According to the Building Services Research and Information Association (BSRIA) the actual performance of new or refurbished buildings can be very different to design intent. For example, discrepancies in energy use and occupant comfort can arise from a variety of sources, such as:

• Inadequate briefing information to the design team about specific project requirements.
• Inaccuracies in design and modelling.
• Incomplete or poor commissioning and inadequate handover.

Are just some of the issues mentioned.

Understanding how the plant works

As part of our Building Performance Optimisation Process (BPO) we need to evaluate the operational performance and other characteristics of the building services and support infrastructure.

To carry this out we undertake a review of the services including:

Redesign or upgrade

Improvements and enhancements may sometimes require redesign, but upgrades can be completed without a full redesign. Where redesign is required CCTech can provide this service:

• Older buildings can benefit from new technology which can include more efficient primary plant such as chillers, boilers, AHU’s and extracts.
• Control systems can be optimised, sensors relocated and calibrated. Setpoints and weather compensation can be evaluated in the light of actual historical data.
• Reduced air volumes can have a major impact – but will need careful implementation.
• Heat recovery can be utilised where possible without major redesign.
• Resulting improvements
• Improved operational performance and enhanced control
• Reduced energy consumption
• Reduced downtime for maintenance
• Improved reliability and reduced maintenance cost
• Less waste and consumables