Energy Assessments of Community Buildings
Strong communities need good and financially sustainable facilities, but many are old and expensive to heat and maintain. The solutions vary according to the building, its location and the frequency and type of uses.
To propose ways to improve facilities and make them more sustainable requires a detailed examination of the buildings, analysis of the options and the value of improvements taking account of current and potential future use
Full detailed survey of building and the way it is used
A detailed survey of all of the thermal structures of the building, the current heating and the way it is used. It is necessary to know the usage pattern in order to adjust calculations to accurately forecast potential savings but an element of experience is applied because of the unusual response of large structures to heating demands.
Analysis of the heating requirements, costs and carbon emissions
Analysis is carried out using SAP based tools and adjusted for the way the building is used. Because different parts of the structure may have different uses it is helpful to look at these parts separately and recommend appropriate heating solutions that take this into account. Heating and insulation have an effect on each other, so all combinations need to be considered to find the best way forward. It may, for instance, be necessary to insulate some of the internal surfaces.
Analysis by fabric element
In order to find the most cost effective solutions it is useful to consider each element of the structure separately, see its contribution to heat loss. As well as saving money, the objective of improvements should be to make the building more comfortable to use but also consider issues such as security.
Estimation of costs of measures and recommendations
Guide prices for the different measures proposed along with the benefits will aid the production a business plan. The level of detail provided and the resultant carbon emission reductions will also build a case when seeking funding support to carry out improvements.
Offer a range of heating options
A range of possible heating types may be installed, but improvements to the way the heating is used and controlled may have large benefits (and may be implements quickly and cheaply). Some options may attract payments such as the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) which can provide a source of income to offset running costs.
Renewable options
Installing renewable technologies on community facilities can be a way to promote them to local communities, stress long term sustainability intentions and provide further sources of income. The suitability of the site, options available and potential income generated are all considered.
Other issues to do with use of the building
Other aspects of the current or future use is examined to see if there are further options for making savings, such as the way computer suites are run. Water use can be considered and, when appropriate, advice provided about suitable tariffs.
Grants and other forms of support
Inevitably, projects of any size will need finance as grants, subsidies and loans. The available sources of financial support are always changing but NWEAC can advise on possible avenues of funding.
Strong communities need good and financially sustainable facilities, but many are old and expensive to heat and maintain. The solutions vary according to the building, its location and the frequency and type of uses.
To propose ways to improve facilities and make them more sustainable requires a detailed examination of the buildings, analysis of the options and the value of improvements taking account of current and potential future use
Full detailed survey of building and the way it is used
A detailed survey of all of the thermal structures of the building, the current heating and the way it is used. It is necessary to know the usage pattern in order to adjust calculations to accurately forecast potential savings but an element of experience is applied because of the unusual response of large structures to heating demands.
Analysis of the heating requirements, costs and carbon emissions
Analysis is carried out using SAP based tools and adjusted for the way the building is used. Because different parts of the structure may have different uses it is helpful to look at these parts separately and recommend appropriate heating solutions that take this into account. Heating and insulation have an effect on each other, so all combinations need to be considered to find the best way forward. It may, for instance, be necessary to insulate some of the internal surfaces.
Analysis by fabric element
In order to find the most cost effective solutions it is useful to consider each element of the structure separately, see its contribution to heat loss. As well as saving money, the objective of improvements should be to make the building more comfortable to use but also consider issues such as security.
Estimation of costs of measures and recommendations
Guide prices for the different measures proposed along with the benefits will aid the production a business plan. The level of detail provided and the resultant carbon emission reductions will also build a case when seeking funding support to carry out improvements.
Offer a range of heating options
A range of possible heating types may be installed, but improvements to the way the heating is used and controlled may have large benefits (and may be implements quickly and cheaply). Some options may attract payments such as the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) which can provide a source of income to offset running costs.
Renewable options
Installing renewable technologies on community facilities can be a way to promote them to local communities, stress long term sustainability intentions and provide further sources of income. The suitability of the site, options available and potential income generated are all considered.
Other issues to do with use of the building
Other aspects of the current or future use is examined to see if there are further options for making savings, such as the way computer suites are run. Water use can be considered and, when appropriate, advice provided about suitable tariffs.
Grants and other forms of support
Inevitably, projects of any size will need finance as grants, subsidies and loans. The available sources of financial support are always changing but NWEAC can advise on possible avenues of funding.