A1-1

Appendix A1: CIBSE policy statements

A1.1

Energy

It is the Institutions policy to encourage the installation of

those building services systems which minimise the
consumption of energy.
The main objectives of this policy are:

to mitigate the demands placed on the worlds

reserves of fossil fuels

to reduce pollution of the environment caused by

their consumption

systems can contribute to space heating, domestic hot

water and cooling requirements. They can be installed as a
retrofit measure in existing buildings or as part of new
building work. CHP can also satisfy some or all of the
standby generation needs of a site.
CHP

To ensure a successful installation and to maximise energy

and cost savings, the following points should be considered
when evaluating CHP:
(1)

Simple cost and low cost energy saving measures

should always be considered as a means of reducing
energy wastage before sizing CHP plant.

to promote the use of renewable and sustainable

energy sources.

(2)

CHP design should be fully integrated with the sites

Whilst actively pursuing this policy it is accepted that any

energy conservation measures must demonstrate that they
are cost effective, can maintain set standards and do not
give rise to any adverse consequences.

(3)

To meet these aims the Institution intends to:

provide support to the UK Government in its

promotion of energy conservation measures

encourage the design of buildings which minimise

energy consumption

advise owners/occupiers of buildings on methods

for reducing energy consumption

support research into the development of energy

efficient systems

encourage the use of energy recovery/recycling

systems

advise CIBSE members of the policy and of the

need for them to support it actively.

A1.2

Combined heat and

power (CHP)

is a highly efficient technology, which generates

electricity and puts to good use heat that would otherwise
be wasted. It is already widely used in UK buildings and in
the right circumstances is a very cost-effective means of
meeting a given energy demand. CHP also reduces harmful
emissions to the environment.
CHP

It is CIBSE policy to encourage Institution members to

consider CHP for use in all suitable applications. This is in
line with current CIBSE policy statements on energy and
global warming and also the Governments target of 5%
GWe of installed CHP capacity by the year 2000.

electrical and thermal demands and other plant.

The need for proper maintenance of plant to ensure
reliable operation and to minimise environmental
emissions is essential.

Significant financial savings arise when CHP is

appropriately installed since energy is provided at a much
higher efficiency than conventional means of supply. In
evaluating performance criteria for buildings, it is
important to recognise that with CHP, primary energy
savings arise on a national basis, rather than on an
individual site. Comparing CHP systems with other ways of
providing a given heating and electrical requirement
should therefore be carried out on the basis of primary
energy and cost savings.
CIBSE recognises that, where appropriate, CHP is a very
effective measure in reducing the energy costs and
environmental impact of buildings.

A1.3

Air conditioning

The policy of the CIBSE aims to encourage the adoption of

low-energy design solutions wherever possible in
fulfilment of environmental and functional requirements.
In circumstances where energy input is necessary to
maintain the required environmental conditions, systems
should be designed, operated and maintained to maximise
energy efficiency, to minimise environmental impact and to
avoid causing hazards to health.
If the requirement for air conditioning has been fully
established, the following principles should be adopted:
(1)

The system should be energy-efficient (with due

regard being given to the inclusion of cost-effective
energy saving methods such as free cooling) and
controlled to minimise energy use.

A1-2
(2)

Energy efficiency in buildings: Appendix A1: CIBSE Policy statements

Operation and maintenance strategies should be
devised and the necessary regimes adopted to
deliver economy, efficiency and effectiveness in the
working of systems throughout their life cycles.

CIBSE recommends that members take the following

positive steps to reduce global warming.

System design, construction and commissioning

should be carried out in accordance with current
national and European standards, codes of practice
and statutory requirements.

Consider the relative merits of alternative energy

sources in the light of their greenhouse gas
emissions.

Cooling system refrigerants should be used in

accordance with the policy laid down in CIBSE
Guidance Note GN1: CFCs, HCFCs and halons
(1993).

Advise clients and the professional team on the

selection of the best design solution for energyefficient structures, plant and systems using
environmentally friendly resources.

Advise clients on modifications to existing plant to

incorporate
developments
with
improved
performance.

Review operating and maintenance procedures to

limit
progressive
deterioration
of
plant
performance and building conditions.

Examine standard specifications and remove

features now recognised as potential hazards.

Global warming

Remain vigilant to the possibilities of eliminating

chlorofluorocarbons.

The greenhouse effect is the absorption of infrared

radiation from the Earths surface by certain gases naturally
present in the atmosphere. This is a natural effect, without
which global temperatures would be so low that life would
be unsupportable. However, man-made greenhouse gasses,
released into the atmosphere, are disturbing the natural
balance resulting in rising global temperatures. Estimates
indicate that 70% of the excess warming arises from CO2
with methane, CFCs and nitrous oxide contributing most of
the remainder. Scientists are uncertain of the extent and
impact of the global warming but economic, political and
technical implications are expected to be profound.

Promote the use of air conditioning only where

necessary.

(3)

(4)

Generally, the design of buildings, services, equipment and

process needs should optimise energy economy and
performance.

A1.4

Unless action is taken now, the emission of greenhouse

gases through mans activities will increase and accelerate
the rise of global temperatures. Reports are already calling
for international agreement to limit carbon dioxide
emissions, similar to the Montreal Protocol which restricts
the use of chlorofluorocarbons in order to reduce damage to
the atmospheric ozone layer.
The Institution recognises the complex nature of global
warming, the control agreements and specific legislation to
limit the release of artificial greenhouse gases. All members
have an obligation to acquaint themselves with
developments in this field and to apply this information in
their day-to-day activities.

Throughout these activities, consider the potential for

reducing the demand for primary fuels which generate
greenhouse gases, as follows.

Optimise building orientation, form, facade design,

thermal insulation and passive energy utilisation to
conserve energy.

Consider all the available alternative energy

sources.

Specify efficient plant, accurately sized for the

optimum duty.

Design buildings for good access to plant for

maintenance.

Recognise opportunities for using combined heat

and power generation plant.

The Institution was established to promote good

engineering practice. The immediate application of good
practice, with due care and regard for the environment, now
takes on a greater significance and urgency if future
generations are to be spared the full consequences of a
warmer world. The quest for improved living standards
should not be at the expense of our environment.