Responding to tomorrow’s challenges now

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Meeting future challenges — Graham Williamson.

With increased pressure being placed on businesses to meet Government energy-efficiency targets, many companies are readdressing their heating needs. Graham Williamson, business director of commercial heating at Ideal Boilers, discusses the impact these legislative demands are having on the commercial heating market and advises how both the industry and businesses can prepare themselves.

Although it is a much discussed issue, energy efficiency still remains the hot topic of the commercial-heating arena. With the Government renewing its drive towards a zero-carbon future, and legislation such as Parts L2A and L2B of the Building Regulations remaining prominent and soon to be updated, it comes as no surprise that many businesses are continuing to focus their attention to energy efficiency.

The current economic climate is further encouraging companies to address their energy needs in an effort to save costs as well reduce carbon emissions. The Carbon Trust has revealed that the UK industry is wasting £7 million a day on poor energy efficiency. With many businesses currently striving to implement cost-saving measures, it seems only sensible that they review their heating system as a matter of priority.

One of the easiest ways in which companies can reduce both energy consumption and costs is by installing a high-efficiency condensing boiler. The technology can offers energy-efficiency levels of up to an impressive 94% when operating at full capacity and up to 20% cost savings. For example, Ideal’s new Imax W100 boiler has a net efficiency of 95.9% at maximum load and a seasonal efficiency of 94.7% (Building Regulations 2006 L2).

Whilst at first glance, some businesses may find it difficult to justify investing in new heating in the current economic climate, the long-term savings a new system offers far outweigh the initial outlay required. An older boiler may not only cost more in repairs and replacement parts, but those which have been poorly maintained may also be contributing an additional and unnecessary 30% increase in heating costs.

Fourth, there are additional advantages to be gained by taking a planned approach. Businesses can not only pre-empt legislation that may be enforced in the near future and avoid potential tax penalties for failing to meet CO2 reduction targets set by the Carbon Reduction Commitment, but they can also avoid having to make a sudden and unplanned purchase should their boiler break down.

Manufacturers also have an important role to play in helping commercial operations meet the demands required of them. It is essential that they not only help to keep businesses up to date with new and changing legislation, but that they also continue to develop new technologies which meet these requirements.

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Modern boilers can achieve a seasonal efficiency of nearly 95%.

For example, at Ideal we maintain a forward-thinking position and are committed to developing new products which not only meet current legislative demands but that also the requirements of tomorrow. Our current portfolio includes high-efficiency boilers, alongside biomass products and a renewables package, which we are continuing to expand.

 

There can be no doubt that energy efficiency will remain high on the Government’s agenda, so there can be little to be gained by continuing to turn a blind eye to the topic. By approaching this challenge as an industry, we can ensure that we are fully equipped with the right knowledge to successfully step ahead onto the path for a zero-carbon future.

Graham Williamson is business director of commercial heating at Ideal Boilers.

 

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