How Watsons Building Services is Leading the Way in Sustainable Cooling Solutions

As UK summers grow warmer and more humid, the need for innovative, sustainable cooling solutions has never been greater. At Watsons Building Services, we're championing a smarter approach to HVAC that not only ensures comfort and safety but also supports the drive towards net zero.

Why Rethink HVAC?

Rising summer temperatures risk not only the well-being and productivity of building occupants but also the reliability of critical equipment and the longevity of building materials. Traditional, energy-intensive air conditioning can ironically worsen the climate challenge it seeks to address. That’s why we believe the future of building comfort starts with sustainability at its core.

Sustainable Cooling: A Smarter Approach

In commercial and industrial settings, excessive heat presents a range of risks:

• Thermal discomfort leading to reduced worker productivity and well-being
• Overheating of sensitive equipment, particularly in IT server rooms or manufacturing environments
• Declining indoor air quality, especially when increased occupancy and sealed spaces restrict airflow
• Building fabric deterioration, as materials expand and contract under prolonged heat exposure

However, applying more air conditioning isn’t always the best answer. Poorly specified systems can lead to localised cooling without addressing the root causes of heat build-up. Moreover, refrigerant-based cooling contributes directly to greenhouse gas emissions if older systems using high-GWP (Global Warming Potential) refrigerants are still in use.

Rather than viewing cooling as a reactive measure, sustainable HVAC design focuses on limiting the need for mechanical cooling in the first place.

1. Natural and Hybrid Ventilation
Modern ventilation systems, intelligently combining passive and mechanical methods, create healthier environments while optimising energy use, especially with strategies like night purging in educational and office spaces.

2. Demand-Controlled Ventilation (DCV)
By adjusting airflow in real time, DCV systems maintain optimal air quality and comfort while significantly reducing energy consumption.

3. Low-Carbon Cooling Technologies
When mechanical cooling is essential, we prioritise VRF systems, evaporative cooling, and refrigerants with lower global warming potential to meet both operational and ESG goals.

Watsons Building Services delivers sustainable, cost-effective and future-ready HVAC solutions.

Maintenance: The Unsung Hero of Sustainability

Proactive, planned maintenance ensures HVAC systems are energy-efficient, reliable, and environmentally friendly. Through regular servicing, calibration, and early detection of leaks, we help clients extend equipment lifespans and minimise emissions, while supporting transitions to greener refrigerants as regulations evolve.

Well-maintained HVAC systems don’t just last longer, they run more efficiently and emit less. At Watsons, our Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) programmes ensure air conditioning and ventilation systems maintain peak operational efficiency by:

• Filters are kept clean to avoid energy-wasting blockages
• Controls and thermostats are calibrated to avoid overheating or overcooling
• Refrigerant leaks are identified early to prevent environmental harm

We also support clients in transitioning to greener refrigerants as part of phased system upgrades, something that will become increasingly important as the F-Gas Regulation tightens further.

CASE STUDY SPOTLIGHT

Sustainable HVAC solutions for a Sixth-Form Centre in Bradford

Our sustainable cooling and ventilation strategy for a new 6th-form building in Bradford is a testament to our approach: optimal comfort, outstanding air quality, and significant energy savings.

READ MORE

Innovation, Expertise, Excellence: How Watsons Builds In Climate Resiliance

With heatwaves and 30°C+ days on the rise, cooling is no longer a seasonal afterthought. The HVAC systems of tomorrow must be:

• Scalable and Smart: Adapting to changing occupancy and climate extremes
• Efficient by Design: Integrating intelligent controls and predictive maintenance
• Sustainable at Heart: Minimising carbon footprint while maximising comfort

At Watsons Building Services, we’re not just responding to today’s challenges, we’re building resilience for tomorrow. Our integrated, future-ready HVAC solutions empower facilities teams to deliver cool, comfortable, and sustainable environments without compromising on energy or environmental responsibility.