Commercial cooling systems are among the largest energy consumers in non-domestic buildings. Inefficient equipment can dramatically increase running costs and carbon footprints. On the other hand, energy-efficient systems reduce electricity use, support corporate sustainability targets, and help facilities comply with stricter regulations such as the Part L uplift of the Building Regulations and the Ecodesign requirements for heating and cooling products.

Efficiency is also about performance: well-designed systems maintain stable temperatures, improve air quality, and support staff comfort without unnecessary energy waste. This translates into more productive workplaces and safer environments for employees.

For businesses operating under regulated environments, these risks are not just operational but also legal. The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 require employers to maintain a comfortable working environment, including controlling temperature and providing adequate ventilation. Non-compliance can result in fines, reputational damage, and, most importantly, compromised staff safety.

High internal temperatures in offices, factories, and leisure facilities can have a direct impact on both people and operations. Research shows that productivity can drop by as much as 10% at 24°C, and above this threshold, the likelihood of workplace accidents rises significantly. In addition, extreme heat can cause fatigue, dehydration, and heat-related illnesses, which can affect staff morale and attendance.

For businesses operating under regulated environments, these risks are not just operational but also legal. The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 require employers to maintain a comfortable working environment, including controlling temperature and providing adequate ventilation. Non-compliance can result in fines, reputational damage, and, most importantly, compromised staff safety.

Specifiers and facility managers are rethinking their approach. Instead of defaulting to mechanical cooling across the board, there’s a greater emphasis on mixed-mode strategies:

• Evaporative cooling for large, open spaces such as warehouses and leisure facilities, where high airflow and reduced carbon output are a priority.

• Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) to ensure fresh air without excessive energy loss.

• Smart controls that fine-tune system operation, ensuring equipment only runs when conditions demand it.

These aren’t “nice to haves” anymore — they’re becoming necessary to meet compliance and avoid higher operational costs down the line.