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Retailer X

Distribution Centre Energy Survey

Executive Summary

This is a high level report identifying broad problems and solutions. The next step will be to

investigate each issue in more detail, produce a number of costed options, with clearly stated

benefits and payback periods.

Solving the internal comfort issues cannot be solved by mechanical systems without significantly

increasing energy consumption and costs. Energy costs are going to increase because of the Carbon

Reduction Commitment Energy Efficiency Scheme for Outsourced Service Provider and Retailer X, so

increasing site energy usage is not advisable.

There are also external factors affecting energy prices: There is uncertainty and volatility in the oil

market, with issues such as the BP oil spillage off Western United States. This will ultimately affect

the cost of a unit of electricity and all other fossil fuels. As most organisations have fixed term utility

contracts there is a certain amount of luck involved in avoiding a peak in oil prices.

The solution needs to be a combination of building fabric improvements as well as the use of low

carbon/renewable technologies to improve the internal environment, without causing unreasonable

increases in energy costs, consumption and carbon. This is a ‘whole-building solution’.

To ensure that capital expenditure is targeted correctly, it is imperative that pressure testing,

thermal imaging and building simulation modelling is used to assess the effectiveness of passive

design solutions.

Analysis undertaken and solutions proposed for this building can form the basis for future work on

other distribution centres.

Before additional energy-consuming equipment is installed, the thermal efficiency of the

building envelope must be improved.

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Contents 1 The Issues ................................................................................................................................................................... 3

1.1 Building Fabric ............................................................................................................................................... 3

1.1.1 Air Leakage ............................................................................................................................................. 3

1.1.2 Thermal Efficiency .............................................................................................................................. 4

1.2 Building Services ........................................................................................................................................... 5

1.2.1 Heating ..................................................................................................................................................... 5

1.2.2 Air Movement ........................................................................................................................................ 5

1.2.3 Air Conditioning ................................................................................................................................... 5

1.2.4 Lighting .................................................................................................................................................... 6

1.2.5 Compressed Air .................................................................................................................................... 6

1.2.6 Controls ................................................................................................................................................... 6

1.2.7 Metering & Utility Data Management .......................................................................................... 6

1.3 Water Use ......................................................................................................................................................... 7

1.4 Process and Equipment .............................................................................................................................. 7

1.5 Compliance ...................................................................................................................................................... 8

1.5.1 Energy Performance of Buildings Directive ............................................................................. 8

2 The Solution .............................................................................................................................................................. 8

2.1 Building Fabric ............................................................................................................................................... 8

2.1.1 Air Leakage ............................................................................................................................................. 8

2.1.2 Thermal Efficiency .............................................................................................................................. 9

2.2 Building Services ........................................................................................................................................ 10

2.2.1 Heating .................................................................................................................................................. 10

2.2.2 Air Movement/Ventilation systems .......................................................................................... 10

2.2.3 Air Conditioning ................................................................................................................................ 10

2.2.4 Lighting ................................................................................................................................................. 11

2.2.5 Compressed Air ................................................................................................................................. 11

2.2.6 Controls/Building Management System ................................................................................. 11

2.2.7 Metering & Utility Data Management ....................................................................................... 11

2.3 Compliance ................................................................................................................................................... 12

2.3.1 Energy Performance of Buildings Directive .......................................................................... 12

2.3.2 Funding Options ................................................................................................................................ 12

3 Time to make your warehouse greener ..................................................................................................... 13

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1 The Issues 1.1 Building Fabric

1.1.1 Air Leakage

An obvious problem with not being able to control the internal

environment is the large volume of fresh air entering and

conditioned air escaping from the building. This is most apparent on

the west side of the building with all of the loading bay doors having

poor seals and gaps, causing draughts.

There are also a small number of noticeable gaps around joints in the

building fabric. In a building of this type and age, it is reasonable to

expect a large number of draughts and gaps in fabric to be hidden

from view. This can only be quantified with a pressure test and

thermal imaging.

Where dock seals have been installed, they are either out of

commission or are not being used by staff. This picture shows a

damaged (lorry impact) drive unit for a retractable bay seal.

The most significant effect of air leakage (infiltration) is when

doors are left open for long periods of time when lorries are not in

the loading bay. The ‘pit’ loading bay door (as shown here) is used

by staff who need to access the container outside. As this bay is

not used for loading, it would be sensible to install a pedestrian

access door so that the roller shutter was not left open for long

periods.

Foam strips have been fitted on level

4, which I assume as been used to reduce air ingress. There is only a

small percentage of foam used, so it will be ineffective in reducing

draughts (if that is what it was intended for).

The dock shelters are at high risk from driver error. This is not only costly in

terms of repair work, but will also affect energy consumption as the shelters are

a means of reducing air ingress.

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With no loading bay seal in place, there are large areas of open space

between the lorry and loading bay, which results in high levels of air

infiltration.

The cladding has been removed to accommodate the cardboard

bailer leaving a large open space around it, allowing air ingress.

1.1.2 Thermal Efficiency

1.1.2.1 Cladding

There is insulation fitted between the internal and external

components of the facade cladding, but as the building is 20+

years old it will not meet today’s minimum building regulations

requirements.

There is significant solar gain

through the roof and south

facing elevation of the building. With no buildings in close

proximity to provide shading, the facade has no protection from

the affects of direct sunshine.

1.1.2.2 Roof

The large roof area, with minimal insulation and rooflights with

poor emissivity means the potential for high heat gains on any

sunny day throughout the year. It also means that when the

heating is needed there is no effective barrier to containing the

conditioned air within the building.

1.1.2.3 Glazing

The reception area is double glazed but suffers from solar gain,

making the internal environment uncomfortable for staff and

visitors. A Mitsubishi air conditioning split unit has been installed

to provide cooling to the reception area. Reflective film has been

fitted to the reception and office glazing, but has proved to be

ineffective.

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1.2 Building Services

1.2.1 Heating

Gas fired warm air blowers are installed

throughout the main building. These units can

only provide relatively localised heating and so

there are significant temperature differences

throughout the building.

OUTSOURCED SERVICE PROVIDER have made a

conscious decision to reduce their usage, but this is leading to problems with

staff comfort levels.

1.2.2 Air Movement

There are a number of stratification fans mounted to the ceiling, none of

which were in operation during the site visit even though there was a

significant temperature difference between level 1 and level 4. There are

not enough installed to have any real impact on improving the comfort

levels on the top floor.

These portable fans are a clear indication that

there is an overheating problem in the building.

There needs to be an effective, permanent solution

found so these will no longer be needed, as they are

energy intensive and have limited impact. They are also a fire hazard and

should not be used.

1.2.3 Air Conditioning

These Daikin air conditioning units (>250kW) were installed to

address the overheating of Level 4. As there is so much solar gain, air

leakage and heat rising from lower levels they proved to be

ineffective and are no longer in use. An Air conditioning Inspection

will need to be undertaken before the end of 2010 to ensure

compliance with the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive. The

other split units serving office areas will also need to be inspected at

the same time.

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1.2.4 Lighting

The lighting system is mainly fluorescent tubes, with PIRs fitted on each aisle. They proved to be

over-sensitive, resulting in lighting

being triggered even without entering

the aisle. Someone walking from one

side of the building to the other will

turn on every aisle light, making the

use of these PIRs virtually pointless.

Lighting close to or even directly under roof lights is on, even with

good levels of daylight entering the building.

Much of the lighting is left on above storage or infrequently used areas.

1.2.5 Compressed Air

There was no information available regarding the

compressed air system. So questions for further

investigation would be: What is it used for? Is it still

needed? When was the last service? What is the energy

consumption of the system?

1.2.6 Controls

The controls systems are the original equipment and except for a few

additions, has not been not been upgraded, some of the features are not

working. Having the controls accessible to all staff is liable to mis- use and

therefore increased energy consumption.

1.2.7 Metering & Utility Data Management

1.2.7.1 Electricity

The existing electricity meter is Code 5 and therefore has a pulsed output direct to the electricity

supplier. This means that bills are based on accurate meter readings and there are no estimated

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bills. There is a weekly manual meter reading taken by OSP 2, which is used for generating graphs

such as this:

This week-by-week analysis has limited

use as an energy management tool as it

does not allow the identification of

specific energy spikes during a particular

period of a day.

From the limited access to electricity bills, it was evident that OUTSOURCED SERVICE PROVIDER need

to review Supply capacity v Maximum demand as there is the potential for a 200 KVA reduction at

Site. This action will realise an annual saving of more than £2500. Not a huge saving, but if the same

exercise was undertaken throughout their entire building stock, the savings could prove to be more

significant.

1.2.7.2 Gas

The gas meter is at high level and a close inspection was not

possible. However, it does appear to have the capacity to emit a

pulsed output, although due to restrictions on availability of billing

information, it was not possible to confirm during the site visit.

1.2.7.3 Water

The main water meter is housed under a heavy grid with access having Health and Safety

implications. Regular manual readings are difficult leading to inaccurate billing and budget

management.

1.3 Water Use

Access to water consumption and billing data was not available during

the survey. There have been attempts in the past to reduce water

consumption. One example of this is the installation of a set of

waterless urinals. Staff comments suggest that they have proven to be

unsuccessful. They do require regular cleaning with a specific cleaning

product and the cost of replacement modules is high.

1.4 Process and Equipment

There are a large number of electric motors integral to the operation of the automatic garment

transportation system. All motors emit heat and as these are revamped motors of a 20 year-old

design it is reasonable to assume that they are not energy efficient. The remit of the survey does not

extend to the operations of the Distribution Centre, but motors emit heat and the impact of this

must be considered in any internal comfort solution.

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1.5 Compliance

1.5.1 Energy Performance of Buildings Directive

1.5.1.1 Air Conditioning Inspection

As the building exceeds the trigger points of 12kW and 250kW for air conditioning outputs, an ACI is

needed before the end of the year to be compliant with the Directive.

1.5.1.2 Energy Performance Certificates

The trigger for an EPC is usually the sale or lease of a building or part thereof; the other trigger is

refurbishment to fabric or services that significantly alters the carbon footprint of the building. If no

project work is carried out, an EPC will not be needed for this building.

1.5.1.3 Display Energy Certificates

This is not a legal compliance requirement for retailers or their premises, yet. The Directive is being

recast now with the revision planned for action this year and so there may be a need in the near

future to produce a DEC. Considering the size of the electricity bill (~£25K) it would be beneficial to

undertake an annual DEC exercise to monitor performance, regardless of it being a compliance issue

or not.

2 The Solution 2.1 Building Fabric

2.1.1 Air Leakage

The low cost option is to ensure all staff members are trained to open doors only when necessary

during cold periods of the year. This should become the responsibility of OUTSOURCED SERVICE

PROVIDER to deliver and monitor. OUTSOURCED SERVICE PROVIDER have a continuous

improvement scheme in place, which could be used to feature energy saving training as well as a

company level commitment to reducing energy consumption. OUTSOURCED SERVICE PROVIDER’s

four environmental management standards (shown below) lend themselves to this kind of initiative:

Compliance with regulations

Monitoring and measuring energy consumption

Monitoring and measuring discharges and waste

Internal training and external communication

http://www.norbert-dentressangle.co.uk/environmental-site-management.0.39.0.0.gb.html

2.1.1.1 Pressure testing

Accurate identification of leaks in the building fabric can be achieved

through pressure testing. The cost of this exercise will easily be justified

with the increased understanding of the size of the problem and the ability

to focus on key areas.

2.1.1.2 Draughtproofing

A detailed draughtproofing and gap sealing work schedule can be devised

following the pressure test. This will allow the work to be prioritised and

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more attention paid to the worst affected areas. This will in turn mean that the cost will be more

controllable with no additional work being identified after commencement of the project.

2.1.1.3 Loading Bay Doors

The doors are in poor condition and a simple solution would be to ensure that all gaps are sealed

and draughtproofing is fitted or replaced. The pressure test may reveal that this is insufficient and so

a more effective solution will have to be found.

Roller shutter doors are not thermally efficient or

draughtproofed so there will always be an issue with air

leakage until these doors are replaced. When that happens, it

would make sense to consider a solution that improves

thermal efficiency, minimises draughts and periods when the

doors are left open. Crawford Solutions (or similar) offer one

such system which would include refurbishment of the loading

bay, including installation of effective seals, sensors and controllers to automate operation and

remove responsibility from staff. Some form of driver warning system should be included to reduce

the risk of collisions, thereby ensuring that the bay doors remain effective at maintaining the

internal environment and reducing the cost of repair. The options to undertake a free site survey

with cost/benefit analysis and payback calculations is available.

2.1.2 Thermal Efficiency

2.1.2.1 Thermography

The use of thermography will be valuable in the identification of areas of

poor or no insulation. It will also confirm the extent of refurbishment

required regarding the cladding and roof. It will determine whether

complete replacement is needed or not, which would mean significant

savings in capital expenditure.

2.1.2.2 Cladding

The condition of the cladding is acceptable, but the effectiveness of insulation used to meet building

regulations of the time is very low. We propose to investigate a number of options, including

retrofitting of additional cladding to the facades, as well as the option to replace the cladding with a

more thermally efficient system. This exercise will also need to establish the structural integrity of

the building framework; otherwise, we will be adding extra weight and stresses to a 20 year old

untested structure.

2.1.2.3 Roof

The roof has minimal thermal insulation and is therefore subject to high levels of solar gain. In

addition, the roof lights that make up about 5% of the total area are not thermally efficient and

allow solar gain into level 4.

A new roof is the simplest solution; with increased insulation, Sunpipes and natural ventilation units

installed at the same time.

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2.1.2.4 Glazing

The west facing office and reception area glazing should be replaced with thermally efficient, low

emissivity technology that meets, or preferably exceeds current building regulations.

2.1.2.5 Office External Shading

As there are a number of air conditioning split units serving the office area it is

evident that the internal environment becomes uncomfortable. Split units incur

installation and maintenance costs and increase energy consumption/costs for the

distribution centre. There will be an additional cost for the production of

an Air Conditioning Inspection, which will have to be undertaken before

the end of the year. With all of these

factors, it is reasonable to assume that a

passive solution will have long term

benefits to the building and its occupants.

An external shading system such as this will minimise solar gain

through the windows without significantly reducing daylight levels.

2.2 Building Services

When the building fabric is upgraded, the existing systems may well cope with providing the correct

internal conditions. This can be proven with the use of building simulation modelling.

2.2.1 Heating

Improving the thermal efficiency and air leakage of the building fabric will mean

that heat loss and air change rates will reduce, resulting in less energy being used

in an attempt to bring the building up to temperature. Simulation modelling will

determine if any additional heating is needed.

2.2.2 Air Movement/Ventilation systems

Monodraught’s Sola-boost is an extension of the Windcatcher design, to provide

additional ventilation on sunny days whilst maintaining zero running costs.

Combining the use of these with ground level intake vents and strategic use of

the bay doors will result in effective natural ventilation being possible.

2.2.3 Air Conditioning

The Daikin air conditioning units located on the ground floor are not used1, as they have proved

ineffective at reducing the high temperatures experienced on Level 4. Once the structure has been

made thermally efficient, these units may become more effective at dealing with extremes of

summer temperature. This can be ascertained using building Dynamic Simulation Modelling.

1 According to site staff

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2.2.4 Lighting

Low energy lighting with an effective controls system and strategy throughout the building and

increased daylighting for Level 4 using Sunpipes (or similar) will reduce energy

consumption and carbon emissions by as much as 70%2. This will be through a

combination of higher efficiency lighting, movement, daylighting and dimming

controls. There will also be an improvement in comfort

levels, as there will be less heat generated by the

lights, reducing the need for a mechanical cooling

solution.

Passive daylight systems have the additional benefit of being

maintenance free. This (left) is an example of a high bay hall with

natural daylight only. It will be vital to have a daylight sensing component to the controls systems as

the building is in operation through the night and so there will still be a need for a lighting system on

the top floor.

2.2.5 Compressed Air

There was no information available regarding the compressed air system. So questions for further

investigation would be: What is it used for? Is it still needed? When was the last service? What is the

energy consumption of the system?

2.2.6 Controls/Building Management System

As the annual bill is more than £300,000 (only electricity data available) and inevitable increases

because of the CRC, it would be prudent to install a controls system that allows flexibility in the use

of systems, that can adapt to changing environmental conditions (internal and external) and can be

monitored and adjusted remotely.

2.2.7 Metering & Utility Data Management

As the existing electricity meter has a pulsed output,

half hour profiling can be accessed. Only when you

can see energy consumption over a 24 hour period

can it be used as a management and maintenance

tool.

RWE NPower is the incumbent supplier

(OUTSOURCED SERVICE PROVIDER’s national contract)

which means that their online Monitoring and

Targeting software is available to site-based staff. A

request should be made to have this information sent

through to the site team.

The staff perception is that the bulk of energy expenditure is from lighting because of the number

and type of fittings used. The installation of sub meters will enable precise analysis of the energy use

and by what building service or process. With this level of data available, energy management can

become effective at identifying energy waste as well as maintenance issues.

2 Based on discussions with Outsourced Service Provider Accounts staff.

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Access to and analysis of 24 months of copies of gas (and electricity) bills will identify opportunities

for saving consumption and costs. This was not possible during the site visit, but a request has been

subsequently made.

The water meter needs to be either replaced or retro-fitted to enable remote monitoring and

removing the health and safety issues related to lifting a heavy cover. Ensuring that the meter could

emit a pulsed output will ensure that a leak could be detected early, avoiding expenditure on unused

water.

2.3 Compliance

2.3.1 Energy Performance of Buildings Directive

There is value in undertaking the production of the three components of the EPBD for ongoing

monitoring and control of energy cost and consumption.

2.3.1.1 Air Conditioning Inspection

A Contractor is in the process of gaining ACI accreditation and will be able to produce the relevant

compliance report before the end of the year.

2.3.1.2 Energy Performance Certificates

When the decision is made to improve the fabric and services of the building, an EPC will be needed.

An EPC must be produced using approved building simulation software and depending on the type

and sophistication of the package used, the simulation can be used as a design tool to assess the

impact of various passive and mechanical systems. A building simulation model will ensure that the

best combination of options is identified and specified, minimising the risk to capital expenditure.

2.3.1.3 Display Energy Certificates

This is not a legal compliance requirement for retailers or their premises, yet. The Directive is being

recast now with the revision planned for action this year and so there may be a need in the near

future to produce a DEC. Considering the size of the electricity bill (~£250K) it would be prudent to

undertake an annual DEC exercise, regardless of it being a compliance issue or not.

2.3.2 Funding Options

RWE NPower are the incumbent electricity supplier and their Low Carbon and Renewables team

have several funding options if the project involves the installation of technologies such as CHP, solar

PV/thermal, heat pumps etc.

The Carbon Trust interest free loan scheme is not an option for RETAILER X, as it applies to

small/medium size companies only.

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3 Time to make your warehouse greener

Published: 01 September 2007 12:00 AM

http://www.logisticsmanager.com/Home/default.aspx

Environmental concerns are increasingly coming into play in logistics operations, with more and more companies committing to

low carbon strategies for the future of their businesses. One of the biggest energy consumers in the logistics industry is the

warehouse.

The retailer sector especially relies heavily on depots, some of which operate day and night. Various Retailers, are among

those that recognise the need for action, and are developing energy saving projects that promise significant savings in energy

consumption and carbon dioxide output. RETAILER X is investing in a £200 million environmental plan, which will help it

achieve its goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2012. Lee Scott, president of Wal-Mart, has promised to use 100 per cent

renewable energy, create zero carbon waste and reduce carbon emissions by 2009, through an investment of £255 million.

Meanwhile Tesco has solar power projects across the UK.

The bar was set when Adnams Brewery opened its environmentally frieOutsourced Service Providery distribution warehouse,

constructed out of hemp and chalk blocks, which absorb carbon dioxide, helping to regulate temperatures naturally efficiently,

and reducing energy costs. The warehouse, complete with grass roof, designed to harvest rainwater, was opened last year in

Southwold, Suffolk.

However, the financial viability of implementing green initiatives is an issue. Action is apparent in new build warehouses with

developers like Gazeley and ProLogis, and designers like sbh.uk committing to eco-frieOutsourced Service Providery initiatives

and innovations, and where renewable technologies are integrated during the early stages of the design and build process. But

for existing warehouses the prospects seem less certain, as many companies remain unsure of how or where to start the ball

rolling.

The costs of running green warehouses are lower than those of conventional ones. Where energy is reduced, cost savings are

made. For companies wishing to commit to the low carbon initiative, renewable technologies such as wind turbines and

photovoltaic panels are costly investments but will guarantee long-term pay back.

Laurie Sice of sbh.uk says: "In some cases, the additional cost of putting in items means that there is an initial increase in cost

but then looking at the payback in running costs, these factors make it worthwhile."

John Lewis is opening a distribution centre at Gazeley's Magna Park site at Milton Keynes, which will incorporate an increased

range of sustainable design initiatives contributing to a saving of up to 66 per cent on carbon emissions. Jonathan Fenton-

Jones, global procurement and sustainability director of Gazeley, says that operational cost savings for John Lewis will work

out to £238,000 per year.

Commenting on the project, Dino Rocos, managing director of distribution at John Lewis, said: "It is good for us as a business

and the environment - it has shown that the business agenda and the green agenda can run comfortably along side each

other."

Sainsbury's is soon to open an energy efficient depot at Pineham, Northampton. Its design incorporates environmental features

and technologies to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions, including wall-mounted photovoltaic panels that

generate electricity; solar walls that produce heat from sunlight; an on-site combined heat and power plant that reuses the by-

product heat from the chilling process normally wasted to the environment; an on-site recycling facility; energy efficient lighting

systems; and air-tight construction that minimises energy loss through the external fabric of the building. ProLogis estimates

that Sainsbury's' warehouse operation will be up to 75 per cent more energy-efficient than a standard warehouse. Ken Hall,

ProLogis' sustainability guru, says it's also developing ongoing retrofit programmes in the US.

Laurence Duncan, director of renewable technology consultants Ice Renewables, says there is a lot of misunderstanding

regarding what type of renewable technology to use and its potential payback. Wind turbines for instance, are regarded as

having a rather lengthy payback period, but they can return investment after just four years. According to Duncan, some

companies are being 'muscled' down the green route as a result of binding legislation such as the Merton Rule, the planning

policy pioneered by London Borough of Merton, which requires the use of renewable energy on site to reduce annual carbon

emissions in the built environment. Others see it as a way of staying competitive and achieving corporate responsibility

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objectives.

Yet, for existing warehouses, there are still a lot of grey areas regarding which technologies are worthwhile investing in.

A major source of energy consumption in any warehouse is lighting. In response to this, recent efficiency targets introduced by

the national Building Regulations call for electrical consumption and industrial lighting to be reduced by 10 to 15 per cent.

Hugh King of Thorn Lighting says 50 per cent savings can be made by use of currently available energy efficient lighting

technologies (products, lighting controls, natural light) all without loss of lighting conditions. Lighting designers have the power

to hold down carbon emissions and reduce the carbon footprint of lighting installations, (0.42kg of carbon dioxide is saved for

every 1kWh reduction in electrical load).

According to King, choice of lighting varies from high intensity discharge (HID) to advance fluorescent luminaires (complete

light units). He says: "With regard to the building regulations we have received some instances of large warehouse projects

being given a false impression that to comply, the lighting installation needs to take account of both occupancy and daylight

levels and need to be switched as such. This is extremely difficult to do with discharge lighting and hence users seem to be

thinking they must go down the fluorescent route…this is not the case."

He says that the most important point is the provision of switch controls. The most common approach is the use of microwave

presence detectors for monitoring aisles and switching 50 per cent of the HID luminaires off after 15 minutes of non-detection.

King says that four types of control sub-systems are usually employed: daylight-linked, occupancy-linked, localised switching

and timed controls, although frequently a combination is used.

Future summer temperatures are predicted to rise by several degrees as a result of global warming. Keeping temperatures

down, specifically for products that are stored higher up in a warehouse has always been a problem, says Steve Ball,

operations director of Jet Environmental.

Overheating

"Overheating has been the number one critical deficiency in pharmaceutical warehouses for the past five years, but has moved

up the agenda because of improvements in the thermal efficiency of warehouses plus the waste heat given off by lighting and

materials haOutsourced Service Providering equipment and greater use of mezzanines, all of which significantly increase

internal temperatures. Without cooling stratification occurs as hot air accumulates at a high level in the warehouse, making the

top levels of racking unusable for temperature sensitive products."

Air induction technology and controlled ventilation can be used to create greener warehouses which not only require less

energy, but also use it more efficiently, he says.

"Traditional heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems which employ energy hungry mechanical cooling, are not only

expensive to run but also pump high levels of carbon dioxide into the environment. They are simply not a viable option when

the government is committed to reducing energy consumption and insuring that UK businesses implement low carbon solutions

which minimise the impact on the environment."

Steve Kirkwood of Seeley International, which makes evaporative-cooling and gas heating products, says: "Climate change

legislation provides companies with financial motivation to cut carbon emissions in the most cost-effective way. Companies that

exceed their emissions limit are penalised while those producing emissions below their limit have the opportunity to develop a

new revenue stream."

Kirkwood points out that evaporative air-cooling is emission free and cheaper to run than refrigerant based air-conditioning. It

provides cooling properties and ventilation with minimal energy consumption, using water as a working fluid and avoiding the

use of ozone-destroying chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) as used by compressor type systems. It's a simple technology which

consumes less than a quarter of the energy of refrigerate air-conditioning systems.

Significant savings can also be made by employing building management systems, computer systems which can calculate the

pre-set requirements of the building and control the connected plant to meet those needs. Its inputs, such as temperature

sensors and outputs, such as on/off signals are connected into outstations around the building. Programmes within these

outstations use this information to decide the necessary level of applied control. They are designed to combine maximum

building and plant efficiency with minimum energy consumption.

Payback

Julian Martin, director of Ice Renewables, says that combined heat and power systems (CHP), initially more well-known in the

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public sector, are becoming increasingly popular.

It's one of the cheaper technologies to install and guarantees a fast payback of three to four years, depending on the site.

Martin says that retrofitting existing warehouses with a CHP system can be done by running it alongside the existing heating

system, with the CHP gradually dominating the original system.

Ultimately, there is only so much the architects and designers can do, it's up to the end users and their attitudes, to carry on the

green effort and ensure that their warehouse operations are environmentally beneficial. As Laurie Sice says: "It's a matter of

money versus social responsibility."