THE TOWER OF LONDON AND AEC SET NEW STANDARDS FOR IMPROVING ENERGY EFFICIENCY.

A 28% reduction in gas consumption equivalent to 159.6 tones of C02 emissions per annum has been achieved by AEC using their analytical techniques to optimise the efficiency of the heating systems at the Tower of London.

For nearly a thousand years The Tower of London has stood at the forefront of our nation’s history and heritage, a building so iconic as to be instantly recognised around the globe. Now as it approaches its first millennium the Tower is still setting new standards, this time in improving energy efficiency and in the process, posing a challenge for more recent buildings to match.

The principles used to deliver these savings are the same as those AEC employ regularly in more modern buildings, from docklands “sky scrapers” to local authority district heating systems. Their analytical techniques are able to identify the demand for heating (energy) from a site and the amount of heat being supplied to satisfy that demand, the difference being the opportunity to save. The challenge then is to modify the heating control strategy to deliver the identified savings without any compromise to the delivery of building services, particularly important when one considers the significance of the national treasures kept at the Tower that any savings do not effect the delivery of vital building service standards, temperature or relative humidity.

The challenges faced in delivering savings at this World Heritage Site were made more complex by the multiple uses of the buildings; home to 35 Yeoman Warders and their families, museum, restaurants, offices and the fact that the heating infrastructure is over thirty years old, not to mention the thermodynamic challenges that fifteen feet of granite present.

The opportunities for significant energy savings in practically all buildings, new as well as old are universal and the near 30% delivered at The Tower is by no means exceptional. Whilst delivering the savings had many inherent complications largely based on legacy issues a few simple steps in even the most modern office block can lead to substantial energy savings and reduction in harmful emissions.

Julian Miler, Director of AEC said: “As the City’s most iconic building I am delighted that we have been able to help improve the energy efficiency at the Tower and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, so increasing the chances that the Tower will still be here in another thousand years.”

As a result of the success at the Tower, AEC are looking at similar savings opportunities at Hampton Court as a part of the Historic Royal Palaces’ wider proactive approach to energy saving initiatives.