This informal CPD article ‘Five steps for turning net zero ambitions into deliverable projects,’ was provided by SMS Plc, whose goal is to change how businesses and consumers use energy in order to achieve a more sustainable and more affordable energy system that works better for everyone. Sam Hunt, Director of New Energy Systems at SMS Plc, shares how businesses embarking on the critical net zero journey can turn goals into feasible, cost-saving projects.
By 2050, all UK industries are required to achieve net zero emissions1 — a monumental task that demands immediate action. Whilst this may seem like a distant reality, the truth is businesses need to start acting now to translate these ambitious goals into tangible projects that result in substantial savings.
Data is indispensable on the journey to net zero. Accurate and reliable data serve as the compass that helps steer organisations toward sustainable practices and successful carbon reduction projects. However, the path forward is not always clear, and one roadblock energy managers may frequently encounter is transforming good-intentioned objectives into actionable projects. Overcoming this challenge requires careful planning, innovation, and strong collaboration. Here are the top five steps to get started on the journey.
1. Leverage energy data to enable the precise measurement of performance
To effectively achieve carbon reductions, organisations must start by obtaining a precise picture of their current carbon footprint. This starts with a deep dive into the fundamental aspects of energy consumption. Start by focusing on the primary gas and electricity supply for each facility, utilising half-hourly readings to gain the granularity necessary to make informed decisions on both operational improvements and new technologies.
Half-hourly data is essential to improving operational energy and carbon performance as it allows granular comparison of site consumption and load with its history, with other sites and with other variables. Data is not just important for operation – it's fundamental to the success of carbon reduction technologies. Accurate data is critical as it provides the necessary foundation for sizing and designing energy technologies, be they solar PV, electrified heating, or other measures.
2. Analyse your data to gather valuable energy management information
With data in hand, the next step is to extract meaningful insights. By doing so, organisations can gain a deeper understanding of their energy consumption patterns and identify areas for improvement. Analytical methods involve comparing energy consumption differences among similar sites using key performance indicators like kilowatt-hours per square meter to identify high-consumption sites. Subsequently, assessing consumption changes over specific timeframes helps uncover inefficiencies, like unnecessary energy usage during low-activity hours.
During this stage it is important to have available, complete, high-quality data on a platform capable of hosting multiple sites and providing tools for in-depth analysis, including non-energy data such as floor area, operating hours, occupancy and outside air temperature.
