The new-build, two-floor facility in Hereford comprises open-plan spaces, satellite offices and meeting rooms, and the company was looking for a system which delivered a fresh, temperate working environment for its office staff to help maximise workplace productivity, comfort and well-being. 
 
The solution is R32 Hybrid VRF air conditioning working in tandem with a Lossnay heat recovery ventilation system, to deliver perfect levels of comfort and fresh air in one of the most energy efficient ways possible. 
 
The Hybrid VRF system differs from traditional VRF as it uses water throughout the majority of its pipework instead of refrigerant but is still able to simultaneously heat and cool different rooms. This use of water removes the need for any leak detection in occupied spaces and helps lower annual maintenance costs. 

Hybrid VRF offers high operational efficiency while minimising the global warming potential (GWP) of the system, meeting Acticare’s high environmental standards.
 
The company worked with EMS to design and install the new system. EMS are a business solutions partner with Mitsubishi Electric and have worked with the manufacturer for many years. 
 
Alan Meredith, director at EMS, explained: “We like what the R32 Hybrid VRF achieves, in particular the enhanced occupier comfort of using water instead of refrigerant in the conditioned space. There’s also the environmental benefits of using the lower GWP R32 refrigerant and keeping this to the minimum needed by using water throughout the majority of the building.” 
 
The use of R32 was also important for Phil Boyman, director at Acticare. He said: “One of the main considerations when choosing an air conditioning system was how well it would future-proof the building against changing environmental standards. The Hybrid VRF units were able to do so by meeting F-Gas regulations.”