Creating Environments for Innovation:
How Cosaf Transformed Jotun Paints’ R&D Centre

When most people think of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), they picture comfort in offices or homes. But in highly specialised environments such as laboratories and research centres, HVAC and local exhaust ventilation (LEV) systems go far beyond comfort. They safeguard employees, protect sensitive equipment, ensure the accuracy of experiments, and ultimately underpin innovation. Without the right environmental conditions, productivity and creativity can quickly suffer.

This was exactly the case when Cosaf partnered with Jotun Paints to redesign and upgrade the HVAC and LEV systems at their UK R&D centre in Scunthorpe.

A Growing Facility with Growing Demands

Jotun is a global leader in paints and coatings, and its UK R&D centre plays a vital role in developing new products for international markets. The facility already housed specialist laboratories, furnaces, offices, and welfare areas, but expansion had become essential to meet increasing demand.

The brief was clear: create additional, high-quality laboratory space, upgrade furnaces, and improve office and welfare facilities. The challenge lay not just in the scale of the work, but in the fact that the centre had to remain fully operational throughout. Pausing research simply was not an option. For Cosaf, this meant delivering a complete redesign and installation with disruption kept to an absolute minimum.

Why Jotun Chose Cosaf

Jotun selected Cosaf for our proven track record in delivering advanced HVAC and LEV systems in technically demanding environments.

Just as important was our ability to manage complex projects while working closely with client teams.

Collaboration became central to the project. We worked side by side with Jotun’s project managers, subcontractors, and R&D staff.

At every stage we ensured safety, clear communication, and flexibility. Even with COVID-19 restrictions still in place, we maintained safe access to critical areas of the centre while construction moved forward.

A Tailored Solution for a Specialist Environment

The solution was a fully integrated HVAC and LEV system designed specifically around Jotun’s requirements. It included specialist LEV systems to keep laboratory air clean and safe, modern air conditioning for comfortable office environments, upgraded air handling units (AHUs) with heat recovery to improve efficiency, and expansion of the low-pressure hot water (LPHW) heating system.

An intelligent Building Management System (BMS) was also installed to provide comprehensive monitoring and control. Together, these systems allowed for precise temperature and humidity regulation across multiple zones. For researchers, this meant experiments could be carried out under stable and reliable conditions. For management, it delivered greater efficiency, resilience, and flexibility to support future growth.

The Impact: Productivity, Wellbeing, and Efficiency

The project’s greatest achievement was completing a major upgrade without disrupting Jotun’s vital R&D work. Staff remained focused on innovation while their environment was transformed around them.

For Jotun, the benefits were clear. Productivity was boosted because researchers could operate in stable conditions with complete confidence. Staff wellbeing improved thanks to safe, comfortable working spaces designed with their needs in mind. Energy efficiency also advanced, with intelligent systems reducing waste and lowering operating costs. Most importantly, the facility is now future-ready, with scalable systems designed to support long-term growth and evolving research needs.

Backed by Industry Evidence

Jotun’s experience mirrors wider findings across research and industrial facilities worldwide. Studies show that deep energy retrofits, including HVAC upgrades, can achieve 30% or more in energy savings while increasing building value. Smart building controls typically reduce energy consumption by 8–20% while improving occupant comfort.

Laboratories benefit in particular: Harvard University’s “Shut the Sash” campaign demonstrated that variable-air-volume (VAV) fume hoods can reduce exhaust energy use by around 30%, translating into annual savings of approximately £180,000. Energy-efficient systems in pharmaceutical and laboratory settings are also linked to improvements in quality, process efficiency, and long-term cost savings.

These findings reinforce a clear message: well-designed HVAC and LEV systems are not just an operational requirement, but a strategic investment that drives productivity, financial performance, and innovation.

jOHN HOLIDAY Engineering Manager

“ The project was not without its challenges, but the Cosaf team demonstrated their experience and got the job done efficiently and safely. I can highly recommend Cosaf to anyone looking for a professional, efficient and cost-effective partner who will work with you to achieve your goals.”

Lessons Learned

Every project teaches us something new. At Jotun, we were reminded of the importance of adaptability: listening carefully, planning collaboratively, and responding quickly to challenges on site.

We also reflected on the bigger picture. The research carried out at Jotun’s R&D centre will shape coatings and products used worldwide. Knowing that our systems help create the right conditions for this innovation is something we are genuinely proud of.

Looking Ahead…

At Cosaf, we see every project as more than a technical challenge. It is an opportunity to help people and businesses achieve their ambitions. For Jotun, that meant supporting world-class research. For others, it might mean improving staff wellbeing, cutting energy costs, or ensuring regulatory compliance.

Whatever the requirement, our commitment is the same: to deliver advanced HVAC and LEV solutions that meet today’s needs while preparing clients for the future. If you need to reduce energy costs, improve productivity or ensure regulatory/client compliance for your business, get in touch for your free site survey and design.

Creating Environments for Innovation: How Cosaf Transformed Jotun Paints’ R&D Centre