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.)C
• Consider the relevance of professional support

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

• Fit 4 Sustainability programme
  
  The Fit 4 Sustainability programme provides co-financing for environmental audits and action plans on one or more topics selected by the company (energy, GHG, waste, water, etc.).
  
  Aid of up to 60%, 70% and 80%, depending on the size of the company, for the fees associated with carrying out an environmental study (energy audit and/or carbon footprint assessment) and a detailed, costed action plan to reduce its consumption/GHG emissions (medium- and long-term investments, ROI, etc.) – open to SMEs and large companies (except those that must carry out studies required by the environmental authorities, including mandatory energy audits)
  
  • For questions: Luxinnovation

• SME Packages – Sustainability
  • Financial Aid for small and medium-sized enterprises covering up to 70% of eligible costs for the implementation of a project aimed at reducing the environmental impact. The eligible project budget must be in a range from 3.000 € to 25.000 € excl. VAT.
  • For more information:
  • Chambre des Métiers for craftsmen (Chamber of Skilled Trades and Crafts)
  • Chamber of Commerce for companies in the non-craft sectors

• 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.

Tax relief for investment in an ecological and energy transition project

The tax relief is calculated based on the investments and operating expenses incurred as part of an ecological and energy transition project.
The tax relief rate is set at 18% and is applied directly to the amount of tax due.
This deduction can be combined with standard state subsidies.

For the project to be eligible, it must meet at least one of the following objectives:

• Improve the energy efficiency of a production process
• Improve the material efficiency of a production process
• Decarbonise a production process
• Reduce air pollution at the production site (excluding CO2 emissions)
• Produce or store renewable energy for self-consumption
• Promote the extended use of products through reuse

For certain objectives, minimum thresholds must be met.
To verify your eligibility and ensure that these thresholds are satisfied, it is recommended that the impact of the measure on one of the above conditions be certified by an expert or a design office.

Further details and conditions: Guichet.lu
For questions: Ministry of Economy – Bonus

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.