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 INSIGHT M&E
Dealing with the R22 problem may
require new equipment. This can be
expensive as well as disruptive to the
business while it is being fitted. There may
be further cost and disruption if pipework
has to be removed.
In order to establish what each
individual client requires, Holborn uses a
state of the art audit tool from Mitsubishi
Electric to perform a survey. This produces
an energy/carbon reduction assessment,
which can help identify savings in both
energy and money. The energy assessment
can be used as the basis for an application
for interest-free funding from the Carbon
Trust for new equipment. Holborn, as
registered contractors with the Carbon
Trust, can assist with the process by
submitting the funding application.
Nationwide Building Society
Holborn Building Services has a contract
to replace R22 air conditioning in a
number of Nationwide Building Society
retail branches. We collaborated closely
with Mitsubishi Electric on the retrofit and
installation of Mitsubishi’s M Series and P
Series power inverter systems.
Holborn has been working with
Vinci Facilities, the FM provider for
the society’s retail branch network, on
this part of Nationwide’s programme of
energy-saving initiatives and equipment
upgrade. A corporate agreement to use
Mitsubishi Electric’s equipment is working
well as it has enabled Holborn to make
use of ‘replace technology’ available on
power inverter systems, which makes
The Mitsubishi Electric equipment used by Holborn is eligible for enhanced capital allowances
56 fmx October 2010 www.fmxmagazine.co.uk
FMX1010_Holborn FINAL.indd 56
An older unit (left) has been replaced, leaving the ceiling decor undamaged
the replacement of R22 equipment in
working retail branches a much more
straightforward proposition.
The special activated carbon refrigerant
filter built into the condensing unit
absorbs the damaging chlorine residue
left by R22 systems. The use of special
alkyl benzene oils also provides enhanced
resistance to residual contamination.
Project manager Tim Smith of Vinci
Facilities says: ‘Holborn has in most cases
only had to replace the condensing unit
and the indoor fan coil. This has meant we
have been able to minimise the disruption
to branch staff and also retain the integrity
of existing decoration and wall finishes.
The benefit of this to Nationwide is clear:
no additional decorating or replacement
pipework needed, and business as usual
in the branch.’
Not only does this method and
equipment mean less disturbance to the
everyday running of the branch, it is also
useful in controlling costs, as Holborn
Building Services director, Nick Scragg,
explains: ‘Costs are kept lower because we
don’t have to replace the interconnecting
pipework, and the installations are much
quicker – there are no “night shifts” that
are normally associated with retail bank
work. Instead our teams are able to work
with site staff by carrying out internal work
during early mornings or after branch
closing time, when cleaning staff are
already present – again this helps control
costs as well as minimising the impact on
the branch, its staff and its customers.’
A key feature of the systems being
installed is the Procon A2M interface.
This allows the new air conditioning to
be connected to a web-based monitoring
system, using GPRS communication, with
time schedules and set point limits applied
remotely. Data logging also means that the
client can see how site staff are using the
equipment and limit selection of extreme
set points by users. This helps to reduce
energy use and equipment wear.
All of the equipment Holborn has
installed is listed on the enhanced capital
allowance scheme, so tax incentives are
available for the end user. By choosing
Holborn, an accredited Mitsubishi Electric
installer, extended warranties are also
available. ‘The strong product range that
Mitsubishi Electric offers enables us to
meet every client need,’ says Nick Scragg.
For Nationwide and Vinci Facilities, the
upheaval of R22 replacement has been
minimised and it is business as usual for
the branches, but with the added benefit
of much greater control on the use of the
air conditioning and ongoing monitoring
enabling the most cost-efficient use of
energy fmx
Further Info
Holborn is an air conditioning, mechanical &
electrical contractor and maintenance provider.
www.holborngroup.co.uk
23/9/10 16:09:00
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