Measure, manage, improve: three vital steps on the path to decarbonisation
Renewable energy technology can play an important role in your journey to net zero – but Dr Lloyd Glanville, managing director of local decarbonisation consultancy BACB Renewables, says there are three vital steps to take before you invest.
1. Start from the right place: measurement
“Before investing in any decarbonisation project or solution it’s vital to fully understand your energy usage: how much you’re using, what on, when and why,” Lloyd said. “Putting proper metering and monitoring of gas and electricity usage in place for individual buildings, and even for individual items of equipment within your buildings, will give you granular detail you can draw conclusions from.
“At BACB we sometimes receive calls from organisations who say ‘We need to install solar panels, can you help’, without any evidence that this is the best way for them to cut their carbon emissions or costs.
“Having a full understanding of your current energy situation will mean any decisions you make are data-driven, helping you to avoid making unnecessary or sub-optimal investments.”
2. From measurement to management
Lloyd advises using the information gained through metering and monitoring to identify quick wins that will reduce your energy consumption.
“Once you understand your organisation’s energy use, the next step is to manage it.
“This doesn’t need to be costly or require specialist knowledge – understanding what the problem is means you can implement behavioural change first and reduce waste energy. Cultural change is free!
“At the same time there are low-cost, low-tech actions you can take, from changing your business processes to using high energy equipment differently,” he said.
“Placing visible reminders around your organisation to switch equipment off when not in use, or letting staff know how much energy your organisation uses each month and tasking them with coming up with their own ideas to reduce it are just two simple examples of how you can make a difference.”
3. Improve energy efficiency
After you’ve taken measures to reduce your waste energy, Lloyd recommends tackling heat loss and electricity wastage by improving the energy efficiency of your building estate.
“There’s no point trying to fill a bucket that has a hole in it – likewise, before switching to renewable energy you should consider any improvements to your building that will mean you need to use less of it.
“Energy monitoring will identify opportunities for external wall insulation, cavity wall insulation and double glazing. For example, thermal imaging of the building of one recent client revealed heat leaking from the mortar behind the render. We recommended external wall insulation to deal with it.
“We would also urge every organisation to convert all lighting to LED as soon as possible – it’s a quick win where the return on investment is compelling.”
Investing in the right renewables
Lloyd’s’ advice is that only after you’ve MEASURED your current energy consumption and performance (heat losses and efficiencies) can you MANAGE your decarbonisation journey through identifying and designing projects using the right technologies. Once you have a detailed plan that is supported by data you can IMPROVE your carbon footprint by actioning it.
“This is where the metering information gathered at the start of the process comes into its own once again. For example, if you’re installing a system of solar panels, it needs to be sized correctly so you don’t end up sending too much energy back to the grid,” he said.
Engaging the right expertise to specify the solution and oversee its delivery is key to a successful outcome.
“Whether your road to net zero involves solar, biogas, hydrogen or a combination of renewable technologies, having experienced support on hand will ensure a smooth installation process and the best return on investment,” Lloyd concluded.
Oh Yes! Net Zero member BACB Renewables is an independent decarbonisation consultancy based in East Yorkshire. Its team of experts helps organisations reduce their carbon emissions – and often, their energy costs – by identifying and designing the most effective renewable energy solution for their specific circumstances, then working with appropriate partners to put it in place.