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
Electrotechnical excellence, now open for entries.
Net zero electricity grids BSRIA guide NZG 5/2024
Outlining the changes needed to transition to net zero.
CIOB Global Student Challenge 2024
Universitas Indonesia wins for second year running.
New project and cultural district described in detail.
The nature of EPCs, crticism and inaccuracies.
History, issues and redesign.
From waste recycling to energy performance the hierchy.
An introduction to WERCS and WEEE responsibilities
Dealing with 2 million tonnes of waste equipment a year.
Global BACS Market: analytics and optimisation
A BSRIA glance at building automation and control systems.
What it is and how to use it.
Types of insulating plaster by binder and insulant.
Investors in People: CIOB achieves gold
Reflecting a commitment to employees and members.
Scratching beneath the surface; a guide to selection.
ECA 2024 Apprentice of the Year Award
Entries open for submission until May 31.
UK gov apprenticeship funding from April 2024
Brief summary the policy paper updated in March.
For the World Autism Awareness Month of April.