KEY ENERGY ISSUES FACING AUSTRALIA
In Australia, tackling climate change requires at least 50-70% renewable electricity by 2030 and a transition to zero net emission in the electricity sector well before 2050 (ClimateWorks 2017). To achieve this target, we will need to transition to renewable energy sources and businesses will increasingly need to adopt products that reduce energy consumption. Systems like NABERS will be increasingly relied upon to ensure Australia meets its sustainability targets. Rising temperatures places extra strain on the ageing energy grid, leading to blackouts when the grid fails to supply enough power for the increased air conditioning demands.
Before 2030, ‘green’ building ratings like NABERS and Green Star is expected to be enforced and non-compliance will either attract a fine or lead to refusal of building permits.
DID YOU KNOW?
Currently, there is a $170,000 fine for failing to comply with the Building Energy Efficiency Disclosure Act , with the very real possibility of fines increasing in future. The Commercial Building Disclosure Program requires vendors and landlords of disclosure-affected buildings to obtain a Building Energy Efficiency Certificate (BEEC) before a building goes on the market for sale, lease or sublease. A NABERS certification is required to obtain the BEEC.
THE BENEFITS OF MINIMISING DUCTWORK: Standard HVAC systems requires
in.ø (21 m of 355 mmø) supply duct, and 84 ft. of 18 in.ø (26 m of 457 mmø) supply ducts. By calculating the benefits of these changes, Big Ass Fans found the cost of the system with the ceiling fans to be less than the fully ducted system (1.5 x times
the cost without fans). In situations where the central air handling unit serving the space can be reduced in size, the HVAC scope removed could be up to 4.5 times that of the two large diameter ceiling fans added to the project.
many air distribution terminals to evenly distribute supply air. A standard HVAC system typically sees air change rates range from 4-6 ir Changes per Hour (ACH) . However, there are far fewer issues faced when using ceiling fans, replacing the need for as many HVAC units and excessive ductwork. These benefits include: ■ Ceiling fans circulate a much larger volume of air in the same period of time, increasing the circulation of air within the room to 20-40 Air Turnovers per Hour (ATH). ■ Far fewer air supply grilles are required to uniformly distribute the air within the room and the need for ductwork is greatly reduced. ■ Material costs can be significantly reduced. ■ Labour costs are lowered with less maintenance and installation requirements. For example, by adding two ceiling fans, you have instantly eliminated twelve (12) supply grilles, 68 ft. of 14
Below is a plan view of a conventional duct layout in a typical gym where no circulator fans are used
Without fans:
With Fans:
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