New quality seal for air conditioning systems: good quality air at low energy cost

Three-step process involving independent verification ensures energy efficiency in air conditioning systems

Das Bild zeigt das Logo des Qualitätssiegels Raumlufttechnik. Es besteht aus dem Schriftzug selbst und rechts daneben einem Sechseck, das auf der Spitze steht und in Blau- und Grüntönen gefüllt ist.Click to enlarge
The new quality seal for air conditioning systems certifies good air quality and energy efficiency
Source: suwadesign

The air indoors, whether at schools or offices, is often stuffy. Air conditioning systems can provide relief, but they do not always operate as they should. The quality seal for air conditioning systems can help based on its three-phase verification to ensure good indoor air quality and energy-efficiency during planning, installation and operation. “The climate and energy crisis and the recent Covid-19 pandemic are proof that we can no longer put up with poor indoor air quality and high energy consumption,” said Dirk Messner, President of the German Environment Agency (UBA). “The quality seal for air conditioning systems makes sure that air conditioning systems do justice to both issues,” says Torsten Safarik, President of the Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA). The quality seal is an outcome of a joint project by UBA and BAFA and is now available for award.

Air conditioning systems are meant to supply good quality air to indoor spaces, which is defined by guide values for carbon dioxide (1,000 ppm), temperature, humidity and comfort which must be complied with. It is important that the systems be designed correctly and operated efficiently. An oversized system or one that ventilates unused rooms wastes a lot of energy, even with an efficient fan. When one space receives too little ventilation and another too much, the targeted air quality will not be achieved. Experience from the energy inspection of air conditioning and ventilation systems has shown that such faults only become apparent after years of operation.

The quality seal for air conditioning systems (Qualitätssiegel Raumlufttechnik) is founded on a three-step quality assurance process in which an independent expert checks planning, installation and operation of the air conditioning system. The process is meant to ensure that all parties involved engage in exchange during the three project phases. Their dialogue will help to achieve high quality in the systems in terms of energy, good indoor air quality and reliable and efficient operation. Experts trained in energy inspections of air conditioning and ventilation systems in accordance with the Buildings Energy Act are equipped with the necessary knowledge to award the quality seal. An online workshop for all interested parties will be held on 18 April.

Ventilation systems can easily cost upwards of tens of thousands of euros, which makes a few thousand spent for the quality seal a worthwhile expenditure that pays off quickly. For just a few days of testing, a quality-assured system can save electricity and heat for decades and ensure the appropriate indoor air quality. Example: if the outdoor air volume flows in laboratories and adjoining areas in a larger building are reduced to actual demand and the duct pressure control is optimised during operation, some 42 tonnes of CO2, 70 MWh of energy and 8,000 euros in annual energy costs can be saved.

Who stands to benefit from the quality seal?

  • Builders avoid bad investments and excessive energy costs. They can signal their commitment to green building or good indoor air quality.
  • General contractors minimise the risk of warranty claims due to faulty systems.
  • Architects need to deal less with detailed ventilation issues and can plan with assured quality.
  • Sectoral planning offices can use the seal to communicate clearly with other stakeholders about tasks and goals and have visible proof of their reliable work.
  • Energy inspectors, in addition to inspecting existing systems, they also have an additional field of business in new ventilation and air conditioning systems.
  • Manufacturers gain more acceptance for their AC/ventilation products.

All stakeholders will have even greater incentive once the quality seal is factored into the energy accounting for buildings.

Background information:
On behalf of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, UBA and BAFA cooperated in a research project to develop the quality seal for air conditioning systems. It is part of measure Nr. 13 for the buildings sector “Climate control/ventilation package incorporating efficiency tools” in Germany’s Energy Efficiency Strategy 2050, which is being implemented together with BAFA. BAFA is in charge of information for professionals and software licensing documentation. The quality seal is awarded based on a software-based calculation tool.

Umweltbundesamt Hauptsitz

Wörlitzer Platz 1
06844 Dessau-Roßlau
Germany

Das Bild zeigt das Logo des Qualitätssiegels Raumlufttechnik. Es besteht aus dem Schriftzug selbst und rechts daneben einem Sechseck, das auf der Spitze steht und in Blau- und Grüntönen gefüllt ist.
The new quality seal for air conditioning systems certifies good air quality and energy efficiency
Source: suwadesign
Das Bild zeigt das Zertifikat, das aus einer dunkelblauen Kopfzeile mit Logo und dem Haupttext mit weiteren Angaben zum Projekt besteht.
Zertifikat für Raumlufttechnik

Ein(e) unabhängige(r) Prüfer(in) bestätigt in drei Projektphasen mit einem Zertifikat, dass die Raumlufttechnik in einem Gebäude die Kriterien des Qualitätssiegels erfüllt.

Source: suwadesign
Das Bild zeigt das Energielabel, das aus der dunkelblauen Kopfzeile mit Logo, einer hellgrauen Zeile mit Angaben zur Anlage und den Informationen über die Anlage besteht.
Energielabel für Raumlufttechnik

Ein Energielabel zeigt für jede einzelne Anlage, wie energieeffizient sie arbeiten wird, welche Funktionen sie erfüllt und weitere wichtige Eigenschaften sie hat.

Source: suwadesign
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 air quality