Chalmor Blog

Chart of Internal Poll of Heating Reactions
11 Oct: Why Working Environments are no Longer at a Comfortable Temperature

We’ve all experienced a working environment that was initially at a comfortable temperature. However, after as little as 1-2 years, it became increasingly uncomfortable. Have you ever wondered why? If you are a budget holder, have you experienced increased energy usage, while your heating/cooling seems less effective? Everyone has their…

LED lighting retrofit sports hall
03 Oct: Why Lighting Retrofit is More Effective and Cheaper Than Simple Replacement

Introduction This blog differentiates Lighting Retrofit from simple ‘Replacement.’ It explains why the latter is actually more costly for business. Fact: Today’s LED lighting technologies are more efficient; they save energy, money and are more environmentally friendly. Fiction: You can simply replace earlier technologies with LEDs. Answer: With simple replacement,…

Energy Saving Myths dispelled
21 Sep: 15 Energy Saving Myths Dispelled

Introduction Let’s dispel many of the energy saving myths that are costing us all money. Like it or not, we love our old wives’ tales, superstitions and myths. We espouse them all the time, knowingly or not. Mostly they are harmless. Many are useful. However sometimes they are neither. In…

Green Business Fund from the Carbon Trust
30 Aug: Carbon Trust updates the Green Business Fund

Introduction to The Green Business Fund In 2016 the Carbon Trust set up the successful Green Business Fund (GBF) for SMEs. To date they have helped over 1000 organisations implement energy saving initiatives. The Green Business Fund can co-fund energy saving initiatives and does not have to be paid back….

8x Energy Saving Tips to Reduce Heating Costs
26 Aug: 8 Energy Saving Tips – For Effective Heating Management

Introduction It’s actually quite simple to take big chunks out of your heating costs. Yet, while we all want to be energy efficient, so many organisations still waste money and expensive energy. So, in a similar vein to our Energy Saving Lighting Tips,  below here is some easy to implement,…

Energy Saving Lighting Tips
11 Aug: 8 Energy Saving Lighting Tips

Introduction All organisations would love the luxury of altruistically doing the right thing for the environment. Sadly for most, competition and fiscal goals has traditionally made this a tough challenge. Nowadays, it’s easier for organisations to be both energy efficient and save costs – doing their bit for the environment….

23 Mar: Happy them equates to happy you!

Creating healthy and stable workforce environments can have positive effects on business productivity.  Businesses who foster greater workflow generate opportunities to offer improved services to clients; subsequently generating higher revenues. Stronger engagement with employees offers higher productive workforces, cementing a stronger employer brand, increasing profits and can reduce staff retention…

23 Mar: Boost your caring environment with optimal solutions

Care facilities for the elderly and young children are shaped around those who need additional support, attention and assistance which cannot be independently achieved. Operating as care facilities for the most vulnerable of audiences, the standard of health is key to the successful delivery of very individualistic services – bespoke…

22 Mar: Lighting your way into a classroom

Educational institutes are governed by professional bodies and state legislation to ensure that all buildings are compliant with health and safety regulations. But did you know that installing the right lighting can also have positive impact on learning abilities? Last year, scientific research unveiled positive correlations between student performance levels…

17 Feb: Why Choose Smart Radiator Valves Over Traditional TRVs

Installing thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) to the radiators in your business can both improve comfort and save energy. They do this by giving the user the ability to adjust the temperature of a radiator, usually on a scale of 1-5. By turning the TRV and setting it to a lower…

10 Feb: Guest Blog: Why Should Businesses Care About Saving Energy?

This is a guest blog by Stephanie Sylvester on behalf of Modernize, a sustainable home improvements company based in Austin, Texas, USA. We’d like to thank Stephanie and everyone else over at Modernize for contributing to Chalmor’s blog. _______________ Companies need to connect with the the global desire to save energy….

05 Feb: How Warehouse Lighting Can Increase Employee Productivity

Often on their feet for long hours, working shift patterns and carrying heavy goods, it is quite obvious that warehouse workers have a hard job. They’re also crucial to the success of your business, so, it’s important to keep them motivated and productive. While adequate light levels are a legal…

13 Jan: The Benefits of Installing Retrofit Radiator Valves

Chalmor, accredited suppliers of The Carbon Trust, have been featured on The Carbon Trust’s brand new Supplier Insights section outlining the energy efficiency benefits of smart radiator valves such as eTRV+ being installed in a commercial building. When trying to improve the energy performance of commercial buildings, capital outlay is a significant…

BRE Lighting Infographic
14 Sep: The Health & Wellbeing Impacts of Lighting Revealed

Alison Hyland, Community Manager at 2Degrees Network guest blogs for us to introduce a new Lighting and Health report and infographic from BRE: The impacts of the type, quality and pattern of lighting go far beyond the obvious safety issues according to several recent studies. Researchers from BRE, the Istanbul…

08 Sep: VIDEO: WeTRV Wireless Radiator Control Launched at AUE 2015

Our brand new WeTRV wireless radiator control system was launched at the AUE Annual Conference at the University of South Wales last week.  WeTRV is the latest product in the eTRV range of electronic thermostatic radiator valves.  A wireless heating control system, which instructs individual radiators to operate timed programmes at specific temperatures, without…

21 Jul: Guest Post: 5 Top Tips For ESOS Compliance

In the commercial sector, one of this year’s big energy discussion points is ESOS (the Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme).  We’ve asked ESOS Assessor, Stephen Lundy from Axion Energy Solutions to guest write for us and share his Top ESOS Tips. ESOS requires that all companies with over 250 employees or…

08 Jul: 5 Ways to Save This Summer

5 ways we can help you save on your lighting and heating projects this summer:  ■ Save Time:  We’ll take the lighting or heating project complexity out of your hands with turnkey services including:  Site audits, system design, specification writing, assistance with finance, staff engagement and training, supply, installation and commissioning. ■ Save Energy:  Systems designed…

01 Jul: Gifts with every order in July!

Energy saving gifts with every order in July! We’re offering great gifts and prizes through the whole of July with our SummerTIME campaign – timely gifts to improve efficiency! FREE with every order over £10,000 (ex VAT) placed in July: ■ Track your own efficiency with a Garmin Vivofit 2 OR ■ Tackle workplace energy…

11 Jun: Its all about the money! Green Finance Explained

Navigating the options for securing green finance can become complex, we aim to save you time by summarising our top schemes. Click the titles for links to each scheme: ■ Salix and the Revolving Green Fund 4:  The Government in partnership with the Carbon Trust and Salix Financing is providing £34m…

19 May: Video: Top tips for energy saving in commercial buildings!

Top tips for energy saving in commercial buildings AND why eTRV+ is perfect! 1. Monitor:  Measure energy use and use the data to identify inefficiencies, calculate targets and quantify savings from energy initiatives.  BRE offers advice for commercial buildings, with discounts for ESTA members, here. 2. Buy in: Get building users involved…

28 Apr: Why LED Lighting Isn’t Always The Right Option

LED lighting is all the rage – and for good reason in many applications.  However, LED alone is not always the answer.  High capital costs can outweigh the benefits, when in some areas, innovative lighting solutions using traditional technology, controls and sensors can vastly improve efficiency – and ROI. We recently…

07 Apr: Warming up to a happy workplace!

There is a strong link between a happy and healthy workforce and level of output. Law dictates minimum standards for employers and employees to adhere to regarding working environment and the fair treatment of colleagues.  The companies which go beyond these standards are the ones which flourish – but which…

30 Mar: The RBS Story Continues – Our smart radiator trial installed

In April 2014, RBS developed the RBS Innovation Gateway, inviting innovators across the UK to pitch energy saving technologies for trial and if successful, eventual roll out across their 2,500 building estate. Current technology and processes have enabled RBS to cut their energy by 25%, the Innovation Gateway was developed…

23 Mar: Top Tips for Buying LED Lighting

The current lighting industry buzz around LED’s for commercial applications is set to continue. Forecasters are predicting worldwide revenues for LED luminaires and lamps in high-bay applications to grow from US$2.6bn – US$7bn by 2021. This will make LED the dominant technology for high-bay within the next 10 years. In the…

09 Dec: ‘Highly Commended’ Energy Awards 2014

We are delighted to announce to have achieved ‘highly commended’ in this year’s Energy Awards. Competing in the Energy Efficient Product of the Year category, eTRV+ was shortlisted in September and the winners announced earlier this month at a dinner and presentation evening in London, where over 600 of the…

18 Nov: Green Financing Options

Navigating the options for securing green finance can become complex, we aim to save you some time by summarising our top 5 schemes: Chalmor LifeSaver: Our award winning LifeSaver ‘Pay as you save’ scheme will enable you to upgrade your heating system, lighting or lighting controls with no capital outlay….

20 Oct: Big Energy Saving Week Daily Tips Gallery

Throughout Big Energy Saving Week 2014, we have been posting daily energy saving tips over on our Twitter page. Below you can see the collection of pictures from the week. Click images to enlarge.     With energy bills being more and more of a financial concern for households, Citizens…

24 Sep: Chalmor are finalists in RBS search for ‘green’ innovation.

RBS names Chalmor as a finalist in the UK’s largest search for new ‘green’ innovation. RBS has selected Chalmor as a finalist in the Innovation Gateway; a major international search for new ways of reducing energy, water and waste. Launched in March this year, the RBS Innovation Gateway attracted more than 140…

18 Sep: eTRV+ on the RBS Estate – Submission Snapshots

What is eTRV+ and what does it do? • Reduce energy use by 25%+ • An energy saving replacement for existing TRVs, which enables control of heating on a room by room basis. eTRV+ saves energy by only heating a room when needed, to the exact temperature which maximises comfort…

17 Sep: Energy Efficient Warehouse Lighting: Miniclipper One Year On

Miniclipper installed energy efficient warehouse lighting from Chalmor. An 89% reduction in energy consumption was achieved, saving £52,207 per year and providing a 1.1 year return on investment. In 2012, Miniclipper expanded into a new high bay warehouse s in Leighton Buzzard. The 1970’s warehouse was dark, dusty and inefficient,…

03 Sep: Chalmor Energy Awards Shortlist

Chalmor’s eTRV+ has been shortlisted for the Energy Awards Energy Efficient Product of the Year HVAC&R. eTRV+ provides the opportunity for all UK buildings with radiators to reduce energy consumption by up to 30% The UK has a high proportion of old building stock, with varying heating requirements and we…

26 Aug: Chalmor Shortlisted for RBS Innovation Gateway

The RBS Innovation Gateway Local innovator shortlisted by RBS in national search for new ‘green’ ideas A local innovator with a brilliant new idea for saving energy has been shortlisted for the RBS Innovation Gateway. Chalmor submitted their ground-breaking idea after RBS called on innovators and small businesses (SMEs) to…

12 Aug: RBS Innovation Gateway

In March the Royal Bank of Scotland, in partnership with sustainable business network 2degrees, launched the RBS Innovation Gateway, inviting businesses to pitch their energy efficient innovations for testing on the RBS estate. Through existing technology, RBS are expected to reduce their energy by 25%, the Innovation Gateway technologies can…

14 May: Reduced Rate VAT with eTRV+ at Your University

With summer refurbishment around the corner for Universities, now is a great time to invest in eTRV+ from Chalmor. eTRV+ is an energy saving upgrade for existing thermostatic radiator valves. With eTRV+ in place, you can accurately control heating temperature on a room by room basis, offering you the realistic…

14 Feb: Attention Universities

Did you know that as a university you could qualify to pay just 5% VAT on university green initiatives with Chalmor?  That’s right, just 5% as opposed to the usual 20% on green initiatives for residential properties. Want to find out if your project qualifies?  Follow our link below to the…

14 Feb: Energy Savings all just hot air?

Loft insulation is quickly becomming one of the country’s most popular energy efficiency measures. Despite being quite an expensive fix, installing insulation in your loft will save you up to £180 a year, says the government – and a new boiler will cut as much as £310 off your bills….

17 Sep: Chalmor Shortlisted for two Energy Saving Awards!

Chalmor’s lighting solution for Miniclipper Logistics has been shortlisted for two coveted energy saving awards following the success of winning the “Environment Award” at the United Kingdom Warehouse Association Awards in July this year. The warehouse lighting upgrade project is a finalist for the “Energy Efficient Retrofit/Refurbishment for the Year”…

10 Jul: Energy Efficient Warehouse Lighting wins Environment Award

Miniclipper Logistics were the overall winners in the “Environment Award” at the United Kingdom Warehouse Association prestigious National Awards, which took place at  London’s Dorchester Hotel on the 3rd July. Chalmor Ltd’s energy efficient lighting solution installed in the warehouse was incorporated into the entry that helped Miniclipper achieve this…

09 Jul: University energy efficient heating solution saves.

Chalmor Ltd’s installation of energy efficient eTRV’s in a Hall of residence at the University of Bristol resulted in them reducing their heating bills by 30%! The savings from this installation is paying for the initial cost of the eTRV’s within the first year of operation. Latest figures released show…

10 May: Smart meters project delayed

The introduction of energy smart meters in the UK, to over 30 million homes, will be delayed for more than a year announces the government. The £11.7bn project will start in the autumn of 2015, rather than the summer of next year, the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC)…

15 Mar: Control your heating from your iPhone!

Now you can control the heating in your office or home remotely from an iPhone, iPad or iTouch with i-Link from energy management specialists Chalmor Ltd. The i-Link works with all iOS devices as a remote control system for Chalmor’s electronic thermostatic radiator valve – eTRV. Since its launch in…

25 May: Reducing Energy in the Public Sector

Many initiatives have been established to get help with reducing energy in the public sector, but will these initiatives fail without effective communication? The Green deal is amongst one of the many initiatives set up to ensure the public sector can effectively manage and reduce their energy use, however, without…

24 May: Students – Switched to the max this winter?

In 2011, Energy company E.ON has questioned 2,000 people on how hot their houses are.  People in the UK like to crank their heating up in the cold winter months, sometimes up to a shocking 27°C! Those in the 25- to 34-year-old category were four times more likely than their…

17 May: Government Intervention Needed to Stimulate Green Growth

The UK Green Building Council called on the Government last week to show renewed leadership on green issues, arguing that deregulation for deregulation’s sake would be counterproductive for the built environment sector. The UK Green Building Council is the charity and membership organisation campaigning for a sustainable built environment. They…

01 May: Kevin Mcloud Attacks Green Deal Row

Kevin Mcloud, celebrity green architect and TV presenter, has waded into the row over reports saying the government will scrap plans to link building regulations with the government’s energy efficiency programme, the Green Deal. The presenter for Grand Designs steered a green backlash against negative media coverage about proposals in…

25 Apr: Public Sector Committed to Carbon Reduction

A news survey of the public, private and third sectors, conducted on the Guardian Sustainable Business website between November and December 2011, has revealed that the public sector is the most committed to reducing carbon emissions. More than half of the public sector respondents (58%) said, their organisation planned to…

24 Apr: NHS Could Save £150m Annually by Going Greener

Sustain, a leading carbon reduction company have said that their latest research suggests that the NHS could save between £100m and £150m annually by cutting its utility bills. Sustain analysed the utilities spend in the NHS in England using ERIC data; they found that the NHS spends £500m annually on…

05 Apr: Deal or no Deal?

A new poll reveals that small construction companies, building product manufacturers and suppliers have failed to get to grips with the workings of the Green Deal.  The survey was conducted by the Epwin Group at Ecobuild in London last week, suggesting that small businesses in the building industry are unprepared…

08 Feb: Reduced Rate VAT with eTRV!

To encourage energy saving, the government has a discounted VAT scheme for energy saving building materials which includes eTRV if supplied and installed by a registered trade’s person (specific installation scenarios apply). These include Armed Forces Residential Properties, Children and Elderly Care Homes, Hospices and Education Residential Accommodation. Click here to…

19 Jan: What is a thermostatic radiator valve (TRV)?

Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRVs) sense the temperature of the air around them and regulate the flow of water through the radiator accordingly. They do not control the boiler. TRVs should be set at a level that gives you the room temperature you want. These settings may have to be different…

25 Sep: Funding an Energy Saving Lighting Project in a Recession

There is little point in developing energy saving lighting solutions if there are no funds to pay for them. Chalmor Ltd has a great range of products designed to assist organisations move towards a low carbon economy, but we are increasingly faced by financially constrained customers who are tempted to go…

16 Sep: Organisations – Reduce Carbon Footprint and Use Less Energy

Reducing energy consumption is about being focused – like turning off lights when you leave the office, carbon reduction is not just about expensive latest technology equipment. Often the easy wins are from things like new low energy lighting and intelligent eTRV.  As such technologies are installed they effect employee’s…

12 Jun: Chalmor Featured in Warehouse Management Book

CHALMOR’S RITRAMA PROJECT FEATURED IN NEW BOOK “Warehouse Management By Gwynne Richards” Warehouse Management examines how to operate an efficient and cost effective warehouse. It includes guidance on using the latest technology, reducing inventory, people management and location and design. Warehouses are an integral part of the modern supply chain;…

22 Feb: Effective Heating Control is a Win/Win!

Effective heating control is a win win – saves money, saves energy and reduces emissions Effective heating control enables savings to be achieved  through improving the system efficiency to maintain a comfortable temperature without having to suffer the cold. Chalmor’s Universal Heating Controller (UNI/H) is a great low cost controller that can save…