The physical operation.
WHAT AFFECTS CONSUMPTION
Insulation and building fabric Orientation and shading Ventilation Lighting Equipment How the building is used
WHAT COSTS NOTHING
Using natural light Opening for ventilation rather than cooling, where suitable Closing doors where conditioned Setting controls sensibly Zoning use so unused areas are not conditioned
WHY DOORS DESERVE MENTION
Cooling with doors open is a substantial and entirely avoidable waste.
WHAT COSTS LITTLE
Shading of windows exposed to sun Reflective roof treatment Sealing gaps Efficient lighting and controls Insulating hot water pipework
WHY SHADING AND ROOF TREATMENT
They reduce heat gain, which reduces cooling load, which is the largest consumption in many buildings.
WHAT COSTS MORE
Insulation retrofit Window replacement Efficient cooling plant Solar generation
WHAT TO ASSESS
Where heat enters and leaves.
HOW
Observation, and simple measurement of surface temperatures.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH ABOUT NEW PREMISES OR FIT-OUT
That efficiency is considered at design.
WHY
It is far cheaper than retrofitting.
WHAT TO CONSIDER
Orientation and shading Natural light and ventilation Insulation Equipment efficiency Water fittings
WHAT TO ESTABLISH ABOUT MAINTENANCE
That building services are maintained.
WHY
Neglected systems consume more and fail sooner.
WHAT TO MEASURE
Consumption per area, or per occupant.
WHAT TO COMPARE
Against similar premises, where possible.
