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Switch off unnecessary electrical equipment and lighting .
Let the building cool overnight by ensuring blinds are down at the end of the working day. Open secure vents overnight, where possible.
Place heat-emitting equipment in a separate, naturally ventilated area . Colder areas on the north side of buildings are ideal.
Service computer server rooms separately from the main system and cool only to the maximum temperature at which the equipment can operate effectively. Building occupants should be able to override these temperatures but controls should be reset when the area is vacated.
Keep windows closed when air conditioning is on . Blinds can be angled to reduce solar heat gains whilst reflecting light on to walls and ceilings to reduce demand for electric lighting.
Use external shading to reduce the amount of light/heat entering a space. ‘Louvres’ can be retrofitted to buildings to provide shade during summer whilst allowing lower winter sun to penetrate the area. Other alternatives include:
- Replacing some windows with insulated panels
- Specifying new glass that can restrict heat entering an area (beware of reduced light penetration)
- Installing films to existing glass
- Planting shrubs to block intense sunlight/heat during summer (deciduous shrubs are ideal).
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