Air conditioning in non-domestic buildings
In June 2016, BRE published Study on Energy Use by Air-Conditioning: Final Report, BRE Client Report for the Department of Energy & Climate Change, HPR218-1001.
The report sheds important light on the electricity use of air conditioning in UK offices and retail environments. It presents the findings of a two-year study commissioned by the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC - now subsumed within the newly-formed Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy) providing insights into how energy is being used and the factors influencing consumption.
The study, led by Dr Andy Lewry, BRE's principal consultant, involved:
- Analysing existing cooling demand and consumption data.
- Assessing air conditioning inspection reports and energy performance certificates.
- Reviewing literature on trends in air conditioning usage and the possible future impacts of new technology.
- Developing procedures to extend the scope of DECC’s product policy model.
The main findings include:
- Cooling in air conditioning systems may account for around a tenth of total UK electricity consumption.
- Heat-waves are becoming more frequent across the UK, and in the South-East of England the number of heat-wave days per year has increased from 5 in 1961 to 17 in 2003.
- The proportion of buildings with air-conditioning is increasing. The study estimates that, in 2012, some 65% of UK office space and 30% of UK retail space was air-conditioned.
- The study estimates that cooling in offices typically uses around 40 kWh/m2 per year.
- Air conditioning is frequently used even when buildings are unoccupied, for example in the evenings and over the weekends.
- The analysis of Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) indicates that more than half of all air conditioning systems in the UK are split systems. Although only 10% of EPCs have AC recommendations; these mostly relate to more efficient equipment, including variable speed drives, and reducing air leakage from ductwork
- An analysis of the recommendations in air conditioning inspection reports, reveals that they tend to be generic with the focus on improving controls and maintenance.
- Recommendations for updating the key inputs into DECC's product policy model of air conditioning electricity demand, and the development of an algorithm to estimate peak and monthly demand to supplement it.
BRE has also put together a dissemination plan aimed specifically at air-conditioning designers and technicians, building managers and smart system designers
The full report with appendices is freely-available here.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Air conditioning.
- Air conditioning inspection.
- BRE articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
- Cooling systems for buildings.
- Energy performance certificates.
- Evaporative cooling.
- French air-conditioning market due to soar to new levels
- Global Air Conditioning Study 2016.
- HVAC.
- Underfloor air conditioning at London Grade II listed landmark.
- Workplace air conditioning.
Featured articles and news
Design and construction industry podcasts
Professional development, practice, the pandemic, platforms and podcasts. Have we missed anything?
C20 Society; Buildings at Risk List 2025
10 more buildings published with updates on the past decade of buildings featured.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme and certifications consultation
Summary of government consultation, closing 11 June 2025.
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
From project managers to rising stars, sustainability pioneers and more.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.