Circular Economy: Repurposed AC Installation at BMA

In support of the British Medical Association’s (BMA) move towards net zero, Artic identified a key opportunity to save waste by repurposing equipment already on site to promote circular economy. Our teams at Artic are continuously looking for ways to build a circular economy, reduce waste and lead with a sustainability-first methodology when working with our partners. By promoting circular economies on site, Artic not only supported BMA on their sustainability journeys through waste reduction and decarbonisation but are also creating significant cost savings by maximising resource efficiency on site.

BMA is a trade union, representing doctors and medical students from across the UK. They support medical professionals nationally through fair negotiations, research, reporting and initiating change for the better of their members. Located in the centre London, Artic recently undertook an AC installation project to support BMA in creating an optimised environment for one of their tenants.

Scope of Works:

Artic was initially asked to install brand new AC equipment on the second floor of their prestigious building to improve the environment for the tenants who were currently occupying the space. As partners to BMA for their full AC maintenance across the building, Artic was already aware of redundant equipment installed on the first floor. With data from routine maintenance, our engineers could see that this equipment was still in good condition and at the early stages of its lifecycle being just five-years old. This led to the identification of an innovative opportunity to repurpose this equipment by moving it all from the first to the second floor to fulfil required needs whilst reducing waste.

The second floor where the installation was to take place required the initial removal of Fujitsu AC split systems already in place on the roof of the building. At the request of the client, the equipment to be repurposed was not to be installed on the roof due to planning permissions and instead needed to be installed in an area more suitable. The outdated second floor equipment couldn’t be used due to be being made for R22 refrigerant, no longer used in the UK, making the equipment obsolete. Artic’s installation team leaned on their technical expertise to adapt the repurposed equipment and ensure it was fit for purpose. Our engineers used the existing split system and multi-split system involving one condenser with multiple indoor units to create sufficient heating and cooling to all areas within the 2^nd floor.

Outcomes and Benefits

By utilising equipment that BMA already had in place, Artic was able to save BMA around £30,000 on AC equipment which was originally quoted to be an entirely brand-new install.

Alongside cost-savings for BMA, the equipment repurposed is also more energy efficient. Radiators in the room were removed, and AC is now the primary source of heating and cooling for the space, an initiative led by BMA’s Project Manager. Further, by removing the R22 refrigerant system, the new equipment utilises a refrigerant which is twenty percent more efficient, making key energy savings towards decarbonisation initiatives and BMA’s journey to net zero.

All works were completed within a two-week period. Artic completed a programme of works agreement with BMA and its tenants, organising a work-from-home period so that Artic could complete all required works within the strict deadline, in-hours to avoid an incurrence of out-of-hours work charges. This collaborative approach enabled works to be carried out discretely with minimal disruption to the tenants and assisted BMA in securing the positive renewal of tenancy for the space.

Maximising Resource with Artic

By leading with its technical expertise and a compliance focused approach, Artic’s engineering teams maximise the utilisation of resource, creating tailored solutions and delivering real results in decarbonisation, cost efficiency and high-performance environments fit for its occupants. Artic is looking forward to its continued collaboration with BMA and the delivery of transformative solutions that create positive impact through a sustainability forward approach.