Controlling consumption of our valuable resources is key to true sustainability. Colin Pavey gives an overview of where we've come from, where we're heading and how high efficiency, low energy usage can take us to the next level of sustainability.
For the last forty years, the UK has been enjoying the benefits of relatively cheap fossil fuels, including natural gas and oil. At the same time, we've been cutting down forests, using harmful chemicals, been through DDT scares and suffered ozone depletion.

As a result, climate change has become a major issue for the governments of developed countries around the globe. Sustainability requires that we change the way we live and what we do to preserve the world's precious resources.

Central to this is the work of the m&e sector because it looks after the energy needs of our buildings.

Making energy savings means selecting and using high efficiency, low energy consumption appliances. These need to last a long time while offering low maintenance and effective life cycle costing. This justifies the purchase of equipment that may cost more at the outset, but gives long term benefits - overall offering more sustainability.

So what are the key changes we need to adopt to ensure we achieve true sustainability? The 'green building' approach is hugely important and is being driven by government and EU legislation.

Therefore, efficient plant and equipment with low energy usage plus centralised services, such as district heating schemes, is something we are likely to see a lot more of in the future.

The technology and type of heat generation appliances will undoubtedly change but come with higher capital outlay costs, which will be due to the sheer complexity of the technology required to deliver less energy use with lower running costs.

However, one of the advantages of centralised plant and equipment is that it should, in most circumstances, reduce individual dwelling capital and running costs for the end user. Methods of space heating will shift to multi-generation systems using heat pumps combined with other heat sources and utilising intelligent control so each operates in the most efficient way. Increased use of thermal stores will also be important.

Use of fossil fuel needs to decline with many believing that increased use of electricity provides the key to this, although it is important to remember that fossil fuels are usually required for its generation. Nuclear power seems to drop in and out of favour, but may well prove to be a necessity when the lights start going out. Technologies such as electrical drive units and increased use of heat pumps - either ground or air sourced - have to be the way forward.

Solar - both PV and thermal - has been and continues to be the most popular form of renewable technology. Its proven effectiveness for users in recent years means that it will undoubtedly be a major contributor to sustainability in the future.


While much of the emphasis is on space heating, hot water usage and generation is also something that needs careful consideration. Since the recession and the tendency to improve rather than move, the trend has been for the installation of more second bathrooms and en-suites, which often include the latest power shower and jet bath equipment. Such appliances not only need more heat generation, but also increase water consumption.

There is undoubtedly a long way to go from both the domestic and commercial installation point of view.

The homeowner has to pay for their energy and with the recent price hike announcement from Scottish Power; it must only be a matter of time before the others follow suit. So the penalty everyone faces is higher bills and for those who 'grasp the nettle' and install the latest renewable technologies, there are rewards and subsidies available. Energy meters are also becoming increasingly popular and people are learning more about managing their usage by not leaving appliances on standby and generally being more careful, so the message is starting to get through.

Education and social acceptability have a big part to play in our future sustainability. It is always best to change opinion and behaviour rather than start legislating. It shouldn't be necessary to take action such as outlawing the use of patio heaters in public places, or privately for that matter, far better if it comes down to social responsibility and conscience not to have them in the first place.

Once this has happened in the domestic market and the benefits become apparent, it will inevitably be easier to drive the same philosophy and behaviour in the commercial and industrial sector.

Sustainability doesn't just involve low energy, but should also mean low energy for longer periods, with less maintenance and improved overall life cycle.

• Colin Pavey is sales manager for renewables at CTC