A foreword by Imma Boada, National M&E Manager – M&E Contractor Sales Team

Energy Efficiency & The Built Environment - An Insight for Contractors

The UK has been very successful in shifting away from fossil fuels to generate electricity which will be a significant factor in reaching our net zero 2050 objective. Figures from 2023 show that 25% of electricity was generated from wind, 15% from nuclear and 15% from bioenergy and solar. But we still rely heavily on gas (38% in 2023) for electricity.

UK electricity generation links energy use in buildings to carbon emissions. Higher usage will require more fossil fuel burning to meet demand, until we can increase the share from low-carbon sources. M&E contractors can help improve the balance.

The UK Green Building Council notes 71% of built environment emissions come from systems like ventilation and air conditioning. Efficient HVAC systems can greatly reduce this. The government promotes building energy efficiency through Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES), based on EPC ratings. Currently, the commercial sector’s minimum rating is E, but it may rise to C in the next few years.

Mitsubishi Electric has worked on numerous projects to update HVAC systems to improve energy performance. One example is the Esterform factory in Leeds. Here, Mitsubishi Electric Climaveneta air-cooled chillers were installed to replace an older system, saving around £40,000 per year in energy costs.

At St Sidwells’ Point leisure centre in Exeter two Climaveneta heat pump chillers provide cooling and a plentiful supply of hot water. The building is designed to Passivhaus standards, achieving 70% more energy efficiency than a standard building of this type. Energy efficiency is a broad topic, with many technical approaches, standards and a growing body of legislation. As part of its commitment to supporting M&E contractors, Mitsubishi Electric has put together this information pack to explain some of the key concepts.

Our aim is to provide a useful resource and to open a conversation about how we can work together to deliver energy efficient HVAC systems in all types of buildings.

An insight into MEES

Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) regulations make it illegal to let any non-domestic property with an Energy Performance Certification (EPC) rating of less than band ‘E’. Whilst this is currently under review by the government, the aim is for these properties to achieve a minimum rating of EPC ‘B’ by at least 2030.

It is crucial for M&E contractors to understand MEES, which is why this CPD guide has been created to highlight the importance of MEES in relation to non-domestic buildings, why the government is taking this approach and what the impact of it is in the commercial property market.


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An insight into achieving energy efficiency

Following a roundtable event where Mitsubishi Electric partnered with the Institute of Workplaces and Facilities Management (IWFM), this report covers net zero, energy efficiency and key ways to achieve it.

With input from Chris Newman, Zero Carbon Design Team Manager and Martin Fahey, Head of Sustainability at Mitsubishi Electric, along with industry leaders Arup and CBRE, this report is relevant to everyone involved in buildings projects, from consultants, to M&E contractors and facilities managers.


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An insight into what MEES means for M&Es

The infographic has been designed to give M&E contractors all the important elements relating to MEES and the use of renewable heating and cooling systems. Low-carbon commercial heat pumps and chillers are crucial technologies designed to improve energy efficiency and running costs.


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Energy-efficient solutions

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MELCloud Commercial

Control, monitor, and optimise your building’s HVAC systems from any device, anywhere in the world with a new generation of Cloud based control from Mitsubishi Electric.

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Ecodan CAHV-R Commercial Air Source Heat Pump

This new Mitsubishi Electric air source heat pump uses low GWP R454C refrigerant, offering a robust, low carbon system for the provision of sanitary hot water and space heating

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EACV / EAHV e-series Modular Chiller

The R32 e-series chiller range allows for up to 6 individual units to be connected together to provide a system capacity from 150kW to 1,080kW.

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Project insights

This case study video showcases an energy efficiency chiller upgrade within a unique medical facility at the NHS Langdon Hospital in Devon. This upgrade was key to addressing energy usage issues within the facility as well as wider NHS decarbonisation plans.

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This case study video showcases how funding from the Welsh Government has helped a Ruthin secondary school decarbonise their heating and reduce energy usage by replacing gas boilers with renewable air source heat pumps.

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