Sustainable solutions
February 1st 2007 Climate change is big news these days with CO2 emissions mentioned almost daily on TV and in the Press, and for those involved in designing, building, maintaining or running a premises, this places a strategic focus on the energy use of individual buildings in a way never seen before. Legislation is being introduced in the form of Renewable Energy Targets, which point to the increased use of sustainable energy with businesses needing to demonstrate that their buildings are energy efficient and minimise CO2 emissions. Energy costs are rising year on year, so it also makes pure business sense to monitor and reduce your energy consumption. But just what sustainable technology is available these days? How do you carry on providing consistent levels of heating and cooling for your building in a modern, environmentally-friendly way that doesn't mean reinventing the wheel? And where can you find detailed information about the products that can help you develop a sustainable strategy for your premises? Air conditioning specialist Mitsubishi Electric has just launched a new brochure looking at Sustainable Energy solutions which highlights the tremendous benefits of heat pump-based air conditioning over traditional forms of heating and cooling. "Many people still aren't aware of how incredibly energy efficient modern air conditioning is and how it can help comply with legislation and reduce energy consumption,"explained Ian Parry, business development manager. Tests have shown that a heat pump will produce 57% less carbon emissions when compared to a gas boiler and offer a 34% reduction in running costs. Most heat pumps work on the same principle as a domestic refrigerator using a vapour compression cycle to upgrade free naturally occurring low temperature heat, into useful high temperature heat. This is reversed in the hotter months of the year to provide cooling. This allows heat pumps to offer efficiency levels that are over 300% better than a modern gas fired condensing boiler to help businesses reduce energy consumption, lower energy bills, and minimise CO2 emissions. The brochure details renewable and sustainable ways of introducing or upgrading air conditioning covering ground source heat pumps (which are listed on the Government's Renewable Energy List alongside solar and wind), Mixed Mode systems (which combine natural ventilation with advanced air conditioning) and the latest heat pump boilers which link air conditioning with underfloor heating and hot water provision. For your copy of the brochure use the enquiry bar below: More articles from Mitsubishi Electric Europe: | 
