improving energy performance in uk buildings - william dyer electrical uk ltd
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William Dyer Electrical have published the following article for energy managers to highlight areas for improving the energy performance within their buildingsTRANSCRIPT
Improving the energy performance in UK buildings
William Dyer Electrical (UK) Limited
Improving the energy performance in UK buildings
Buildings account for in excess of 40% of the EU’s energy demand and are one of the main sources of
greenhouse gas emissions.
In 2002, guidelines were set out for European Nations to reduce their energy usage by 20% by 2020.
Reducing energy usage by this amount would equate to approximately 780 million tonnes of carbon
emissions saving the EU around €100 billion in fuel costs.
The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) is the main tool being used to enable the EU
to achieve its’ carbon reduction emissions by 20% by 2020.
There are substantial opportunities for cost effective energy efficiency measures to be implemented
within buildings which could then lead to significant reductions in energy usage and a reduction in
carbon emissions.
In 2010, the EPBD was revised to include both domestic and non‐domestic buildings. The EPBD also
aims for European Nations to move towards all new and retrofitted buildings becoming ‘nearly zero
energy buildings’ by 2021. In the case of public buildings, the target for nearly‐zero energy buildings
is 2020.
The energy performance of buildings is calculated by measuring the following five end uses
Heating
Lighting
Cooling
Ventilation
Hot water
In article 2 of the EPBD review, a ‘nearly zero‐energy building’ is defined as “a building that has a
very high energy performance. The nearly zero or very low amount of energy required should be
covered to a very significant extent by energy from renewable sources, including energy from
renewable sources produced on‐site or nearby”.
Opportunities for energy reduction
Every organisation has the opportunity to improve the energy efficiency within their building.
Reducing energy usage equates to lower utility bills and a reduction in carbon. Investment in energy
efficient measures leads to continued savings, savings which can be offset against the initial outlay.
In order to improve upon the energy efficiency within a property, it is necessary to firstly understand
the current usage through energy measurement. Once energy can be measured the consumption
can then be monitored as energy efficiency improvements are made.
There are a variety of methods that organisations can employ to reduce energy consumption, lower
utility bills and reduce carbon emissions, many of these have a short payback period and a long term
benefit to the organisation.
In order to become more energy efficient, organisation must first measure their energy output so
that they have a starting point from which to improve upon. Smart Meters can be installed which
allow energy managers to track and monitor the daily output.
Organisations that make the savvy investment of installing low energy lighting can reduce their
energy bills by up to 50%. This is an astonishing figure and should be a particularly appealing insight
for larger organisations.
By adopting lighting best practices, installing low energy lighting solutions and sensor‐based
controls, UK companies are in a position to reduce annual energy bills by up to £700 million a year.
This also equates to 4.4.million tonnes in carbon emissions.
Although lighting is just one of the end uses mentioned in the EPBD, changing to low energy lighting
solutions could enable organisations to make significant steps towards improving the energy
performance within their properties.
Electrical Energy Efficiency
William Dyer Electrical (UK) Limited has been trading for over 20 years and has continually sought to
progress and develop the business in line with new technologies and best practice. They have grown
the business and subsequently become one of the UK’s leading Electrical Energy Efficiency
Contractors.
All of their recommendations are made with environmental impact at the forefront. Having
progressed the business with green initiatives in mind, their service offering includes Solar PV
installations. This means that as well as saving energy through electrical energy efficient
installations, their clients also have the opportunity to produce energy of their own.
Helping businesses to significantly reduce energy bills and meet green
objectives
For energy management and energy reduction guidance, contact William Dyer Electrical (UK) Limited
– one of the leading Electrical Energy Efficiency Contractors in the UK to find out how your
organisation could make significant savings in financial terms as well as energy and carbon
emissions.
Electrical Energy Efficiency Contractors – William Dyer Electrical provide electrical energy
management and energy efficiency solutions including Solar PV, Low Energy Lighting Installation and
Smart Metering.
These services allow their clients to significantly reduce energy bills. For information from William
Dyer Electrical including a portfolio of case studies, visit www.wmdyer.co.uk. You can also follow
WM Dyer on Twitter @WM_Dyer or call 01706 212815 for a free energy survey.
William Dyer Electricals Services:
Power Distribution,
Low Energy Lighting Installation,
Emergency Lighting Installation,
Fire Alarm Installation,
Data/ Structured Cabling,
Closed Circuit Television,
Intruder Alarm Installation,
Electrical Heating Installation,
Electrical Maintenance,
Ventilation Installation,
Smart Metering,
Solar PV Installation
To discuss your energy management or to find out how your organisation could make
significant savings, email [email protected] or call 01706 212 815