source heat pumps, it seems inevitable that the uptake of these technologies will continue to grow steadily.

Taking action now

It can often be a challenge to keep on top of the latest energy efficiency regulations but the April deadline for MEES should be seen as a priority. Civil penalties of up to £5,000 will be imposed for breaches, with local authorities also serving compliance notices to ensure properties are brought up to standard.

Investment in a heading system upgrade will not only ensure your building remains compliant but can deliver energy cost savings that will last for years to come.