Energy efficiency


www.heatingandventilating.net


Laying the foundations of sustainability


Steve McGregor, DMA Group managing director, explains the importance of getting the basics right when it comes to energy efficiency and sustainability, particularly as we head towards the launch of Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS) phase 4, which will bring some SMEs and public sector buildings under its jurisdiction


Solar panels on Rye hospital


Above: Rye Hospital plant room R


enewable technology is exciting, innovative and in many cases expensive. Crucially, if the foundations of true sustainability are not


laid before its implementation, renewables will not deliver on their promises, leaving building owners open to longer pay back and compromised carbon reduction benefits. There are considerable energy savings that


can be made that cost relatively little, first steps that will ensure that, even without the addition of renewables, a building starts to see financial and environmental benefits.


Energy audit


Before you do anything, I cannot stress enough how important an energy audit is. This process involves reviewing how a building is currently being used, flagging up areas of high energy usage and wastage, prioritising quick wins and elements that need immediate attention. The findings of this audit can then form the basis of a sustainability plan.


An energy audit was the first step in one of our flagship projects, supporting Rye Memorial Hospital in becoming the UK’s first carbon neutral community hospital. Based on our findings, we predicted that a 98% carbon footprint reduction could be achieved through various activities. The audit mapped out a range of Energy Conservation Methods (ECMs), including LED lighting, fan motor upgrades, and solar PV installation. If a business falls under ESOS, an energy audit is the first part of this process, providing the benchmark against which improvements are measured. Even though the deadline for ESOS phase 4 is December 2026, an energy audit


14 September 2024


done now will still be valid (in fact the scheme recognises audits from 2018 onwards).


Prioritise demand reduction


A sustainability drive should prioritise demand reduction through quick (and often relatively inexpensive) wins. Switching to EC fans, for example, can make a huge difference – up to a 60% reduction in energy consumption. Swapping out older lighting, making sure pipes and ventilation systems are clean and adding insulation are important essentials.


Identify ageing assets


Assets coming towards the end of their usable life will be expensive to run and are at risk of breakdown, leaving a building vulnerable to downtime. Upgrading these assets can be costly, but waiting until disaster happens will cost more in the long run. Some of these assets may be repairable, others will need replacing. At this point, consider investing in more energy efficient alternatives and swapping out fossil fuel systems for low carbon alternatives.


Monitor everything


Monitor energy, monitor assets and monitor people. It’s easy to forget that better workflow and staff management will also contribute to sustainability targets. Preventing wasted time and unnecessary site visits by ensuring sub-contractors arrive with the right qualifications and tools, for example, will make operations more efficient and reduce emissions caused by travelling. Our service management platform, BIO®, tracks


and manages all parts of a building, including staff and external contractors, leading to ‘right first time’ works and improved sustainability.


Install solar photovoltaics (PV)


Of all the renewable technologies, Solar PV is the one DMA recommends to its commercial customers. The return on investment is swift, particularly when combined with battery storage. Unlike other renewables that can be viewed as ‘nice to have if budget allows’ (in the context of retrofit), the price of electricity means that PV will save you money on your energy bills in a very short timeframe. With phase 4 of ESOS affecting many more businesses and organisations, I recommend laying the right foundations of sustainability now, allowing for a measured, affordable and effective approach, rather than a rush to comply when the deadline looms.


ESOS phase 4


The ESOS Regulations incentivise companies within the UK to implement energy savings measures, while fining those that don’t take part. Registration for phase 3 of the scheme ended on August 6th, designed for organisations that met one or more of the following criteria: employ 250 people or more, have an annual balance sheet of £38 million or turnover of £44 million. Phase 4, which is open from December this year,


will see the annual balance sheet for qualifying businesses reduced to £18 million/turnover £36 million. This is in-line with Streamlined Energy & Carbon Reporting (SECR) scheme. Universities may also have to apply, depending on whether they get more than half their funding from private sources.


DOWNLOAD THE HVR APP NOW


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44