Our Guide to Reducing Heating Bills in Public Spaces

With another energy price increase looming, it is more important than ever that you try to reduce the use of your energy, particularly in public spaces.

Although legislation and Government incentives are driving Facilities and Building Managers to adopt practices that cut down energy consumption, as costs rise, it may feel like a losing battle when it comes to budgeting.

The issue with heating public spaces

Public spaces can incur higher heating costs for several reasons:

Large Spaces

Many public spaces, such as shopping malls, airports, and exhibition halls, are expansive in size. Heating such large areas requires significant energy consumption to maintain a comfortable temperature throughout.

Continuous Operation

Public spaces often operate for extended hours, sometimes 24/7. The need for continuous heating increases energy usage compared to spaces with shorter operating hours.

High Foot Traffic

Public areas experience a constant influx and outflow of people through entrances and exits. Each time doors open, cold air enters, and the heating system must compensate by working harder to maintain the desired temperature.

Ventilation Requirements

Public spaces must adhere to ventilation standards to ensure good air quality, which often involves the continuous exchange of indoor and outdoor air. This process requires additional energy for heating incoming air during colder seasons.

Differing Comfort Preferences

Public spaces often cater to a variety of activities, each with its own heating requirements. For instance, a shopping area may need to accommodate people who prefer different temperatures, making it challenging to maintain a universally comfortable environment without overusing heating systems.

Regulatory Compliance

Certain public spaces, especially those in the healthcare sector, must adhere to strict temperature and humidity regulations to ensure the well-being of occupants and the proper functioning of equipment. Achieving and maintaining compliance can be energy-intensive.

Winter is Here

As winter sets in, the challenge is to balance the need for a comfortable environment in public spaces with the imperative to manage costs efficiently. Proactive measures to enhance energy efficiency can help mitigate the impact of increasing energy prices on heating bills in these settings.

Our Guide to Reducing Heating Bills in Public Spaces highlights 10 essential practices for Facilities and Building Managers. Discover a range of strategies, from tweaking habits to leveraging cutting-edge technologies in HVAC systems. We look into the specifics of energy-saving best practices, tailored to public spaces.

Whether you're overseeing shops, cafés, restaurants, hotels, leisure spots, hospitals, medical centers, colleges, universities, or schools, this Guide has you covered. Download now to learn more about:

• The unique challenges of heating public areas

• 10 key ways to reduce your heating bills

• What level of savings could be made

• What next steps you should take to realise the benefits