Brian Warwicker's Opinion (BSJ 03/06) was interesting, if not missing a point. Process and core operating energy demands for buildings in recent years have shown a distinct and steady increase. IT and operational equipment are significant causes of this and consequently there has been a rise in energy consumption from air-conditioning systems (even well-designed systems will have an energy consumption in the order of 30-40% of a building's base consumption).

There is a clear and essential need for building service energy reductions. As professionals, we must contribute to this and play our part in effective design, operation and maintenance procedures. It is true to say that we live in an environment with an insatiable appetite for energy, both from domestic and commercial sectors.

There is a fundamental base source energy crisis in the making. To accept the government premise of "a review of conditions in six years before making decisions" would seem flawed in the extreme. All Government policy decisions take extended timescales to take effect, showing either success or failure. We appear to be approaching the situation where failure in national energy policy is not an option.

Those involved in "energy engineering" must surely contribute advice to government policy making. There are far more fundamental and long-term issues than energy reviews that simply attempt to shuffle the pack.

Renewable and sustainable energy sources are essential and commendable, but these only go so far and will not solve the looming source fuel shortfall.

Energy policies need formulating - if not immediately, then in the very near future. We have a responsibility to contribute the most efficient ways of consuming base fuels, whatever they may be. It is likely that the short to medium-term bulk energy solution will be electrical energy. How that is generated with an acceptable level of independence from outside supplies is a matter of policy decision making and if we want to be successful, we should be influencing this process now.

Stephen Bird CEng MCIBSE, MASHRAE, Bristol

Source

Building Sustainable Design