EPA - News

Microbusinesses have a vital role in the United Kingdom (UK) economy and the energy retail market, accounting for 96% of all UK businesses (5.7 million), 33% of UK employment and a significant proportion of energy expenditure (£3.4 billion in 2020). They are usually enterprises employing up to 10 people. When buying energy, most microbusinesses rely entirely on electricity as a source of power and 62% think of energy as a significant cost to their business. Almost all use a broker to get...

Uponor’s Board of Directors has appointed Michael Rauterkus as the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Uponor Group and the Chairman of the Executive Committee. He will join the company and assume the CEO responsibility effective from August 21, 2021. Michael Rauterkus has long experience, wide knowledge and good networks from the industry, as his most recent operative role was being the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Grohe AG, a German sanitary technology manufacturer. Vast...

Johnson Controls, the globally renowned company for smart, healthy and sustainable building solutions, has launched through its YORK brand a 10-year residential HVAC leasing program: Ultimate Home Comfort. This industry-first solution provides homeowners with a new, fully installed YORK high-efficiency HVAC system with no money down, as well as factory-backed 10-year parts and labor coverage, and 10 years of service repairs and annual maintenance – all for one, low monthly payment. Ultim...

Eurovent and the Federation of Ibero-American Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Associations (FAIAR) signed a Memorandum of Understanding, underlining their commitment to greater harmonization and stronger ties between Europe and Latin America. In the framework of the Memorandum, the two organizations will collaborate on standards development, codes of good practice, and networking events, among others. Eurovent and FAIAR will have their first high-level coordination meeting still this year...

Ultra-premium spirits business, Edrington, has signed up to a four-year deal with EDF that will see their business supplied with 100% renewable energy from October 2021. Energy Edge Consulting, Edrington’s energy advisor, worked with EDF to structure the agreement which will help Edrington meet its sustainability needs and support their ambition of being carbon neutral by 2030.  This will mean that all of Edrington’s Scottish distilleries, The Macallan, Highland Park, and...

Air quality improvements can be achieved cost-effectively and quickly through Carrier’s Healthy Buildings Program solutions An ongoing study by the University of Colorado Boulder demonstrated that Carrier air purifiers are able to sustain significantly reduced levels of airborne particles – between 42 - 67% lower on average – in occupied K-12 classrooms with older, outdated HVAC equipment. According to the EPA, exposure to airborne particles, also known as particulate matter...

CIC has launched ‘Carbon Zero: the professional institutions’ climate action plan’, which was spearheaded by CIC’s Climate Change Panel, which is chaired by CIC’s Deputy Chairman, Stephen Hodder MBE. The CIC Climate Change Panel coordinates the efforts of the professional institutes in the built environments to meet the UK government's 2050 net zero emissions targets. Climate Action Plan This Climate Action Plan is proposed by the professional institutions and or...

Ahead of the summer heat across the United Kingdom, REHUA, the globally renowned polymer specialist, has upgraded their smart heating control, in order to be able to seamlessly transfer between heating and cooling. NEA Smart 2.0 Allowing developers and contractors to provide efficient heating and cooling from a single solution, the NEA Smart 2.0 uses a series of algorithms to regulate temperature. These algorithms allow the device to learn occupant habits and data from multiple sensors in floo...

The Climate Change Committee has published new advice to the Government – the Independent Assessment of UK Climate Risk. The report assesses more than 60 risks and opportunities from climate change in the UK. climate assessment People, nature, and infrastructure are already vulnerable to a range of climate impacts The assessment finds that action to improve the nation’s resilience is failing to keep pace with the impacts of a warming planet and increasing climate risks facing...

Hitachi introduces a new line of high-efficiency single-zone, mini-split systems, PRIMAIRY mini-split systems. Designed to meet the unique needs of small to mid-size properties such as shops, restaurants, and classrooms, the PRIMAIRY system is an energy-efficient and cost-effective option. Hitachi quality is evident throughout the product line. Features of the product line include: Brushless DC fan motors provide stable, precise, energy-efficient operation. Compact units and long piping ru...

Panasonic is pleased to announce its sponsorship of the Efficiency North - Building for Future Generations, a FREE virtual event to attend this year taking place on Tuesday 22nd June - Thursday 24th June 2021. About Efficiency North Efficiency North is bringing together its landlord membership, key stakeholders in the construction sector, industry leaders, and national policy makers to address how we make the right choices in housing and construction now that will have the most positive impa...

The CLC has published the second iteration of the National Retrofit Strategy, a twenty-year blueprint for how the construction industry can work with the Government to retrofit the UK’s 28 million existing homes. Heat and Buildings Strategy Following open consultation with the construction industry, the strategy has over 50 supporter organizations Following open consultation with the construction industry, the strategy has over 50 supporter organizations.  In partnership with 38 s...

Ofgem, the energy regulator, has set out final proposals to help millions of micro business customers get a better energy deal. Energy brokers help busy micro businesses to compare the market and find a better deal on their energy. But Ofgem found a minority of brokers engage in poor practices with opaque fees for brokerage services. In one case, 50% of the total contract cost (around £24,000) comprised broker commission fees that the consumer was not made aware of pre-contract.  Su...

The YORK YVFA air-cooled screw chiller uses free cooling and variable-speed drive (VSD) technology to deliver industry-renowned cost savings. Some of the key features of the YORK YVFA free cooling chiller include an integrated economizer, VSD compressor and fans, a compact footprint and intelligent controls. YORK YVFA air-cooled screw chiller The cost savings delivered in real-world examples include the annual savings for YVFA installations across the country. The YORK YVFA free cooling air-co...

The role of heat pumps in the low carbon heating transition is no longer up for debate. Following consistent recommendations from the Climate Change Committee (CCC) for the mass rollout of heat pumps in both new and existing homes, the Prime Minister’s Ten Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution last year set a target to deploy 600,000 per year by 2028. This signals a huge step forward in the right direction considering that 35,000 heat pumps were sold in 2019; action must be directe...

The report aims to substantially shake up the existing frameworks and introduce regulatory, impactful, and meaningful changes in the heating sector, paving the way for the mass deployment of low carbon heating.  The aims of the report are to: Promote changes to establish infrastructure in existing homes for low carbon heating Build and develop installer skills for the recommended changes Lower fuel bills for existing heating systems Lower carbon emissions for existing heating systems...

HVAC systems can be lifesavers when it comes to living in Las Vegas. This fact implies that a broken or old HVAC system can put one in an extremely dire situation. HVAC systems that tend to have a life span of about 15-17 years can age quite noticeably after this period. From constant breakdowns to improper cooling and heating, these systems will be a perennial investment. Therefore, for many individuals replacing an HVAC system seems the better option compared to sticking with the old one.&nbs...

If homeowners are remodeling or building a house, they have probably thought more about floors and walls than air conditioners. However, to keep the house cool and energy bills low, homeowners need the right kind of AC unit. In areas with warm to hot summers like northern Illinois, air conditioners account for an average of 12% of a home’s energy costs. Types of air conditioners Let’s explore five different kinds of air conditioners and what situations they’re best for: Cen...

The nationwide lockdown since November 2020, made necessary by the high infection figures of the second and third corona waves, is still accompanied by considerable restrictions. This makes it all the more important to safeguard the indispensable work in public institutions and, in particular, teaching in schools. the new air purification unit To make a decisive contribution to the solution, Viessmann has developed Vitovent 200-P, a new air purification unit. These are unique hybrid ventilatio...

After extensive research, testing, and evaluation, Johnson Controls, the provider of smart, healthy, and sustainable buildings, has selected R-454B, a lower global warming potential (GWP) refrigerant, to replace R-410A in its ducted residential and commercial unitary products as well as air-cooled scroll chillers. Systems using the new refrigerant will be available for Johnson Controls, YORK®, Luxaire®, Coleman®, Champion®, TempMaster®, Fraser-Johnston®, Guardian®, E...

American Residential Services (ARS), the nation’s largest provider of residential heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), and plumbing services, has announced the appointment of Scott Boose as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Scott Boose, a Senior Executive with significant experience in the HVAC, plumbing, and home services industries, succeeds David Slott, who earlier served as CEO of ARS, and who will remain in a Senior Advisory role and assist Mr. Boose and the Senior Man...

The new products at a glance: The ViCare app uses the smartphone location function if desired and detects the distance to the heating system (geofencing). The heat output is automatically turned down if nobody is at home. It is then increased again as soon as a resident approaches the house. The new Vitoguide was developed in close cooperation with trade partners and now combines all important functions for commissioning, remote maintenance, and servicing as an all-in-one tool. The new Vies...

Over 3 million users attend music festivals every year in the UK, creating a staggering 23,500 tonnes of waste. WOMAD is already leading the way in sustainability, with several inspiring initiatives including green energy from Ecotricity and action on recycling, single-use plastics, water, and travel. Whichever events users choose to attend, here are the top tips for a sustainable and safe summer of festivals. Be COVID safe Wide open spaces like those at WOMAD are perfect for keeping us...

EDF Renewables Ireland is announcing plans to develop a 100MW wind farm to the south of Bellacorick in Mayo. The proposed project, which could consist of up to 25 turbines and power more than 60,000 homes, will be located in a forested area to the northeast of Slieve Carr, approximately 8 km southeast of Bangor Erris. environmental studies The project team is currently gathering wind data and mapping the environmental constraints on site which will be used to create a preliminary wind turbine...

In light of the government closing its Green Homes Grant, Panasonic has announced an extension to its own Green Cashback Schemes to provide installers and homeowners with a longer period to benefit from this generous scheme. Now extended for a further two months, the two schemes offer generous cashback on the completion of installations of Aquarea Air-to-Water heat pumps.  Projects must be completed by 31 August 2021 and all claims for the cash need to be submitted by 30 September 2021. A...

DENSO, a mobility supplier, has signed a long-term agreement with aerospace pioneer Honeywell establishing an alliance focused on electric propulsion units to meet new aerospace needs. Drawing from their automotive and aerospace backgrounds, the companies will develop and manufacture electric propulsion systems for aircraft, initially prioritizing the urban air mobility (UAM) segment with a focus on air taxis and delivery vehicles. electric propulsion systems DENSO and Honeywell are in advanc...

EDF Renewables is planning to develop a 49.9 MW solar farm in Glassthorpe between the villages of Flore and Upper Heyford, along the M1 Corridor, which will be capable of generating enough low-carbon electricity for the domestic needs of 9,562 households annually. A number of ecological and feasibility surveys have been carried out and the company is consulting with local people at an early stage about the proposal to get their views ahead of submitting a planning application later this year.&n...

From 25 May to 8 June, Danfoss Drives will be hosting four business-relevant Factory Efficiency Days, in order to provide primarily European participants with valuable and innovative ideas on how to elevate energy efficiency in their factories. Renowned, expert industry speakers have been invited to cover everything from energy policies to energy management, distribution, and consumption and to take attendees through some of the technical trends that shape the society in 2021. Overall factory...

ABB Robotics is driving automation in the construction industry with new robotic automation solutions to address key challenges, including the need for more affordable and environmentally friendly housing and to reduce the environmental impact of construction, amidst a labor and skills shortage. Robotic automation offers huge potential to enhance productivity, efficiency, and manufacturing flexibility throughout the construction industry, including automating the fabrication of modular homes...

A new report from the Landscape Institute (LI), Landscape for 2030, establishes landscape as a pioneer in the fight against climate change and biodiversity loss LI President Jane Findlay launched the report at the LI’s Greener Recovery Festival – an online CPD week demonstrating how landscape practice can combat the climate emergency, increase biodiversity, and restore the natural environment – in March. The Festival became available to view on the LI’s on-dema...