One key net zero challenge the UK faces is retrofitting HVAC systems across the commercial built environment. According to the Department for Business, Energy, & Industry Strategy (BEIS), there are 1,755,000 recognised non-domestic buildings in England and Wales. Of these, just 14.6% were constructed after 1996, which is why the UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) estimates that 80% of existing buildings will still be in use in 2050. This means the large majority require some or considerable retrofit if sustainable operation is to be achieved.
The vast majority are gas-connected and still use a gas water heater, and, despite the drive for decarbonisation, like-for-like gas replacement continues to be popular. In response, Adveco offers a range of condensing gas water heaters for organisations seeking to upgrade old and inefficient water heating cost-effectively while better controlling energy use.
All highly efficient, Adveco’s water heaters – including the AD and ADplus ranges – offer easy installation, durability with advanced build techniques and corrosive-resistant construction. With high-capacity models in a wide range of sizes and with the option of built-in storage in the ADplus, there is a comprehensive choice for the UK’s current gas-connected buildings, especially those in soft water areas.
With full temperature control, including heaters connected in cascade, and maintenance self-check of primary components, building operators gain the ability to better manage water heating, ensuring business functions are not penalised with any downtime.
If the intent is to increase the building’s sustainability before the mid-2030s, then the water heating system can be expanded by the integration of a heat pump or solar thermal system acting as a pre-heat source. Adveco recently partnered with leading air source heat pump (ASHP) manufacturer Midea to develop the ADV-W range of ASHPs for commercial hot water applications. This advanced range of R32 monobloc heat pumps meets all the technical criteria Adveco requires to fulfil often complex retrofit specifications. This means we can develop and supply the very best low-carbon hot water systems with assured longevity to carry existing building operations to 2050 and beyond in a more sustainable manner.
For true carbon reduction, we would propose installing a renewable pre-heat and then replacing gas for an electric boiler. Operational costs will be higher while grid electricity remains more expensive than gas, but installation is relatively simple and cost-effective with no flueing necessary, zero NO2 and potentially more than 55% lower carbon emissions. This latter figure is achievable with Adveco’s multi award-winning FUSION packaged electric water heating system, which offers a range of low-carbon, all-electric applications for commercial projects with a wide choice of pre-sized variants. These incorporate an electric boiler with a stainless steel cylinder, controls and the options of heat pump pre-heat and immersion backup for assured business continuity.
For commercial organisations specifying a hot water system for new buildings or planning to transition from gas to electrical alternatives, FUSION provides an impressive range of choices whether cost, sustainability or business security are the driving factors for specification.