Current trends in building design are focussing on sustainability, and economy of fuel sources to generate heat. The quick response time and low power requirements of Generation4 electric floor surface heating promotes the economic use of electricity as a power source, contributing greatly to the benefits of sustainable design and efficient energy use. Minimising the use of electricity in turn, has environmental benefits by minimising greenhouse gases. This type of on-demand heating is better suited to southern hemisphere temperatures, which change constantly through winter.

The recently completed Plantagenet Shire Council Office is a case in point – The architect looked for a solution to heat the building economically in zones, allowing for task heating because not all areas of the building complex would be occupied all day. 68kW of electric floor surface heating was installed under the carpets. The electrical consultants had originally allowed for 171kW of in-slab heating. Manual thermostats allow for easy adjustment in the different zones.

The design parameters for floor surface heating are between 60-80W/m². In comparison to in-slab storage heating, which requires 150-200W/m². This 60% reduction in power requirements reduces electricity bills, as well as the total electrical demand for the building.

Healthy working environments respect asthmatics and allergy sufferers. Floor surface heating is sympathetic towards allergy sufferers - the radiant heat is healthier than conventional forced air heating systems because levels of allergens such as dust, pollen, and mould are reduced. These health aspects are particularly applicable to public buildings.

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