2. Solar Thermal

14 January, 2009

Solar-thermal panels such as these Viessmann plate and evacuated-tube panels can meet 60% of a home’s annual requirement for domestic hot water.

The amount of solar energy reaching Earth in one year is double what will ever be obtained from all fossil fuels combined. The trick is to effectively make use of that energy. Solar thermal panels do this, even on days that do not have particularly bright sunlight, by using flat plate or evacuated tube collectors to heat water. Appropriately sited solar-thermal installations can provide about 60% of a typical UK home’s hot-water over a year, leading to significant carbon savings. Solar thermal is gaining traction in the UK with increasing numbers of homes turning to this technology.

Lighting the way

Halesowen College has set a sustainability example for higher education institutions by installing smart lighting as part of its latest environmental initiative, making up to 85% energy savings compared to the previous system.

BESA updates HIU Test Standard

The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) has announced an important update to its UK Heat Interface Unit (HIU) Test Standard, further strengthening performance benchmarks and supporting the sector’s readiness for incoming heat network regulation.

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