Many contractors and consultants in the building services industry are reluctant to embrace the renewables because they are expensive. However, particularly in HVAC jobs, renewable energy sources can be used to help reduce a building’s carbon emissions in a cost-effective and efficient way.

The first step is to assess the building’s air tightness and heat gains. For example, well-insulated buildings consume less energy in cooling. Those with HVAC jobs can also reduce energy usage by procuring products and adopting measures that are energy efficient.

Furthermore, when selecting a renewable technology, it is important to take into account the building’s location, which affects its climatic characters such as wind and temperature. Those with HVAC jobs also need to consider whether the technology will be used onsite or offsite. For example, constructing a large wind turbine plant in a windy location and transporting the power to buildings will give a lower cost per kWh, despite the distribution losses.

Finally, once a renewable technology is chosen, it is the responsibility of those with HVAC jobs to select and install the ideal product for their particular project. On the one hand, instead of demolition and new build, old buildings can be reused and their functions changed to improve energy efficiency. On the other hand, while renewable technologies such as solar photovoltaics (PVs) are becoming cheaper and more efficient, traditional HVAC jobs such as the use of boilers and chillers can be made economical by linking to efficient control systems.