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Water Heating In A Circular Economy

The circular economy offers a promising approach to decarbonising the UK’s HVAC sector as it continues to play a pivotal role in the nation’s energy consumption and carbon emissions. Focusing on resource efficiency, waste reduction, and sustainable practices is essential if we are to achieve the nation’s net zero target by 2050.  

The circular economy is an economic model that aims to keep products and materials in use for as long as possible, at their highest value. This contrasts with the traditional linear economy, where resources are extracted, used, and then discarded. In a circular economy, waste is minimised through strategies like reuse, repair, refurbishment, and recycling. This approach not only reduces environmental impact but also creates economic opportunities and enhances resource security.  

For buildings, the circular economy principles can be integrated into the design, construction, and operation phases. This involves selecting materials with low embodied carbon, designing buildings for adaptability and futureproofing, and implementing energy-efficient technologies. Additionally, buildings can be designed for deconstruction, allowing materials to be recovered and reused at the end of their lifecycle.  

In the context of heating products for commercial buildings, the circular economy can be applied in several ways. One approach is to extend the lifespan of existing heating systems through regular maintenance, upgrades, and efficient operation. This reduces the need for new installations and minimises the associated carbon emissions. Additionally, manufacturers can design products with modular components that can be easily repaired or replaced, reducing the need for entire system replacements.  

Addressing energy supply is also critical, the circular economy can contribute to the decarbonisation of the heating sector by promoting the use of renewable energy sources and energy-efficient technologies. This includes the development of district heating systems that utilise waste heat from other processes, as well as the integration of renewable energy sources like solar and wind power.

The circular economy and DHW in commercial buildings

There are a number of ways in which the circular economy can be applied to the provision of domestic hot water (DHW) within a commercial-grade building. Most notably being how energy efficiency is addressed.

This can range from the specification of high-efficiency products, especially boilers and water heaters that actively reduce the amount of energy needed to heat water, leading to lower carbon emissions and reduced operational costs, through to entire system designs. These will utilise renewable energy sources like solar or heat pumps to heat water further reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering carbon emissions. Smart controls also play an important part in these DHW applications allowing for more precise temperature regulation, improved efficiency and scheduling, enabling better optimisation of energy usage based on occupancy patterns. 

The installation of a system also has an impact, where proper insulation of pipes and tanks prevents heat loss, improving energy efficiency and reducing the need for excess heating.  

As well as an application designer, Adveco is also a manufacturer/supplier, so much effort is expended on addressing material efficiency.  Investing in high-quality, durable equipment, such as cylinders constructed with stainless steel, reduces the need for frequent replacements, minimising waste and extending the lifespan of materials. Designing systems with modular components allows for easier repair and replacement of individual parts, reducing the need for entire system replacements.   Developing strategies for the recycling and reuse of components at the end of their lifecycle will also help divert materials from landfill and recover potentially valuable resources.

Adveco has also designed and developed systems which enable heat recovery and continues to explore best practices for capturing and utilising waste heat from other processes, such as cooling systems or other processes that can potentially supply preheat to water, reducing the energy required for heating. Much of our recent work has focussed on how to best apply heat pumps to extract heat from the air and transfer it to the water heating system, providing efficient, consistent pre-heating year-round to meet a building’s low-carbon hot water demands.  

Water conservation is also a function of a circular economy, from product to system to building. This sees the reuse of wastewater for non-potable purposes like toilet flushing or landscape irrigation can significantly reduce water demand, as can installing low-flow faucets and showerheads to reduce water consumption without compromising performance.  

At the system level for DHW, leak detection and repair is particularly important, and Adveco strives to ensure applications receive regular maintenance checks and prompt repairs. One way to make a real difference is to smartly identify any leaks from a water heater and mitigate both damage and wastage. It’s an area we are currently working hard to further develop. 

Delivering DHW within the circular economy depends on a collaborative approach, from design, through manufacture and supply to end use. Collaborating with suppliers, manufacturers, and other stakeholders can facilitate the development and implementation of circular economy responses. Looking forward we expect hot water infrastructure between buildings to become shared, and even foresee neighbouring businesses or even communities reducing capital costs and energy consumption through shared use and services which deploy district heating systems which connect multiple buildings to a centralised heating source for potentially more efficient energy distribution and utilisation.  

By adopting these strategies, businesses and organisations in the UK can significantly reduce their environmental impact, conserve resources, and lower operational costs associated with commercial hot water provision.

The circular economy offers a sustainable and economically viable approach to meeting the growing demand for hot water while minimising waste and promoting resource efficiency. The UK government has recognized the importance of the circular economy in achieving its decarbonisation goals. In 2025, building legislation is expected to incorporate circular economy principles, incentivising the use of sustainable materials and practices in the construction and refurbishment of buildings. This legislation will likely include provisions for extended product lifespans, modular design, and the use of recycled or reclaimed materials.  

By embracing the circular economy, the wider UK HVAC sector can significantly reduce its carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future. This still requires collaboration between industry stakeholders, policymakers, plus commercial and public sector organisations to drive necessary innovation, promote sustainable practices, and create a circular economy that benefits both the environment and the economy.

Further reading: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/topics/en/topic/circular-economy