Matching Building Electrical Design and Operation to Changing Needs
In response to climate change requirements and our shifting electricity needs, the electrification of building systems is evolving. The Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) has recently published new guidelines on the electrification and electrical systems of buildings. This guidance serves to assist engineers on best practice to avoid incurring hefty electricity bills and capacity issues. In this blog, we take a closer look at the challenges of electrification faced by engineers in new builds and legacy systems in interrogating why the guidance is important for building owners and facilities maintenance managers.
The Shift to Electric Systems
Low Energy and Net Carbon Targets
The United Kingdom is committed to achieving net zero carbon by 2050. A couple of the methods employed to achieve this are the move to electrical heating, lighting, and ICT systems, as well as the change to electric vehicles. Combined with energy efficiency and a low carbon, renewable energy supply, this stands to address emissions enormously within the built environment.
Different Building Types
It is common knowledge that new builds are more efficient than many older buildings. In creating new builds, electrical systems need to be geared for the future, while heritage buildings will need changes to their systems to operate efficiently from an energy standpoint. The age, urban or rural location, form of usage, and existing heating fuel all need to be considered when looking to upgrade existing electrical systems around shifting electrification needs. Problems with thermal efficiency and damp may also need to be addressed.
The Price of Change
Fossil fuels are expensive at the point of consumption. Government also expects electricity prices to rise between 12 and 25% by 2030 for residential, service, and industrial users. This makes the technology and design of electrical systems more important than ever to avoid expensive energy bills, provide reliable consumer experience, and to prevent costly disruptions to business processes.
The Importance of the Guidelines
The CIBSE guidelines are designed to provide practitioners with the updates, knowledge, and direction they need to navigate the changing needs of electrification within the built environment. CIBSE has also advised that their guidance on this is going to be ongoing. This makes it vital for FM practitioners to remain updated.
Modern Electrification Systems Go In-Hand With Modern Technologies
Smart technologies and smart metres are becoming increasingly prevalent as an energy management tool. Energy management services utilising smart technologies like those available from Voltix Services provide combined data across whole-building operations to aid in efficiency, ensure correct billing, and reduce cost and wastage.
The Importance of Working With The Right Facilities Maintenance Specialists
At Voltix Services, our facilities maintenance team keeps its finger on the pulse of industry norms, changes, and technological advances. We implement best practice to ensure that our clients’ needs and unique circumstances are served by their electrification and energy management systems. Contact Voltix Services today to discuss your energy needs around new builds and legacy systems.