Installation or modification of a new mechanical ventilation system

Optimising your company’s centralised ventilation system

To ensure that the ventilation system is working properly and monitor the financial impact, regular analysis of requirements and technological monitoring are necessary. In the detailed description below, you can find the analysis to be applied in the case of ventilation renewal.

As a first step, we strongly advise you to carry out a detailed analysis of your company’s current ventilation situation and requirements, and to anticipate possible changes in requirements in the future (building project, change of use of certain rooms, etc.)

On the basis of this analysis, the new ventilation system can be sized.

Definition of mechanical ventilation requirements

Analysis of the current situation

• Determine the parameters of the existing installation, e.g. age, general condition, centralised or decentralised system, air exchange, energy consumption and associated costs, etc.
• Make sure you comply with the ITM “Ventilation and air-conditioning systems” safety regulations.
• Assess the ventilation requirements of the company concerned
  • Air exchange in (m³/h)/p
  • Temperature (outside and inside)
  • Moisture content (drying or humidification required?)
  • Required air quality (CO₂ levels, fine particles, etc.)
  • Use and intensity of use of building zones
• Identify the potential for heat recovery
• Identify the level of sound insulation required (avoid weakening it)
• Identify areas with specific needs (e.g. laboratories, clean rooms, etc.)

Identification of the appropriate ventilation system

Definition of the solution

• Based on the requirements analysis, definition of the solution in collaboration with a supplier in the sector, a qualified professional (ventilation installer) or a consulting engineering office

• It is important not to overlook the potential energy savings that can be achieved, for example through a heat recovery system. It is also important to install instruments to measure air quality in the rooms connected to the ventilation system, not forgetting to measure the ventilation system to ensure that it is working properly.

• Also consider the possibility of retrofitting the existing system, e.g.:
  • replace existing fans
  • install variable frequency drives
  • install control valves
  • isolate the ventilation network and the heating/cooling network
  • humidify/dry the air only if necessary
  • in consultation with the supplier, clarify the possibility of incorporating energy recovery at a later date (heat exchanger between stale air and fresh air)
  • set up regulation based on air quality (CO₂ levels)

• To limit air velocity and therefore noise disturbance, correctly size the section of ducting and the installation.

• Check the need to preheat or cool incoming air and, if necessary, integrate ventilation into the existing heating/cooling system.

• Check that the exhaust and fresh air vents are correctly positioned, to avoid short-circuits between stale air and fresh air and to minimise the adverse effects of microclimate on the fresh air (e.g. too hot on entry in summer, poor quality near major roads).

Verification of the project with regard to operating permits

When adapting existing facilities, and particularly when setting up new facilities, check the nomenclature for classified establishments.

Drafting specifications and requests for tenders

• Selon les besoins déterminés au préalable (voir ci-dessus)
• Comparaison des différentes offres selon leur prix et qualité

Subsidy application

Government subsidies

Temporary environmental impact aid

Extended “SME Packages Sustainability” subsidy scheme, to give companies greater incentives to invest in measures that significantly improve their environmental impact. Investments under this climate protection measure amount to 70 % for small businesses, 60 % for medium-sized businesses and 50 % for large businesses for projects costing more than €7 500, with a maximum subsidy amount of €100 000.

• Verification of company eligibility and costs: Ministry of the Economy (Department for Support to SMEs)
• Any questions?
  • Chamber of Commerce
  • Chambre des Métiers (Chamber of Skilled Trades and Crafts)

Fit 4 Sustainability” programme:

• The “Fit 4 Sustainability” programme provides co-financing for an environmental audit and action plan on one or more topics chosen by the company (energy, greenhouse gases, waste, water, etc.)
• Subsidies of up to 50 %, 60 % and 70 % of the fees for carrying out an environmental study (energy audit and/or carbon footprint) + detailed, costed action plan to reduce consumption/GHGs (greenhouse gases) (medium- and long-term investment, ROI, etc.) – open to SMEs and large companies (except those required to carry out a statutory audit)
• Any questions? Luxinnovation

SME Packages – Sustainability

• Flat-rate subsidy of €5,000 for small and medium-sized businesses for projects to reduce their environmental impact, costing between €6,650 and €25,000 excluding VAT
• Points of contact:
  • Chambre des Métiers for craftsmen (Chamber of Skilled Trades and Crafts)
  • Chamber of Commerce for companies in the non-craft sectors

Environmental protection scheme – Investment aid for the protection of the environment

• Verification of company eligibility and costs: General Directorate for Industry, new Technology and Research
• Support in drawing up the subsidy application file prior to submission to the Ministry of the Economy
• Any questions? Luxinnovation
• More information and recommendations for companies on investing in the environment are available in the Guide simplifié pour les entreprises (Simplified Guide for Companies)

SME aid scheme – Aid for miscellaneous investments

Subsidy for small and medium-sized businesses, up to 10 % or 20 % of the amount of miscellaneous investments aimed at promoting the modernisation and competitiveness of the Luxembourg economy.

• Verification of project eligibility and granting body: Ministry of the Economy (Department for Support to SMEs)
• Any questions?
  • House of Entrepreneurship of the Chamber of Commerce
  • Chambre des Métiers (Chamber of Trade)

N.B. State subsidies cannot be combined for the same project.

Application for subsidies from electricity and natural gas suppliers

Since 2015, natural gas and electricity suppliers have been required to make energy savings for consumers under the obligation scheme. Since then, energy suppliers have been offering support and advice, as well as subsidy programmes for consumers to implement energy efficiency measures.

The following suppliers offer this service for companies:

• Enoprimes Enovos + SUDenergie
• SUDenergie
• Sudstroum

N.B. Supplier subsidies can be combined with any state subsidies for the same project.

After completion of the works

Planning maintenance and periodic inspection of the installation

• Identify a person responsible for the ventilation system, who will carry out regular checks and minor maintenance work and, if necessary, call in external specialists.
• Ensure that the person in charge is properly trained in the operation of the ventilation system.