UK organisations could save over £400m a year by taking simple,
low-cost actions to improve the efficiency of their hot water
boilers, according to new guidance published today by the Carbon
Trust.
New analysis by the Carbon Trust reveals that heating and hot
water accounts for over one third of UK organisations' energy
consumption and up to 60% of the carbon emissions from some UK
industrial processes, such as food production and laundering, where
demand for steam or hot water is high. However, it's possible to
cut heating costs by up to 30% by implementing some simple
boiler-related energy saving measures.
The guidance outlines how organisations can make immediate
energy savings of 10% through better maintenance and low cost
improvements, such as installing insulation and retrofitting
controls.
Richard Rugg, Director, Carbon Trust Programmes, said:
"Heating water uses a huge amount of energy so if you want to
cut your bill and boost your bottom line, checking your boiler is
not a bad place to start. UK organisations could be saving over
£400m a year by following simple, low-cost measures."
The new Steam
and high temperature hot water boilers and Low temperature hot
water boilers guides are part of the Carbon Trust's Expert in
Energy series. The Carbon Trust is also running a free webinar on
how to significantly reduce running costs and improve the
efficiency of your hot water boilers at 12pm, 7 March 2012.
A Scottish knitwear manufacturer reaped dividends when it
replaced its existing oil-fired boiler with two smaller gas-fired
boilers equipped with digital combustion controls. The more
streamlined boiler process and correct sizing led to a saving of
35,000 litres of fuel oil and £13,200 per year.
All modern boilers are capable of achieving an efficiency of at
least 80% by taking simple actions to impact their performance.
Top Tips from the guides:
Carry out boiler maintenance - Over time
mechanical components can become worn which can affect combustion
efficiency. Therefore burners and their controls need to be checked
at regular intervals and adjusted as necessary.
Minimize heat losses - Keep boiler insulation
in good condition. All pipework, valves, flanges and fittings in
the boilerhouse should be adequately insulated and valve
mats/covers should be replaced after maintenance work.
Implement effective water treatment - The
presence of impurities and contaminants in water make treatment and
conditioning regimes essential to provide water of a suitable
quality for the effective operation of steam boiler plant and
systems.
Produce a maintenance manual - Detail records
of work done, the person responsible, and when they were completed.
The formalisation of maintenance in this manner should help ensure
that tasks are carried out at the correct frequency and will
highlight ongoing problems.
Consult your boiler manufacturer - Find out
what the recommended TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) level is and
compare this with your current operating regime.
Consider boiler replacement - In the longer
term, if a boiler is more than 15 years old, or if it is showing
signs of inefficient operation, it may need replacing.
Capacity/size requirements, boiler compatibility and financial and
environmental impact must all be considered in the process.
For further advice on energy saving and ways you can reduce
carbon emissions call the Carbon Trust advice line on 0800 085
2005.
Notes to editors:
For more information and to speak to a Carbon Trust
spokesperson, please contact the Carbon Trust press office:
Tel no: 0207 544 3100
Email: press@carbontrust.com
About the Carbon Trust
The Carbon Trust is a not-for-profit company with the mission to
accelerate the move to a low carbon economy, providing specialist
support to business and the public sector to help cut carbon
emissions, save energy and commercialise low carbon technologies.
By stimulating low carbon action we contribute to key UK goals of
lower carbon emissions, the development of low carbon businesses,
increased energy security and associated jobs.
We help to cut carbon emissions now by
- Providing specialist advice and finance to help organisations
cut carbon
- Setting standards for carbon reduction
We reduce potential future carbon emissions by
- Opening markets for low carbon technologies
- Leading industry collaborations to commercialise
technologies
- Investing in early stage low carbon companies
About Carbon Trust Implementation Services
Carbon Trust Implementation services is a wholly owned
commercial subsidiary of the Carbon Trust Group. Its aim is to
close the gap between identification and implementation of energy
savings opportunities by addressing key client barriers, such as
lack of technical, market and procurement expertise, resources and
finance to procure energy efficient equipment.
It unlocks energy saving opportunities for customers by
delivering Energy Efficiency Financing with its partner Siemens
Financial Services - offering flexible financing options to all
types of organisations seeking to make their operations more
efficient and lower their energy costs.
It also addresses key, non-financial barriers that customers
face in implementing energy efficiency and renewable energy
equipment. It connects organisations with proposed energy
efficiency capital projects to accredited equipment suppliers. It
makes it easy for businesses to implement the best solution for
energy efficient and renewable energy equipment, to enable them to
reduce energy costs, carbon emissions and enhance
competitiveness.
For more information, please visit Implementation Services or call 0845
6008683