Why do it:

Chillers are among the most energy‑intensive systems in industrial and commercial buildings. Optimising chilled water systems through efficient chillers, variable speed drives, improved controls, and strategies like free cooling reduces electricity consumption, improves reliability, and lowers carbon emissions.

Typical Savings:

• High‑efficiency chillers (modern screw/centrifugal units): 15–25% reduction in energy use compared to legacy units.

• Variable speed drives on pumps and fans: 10–20% savings by matching flow to demand.

• Chilled water optimisation (temperature reset, sequencing, balancing): 5–15% savings.

• Free cooling: 10–20% savings in suitable climates by using ambient air/water.

• Total potential: 25–45% reduction in chiller system energy costs.

• Example: A site spending £200,000 annually on chilled water could save £50,000–£90,000 per year

Typical Costs:

• Rule of thumb: £500-£1,200 per kW (Cooling)

• High‑efficiency chiller: £50,000–£200,000 depending on capacity.

• Variable speed drives (pumps/fans): £2,000–£5,000 each.

• Optimisation controls (sequencing, temperature reset, BMS integration): £5,000–£15,000 per system.

• Free cooling retrofit: £20,000–£50,000 depending on site.

• Installation & commissioning: £20,000–£50,000 depending on scope.

• Ongoing costs: £5,000–£15,000 per year (maintenance, calibration, controls updates).