WE ARE all continually being told to reduce energy consumption in a bid to curb the effects of climate change.
Carl Gipson, sales director of Waterloo Air Products, asks why we find it so difficult to save energy.



War is waged against the consumer and individual house holders daily. First it was wheelie bins not being emptied unless the lids were properly shut. This was followed by supermarkets withdrawing plastic bags, now heralded as the scourge of society. This is despite the fact that many of the bags for life produce far more carbon than paper alternatives. Yes, we all need to do our bit but it is time the government turned its attention to other areas.

Good deal

There is no reason why the nation's house builders cannot build new homes with solar panels, heat pumps and roof systems that recycle rainwater. The technology is available, and with their buying power builders can surely negotiate a good deal.

There is one simple action retailers large and small can take that would dramatically cut their energy bills and those of Britons generally - shut the doors! Despite extensive advertising campaigns by the government and utility companies to conserve energy, retailers repeatedly keep their doors open. Shutting doors does not cost a penny, so why do we not do it?

Waterloo Air Products is actively looking at how it can produce better, and more energy-efficient, products and minimise carbon emissions throughout the manufacturing process. Yes, it costs a bit more, but resources are scarce, the planet is suffering and we should all appreciate our environment and not be so wasteful.

Where possible, Waterloo is designing in energy efficiency and sustainability across its portfolio. Chilled beams offer an energy-efficient method of cooling. Waterloo's beams meet the latest European standard for the testing and rating of active chilled beams.

Its range of louvres, grilles and diffusers are recyclable, and its air-cell range offers an injection- moulded alternative that can be recycled.

On the factory floor, its manufacturing processes and plant have been scrutinised and it is continually looking at and implementing ways that maximise resources. Many households only use the dishwasher when it is full; likewise Waterloo plans orders and only operates a night shift when necessary. It has also installed new doors and roller shutters, and, earlier this year, invested in light sensors so that work areas are only lit when in use.
Only recently, Powys County Council hit the headlines for
turning off two out of three street lamps in non-sensitive areas to reduce its electricity bill by £225,000.

Other councils are also considering the initiative. Why can't every other light in streets and roads across the country be switched off? Or, better still, gradually replaced with solar- powered alternatives?

The HVACR industry is spearheading a number of initiatives as we all have a role in to play in future building design.

Many contractors and installers are on side but specifiers, consultants and customers themselves need to be far more proactive.

So much time, money and energy is wasted. The government is proactively encouraging greener buildings, but energy is too low down on the list of priorities. If manufacturers were consulted in the early stages, architects would be able to design-in more energy-efficient systems far more effectively. After all, we know our products and the best environments in which they can be used.

Costly retrofits

The only way to meet energy targets effectively is through co-operation by everybody in the chain - from top to bottom. This would avoid costly retrofits and reduce lifecycle costs. Most buildings require re-fitting every 10-15 years. This is an ideal time to reassess requirements, and put in place a strategy that takes advantage of the advances in technology.

Whether you believe in climate change or not, the fact is the planet's resources are finite. Why do our escalators operate all the time when they could have motion sensors fitted, as in Europe? Why cannot new builds harvest rainwater? Why do train companies ramp up the heating as soon as August finishes? Why is it so difficult to shut doors and turn off lights?