Smart Metering Systems throughout its infra- structure. This means the building owner can monitor the system, which can report back on how well the energy efficient upgrades have performed – an essential part of ensuring the accuracy of the ROI calculation.
Monitoring software allows for the storage and analysis of all data required for the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme. This includes ena- bling companies to create an annual carbon footprint report for submission to the carbon registry, as part of meeting the scheme’s requirements. This includes the break down of how energy consumption is managed and compilation of energy consumption informa- tion, as well as calculating emission values. It is important to check that the energy efficient solution comes with a fully inclusive maintenance package for the ROI period stat- ed in the proposal, which will ensure a sup- plier is accountable for the calculation in the initial plan. As part of our package, we carry out remote monitoring on all the projects that we install, providing regular reports to clients so that they can manage their energy usage. Successful management and implementation are crucial to creating the desired change in energy efficiency, with minimal disruption to a working building. This is why working with an energy management specialist with experi- ence in this area is crucial.
Long-term payback
Specific energy efficient measures that we often recommend include lighting control products that are capable of reducing energy costs by up to 80% and a range of LED lamps that will give the same Lumen output as a standard lamp, but use 40% of the energy. Other measures include a Sun Tracking con- trol system for solar shades, which will help to reduce heat gain and the need for air con- ditioning, whilst controlling the amount of daylight entering the workspace. Many building owners also choose to incor- porate a Solar Photovoltaic (PV) solution, which allows clients to earn revenue and reduce running costs. IMOP (inductive motor optimisation panel) units are also becoming more widely used and these are an essential part of reducing reactive power requirements. Once upgraded, a fully optimised building energy solution involves the installation of
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When it comes to assessing renewable energy systems, the challenge is to balance the need to invest upfront in such systems, against the long-term benefits of doing so. The issue is often the capital investment that is required, for renewable systems this can be higher than investing in a conventional energy system. It is essential to consider return on invest- ment when it comes to choosing an optimised building energy solution. There are also many different ways of financing the upgrade such as the scheme we offer that avoids any upfront costs in the form of a business loan, which has the added advantage of making energy effi- cient improvements accessible to all sectors of the market. When these types of schemes are considered, investing in renewable systems is a sound business decision, as savings can be guaranteed. This means that if the client is looking for a 25% saving on their energy consumption, then if our research reveals that this is possible, we are able to guarantee this for the period of the loan.
Latest optimised building energy solutions are leading the way in helping to cut carbon dioxide emission from existing building stock, which are by far the largest contributors of greenhouses gases. It is little surprise that
the Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) Energy Efficiency Scheme is tackling these issues in existing buildings.
Unidata Infrastructure is a M&E contrac- tor that specialises in providing energy effi- cient solutions to commercial buildings. The company has the ability to design and install new systems or to enhance and upgrade exist- ing plant, working in partnership to provide a complete solution to customers. Unidata Infrastructure project manages the whole pro- cess, employing its own dedicated workforce and working to strict programmes and within budget parameters. The company says that is committed to delivering the very highest qual- ity standards in product and service, which has led to its impressive record in the market.
Mike Burke is business development director at Unidata Infrastructure
Sustainable Business | January/February 2012 | 31
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