10HVAC optimisation
Progress
On time
- Not started
- Planning
- Implementation
- Continuous
OBJECTIVE
IMPACT
LowHVAC usually accounts for approximately 40% of energy. Every degree increased for heating, and reduced for cooling, can lead to between 5% and 10% efficiency improvements.
Description
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) is the use of various technologies to control the temperature, humidity, and purity of the air in an enclosed space.
The goal of HVAC is to provide thermal comfort and acceptable indoor air quality. Energy consumption and associated emissions can be reduced through optimising temperature settings for heating/cooling.
Automated temperature settings for maximum energy efficiency are:
- Heating optimal temperature range: 18-20⁰C
- Cooling optimal temperature range: 25-27⁰C
Council's facilities with higher energy consumption and usage, as determined by facility assessments, will be targeted first.
Tasks
What's left to do?
- 30/06/2024
Ensure that HVAC systems are set at maximum energy efficiency levels for heating and cooling.
- 30/06/2024
Review HVAC programming of buildings and facilities
Review HVAC programming of facilities - who is responsible, how often is it changed, why are these levels chosen?
- 31/08/2024
Assess the settings and use of personal heating/cooling devices by staff
Conduct physical audit of work spaces (e.g. heaters under desks).
Conduct staff survey on usage of equipment, thermal comfort, and alternative options for managing temperature.
- 31/12/2025
Ensure HVAC optimisation is standard practice for new buildings
Related actions
Summary and contacts
Timeline
Continuous → 30/06/2035
Target audience
Responsible organisations
- Assets & PropertyManages Council's assets and property, including maintenance and upgrades.
- Environment & SustainabilityProvides technical advice and helps prioritise facilities using Trellis.
Emissions Scope
Indicative costs
Cost of wages to set temperature ranges
Indicative savings
Operational savings through optimised energy consumption – savings reflect % efficiency improvement.
Information updated 12/03/2024
Automated temperature settings for maximum energy efficiency are: