Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD)

Building Regulations Parts L and F (effective April 2006), recognises the need for the creation of healthier working environments in the workplace for new and refurbished commercial buildings of all types. (The EU is working towards an energy reduction in energy consumption of buildings of 20% by 2010.)

The EPBD requires buildings to save energy whilst providing efficient and effective ventilation by use of the SBEM (Simplified Building Energy Model) to measure CO2 emissions and provide energy certification.

Important changes in this proposal are:

- All buildings should meet certain energy efficiency levels when they undergo a major renovation, and not only those above 1000m2 as it is today.
- A buildings energy certificate with its energy saving recommendations should be included in sales and renting documents.
- The inspection of air conditioning systems should include advises on how to use and improve the operation of the system, including if needed, a recommendation of replacement.

Why are Elta Fans Concerned about the EPBD?

Elta Fans is fully committed to the reduction of Energy Consumption in new and existing buildings by using higher efficiency and lower energy products, components and control systems. The EPBD highlights a need for faster and high quality product and system development in the important area of energy conservation.

DCV is an effective way of applying our philosophy as it allows variable ventilation solutions to be efficiently applied to variable occupancy spaces in buildings. Elta Fans continue to develop DCV solutions in conjunction with constant improvements to our product range in order to provide a benefit to customers and their buildings.

Why is ventilation important?

Ventilation is used to provide good air quality, prevent occupant discomfort, health problems and damage to building fabric.

Indoor Air Quality
The average person spends 90% of their time indoor
Pollutants and contaminants affect health.

Factors affecting IAQ
Volatile Organic compounds from Aerosols and modern materials
Carbon Monoxide from smoking and combustion appliances
Humidity from cooking, washing and perspiring
Mould spores from dust mites
Carbon dioxide and odours.

What is demand control ventilation?

Demand control ventilation is recognised as being a method of ensuring a building is ventilated cost effectively while maximising indoor air quality. Sensors are used to continuously measure and monitor ambient conditions in the conditioned space and provide real time feed back to the zone controller which adjusts the fan speed modulating the ventilation rate to match the specific use and occupancy of the building.

Can my current system be upgraded?

The simple answer is yes. Compared with a complete rebuild, an upgrade is an inexpensive solution. Benefits of this include no downtime and improved energy efficiency and overall cost savings.

What are the benefits of DCV? Why DCV?

• 30-60% energy saving.
• Very low pay back period
• Huge reduction in system operating costs
• Part of the bigger picture of looking after the environment.
• Improvement in IAQ
• Health benefits - decrease human fatigue, increase in productivity