The existing building stock is central to the mitigation of global CO2 emissions. The energy used in UK buildings includes avoidable waste of between 25% – 50% of the minimum required for user comfort and equipment. There are more refurbishment, conversion and renovation than new built projects at any time in the UK construction industry. These present rich opportunities for installing energy saving innovations. This paper assesses the energy saving potential of a ‘Control System for Energy Reduction in Vacant Environments’ (ConSERVE) in buildings with hot water heating radiators. The results show that the
widespread application of ConSERVE can significantly reduce the UK's national energy use. The value of such a control system is therefore undoubtedly great in the context of UK’s target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050.
Keywords: Energy saving, heating control, building occupancy patterns