Medium-term sustainability improvements

Utilising boiler controls can enhance your business's sustainability by managing energy consumption more effectively.

Key boiler controls

• Weather compensation controls – adjust heating based on external weather conditions, improving comfort and efficiency especially in variable climates.
• Optimum start controllers – determine the best times to activate boilers based on required room temperatures, adapting seasonally for energy efficiency.
• Nighttime setback controls – lower temperatures during set night hours to save energy, ideal for spaces like hotel corridors.
• Frost protection controls – monitor and adjust temperatures in the coldest parts of a building to prevent frost damage when unoccupied.
• Sequence control – operate multiple boilers efficiently by activating them sequentially as needed, rather than all at once.

Boiler maintenance

Regular check-ups – annual maintenance is vital for sustaining combustion efficiency, which can decline with the boiler’s age. Optimal settings can be adjusted to maintain efficiency.

Insulation – insulate boilers, pipes, and tanks to prevent heat loss, using easily removable covers for maintenance access.

Equipment upgrades –investing in high-efficiency boilers or systems, such as condensing boilers, can reduce long-term running costs despite higher initial expenses.

Zoning 

Implement zoning to control heating based on the specific needs of different building areas, which can significantly reduce unnecessary heating in unoccupied zones.

For more information and support visit Energy Saving Trust.

A Building Energy Management System (BEMS) monitors and controls building services like heating and ventilation, displaying data in real time for easy adjustments. Proper usage and setting adjustments are crucial for realising potential savings.

Taking the following steps could mean your heating system doesn’t have to work so hard.

• Close windows and external doors as much as possible when the heating is on. 
• Close curtains and blinds at the end of the day, especially during winter, to reduce draughts and retain heat. In summer the same process can help reduce heat from early evening direct sunlight.
• Curtains should be thermal lined and adequately cover the window. 
• Shutters also reduce heat losses, especially in historic properties.

Adding draught proofing

A door with a 3mm gap will let in as much cold air as a hole in the wall the size of a brick. Many draught proofing solutions are relatively low cost and easy to install. 

• Put brush strips on letter boxes or the bottom of doors.
• Put rubber or foam seals on doors and windows.
• Replace silicone seals on damaged windows.
• Install keyhole covers.

Heating can make up to 40% of your total energy use. You can cut your energy consumption by around 10% just by using the heating and cooling settings of your system. 

Recommended temperatures 

If you already have thermostats, make sure they are set to: 

• 21°C for lounges and bathrooms 
• 16°C for bedrooms 
• 16-18°C for corridors 
• 19-21°C for shared-use spaces 

Options for temperature control 

See if your current system can be adapted to include one of these options: 

• Thermostatic radiator valves – they use an air temperature sensor to monitor the room temperature and adjust the radiator to match. 
• Wall thermostats – they use several air temperature sensors to monitor the temperature and adjust the heating system (boiler or pump) to match. 
• Time control – they use a timer to turn the radiators or system on at a certain time of day. 

Top tips: 

• Turning up a thermostat won’t heat the room quicker. The temperature always increases at the same rate. You’ll just get a hotter room later.
• Every 1°C of overheating a room can increase your heating costs by about 8%.
• Room temperature sensors shouldn’t be placed in sunlight or next to certain equipment such as printers and computers.
• If you do adjust your timers or temperatures, remember to check them again regularly – especially with Scotland’s frequent weather changes!

Find further advice on heating controls from Energy Saving Trust.

Floors

Often overlooked as an area for energy saving, but nearly 10% of heat lost from a building occurs via the ground floor.

Walls

Around 9% of heat lost in a building is through the walls.

• They can be insulated through cavity wall insulation, external or internal wall insulation.
• For cavity walls, improving insulation is particularly cost-effective.
• For solid walls, insulation behind plasterboard is very effective if there are no gaps. Ideally you should use 200mm of mineral wool or 100mm of urethane board. 
• You can even buy urethane already bonded onto plasterboard. This is particularly suitable on ceilings below flat roofs. 
• Always ensure that the moisture removal system in your walls is not altered.
• There can be challenges to insulating old properties, as it can cause moisture problems. These problems are normally associated with a lack of roof and gutter maintenance, which causes water ingress and necessitates higher energy consumption to evaporate the water. Avoid this by regularly maintaining the roof and guttering. 

Lofts

Over 20% of heat in a building is lost through the roof.

• You can often upgrade existing insulation by adding to what is already there (providing it is in good condition and not damp). If there is less than 15cm of insulation, it’s worth adding more.
• Depending on the method of insulation there are several types of insulation which can be considered. These include: 
  • mineral wool 
  • sheep’s wool 
  • blown insulation 
  • rigid insulation board
• For loft insulation, it is recommended at 350mm thickness, ideally in two layers at 90 degrees to each other. Make sure the loft space above can still breathe to avoid moisture build up. 

Replace all traditional bulbs with low-energy alternatives such as LED or compact fluorescent bulbs in fixed fittings. Consider installing sensors or timers for outdoor and high-use areas to reduce unnecessary energy consumption.

Lightbulbs

LED bulbs are highly efficient, offering substantial cost savings. They instantly illuminate, withstand frequent switching, use up to 80% less energy, and last 50 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. 

Tips:

Light colour is measured in Kelvins. Use warmer light (2700K) for restaurants and bedrooms, and cooler light (4000K or higher) for offices and leisure centres. 

Enhance brightness by using light coloured or transparent shades, aluminium reflective surfaces, and holders designed for LEDs. 

Light fittings

Manual fittings

The easiest way to save energy and money is to promote a "switch off" lighting policy through labels and general messaging for customers and staff.

Tips:

Sometimes giving permission is better than giving an order. Use a label in a bathroom or public toilet saying: “Please feel free to switch light off!”.

Automatic fittings

There are three main types of light controller:

1. Passive infrared sensor - motion sensors switch lights off following a set period of non-detection. This can help save up to 30% on lighting costs and are useful for public toilets, back areas, offices and function rooms.
2. Light level sensors or photocells - these measure the natural light level and adjust the lights accordingly where needed. They are useful for outdoor areas such as car parks.
3. Timers – use these to manually turn lights on and off after a set time and adjust them each season. They can be combined with sensors.

Some light controllers can be installed without wiring so check if it's possible to do this now and upgrade the lighting if budget allows.

Tips:

Having more than one switch to control different circuits makes it easier for customers to only switch on the right light. This is especially effective in larger spaces like lobbies, corridors or conference rooms. 

Letting natural light into a room is the best way to limit the need for lights. Avoid blinds – even those that tilt open can limit incoming daylight. 

Many businesses keep lights on to look "open for business". But when visitors look in they see the far wall. Rather than having all the lights on, try illuminating the back wall.

Effective water management in businesses, particularly in areas like guest bathrooms and public washrooms, is crucial as water costs continue to rise due to increasing energy prices.

Water-efficient taps

Water-efficient taps reduce water usage while maintaining performance. Installation by a qualified plumber is recommended.

Types of water-efficient taps

• Aerated taps: retrofit existing taps with aerators to mix air into the water stream, maintaining effective flow. They are cost-effective, around £5 per unit, with a payback period of about three months.
• Spray taps: these taps produce a mist, cutting water use by 60% to 70%. Regular cleaning of the spray head is necessary to prevent blockages from soap and lime scale.
• Automatic shut-off taps: useful in public spaces, these taps turn off automatically after a set time.
• Percussion taps: self-closing taps that shut off within 1 to 30 seconds of use. Efficient and cost-effective, these taps reduce water usage by more than 50% and can be fitted onto existing taps for about £20 each.
• Passive infrared sensors: these sensors activate the tap only during use and close it after a predetermined amount of water has flowed.

Did you know? Repairing a dripping tap can save over 5,000 litres of water annually.

Water-efficient showers

A conventional shower uses about 35 litres per 5-minute use, costing £65 annually if used daily. Power showers use 70 litres per session, doubling the cost.

Water-efficient shower solutions:

• Water-saving showerheads: these reduce water consumption without compromising user experience, effective only with sufficient water pressure.
• Flow restrictors: installed in the shower's pipework or directly in the showerhead, these limit water flow.
• Push button controls: ideal for public facilities, these limit water use by activating the flow only when the button is pressed.

Managing hot water efficiently

• Optimal temperature setting: maintain hot water at 60ºC to kill Legionella bacteria while remaining safe for bathing.
• Reducing hot water waste: even without a water meter, reducing hot water usage can significantly lower energy costs.

Water-efficient toilets

Toilets made post-1991 generally use no more than 6 litres per flush, while older models may use up to 13 litres. Aim for:

• Full flush: no more than 4.5 litres
• Single flush: no more than 6 litres

Installation tips

Volume adjusters: use devices like Hippos or Save-a-flush, or a filled plastic bottle to reduce water per flush. Place them properly to avoid interfering with the flush mechanism. For larger cisterns, consider a cistern dam.

Flush mechanisms: dual flush systems allow a choice between a larger and a smaller flush (about 4 litres), helping to reduce water usage. These systems are typically easy to retrofit and should be clearly labelled to prevent misuse.

Water-efficient urinals

Uncontrolled urinals: these typically flush three times per hour, which can use 197m³ of water annually, costing around £417 in water charges.

Control mechanisms: installing devices that adjust flush frequency can reduce water usage by up to 75%. Waterless urinals can save up to 90% of water usage and often require less maintenance.

Enhancing toilet efficiency

Passive infrared sensor (PIR): controls a valve that regulates water flow into the cistern based on usage. Settings can include flushing after each use or after a set number of uses. They can also provide a hygiene flush during periods of low use, costing around £120 and are generally easy to retrofit. They operate on either battery or mains electricity.

Hydraulic valve: fitted to the urinal's inlet pipework, it operates on changes in water pressure caused by usage elsewhere in the system. This triggers the valve to refill the cistern, and it remains closed when not in use, preventing unnecessary flushing.

Windows are classified using an A to G rating, with A being the best. The rating considers coatings, triple-glazing and evacuated cavities.  

High performance glass is coated to redirect heat back into a room or prevent heat or cold from entering. This is more expensive, so check energy saving properties against installations costs to get the best value.