Radiant cooling is going to make a huge impact on the way we control our living environment. Unlike conventional air-conditioning systems relying on forced draft cooling, radiant cooling is essentially passive. That is, there is very minimal air movement, except to the extent necessary to supply a continuous fresh air supply to the room.

So you won’t notice any cold drafts or breeze, and there’s much less likelihood of spreading germs. What’s more, it is very quiet. Cool radiant ceiling panels take away the heat from the room via a series of chilled water tubes in the ceiling. This passive approach has much to commend itself. It is a very natural approach.

And the cost savings… For a start, the system takes up much less room height, so you can actually reduce room wastage. That can translate into more office space. Then there is the ongoing savings from operating this method of room cooling. Being a passive design, it is far more energy efficient. There is much less energy loss resulting from cool air escaping through the walls, windows, doors etc of the building fabric.

New technology takes time. RadTech 2000 is presently researching and developing a radiant cooling system that will work in New Zealand conditions.