The current trend is clearly towards environmentally sustainable building methods and this is hardly surprising given that environmentally friendly designs have also proven to be the most cost effective.
From October 2008, all commercial properties have Energy Performance Certificates (EPC's) which are designed to encourage greater energy efficiency in the UK. There is also discussion that all commercial buildings must be zero carbon by 2019.
Property developers and more importantly, the financial institutions who are investing in the buildings will demand energy efficient buildings which will be cheaper for tenants to run and consequently a more viable proposition to let, reducing vacant time. Property experts are stating that although an air conditioned office has been the norm, it is at odds with today’s green agenda. Owners and builders of large new office schemes are now becoming focused on constructing sustainable and energy-efficient buildings.
This philosophy and legislation is obviously not just restricted to offices but applies to schools, universities, warehouses, health care and in fact any other new building.
velta has provided solutions for more than 1,000 buildings and installed in excess of 3million m² of velta TABS embedded within the concrete structure to provide this sustainable and energy efficient solution for the heating and cooling of modern buildings.
velta TABS can offer optimum use of concrete’s inherent thermal mass by embedding pipes to carry water for heating and cooling in the concrete structure of multi-storey buildings, activating the entire structural mass. velta TABS have been successfully used in the following forms of construction;
The design of activated exposed soffits eliminates the requirement for deep suspended ceilings which reduces the ultimate height of multi storey buildings or allows additional occupied floor space to be built, both providing financial benefits to the scheme. Raised computer floors can be utilised for services and also for air plenums.
velta TABS operate close to room temperature and have a high degree of self regulation. The low water temperatures for heating (25ºC-30ºC) and high temperature for cooling (16ºC-20ºC) make the system compatible with most forms of renewable energy sources, producing optimum efficiency with heat pumps and ground heat exchangers.
Many other benefits are also associated with the velta TABS. The use of thermal mass can result in a reduction of the peak loads, as these can be transferred outside periods of occupancy. The low air movement compared to traditional forced air systems eliminates draughts and noise issues. Low maintenance, reductions in CO² emissions and savings in both investment and operational costs are further factors to support the use of the system.
velta TABS can provide a bespoke solution for a building’s heating and cooling requirement, right from the design concept through to the site installation and commissioning of the system. A complete service.
