Energy Manager Magazine June 2021

JUNE 2021

www.energymanagermagazine.co.uk

UK POWER NETWORKS WORKS WITH CARBON TRUST TO SET SCIENCE-BASED TARGETS See page 6 INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

4

16

26

ECO Primary School Receives £133k Government Grant

Talk to your PEL!

Public sector procurement: why assumptions come at a cost

Because insight beats hindsight

The five essential steps of carbon measurement and reporting By focusing on best practice, companies can turn what initially seems like a complex and confusing task into an opportunity to reduce costs, improve stakeholder relations and demonstrate improved performance year on year.

We can help you effectively measure and manage your carbon emissions, not only to comply with SECR but to create real business value too.

Scan the QR code to download your free guide to carbon reporting today. www.achilles.com

FRONT COVER STORY:

UK Power Networks works with Carbon Trust to set science-based targets See page 6

JUNE 2021

PUBLISHER: Ralph Scrivens ralph@ energymanagermagazine.co.uk PRODUCTION: Sarah Daviner sarah@ energymanagermagazine.co.uk

INSIDE

ACCOUNTS: accounts@ energymanagermagazine.co.uk

4 Ne ws

PRINT: Mixam Print

ENERGY MANAGER MAGAZINE is published 10 times a year

by Energy Manager. www.energymanagermagazine.co.uk 42 Wymington Park, Rushden, Northants, NN10 9JP Tel: 01933 316931 Email: mail@ energymanagermagazine.co.uk REGISTRATION: Qualifying readers receive Energy Manager free of charge.

The annual subscription rate is £80 in the UK, £95 for mainland Europe and £115 for the rest of the world.

Single copies £10.

Some manufacturers and suppliers have made a contribution toward the cost of reproducing some photographs in Energy Manager.

PAPER USED TO PRODUCE THIS MAGAZINE IS SOURCED FROM SUSTAINABLE FORESTS.

28 Renewable

10 Opinion 13 Training 14 Monitoring

& Metering

21 Energy

Management

25 Energy

Procurement

Energy

32 Water

Management

38 HVAC 40 Energy

Finance

42 District

Heating

26 CHP

Please Note: No part of this publication may be reproduced by any means without prior permission from the publishers. The publishers do not accept any responsibility for, or necessarily agree with, any views expressed in articles, letters or supplied advertisements.

All contents © Energy Manager Magazine 2021 ISSN 2057-5912 (Print) ISSN 2057-5920 (Online)

ENERGY MANAGER MAGAZINE • JUNE 2021

3

NEWS

ECO PRIMARY SCHOOL RECEIVES £133K GOVERNMENT GRANT

A

Lincolnshire primary school has received over £133,000 funding from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme to become more energy efficient.

Kirkby la Thorpe CofE Primary Academy, in Sleaford, were successfully awarded a Government grant to fund a Low Carbon and Sustainability project, which involved installing an Air Source Heat Pump, energy efficient hand dryers, Energy Monitoring and Management.

The £1billion Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme provided grants for public sector bodies to fund heat decarbonisation and energy efficiency measures; and the ECO school were triumphant despite an oversubscription and stiff competition from across the country.

The carbon savings, 21.54 tonnes of CO2, are equivalent to planting 147 trees. The primary school will also benefit financially from the project, saving £1,177 annually, on their heating bills.

UK Energy Watch Group, a specialist Energy Consultancy based in Lancashire, helped the school by carrying out the feasibility study, grant application, contractor tender procurement, project management and on-going energy monitoring.

HVAC Technical Solutions Limited were appointed to carry out the mechanical engineering works. They installed the Toshiba VRV systems, two split AC system, central controller system, and stripped out the old plant room, radiators and additional electrical works.

Kirkby la Thorpe Church of England Primary Academy has

been previously received an EcoSchools Green Flag Award.

The Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, managed by the BEIS and delivered by Salix Finance, to date has launched two Phases with a total of £1.75 billion offered to public sector organisations. www.kltprimary.co.uk www.ukenergywatch.co.uk

Water Treatment is essential for Efficiency, Performance and Maintenance of Commercial Heating Systems

I

ndustry Bodies; the Industrial and Commercial Heating Equipment Association, ICOM, and the Manufacturers of Equipment for Heat Networks Association, MEHNA have launched a Quick Guide to Water Treatment, to help designers, owners, insurers, managers, operators, maintenance personnel to understand what effect any water and its subsequent treatment will have on their heating system.

Steve McConnell, Director of ICOM and MEHNA said; “The consequences of inappropriate or non-existent water treatment can prove costly to rectify.

The treatment of water in closed and open heating systems is essential for the avoidance of fouling, biofouling, corrosion and scale. These problems can result in energy wastage, poor

4

system performance and the need for early replacement of heating system components.”

“Any installation must be thoroughly flushed and cleaned before it can be filled and used.

This quick guide deals with all aspects of water treatment for Industrial and commercial heating systems and heat networks. “ “It complements the full water treatment guide launched in 2017, and acts as a quick reference check to ensure that all parties from designers and owners to managers and maintenance personnel understand the water treatment required for their plant and heating systems and to give guidance on how to achieve it.”

“By studying the contents and following the freely given advice,

ENERGY MANAGER MAGAZINE • JUNE 2021

heating systems and heat networks will operate more efficiently.”

You can download the quick guide here: www.mehna.org.uk/media/ f0ab11764d1da507456d17c82ecad55f/ Water-treatment-quickguide-24521.pdf

NEWS

GOLDSMITHS GIVES LOW-CARBON HEATING THE ‘GREEN’ LIGHT Goldsmiths, University of London is set to install a new low-carbon heating network that will reduce its gas consumption by over 75% and save over 1100 tonnes of CO2 each year.

ULTRAFLO U1000MKII RANGE

THE CLAMP-ON ALTERNATIVE TO CUTTING PIPES AND MECHANICAL METERS FROM MICRONICS, FOR SIMPLE, LOW COST FLOW AND ENERGY MEASUREMENT FROM OUTSIDE THE PIPE!

W

ork on the system has been given the go-ahead after it was announced that Goldsmiths has secured a £5m grant under Phase 2 of the Government’s Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme. The new heating network will contribute 35% of the carbon emissions savings needed for Goldsmiths to be on track to meet its PLAN25 target of becoming carbon neutral by 2025. The project will involve installing a new network of insulated underground pipes around the campus and replacing ageing gas boilers with an electrically powered heat pump. The College worked with energy solutions provider SSE to design the project.

In 2019 Goldsmiths responded to a Green New Deal campaign led by students and staff by declaring a climate emergency and making its carbon neutral pledge. As well as addressing the global climate crisis, reducing carbon emissions will have a positive impact on air quality in the College’s home borough of Lewisham, where air pollution consistently exceeds WHO safety limits.

Work on the new heating system is due to be completed by the end of March 2022. While some gas boilers will be retained to provide top-up heat to the network during cold weather they will only provide around 20% of the total output of the system. This proportion will be further reduced as additional measures are implemented.

Jeanette Batten, Director of Estates and Facilities Management at Goldsmiths said: “This project is a huge step towards Goldsmiths’ PLAN25 target of becoming carbon neutral by 2025 and I am delighted that we have secured this Government funding so that work on the new heating network can begin. The success of our funding bid is down to the hard work of the project team supported by the expertise of SSE.” The new heat network has been designed so that it can be connected to a district heating scheme as and when this becomes available. Goldsmiths has already had initial discussions with Lewisham Council about such a scheme.

The total value of the heat network project is £5.7m, of which £5m will come from a grant from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme. In total £75m of funding from the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy was made available through the Scheme with £5m the maximum amount that a single organisation could be awarded.

In total the three key PLAN25 projects – the new heating network, the LED lighting upgrade, and the Building Management Systems upgrade – are forecast to save the College around £260,000 each year.

In November 2020 Goldsmiths was awarded a £63,300 grant under the Public Sector Low Carbon Skills Fund to work with energy solutions provider SSE Enterprise and develop a detailed design for a new heat network. Note: the 1100 tonnes CO2 reduction refers to CO2 equivalent (CO2e). https://www.gold.ac.uk/about/gnd/carbon-reduction/ https://sse.co.uk/

NEW! Now available in the original pipe-mounted or new wall-mounted, display & keyboard format with extended pipe range.

The ULTRAFLO range of clamp-on metering solutions including the New U1000MKII-WM with wall or panel mounted display and keyboard offers a complete package alternative to traditional in-line flow and energy meters.

If you need to monitor and manage water and energy consumption in your facility the ULTRAFLO range offers a best value solution including lower cost, no disruption installation and dry maintenance for hot and chilled water applications ranging from 22 to 225mm OD. And the range can be used as a standalone installation or form an integral part of your aM&T or Building Energy Management System.

Simple to install – connect power and enter the pipe inside diameter, adjust the sensors and clamp-on the pipe – no specialist skills or tools required!

Compact, rugged and reliable, the ULTRAFLO range has been designed to provide sustained performance in industrial environments.

Suitable for: Steel, Plastic and Copper pipe, 22 to 225mm OD

MADE IN BRITAIN

For fur ther information call us on

+ 44 ( 0 )1628 243064

or email sales@micronicsltd.co.uk www.micronicsflowmeters.com ENERGY MANAGER MAGAZINE • JUNE 2021

5

NEWS

UK POWER NETWORKS WORKS WITH CARBON TRUST TO SET SCIENCE-BASED TARGETS UK Power Networks has become the first UK distribution network operator to have its carbon reduction plan and targets endorsed by the Science-Based Target Initiative.

T

he company is on course to achieve Net Zero for all its directly-controllable carbon emissions by 2028. Working with The Carbon Trust, UK Power Networks mapped the carbon footprint of all its emissions, including its supply chain, and modelled the actions it will take to reduce emissions and set challenging targets across all its activities.

Verified science-based targets are aligned with the Paris Agreement, an international treaty on climate change to limit the global temperature increase to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, while aiming for 1.5 degrees.

The company has already reduced its carbon emissions by 26% since 2014/15, and is investing £120 million over the next seven years to achieve its ambitious aims.

The key commitments to deliver before 2028, in its Environmental Action Plan are: • Use only renewable electricity from renewable sources in its buildings • Increase use of sustainable materials like low carbon concrete, and use less • Replace all its suitable vans and cars with Electric Vehicles (around two thirds of the fleet), making sure areas with poor air quality get EVs first • Recycle 80% of its waste, and send nothing that can be recycled to landfill • Introduce lower carbon fuels and hybrids into its mobile generator fleet • Create new wildlife habitats on 100 substation sites, building new hedgerows, ponds and introducing wildflower meadows • Make its offices more energy efficient by installing LED lights, solar panels, and low carbon heating • Work in partnership with suppliers to help reduce their carbon emissions Mark Adolphus, UK Power Networks’

6

Director of Health, Safety, Sustainability and Connections said: “We have an important role to play in enabling the UK’s transition to a Net Zero energy system, and also make sure that as a company we operate in the most sustainable way. Our customers, stakeholders and our regulator have been clear – the environment is a priority for them and we listen to that. Our ambition is to go further and faster so we have set challenging, but achievable, targets. We have combined our insights with those of expert stakeholders, considering international best practice and responding to the views of our customers, to make this promise today.”

Aleyn Smith-Gillespie, Associate Director at The Carbon Trust Advisory said: “We were delighted to work with UK Power Networks and help them align

ENERGY MANAGER MAGAZINE • JUNE 2021

their reduction targets to science. As an organisation key to delivering the energy transition it is great to see them also committed to reduce the emissions associated with their operations and their supply chain and to have a credible plan to achieve these ambitious targets.”

The Plan will also help UK Power Networks achieve the following targets: • Well-below two degrees for its entire carbon footprint, requiring a 25% decrease by 2028 • A reduction of 42% for directlycontrollable emissions by 2028, in line with a 1.5 degree Science-Based Target • Offset any remaining directlycontrollable emissions to become Net Zero from 2028 onwards www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk

More energy is required to keep a room at a constant temperature than to re-heat it after it has cooled.

Heat naturally moves to cooler spaces. If the heat input is high, the warmth is constantly dissipating, even in well insulated rooms.

Energy loss is slower when a room’s temperature drops. The longer a room remains cooler, the more energy is saved when compared with the energy lost by maintaining a constant higher temperature.

So, why heat a room that no one is in?

Our controls are always striving to minimise the use of heat. The 3-stage profile keeps students comfortable while they are in their rooms but, ensures energy isn’t wasted when rooms are empty – making potential savings of 30-40%*.

ecostat2 Programmed locally

Irus - Centrally controlled via the internet portal

prefectcontrols.com • 01787 320604 The ETL symbol is a UK registered certification mark of the Department of Energy and Climate Change - Authorised User: 02371

* Savings are dependant on building, current control methods and settings used.

NEWS

How to make EV a reality for your fleet

A

n ebook on the electric vehicle (EV) opportunity for fleets has been published by Centrica Business Solutions.

“As the 2030 government ban on the sale of new internal combustion engines nears, organisations need to transition quickly to electric vehicle fleets”, said Lucy Simpson, Head of Product Management for EV Enablement at Centrica Business Solutions.

“Whilst Shifting to EV will reduce emissions, it’s also going to bring unique challenges.

When and where will your fleet vehicles charge? How will your drivers adapt to new infrastructures and behaviours?

How will your sites cope with the new energy demands placed on them?”

The free eBook guide explains how to tackle some of the key challenges fleets will face in switching their Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles to electric, including: • Identifying the priorities in making a smooth transition to EV and managing all the steps along the way

• Building a robust EV enablement plan that is affordable, flexible and delivers longterm value • Making cost-effective changes to your energy supply to meet new demand patterns and maximise affordable use of renewable power • Using software to control utilisation of charge points and energy, and create driver friendly systems, such as reimbursing costs • Operating and maintaining your charging infrastructure for long life performance

• Future-proofing your fleet to meet both today’s and tomorrow’s needs Download Centrica’s free guide to making EV a reality for your fleet: https:// www.centricabusinesssolutions. com/make-ev-reality-your-fleet

ENERGY EFFICIENCY INERTIA REVEALED BY RISE IN SCHOOLS’ AVERAGE ENERGY SPEND

E

xpenditure on energy costs by local authority-maintained schools in England has increased by 6.5% per pupil over the past five years, according to new analysis of government data by eLight, a leading “Light-as-a-Service” (LaaS) business. The average annual spend per pupil increased from £74.56 in 2014-15 to £79.42 in 2019-20, the latest data available.

With eLight’s analysis demonstrating no significant change in average energy prices over the time period reviewed, the company says the figures show that progress on energy efficiency in schools has been painfully slow or, in many cases, non-existent. eLight is warning that schools must act now to improve their energy efficiency if they are to make a meaningful contribution to the UK’s ambitious net zero targets. It says energy efficiency is low-hanging fruit that could make a huge dent in schools’ carbon emission reduction targets, and that there are easily implemented, capitalfree solutions available to the education sector that are not being accessed.

According to The Carbon Trust, energy bills in UK schools amount to £543 million per year, with 50% of a school’s total electricity cost being lighting. If every school in the UK implemented any type of energy efficient technology, over £100 million could be saved each year.

Yorkshire & the Humber and the North East are the only regions where schools have

8

collectively reduced how much they spend on energy per pupil, cutting expenditure by 4.4% and 0.9% respectively. Every other region of England increased its average energy expenditure per pupil, with schools in Inner London doing so by a huge 23.5%.

Across England, nurseries decreased their energy spend per pupil by 2.3%, and secondary schools by 0.4%. However, average energy spend per pupil in primary schools increased by 10.9%. eLight’s business model helps organisations reduce carbon emissions and save money by switching to more

efficient LED lighting. eLight designs and installs the lighting, allowing schools to upgrade their legacy lighting systems without any upfront capital payments. For a fixed monthly service fee, the system is then maintained by eLight, with the energy savings more than meeting the costs throughout the typical seven-year contract.

Schools interested in finding out how much they can save in energy usage and carbon emissions can visit eLight’s new energy and carbon calculator at https://elight.com/schools-calculator

Regional breakdown: Energy expenditure per pupil

Region

Energy cost per pupil financial year 2014-15

Energy cost per pupil financial year 2019-20

Percentage change

Yorkshire and the Humber

80.57

77.05

-4.4%

North East

86.37

85.63

-0.9%

West Midlands

76.42

78.2

2.3%

North West

80.12

83.54

4.3%

East Midlands

70.3

73.64

4.8%

South East

69.43

73.01

5.2%

East of England

70.89

74.66

5.3%

South West

65.31

74.47

14.0%

Outer London

70.58

80.93

14.7%

Inner London

78.88

97.43

23.5%

England

74.56

79.42

6.5%

ENERGY MANAGER MAGAZINE • JUNE 2021

Buy better with BiU Skilled public sector energy traders OJEU framework accredited Renewable energy as standard Financial reporting and budget visibility Plus: Reduce carbon Optimise consumption Recover lost revenue

Call

01253 789 816

Working with NHS, local authorities, housing groups, national government, education and institutions since 1997

Visit

www.biu.com/publicsector

Email

hello@biu.com

Optimising energy costs sustainably

OPINION

CARBON NET ZERO: WE’RE HALFWAY THERE

T

he halfway mark has now passed between 1990, the year that countries who signed the U.N. Kyoto Protocol agreed to use as a benchmark for their efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and 2050, the year many countries set as their target for carbon net zero.

While the pandemic initially provoked a swift short-term reaction, the vaccine’s rollout can now afford key legislators the chance to plan for the ‘next normal’, with 2021 assuming extra significance as the UK hosts the UN’s COP26 in Glasgow later this year.

So where does this put us? We’re collectively halfway through the marathon and things are getting tough. How do we find the energy and ideas now to put in place the changes needed to sustain our collective trajectory to 2050, and also identify the next set of ‘big wins’ for industry?

Sometimes when running a marathon it can help to have a pace runner. At Siemens our ambition is clear—to achieve net zero by 2030 we are aiming to hit four key milestones: electric vehicles to account for 100 per-cent of our fleet; we will own or lease only buildings that have net-zero carbon emissions; we will source 100-percent renewable power; and we intend to achieve a 20-percent reduction in our supply chain’s emissions. We are working across a range of engineering and commercial activities that reflect the UK in microcosm.

We have already exceeded our interim global business goal of cutting CO2 emissions by half by 2020. We are now 54% of the way there, tallying coincidentally with a major milestone just passed by the UK as the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions were 51% below 1990 levels, also halfway to meeting its target in 2050.

Signs of the UK’s renewed focus came just recently as the Government became the world’s first major economy to present a net zero industrial decarbonisation strategy.

Launched in March this year, the drive to decarbonise industry forms a major part of the UK’s journey to 2050 net zero. The government went one step further and in April, set the world’s most ambitious climate change target into law: to reduce emissions by 78% by 2035 compared to 1990 levels.

According to a recent report by Carbon Brief, all of the major advances towards the 2050 goal so far have come in three areas: • Electricity supplies that no longer rely on coal (about 40%); • Cleaner industry (40%), including manufacturing and waste industry emissions controls on landfill me-thane, halocarbons and nitrous oxide (25%), as well as more efficient industrial processes and a structural shift away from carbon-intensive manufacturing (15%); • A smaller and cleaner fossil fuel supply industry, with lower methane

10

emissions from coal mines and leaky gas distribution pipes (10%). [source] However, while a lot has changed, not much has changed. A lot of the hard work has come from decarbonising the grid and the shift to renewable power. In 2020, the UK went without coal power for 180 of the 366 days. Wind power contributed 25% of electricity generation, with bioenergy providing 13% and nuclear 16%. These figures are only set to increase, however while the UK has tackled the source of generation, enduser changes have yet to take place.

Unfortunately, in December we witnessed a bounce-back in emissions as the grip of the pandemic eased and ‘the dirty restart’ took effect. According to a report in the FT, the pandemic resulted in the largest absolute drop in annual global energy-related CO2 emissions in 2020, as economies gripped by the pandemic ground to a standstill, the IEA said. But the recovery in activity in the second half of 2020 and “a lack of clean energy policies” caused emissions to rise a further 2 per cent year on year in December.

The only way our collective and individual targets can be run down is by thinking big but starting small – or to put it another way, think global but act local. That means incremental changes. We need to take ownership of decarbonisation targets and work in partnership to reduce emissions over time, step by step. Understanding the whole picture of an organisation’s emissions is the first step – for example, tackling the problem through a combination of digital simulation tools and physical audits, creating a digital twin for a new low-carbon de-centralised energy system. It is all about turning data into results.

THINK BIG BUT START SMALL For businesses of all sizes the cost of energy is only going to rise, so energy efficiency is a must. If Covid-19 has taught us one thing, it is that we do not really need travel as much as we thought: transport was the largest emitting sector in the UK in 2019, responsible for over a quarter of all emissions and that excludes emissions from UK-based international aviation bunkers that have more than doubled since 1990. Meanwhile, the number of miles driven by small commercial vehicles has shot up by 23% in the decade to the end of 2019, and probably more in 2020, corresponding to a 20% rise in CO2 emissions. Electrifying the transport fleet significantly reduces direct emissions, especially when combined with smart charging solutions, and challenges to every journey’s validity.

Last year Siemens partnered with building management system provider, SCI to reconfigure and refurbish Garrard House, near St Paul’s in the City of London; the building’s

ENERGY MANAGER MAGAZINE • JUNE 2021

Faye Bowser, Head of Energy Solutions, Siemens plc CO2 emissions are being reduced by over 50 per cent. Retaining and re-using the existing structure, rather than demolishing and building anew, Garrard House will save over 2,500 tonnes of embodied carbon emissions, creating a sustainable building for the future.

At Stoke-on-Trent City Council energy efficiencies are being made across its property portfolio by the simple expediency of installing energy-efficient LED lighting systems, cutting carbon emissions by 361 tonnes each year, reducing lighting loads by 76 per cent with annual savings of £194,000.

Crucially, Siemens on its own journey to net zero is regularly auditing its own portfolio. Congleton is the first factory we are making capable of being a carbon neutral operation, while at the same time reducing energy costs and increasing resilience against power disruptions. At the heart of the project, on this very space constricted site, is a new gas engine to generate electricity, augmented by electricity sourced from a local village community-operated, small hydro-electricity project. This project will save the already efficient power-usage site a further £330,000 a year in energy bills.

The importance of all these projects should not be underestimated. They demonstrate clearly and conclusively that we have the proven technology already to decarbonise. We are not waiting for new discoveries or working with ideas that are untested in the real world.

Total industry emissions in the UK have more than halved over the past 30 years, which goes to show that we’re on the right track. However, being ‘on the right track’ in 10 years’ time will not be enough. A two-thirds drop in industry carbon emissions by 2035 is a significant goal, but it’s right that we raise our level of expectation and intervention at this critical time. The UK now needs a combination of changes in the structure of the manufacturing sector (such as introducing industrial clusters), improved energy efficiency, and a shift to lower-carbon fuels when the market conditions are right.

Between 1990 and 2014, small incremental changes over time, in improved energy efficiency helped the UK avoid building the equivalent of 14 new power stations. This point shows that it’s not about a ‘silver bullet’ moment where you suddenly change tack and deliver on your promises. It’s about a long, sustained, and mutual relationship where the of sum gains scaled across the entire country can be massive. It’s all about continuous improvement, behavioural change and having a partnership mentality.

We are proving it can be done within existing technology and sharing the know-how that other businesses can take up to cumulatively get the UK across the line. www.siemens.com

Get your organisation seen,

go green

There’s an easier way to achieve your sustainability targets and it doesn’t have to cost the earth.

The biggest and simplest thing you can do to green up your organisation is to switch to truly 100% renewable electricity and carbon neutralised gas with Ecotricity – Britain’s greenest energy company. An average business using 30,000 kWh would reduce its carbon footprint by 6 metric tonnes simply by switching to us.

We’re not for dividend, so we invest our profits back into building more sources of renewable energy, including wind, solar and the UK’s first geothermal contribution to the national grid.

We can also help your organisation operate more efficiently and cut your carbon footprint even further. From smart meter technology to generating your own green energy and more, we’re here to help.

Get a business quote at ecotricity.co.uk/business Alternatively, call us on 0345 600 1994 or email business.sales@ecotricity.co.uk.

Get your free guide to going green Want to save your business time and money as you work towards a Zero Carbon future? The Ecotricity Guide to Going Green tells you everything you need to know about making your business more sustainable, with practical advice on energy savings, transport, operations, and much more.

Download now

OPINION

BOUNCE BACK FROM COVID: BUSINESS ENERGY IN REVIEW Andrew Grover, CEO, Advantage Utilities

W

ith many businesses shuttered for the best part of a year, and many more operating under exceptional circumstances, paying attention to energy consumption has sunk to the bottom of most to-do lists. However, with the rise of new funding models, including power purchase agreements (PPAs), it is becoming easier to make the most out of energy efficiency measures without the risks associated with capital expenditure or the worry of maintenance. With that in mind, taking a closer look at energy consumption may offer many businesses a lifeline to reduce overheads while improving resilience and addressing climate change in the process.

WHY NOW? All businesses will have explored their energy consumption. Some will have found the cost prohibitive or the return on investment insufficient, while others will have made sizeable investments into lowcarbon technologies years ago, and now need to make upgrades. In any instance, with new options becoming available regularly, it pays to make regular reviews. At the same time, the need to address climate change remains and despite COVID-related challenges, businesses continue to act. In fact, a report commissioned by the United Nations found that the number of commitments to reach net zero emissions has roughly doubled in less than a year, as many businesses prioritise climate action in their recovery from COVID-19.

Meanwhile, environmental, social and governance (ESG) investing is predicted to grow rapidly in the next five years. According to research

by PwC, ESG funds are expected to increase their European fund market share by between 15 per cent and 57

12

per cent. The trend will see trillions of pounds become available to fund ESG activities such as renewable energy projects, with investors looking for the best return on their investment.

To facilitate these transactions, a new type of contract – the PPA – has been developed which adds yet another way for businesses to finance renewable energy projects on their sites.

Altogether, ongoing technology developments coupled with evolving financial arrangements mean that businesses have access to an ever-increasing array of ways to reduce the costs associated with their energy consumption.

WHERE TO START The best energy technology solution for any business is one that exactly meets the business’ objectives in the most economical and financially viable way. Before committing to a solution, a business should: 1. Agree upon and prioritise objectives – do you want to reduce cost, commit to net-zero, make additional revenue, improve security of supply, offer electric vehicle charging to your hotel guests or electrify your vehicle fleet? Every objective has an influence on the final solution.

2. Identify your team – some companies will have the right expertise in house to take the project forward themselves.

Others may prefer to engage an independent advisor to execute the following steps and bring insight from hundreds of previous energy efficiency projects.

3. Audit your current position and create a baseline – whether you want to reduce energy consumption and costs, or improve your carbon footprint,

ENERGY MANAGER MAGAZINE • JUNE 2021

you will first need to gather the data to assess where you are currently in comparison to your objectives. If working with an independent advisor, they will collate and analyse your data and then create a report for you.

4. Consider all the options – the solution needs to account for the type of business that you have including your energy consumption profile, the space you have available, your location and your current energy costs. An advisor will use their expertise to create a bespoke solution from the different technology and finance options available that will most closely meet the business’ objectives.

5. Think about the future – what fits now, may not do so in the years to come. The business may have strong growth plans that will increase consumption, or ambitions to develop the site or services. These considerations should be factored in. Further, a consultant may be able to offer options that will help to futureproof the business as well as offering the latest advice on aspects such as forthcoming industry regulations, financial support or flexibility market participation.

OPINION

FINANCING YOUR INVESTMENT Alongside more traditional routes including CAPEX and finance, newer methods to secure investment – namely joint ventures and power purchase agreements – are increasingly being offered for energy technology solutions.

• CAPEX route - This route is particularly attractive for cash-rich businesses who are comfortable putting their capital at risk and want to own the asset outright.

Businesses financing their renewable energy investments through the CAPEX route receive all of the return on that investment. The business takes full ownership from day one and is responsible for organising maintenance and insurance.

• Finance route - The finance route is particularly attractive for larger businesses who want to own the asset but don’t want to use the CAPEX route. Finance terms will vary but a contract length of between five and seven years is quite typical with the investment becoming cash positive from around year five.

Once the finance is paid up, the business owns the asset outright.

As with the CAPEX route, the business will be responsible for maintenance and insurance.

• Power purchase agreement route - Power purchase agreements (PPAs) are long term contracts through which your business will agree to purchase a set amount of electricity at an agreed price.

In return the solutions provider, usually working with an investor, will cover the cost of installing and maintaining your site’s solution for its life span (10 years for CHP & 25 years for solar).

PPAs come at zero capital cost and zero risk to your business – insurance is covered by the funder, and most offer a certain element of hedging against future energy price increases. Recently, the minimum consumption required to attract potential PPA partners has reduced to around 50kW, making it available to smaller premises such as schools, hotels and leisure centres. Consequentially, there has been a significant increase in the number of PPA deals being made with many more businesses now able to reduce their energy consumption, lower their carbon footprint and cut their costs.

• Joint venture route - Joint ventures are typically offered by original equipment manufacturers who will offer a fully packaged energy solution on a part or fully financed basis.

There are many ways for businesses to bolster their energy consumption and even more reasons as to why they should. Onsite generation, for example, offers a range of benefits such as reduced costs and reduced carbon as many look to address climate change. Not to mention its potential to offer additional revenue, where technologies such as battery storage and combined heat and power may be used to support the grid with fluctuating energy demand in return for payment.

Installing EV charging infrastructure is also an increasingly attractive investment, offering an additional revenue stream and competitive advantage as EV uptake increases.

Businesses are an essential driving force behind reaching the UK and Europe’s net-zero goals. As many look to incorporate sustainability as part of their recovery from COVID-19, others simply look to increase resilience by reducing overheads - the ideal solution will be unique to every business. https://www.advantageutilities.com/

Public Sector

Sustainability Promoting sustainability across the public sector

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE PUBLIC SECTOR SUSTAINABILITY ASSOCIATION Register now to receive your digital issue of PSS Magazine FREE of charge www.pssa.info ENERGY MANAGER MAGAZINE • JUNE 2021

13

MONITORING & METERING

MICRONICS HEATMETERS FACILITATE ACCURATE COST ALLOCATION IN 7 STOREY BUILDING A regional provider of electrical engineering and contracting services to the commercial, industrial, health and educational sectors installed 14 Micronics U1000 Heatmeters in a new 7 storey building in Princes Street, Manchester.

B

ased in Salford, Greater Manchester, WMB Mechanical has been established in the North West since 1982. The units were required as part of a Building Management scheme. As the client was subletting each floor they wanted to monitor energy usage as part of an energy saving scheme and for the purposes of accurate billing. Phil Bluer, a Director of WMB has used Micronics flowmeters and heatmeters very successfully for a number of years.

“WMB has relied on Micronics products for many tasks, both large and small including for numerous projects at the University of Manchester and, we therefore, have complete confidence in recommending the quality and service of their products to

our clients. We will continue to count on them for the foreseeable future, particularly as its deployment minimises costs.”

The U1000MKII-HM is a “Best Value” Clamp-on, Ultrasonic heat meter alternative to traditional inline energy meters, for energy management and billing applications in domestic and commercial, district or shared heating or cooling systems, because pipes do not need to be breached or disturbed during installation. In addition to the significant installation benefits the ultrasonic clamp-on thermal, heat/ energy meter also delivers cost and dry maintenance benefits over traditional inline products. The Micronics U1000 meter is suitable for flow metering of hot water,

chilled water, potable water and demineralised water, making it very flexible for use in the energy management or building services industries for LTHW or chilled water circuits. It uses ultrasound to measure flow rate and PT100 temperature sensors to measure flow and return temperatures, displaying energy rate and totalised energy with pulse output and communication options, so it can be used as a standalone meter or as an integral part of an aM&T or BEM’s system.

For further information on this project or the Micronics range call Micronics on +44(0)1628 810456, or visit www.micronicsflowmeters.com

THE NEW U1000-WM (WALL MOUNT) IS A SIGNIFICANT ADDITION TO THE MICRONICS ULTRAFLO RANGE OF CLAMPON, HEAT/ENERGY AND FLOW METERS

T

he U1000MKII is a “Best Value” Clampon, Ultrasonic heat meter alternative to traditional inline energy meters, for energy management and billing applications in domestic and commercial, district or shared heating or cooling systems, which offers significant installation cost and dry maintenance benefits over traditional in-line products. And the new U1000 Wall Mount version offers the alternative of Clampon pipe-mounted flow and temperature sensors but with a wall or control panel, display and keyboard plus an extended range to cover larger pipe size applications.

Micronics has built on its success with the ULTRAFLO U1000 heat/energy & flow meter range to develop a WM (Wall Mount) version, which extends the pipe size to cover applications from 25mm – 225mm (8”) OD pipe and the temperature range to 135°C. And whilst the U1000MKII-WM can

14

U1000 Heat/Energy and Flow meters are now available in the original pipe-mounted or new wall-mounted, display & keyboard format with an extended pipe range!

still be used as a stand-alone product, in the all important area of connectivity the new product supports optional Mbus or Modbus RTU slave and RS485 serial communications for aM&T or BEMs systems.

Still simple to install: connect power and enter the pipe inside diameter, adjust the sensors and clamp-on the pipe with no specialist skills or tools required but now with the added flexibility of an alternative wall or panel mounted keyboard and display and a wider range of application the U1000

ENERGY MANAGER MAGAZINE • JUNE 2021

MKII heat/energy and flow meters continue to offer a “Best Value” clamp-on non-invasive alternative to traditional in-line meter installation, with no drain-down required plus dry servicing, providing minimum downtime and maximum availability.

For further information on this product or the Micronics range call Micronics on +44(0)1628 810456, visit www.micronicsflowmeters.com or take a look on YouTube.

PEL 103

Power & Energy Logger

Bridge the energy gap between today and tomorrow.

Increase energy efficiency and reduce your costs.

Our future energy needs are changing and businesses need to improve their energy efficiency. You can reduce required power generation, save money and increase productivity.

Gain a competitive advantage now with the PEL 103.

The key to a reduced carbon footprint & improved energy efficiency.

Measure and monitor power usage.

Identify inefficiencies and out of hours use.

Discover power factor, phase balance and harmonic issues.

Contact us to learn more

|

|

CHAUVIN ARNOUX UK Ltd 125 YEARS IN BUSINESS 30 YEARS IN THE UK 1 Flagship Square | Shaw Cross Business Park | Dewsbury WF12 7TH | T: 01924 460494 | E: info@chauvin-arnoux.co.uk

MONITORING & METERING

TALK TO YOUR PEL! One of the big benefits of the latest generation of portable energy loggers (PELs) is that they offer an extensive range of communication options which make them much more versatile and convenient to use. Julian Grant of Chauvin Arnoux explains.

W

hen you’re responsible for managing or maintaining an electrical installation, one-off instantaneous measurements of key electrical parameters such as voltage, current, power, power factor and harmonic levels can be very useful. In most cases, however, details of those parameters captured over a period of time – days, weeks, months or even years – are even more useful, as they give an accurate picture of how the installation performs at different times of day, on different days of the week and in different seasons.

Capturing this information with a modern portable energy logger is relatively easy. The best of these instruments are simple to install, often without the need to interrupt supplies, and they can be left in place for as long as required – permanently, if necessary. But capturing the information is only part of the story; it also needs to be accessible.

16

ENERGY MANAGER MAGAZINE • JUNE 2021

MONITORING & METERING

Arguably the simplest way of retrieving information from a PEL is to go to the instrument and download the contents of its internal memory via a USB connection. In some cases, this is in fact a perfectly satisfactory solution, but it’s somewhat less attractive if the PEL is at a remote location or even on a different site altogether. It is also a time-consuming approach when multiple PELs are in use. Alternatively, some PELs have a removable memory card which provides another simple option for data retrieval. This shares many of the limitations of USB downloading, however, in that it is necessary to visit the instrument to access the card.

For these reasons, most modern PELs make provision for some form of remote communication. In many cases, this takes the form of support for a direct wired connection to the user’s on-site Ethernet network using a standard network cable, typically with RJ45 connectors. Once again, this is an excellent solution is some situations, but PELs are often installed in switch-rooms or other utility areas where there may not be any local access to a wired network. And even if there is, there’s another problem that’s not at all unusual: the network may well be

controlled by the company IT department and they may not be at all happy with the idea of having ‘strange’ (to them!) items of equipment connected to it.

Fortunately, the manufacturers of the latest generation of PELs, such as those in the PEL104 and PEL106 ranges from Chauvin Arnoux, have taken heed of this problem and have provided their instruments with additional communications options such as wi-fi, 3G and GPRS. Wi-fi is often a convenient choice where the problem is simply that the PEL isn’t close to a wired network.

It’s usually much easier and much less costly to set up a wireless network connection, than to install additional network cabling.

Wi-fi connections with modern equipment are also secure and reliable.

Wi-fi doesn’t help, however, if the nearest network is hundreds of metres or more away, or if the IT department just says ‘no’ to a network connection. In these instances, a 3G connection to the mobile phone network is likely to be the first option.

It requires a SIM card and a subscription, of course, but it does allow the PEL to be accessed in most locations.

In the UK, 3G phone and data service is available almost everywhere but in some remote areas and in places overseas this may not be the case. In these instances, GRPS often comes to the rescue. Sometimes known as the 2G phone service this is even more widely available than 3G. Data transfer via GPRS is slower than via 3G but for PEL applications this is rarely a problem as the amount of data that needs to be transferred is very small by today’s standards.

With a choice of Ethernet and USB wired connections, wi-fi connectivity and support for 3G and GRPS, it is possible to establish a remote connection to modern PELs in almost any location.

This means that users can conveniently access all the information collected by their PELs without even leaving their desks and, at least with Chauvin Arnoux

PELs, they can enjoy another important benefit: real time alarms. It is possible to set alarm limits for most key parameters and, if these are exceeded, the PEL will immediately alert the user via the remote connection – whatever type that may be.

In addition, the PEL can be configured to email reports of selected parameters at regular intervals chosen by the user.

The latest PELs are not only excellent at measuring and recording information about key parameters in electrical installations, but they also offer a wide range of options for retrieving this information. This makes them even more convenient for optimising the performance of the installations to minimise energy usage and reduce the risk of breakdowns.

So, when you are next in the market for a PEL, don’t forget to take into account how easy it is to talk to one! www.chauvin-arnoux.co.uk

ENERGY MANAGER MAGAZINE • JUNE 2021

17

MONITORING & METERING

IS THERMAL IMAGING THE LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL FOR BUSINESSES? Victoria Lima, Marketing Executive, Gas Data.

W

hen we think of thermal imaging cameras and technology, we tend to think about police dramas on television or investigative documentaries, but there is a very important place for it in the real world too.

Different countries, organisations and businesses have been looking for innovative ways to get back to normal after COVID-19 struck, and this means checking for people who might be unknowingly carrying symptoms.

There have been many solutions that require close contact, long wait times or high cost, but it seems that thermal imaging might just be the light at the end of the tunnel that we have all been waiting for.

WHAT IS THERMAL IMAGING? Thermal imaging uses a camera which is capable of detecting heat energy. It usually has a heat sensor which is attached to a special type of lens which can identify regions of excessive temperature or wasted heat energy. Warmer elements of an image will appear as reds, oranges and yellows on a colour map, or darker spots on black and white displays. They are used to measure infrared radiation which exists at wavelengths between visible light and microwaves.

The sensor array is constructed as a grid of pixels which converts the wavelengths that hit it into electronic signals. An algorithm translates these into a colour map of different temperature values that the end user is then able to read.

Thermal imaging is thought to be highend technology with a price tag to match, but there are now a number of different systems which can even incorporate smartphone detectors. They can be put to use in a whole range of industries, including government agencies, schools, hospitals, police stations, warehouses, distribution centres, polling stations, care homes, shops and many different private businesses.

They can give precise temperature readings, or they can be set to detect temperatures within certain parameters.

THERMAL IMAGING AND COVID-19 When COVID-19 brought the world to a standstill, it was difficult to know how it would be able to resume. Understanding

18

how events might now go ahead, or how shops and entertainment centres would comfortably allow people into their premises has been tricky, but it seems like thermal imaging might just have the answer.

One of the biggest issues we have faced in fighting this virus, is the number of people who are infectious and do not know it. That has meant we all have to be vigilant for any symptoms which may be the tell-tale signs of a coronavirus carrier. We have long been aware of the main symptoms of COVID-19, one of which being a high temperature, which has led to many businesses introducing temperature checks on their doors.

Whilst this might seem like a good idea, it is very labour intensive, increases the amount of close contact between staff and customers, and interrupts the experience of those customers. This is why there is now an intense focus on the use of thermal imaging, which was first employed in Wuhan, China when drones were flown across the city with cameras attached in order spot anyone who might be unwell. Not everyone wants to take the same approach, but the technology has proved to be useful in other settings.

Mass temperature checking is not a new idea, and the use of thermal imagining in the tracking of infectious diseases has already been prompted by the SARS, MERS and Ebola epidemics. Thermal scanning began operation in airports several years ago and has now become something we are all used to when travelling abroad. Its use could now become a vital tool in the fight against the spread of COVID-19.

The temperature is usually taken on the forehead, but the accuracy of this is unreliable as it can cool down as a result of perspiration. The inner corner of the eyelid is therefore thought to be the best spot for a fast and reliable temperature measurement as it tends to remain more constant. This very small area can be picked up by a thermal imaging camera, creating a result that can be trusted.

Thermal imaging has the capability to measure body temperature to precise levels without disrupting visitors, and it can check large numbers of people at a time. This can become an accurate, non-contact method of

ENERGY MANAGER MAGAZINE • JUNE 2021

spotting underlying infection and protecting key workers and other customers. Once an elevated temperature is detected, the systems can sound an alarm to alert whoever is monitoring the process, and person-toperson contact will have been minimised.

The benefit of installing thermal imaging technology is that it can pick up any type of fever. This is usually a symptom of an infectious disease, and so can work to prevent the spread of more than just coronavirus. Thermal imaging also has the benefit of speed on its side, which is vital in maintaining the flow of customers or visitors through your business. Whilst many forms of COVID testing can take time, a thermal imaging camera needs just a few seconds to spot a high temperature and send an appropriate alert.

With so many businesses looking for workable solutions to reopening in the face of restrictions, anxieties and social distancing, thermal imaging provides an answer that could be very effective. It is non-invasive, difficult to trick and exact, making it a practical way out of what has seemed like an impossible situation. This means it can prevent businesses from having to close again or help others open their doors after a long time shut.

It is in no doubt that the world has changed since the pandemic, and many businesses will have looked at their existing practices and how they might change both in the short and long term. By bringing in technology such as thermal imaging, it can be possible to spot asymptomatic carriers of the coronavirus and protect everyone involved in your business. Looking ahead, this technology could still have a place in protecting against any number of infectious diseases, leaving your business a safe place to be that can continue to function no matter what. www.gasdata.co.uk

Get your organisation seen,

go green

There’s an easier way to achieve your sustainability targets and it doesn’t have to cost the earth.

The biggest and simplest thing you can do to green up your organisation is to switch to truly 100% renewable electricity and carbon neutralised gas with Ecotricity, Britain’s greenest energy company.

An average organisation using 30,000 kWh would reduce its carbon footprint by 6 metric tonnes simply by switching to us. We’re not for dividend, which means we invest our profits back into building more sources of renewable energy, including wind, solar and the UK’s first geothermal contribution to the national grid.

We can also help your organisation operate more efficiently and cut your carbon footprint even further. From smart meter technology to generating your own green energy and more, we’re here to help.

Get a business quote today

Alternatively, call us on 0345 600 1994 or email business.sales@ecotricity.co.uk.

Not all green energy is the same?

Ecotricity only supply 100% green electricity and carbon neutralised gas. But not all ‘green’ energy is the same. Suppliers can label units of electricity as green (even if they were generated using fossil fuels) with REGO certificates, which authenticate green energy. The problem is that REGOs can be detached from the green energy and sold separately we need to get to 100% green energy in the national grid mix, and we can only do that by building more renewable sources.

Join Ecotricity today and get your organisation seen for going truly green in the fight against the climate crisis. Get a quote today

MONITORING & METERING

ACCURATE, REAL-TIME READINGS FROM ANALOGUE UTILITY METERS Collecting accurate, real-time data from analogue meter displays is a wellrecognised challenge for the water and energy industries and failure to do so has an adverse impact across the entire supply chain.

D

eer Technology is proud to offer the answer to this problem – an analogue to digital solution that turns an existing meter into a smart meter, cost- effectively and with no downtime. An image of the meter register and corresponding time- and date-stamped data value

20

is immediately available via a secure online database. Along with potential cost and environmental savings, the LimpetReader is uniquely classified as a manual read for regulatory purposes.

The National Trust said “The LimpetReader is a great solution and gives us accurate meter reads and, importantly, we are only paying for what we use” Key benefits of the LimpetReader: • Can be fitted to water and other utility meters • Retrofitting and the integrated battery eliminates the cost of smart meter rollout and the need for mains power • No disruption to supply with typical secure fitting time around 15 minutes – benefits customers and suppliers • Real-time, photographic meter readings along with date and time stamped data value ensures accurate billing • Billing in real time – no more estimated bills so fewer customer complaints with a

ENERGY MANAGER MAGAZINE • JUNE 2021

more efficient payment system and the potential for better customer retention and growth • Allows the customer to choose their own read frequency • Limits human intervention – cutting out the need to attend site to read meters cuts costs and reduces your companies carbon footprint • When used on water meters, the LimpetReader can help users profile data and detect leaks • Enables the user to see spikes in usage, helping consumers monitor and reduce their energy consumption, saving them money and lessening their impact on the environment • Tried-and-tested, happy customers – The National Trust said “The LimpetReader is a great solution and gives us accurate meter reads and, importantly, we are only paying for what we use” For further information, call 01639 363146 or visit www.deertechnology.com.

ENERGY MANAGEMENT

ABSENCE MAKES THE SMART NOT SQUANDER! How a simple setting can yield greater energy savings in student accommodation.

T

he levels of automation we enjoy through technology undoubtably make’s our lives easier and in most cases more efficient. In the context of heating control for student accommodation, it can also make a significant difference to the energy budget.

For Energy and Accommodation Managers, a building occupied by students that have control over their room temperature but are not directly responsible for paying the utility bill, must be irksome to say the least.

If all students were diligent and turned their heating off when they left their room, unnecessary use of energy wouldn’t be a problem! Passive Infrared (PIR) sensors are used for this very purpose. However, they are often set for the convenience of the occupant, by activating the heating when the room is entered, rather than

being set to maximise energy savings.

Irus is an automated energy management system with integrated PIR – and is designed specifically for student accommodation. A node in each room silently monitors temperature, humidity, light, and decibel levels. Managers access data on the web-based portal and set maximum temperature and time profiles for Boost, Setback and Frost modes in individual rooms. Irus is then left to get on with saving energy. All this without ever having to set foot in a bedroom.

Ecostat2 is a locally programmed control system that operates the same 3-stage student profile as Irus. Of the 5 control units in the range, two of them have integrated PIR sensors.

The PIRs can be set to detect either presence or absence. When set to Presence mode the programme will be activated to raise the room temperature when the resident returns.

This automation is a benefit for the room’s occupant - but not so great for those paying the energy bill! If the room is entered for a short time only, for example, if a book has been forgotten, or for a quick change of clothes, the programme will run, and energy will be wasted when the room is vacated.

Switching the PIR to absence detection makes a lot more sense. This

way, on entering the room the student is required to press a button to activate the heating programme. Perhaps less convenient for the occupant but it does provoke an awareness of their energy use and emphasise a policy of energy efficiency. At any time, they can increase the temperature with a press of the button taking the system into Boost mode, which will run for a pre-determined time, often 45 minutes, before reverting to the Setback mode.

The greatest energy savings are recorded when a student leaves their room shortly after activating the Boost mode, the PIR will notice the room is empty and cut short the Boost programme and revert to Setback, thus not heating an empty room.

If we conservatively estimate that 20 minutes of unnecessary heating is avoided in this scenario, and then multiply that for a 1000-bedroom facility, the numbers become eye watering – equating to almost a fortnight of heating that could be prevented!

Consider that in terms of annual use and it becomes clear how automating your heating system, using control units with integrated PIR sensors set to absence detection, can make enormous savings. https://prefectcontrols.com/

ENERGY MANAGER MAGAZINE • JUNE 2021

21

ENERGY MANAGEMENT

ACHIEVING CARBON ZERO – ACCURATE MEASUREMENT, CLEAR STRATEGY AND CREDIBLE OFFSETTING

I

Mike Tournier, Carbon Reduction Expert, Achilles

n November 2020, the UK water industry revealed an ambitious strategy to deliver a carbon net zero water supply by 2030; the world’s first sector-wide commitment of its kind.

Water companies now have just nine years to measure and reduce their carbon emissions to meet those targets - two decades ahead of the Paris Agreement and the UK’s national zero carbon target of 2050.

TACKLING THE CLIMATE CRISIS Achieving a drastic reduction in global carbon emissions is essential if the world is to successfully tackle the climate crisis, preventing warming exceeding 1.5°C and halting any further deterioration to the environment. Climate change also affects crop and natural resources, causing drought and malnutrition.

In the shorter term, reducing carbon will also cut air pollution and help to improve health outcomes, preventing respiratory and asthma-related deaths.

Everyone has a stake in reducing carbon emissions - it is a hugely positive move that is not only good for people and the planet, but for profit, too.

Water companies have understood the value in leading the charge on carbon reduction and the positive impact on their business as a result.

The last 15 years have seen a huge uptake in the utilities industry around the environment emergency, particularly in the water industry. We’re seeing a real groundswell of businesses wanting to measure and report on their carbon credentials. Larger companies are now mandated to report their carbon data to Companies House, however

22

we are increasingly seeing smaller companies picking up the baton as well.

FUTURE-PROOFING YOUR BUSINESS Those forward-thinking businesses understand the positive impact carbon reduction will have on their company. They know that consumers are increasingly concerned about environment issues and expect utility companies to be doing their bit. In an age when transparency and ethics is playing an ever-growing role in our purchasing decisions, water suppliers are choosing to get ahead of the curve by choice.

GOVERNMENT POLICY Government pressure also plays a role - since 2018, Westminster has doubled down on its climate pledge, keen to demonstrate its commitment to tackling the climate emergency.

Widespread, organised disruption

by Extinction Rebellion throughout 2019 and into early 2020 encouraged a wave of activism throughout the country. Against this backdrop, the government has made clear the need for the UK to play its part. If we are to meet our 2050 target, we will need to make a huge 75% reduction in just 14 years - businesses must move faster.

REDUCING CARBON TO CUT COSTS AND BOOST PROFIT The water industry is at the forefront of the UK’s zero carbon strategy - water companies are responsible for almost a third of the country’s industrial and waste process emissions1 - and many large organisations are now reporting carbon data for all their companies, whether regulated or not.

At a strategic level, companies that 1 https://www.water.org.uk/news-item/waterindustry-launches-worlds-first-sector-wideplan-to-deliver-net-zero-carbon-emissionsby-2030/

ENERGY MANAGER MAGAZINE • JUNE 2021

have embraced the need to reduce carbon early are able to attract more investment as a result. Investors look favourably on their willingness to invest in new technology and strategies - early adoption is the best course of action.

At some point in the future, every water business will be expected to report its carbon data - businesses that are forced to introduce new practices down the line may face insurmountable costs to do so. Additionally, from an ESG standpoint, a company that is tackling carbon will offer positive ratings from an investment perspective - not only has that business future-proofed its operations, it is also making a positive contribution to the environment.

COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE Businesses that choose to start early with carbon reporting, with a strategy in place to make the necessary reductions, step by step until it reaches its zero carbon goal, will fare better than an equivalent business that offers the same service, at the same price, but has chosen to hold out on managing and reporting carbon until it forced to do so. Decisions made today will have a tremendous impact on future business strategy and costs, A 2006 study led by Nicholas Stern, which resulted in the landmark Economics of Climate Change report, illustrated the cost of doing nothing or postponing the transition to a low carbon economy and was very clear that the longer a business delays, the larger the costs incurred.

However, despite the promising example set by leaders within the water industry, there is a lot of work to do. According to our data, 28% of UK utilities suppliers do not have an environmental management system in place, suggesting that there is a job to be done in educating the industry about the importance of sustainability - as well as the benefit to their business.

ENERGY MANAGEMENT FINANCIAL REWARD VIA CARBON REDUCTION While tackling carbon emissions is hugely positive from both a reputation and business operations perspective, it also has a financial element, which, for most water businesses, is equally important. Anglican Water is an excellent example - using the Achilles Carbon Reduce Programme, it achieved a £2million per annum ‘Energy Initiative’ saving through its energy focused framework, as well as £18million per annum operational savings through renewable energy generation. Carbon Reduce allowed it to benchmark, monitor and reduce its operational emissions as well as those of its suppliers.

While operating in a different sector, construction firm William Hare has also used our carbon certification programme to measure and manage its carbon footprint since 2010, achieving reductions of over 38%. As a result, it has been able to introduce measures to offset its unavoidable emissions and achieve a certified Carbon Zero status with our internationally accredited programme.

ACHILLES’ CARBON REDUCE PROGRAMME The Achilles Carbon Reduce Programme is a powerful ‘carbon weight loss’ tool that enables net zero delivery. Businesses can expect savings of 30% in their first three years.

For many, cutting carbon emissions and achieving net zero can feel like a large beast to tackle - but the reality is, you can’t solve what you can’t measure.

ACCURATE CARBON MEASUREMENT Solid measurement allows management teams to look at old issues through a new lens, facilitating considered decisions on where money should be invested and what will provide the best return.

While the net zero targets for the water industry are extremely ambitious, Achilles can support your business to meet its obligations and reduce carbon emissions to zero.

Experts in sustainability and carbon reduction, we help companies across the UK to achieve their carbon reduction and net zero goals.

SUPPLY CHAIN COLLABORATION Once a business has clarity on its carbon data, there are several key

avenues to explore. The first is the supply chain - a water supplier cannot tackle its carbon emissions in isolation and low carbon procurement should be a priority.

Supply chain collaboration played a large role in Anglican Waters’ success - they asked suppliers to help deliver carbon reductions and made it part of their procurement process. Robust targets are in place and 46 of their main suppliers also joined Achilles’ Carbon Reduce programme. 40 are still actively involved, including engineering, construction, pumping, water treatment and solutions companies. By bringing suppliers along with them, Anglican Water saw a further decrease of 111,000 tonnes of emissions.

Anglican Waters’ David Riley said: “We have been proud participants for over 10 years. I personally see this as a really important process we go through that illustrates to our investors, our customers, and other stakeholder groups that we have a credible strategy in place and that we’ve got consistent year on year reductions in carbon.”

MEASURES TO REDUCE CARBON EMISSIONS Once a business has an accurate view on its emissions data, measures can be put in place to manage and reduce greenhouse emissions at source. For large companies with multiple business units or departments, being able to drill down and see how each area is contributing is very useful. Managers can then create tailored goals for each department, tied together by an overarching sustainability strategy.

THE ONLY PUBLIC SECTOR ENERGY JOURNAL

Many changes are simple to achieve, such as using digital collaboration and reducing unnecessary travel, introducing more efficient lighting or switching the company fleet to hybrid or electric vehicles. Buildings should be properly insulated and regular maintenance on equipment will avoid unnecessary replacement.

Reusable energy generation is also being explored by numerous water suppliers, along with new technologies such as the production of bio-methane from sewage treatment.

CARBON OFFSETTING Unfortunately, having measured, managed and reduced their greenhouse emissions, most businesses will have residual, unavoidable emission that will need to be mitigated via procurement and cancellation of ‘Carbon Offsets’.

However, not all offset programmes are equal. Many domestic offset offerings fall short of the requirements for a robust financial instrument nor are currently accepted by the government as an acceptable mitigation credit. Achilles’ Carbon Reduce Certification will check the validity offset projects and ensure that your carbon mitigation offsets stands up to scrutiny, avoiding allegations of greenwashing and underwriting your brand capital and investment.

Achilles can help your business achieve carbon reduction/carbon zero to robust and legislative compliant standards, providing peace of mind for investors, and other stakeholders. www.achilles.com/feature/ carbon-reduce/

www.energymanagermagazine.co.uk

To receive Energy Manager Magazine FREE of charge, please visit: energymanagermagazine.co.uk/ subscribe ENERGY MANAGER MAGAZINE • JUNE 2021

23

ENERGY MANAGEMENT

THE ENERGY REVOLUTION: ENERGY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS Ram Venkat, Power Solutions Specialist, Digital Energy Division, Schneider Electric UK&I

E

nergy efficiency is part of the vocabulary of modern building owners, operators, and occupants. A greater awareness of unsustainable energy consumption, coupled with advances in generation and energy management technology, has led to the ‘Energy Revolution’ around the world.

The consequent landscape is complex – varying legislations and governmental guidelines, a global measurement system, and multiple local standards to adhere to. Building owners and operators are therefore unsurprisingly confused with the choice of solutions available to address these requirements and put them ahead of the sustainability and efficiency curve.

CLEARING UP THE CONFUSION Any energy consumption needs to be measured accurately, and then further analysed to: 1. Track energy consumption across the network 2. Identify patterns of energy usage 3. Map above identified patterns to occupant behaviour, and weather factors 4. Put in place strategies to optimise consumption armed with the above analysis 5. Plan energy sourcing and load shedding An Energy Management System (EMS), sometimes referred to as Building Energy Management System (BEMS) is the crux of these solutions. With a clear need for such systems, Building Owners and Managers are often surprised at the complexities and financial setbacks associated with an EMS. An EMS is a tool to visualise and analyse energy parameters, primarily consumption (KWh) and power quality. The latter is made up of power factor, current and voltage harmonics, sags and swells, and other anomalistic current and voltage behaviours. While most organisation tend to focus on consumption mapping, power quality is a crucial group of parameters to monitor to avoid penalties by the utility, particularly in the manufacturing, data centre, and multi-use facility sectors.

Certain EMS’s may also have conditionmonitoring features for electrical assets, and the capability to monitor more than just traditional electrical infrastructure, including

24

UPS systems, thermal monitoring systems, etc. It is key to note that an EMS has minimum to no element of network control or automation, where SCADA systems (or Power Management System/PMS) operate.

The next step - demystifying the range of EMS solutions available in the market:

1. T HE DATA ANALYSIS SOLUTION These solutions, usually offered on a subscription-only basis, have features of an EMS, but no focus on power quality, electrical network monitoring, or device health. They tend to focus more on visualisation of data and are excellent if your only aim is to understand energy consumption behaviours across your facility. These systems may also have features in continuous improvement, equipment effectiveness, and process flow, which can be interesting for industrial manufacturing sites.

The standout for such systems is of course the dynamic dashboarding, featuring drag and drop data modelling.

The resolution of data collection is usually above one-minute intervals, which is seen as a comparatively low resolution, particularly for alarm response and emergency shutdown procedures.

2. T HE ENGINEERED EMS Engineered EMS are essentially data aggregators and edge-level monitoring systems for electrical devices including metering and breakers. Resolution of data collection is extremely high depending on meter capabilities, and data is observed live. Therefore, this type of a solution is preferably on-site. While energy analysis dashboards can be easily engineered, where the EMS stands out is with power quality monitoring and reporting, and electrical network status monitoring.

The former is dependent on the type of metering on site and is recommended particularly in manufacturing facilities where bad power quality is commonplace due to prevalence of drives. Power quality issues can be diagnosed with great depth to recommend solutions such as power factor correction or harmonic mitigation.

Electrical network status monitoring starts with live single diagram views of the network, from where the user can drive into

ENERGY MANAGER MAGAZINE • JUNE 2021

each individual device. These devices can vary from a meter, to a breaker, a UPS, or even VSDs – anything ‘smart’ and ‘electric’.

The granular data that can be obtained for breakers can go to the extent of breaker condition monitoring, life expectancy, and an indication of number of trips/ reset cycles. The EMS also functions as an alarming system. These systems are fully scalable and require physical hardware infrastructure and software licensing – available either as a capital purchase, or as Software as a Service (SaaS).

3. T HE SUSTAINABILITY TRACKER These systems are a hybrid between the latter two, with further emphasis on sustainability initiatives. Such systems provide the flexibility of dashboard creation akin to the Data Analytics solution, but without the critical alarming, live monitoring, or power quality analysis that the engineered EMS solution provides.

These systems are usually delivered as a service with bureau insights on the data as required and agreed upon in the SLAs. They provide a powerful tool for energy management teams to track and report sustainability, particularly across multiple sites and geographies. Such systems usually sit a level above the engineered EMS, which can share its data across platforms.

Therefore, there is usually no IT hardware required for this solution. These systems are most likely offered in a subscription only model, with mobile interfaces also available.

Equipping your facility with the infrastructure to enable granular monitoring is vital to achieving sustainability and efficiency. Understanding the increasingly complex range of solutions available is the first step in achieving this and is often the hardest part. With the right solution, professionals can thrive in today’s ‘Energy Revolution’, with sustainable energy management. https://www.se.com/

ENERGY PROCUREMENT

PUBLIC SECTOR PROCUREMENT: WHY ASSUMPTIONS COME AT A COST

I

f you’re responsible for procuring energy in the public sector, you probably have a tried and tested way of approaching each contract that may be very similar to what your colleagues in other organisations are doing. However, sticking to the same procurement strategy simply because it’s worked in the past means missing out on the opportunity to take a different approach that could save your organisation significant sums of money.

Many organisations have a procurement strategy that doesn’t work as well as it could, simply because some common assumptions have gone unquestioned.

PUBLIC BUYING ORGANISATIONS: NOT ALWAYS THE BEST CHOICE FOR ENERGY Perhaps the biggest incorrect assumption about procurement is the idea that public buying organisations are always the best (or indeed compulsory) route for your purchasing needs. In England, there is no obligation for public sector bodies to use a public buying organisation, and when it comes to trading energy, you may find that specialist energy consultants can deliver much better value and lower energy costs.

Moving away from a buying organisation that you have used for years can feel like stepping outside your comfort zone, but taking a fresh approach to procurement could help you to save your organisation a surprising amount of money, without compromising on due process. You just need to make sure that you use a supplier that operates within an OJEU-compliant framework.

For example, many of BiU’s clients are NHS trusts, so we have been appointed as a consultant many times through the NHS Shared Business Services (SBS) framework. Our frameworks are OJEUcompliant, which means due diligence is done both when we are appointed and when we secure the supplier contracts.

The difference between us and a public buying organisation is that BiU are likely to deliver much better results in terms of saving you money. We offer a full energy management service, not just procurement, and we have a wealth

of experience in saving public sector organisations money on their utility bills.

In one example we investigated, an NHS Trust paid £25k to £30k per annum for renewable power procured through a public buying organisation. BiU would have been able to secure localised, renewable energy for around £2k per annum – a fraction of the cost.

GREENWASHING RISK One of the biggest administrative headaches for NHS trusts is your annual ERIC (Estates Returns Information Collective) report. And now it’s even tricker, because from January 2021 you have to specify what proportion of your energy comes from renewables.

Unfortunately, the best-known and biggest public sector buying organisations don’t necessarily share the government’s low carbon agenda. This means you have to check and double-check that the energy contract you’re getting is truly green. It is entirely possible that the energy you buy is “greened” through so-called REGOs, Renewable Energy Guarantee of Origin certificates. Despite the name, these offer no guarantee that your energy supplier actually has any contracts with renewables generators, because they can be bought separately from the energy itself.

BiU does the homework for you by making an effort to find suppliers who have contracts with local renewable generators. Our REGO certificates are all linked to specific generators and list which renewables projects the power comes from. The allocation of the REGO certificates are audited and have the Carbon Trust seal of approval for transparency. We also work hard to source the renewables assets as close to the customer’s sites as possible – in some cases just a few miles away.

Unlike many other consultants, we will also discuss alternative ways to

support renewables projects, such as taking out a power purchase agreement (PPA) with a generator. We steer our clients away from the greenwash towards genuine support for new renewables.

BIG ISN’T ALWAYS BETTER Another surprisingly common myth in the public sector energy procurement world is the idea that buying big means big savings. The truth is that volume makes no difference whatsoever when it comes to trading energy, and the price is the same regardless of whether you buy 1 kWh or 100 million kWh. It’s the timing of your purchase that affects the price, and this is where BiU have much more experience than many public procurement organisations. We will work with you to develop a risk management strategy that suits your organisation, then optimise within that strategy to secure the best price possible. Some of our clients have a huge energy spend because they have a large number of sites, but it’s our expertise that helps them make savings, not their size.

Public sector budgets are under a lot of pressure, yet basing your procurement strategy on outdated assumptions could be wasting significant sums. If you’d like to take a fresh approach, BiU would be happy to help. As well as procurement services, we can also support you with financial reporting, giving your organisation greater visibility on spend against budget.

For information and advice, get in touch with our team on hello@biu.com

ENERGY MANAGER MAGAZINE • JUNE 2021

25

CHP

ENERGY GAME CHANGER –

WHY COMBINED HEAT AND POWER (CHP) IS THE PERFECT PUBLIC SECTOR SOLUTION With budgets tight and overheads stretched, finding new ways to streamline efficiencies, while simultaneously achieving carbon emission reductions, is critical for public sector energy management.

Tim Broadhurst, CCO at CooperOstlund, explains why on-site generation is the cost-cutting, carbonreducing solution.

W

ith a duty to consider the long-term impact of its investments, the public sector is a truly unique energy consumer. Nationwide, its annual energy bill reaches an approximate £3.4 billion per annum, with the NHS accounting for roughly 30% (£1.1 billion, Centrica, 2019). Meanwhile, the government’s Energy White Paper (December 2020) shows that public sector buildings account for 9% of the UK’s buildings’ emissions (which make up 19% of the UK’s total greenhouse gas emissions).

The opportunities for cost cutting, carbon reduction and streamlining efficiencies are therefore substantial.

For public sector energy managers in need of a dependable energy supply and efficient overheads, finding a cost-effective solution that can also

26

deliver substantial reductions in carbon usage is critical. As commercial energy prices continue to rise, blended energy programmes are therefore becoming an ever-more common choice.

WHAT IS COMBINED HEAT AND POWER (CHP)?

Effectively a gas power station, but more than twice as efficient, a CHP engine combusts natural gas to generate electricity and thermal energy. This can then be used for space heating and hot water. Gas prices are lower and more stable than mains electricity supply, allowing managers to achieve significant cost savings by self-generating power, within a payback period of generally less than five years.

Alongside the obvious financial efficiencies, CHP technology reduces carbon emissions by up to 30% compared to traditional supply and can also be used to meet Part L of the Building Regulations.

CHP can be deployed quickly, effectively and with few geographic limitations – perfect for many industrial, commercial and institutional situations.

The most appropriate application is when there is a significant and continuous energy demand (such as manufacturing sites, office buildings, hotels, health clubs and hospitals).

IMMEDIATE RESULTS, IMPRESSIVE SAVINGS With a continuous supply of costeffective electricity and heat essential to the smooth running of daily operations, more and more public sector sites nationwide are looking towards onsite sustainable energy generation to guarantee complete peace of mind.

One of the UK’s leading NHS Trusts, for example, has used an 800kWe MWM TCG2016V16 combined heat and power (CHP) engine to generate power for its site for several years. CooperOstlund took over the contract in April 2019 and has managed O&M for the engine ever since.

Alongside weekly maintenance provision and remote engine monitoring, the agreement also includes routine engine logs and checks. Over the past 12 months, the engine has been operating at close to 97% uptime (with only planned servicing downtime

ENERGY MANAGER MAGAZINE • JUNE 2021

preventing this figure from being higher). CooperOstlund’s engineering team visit the site weekly and any areas of concern are quickly addressed.

However, with organisations unfamiliar with their options, and suppliers often inexperienced in advising the right solutions, blended energy is not always guaranteed as the silver bullet solution it should be. In fact, our research shows that hundreds of engines nationwide are performing well below their true capability.

CHP: PLANNING AHEAD Moving from a centralised to a decentralised energy model may seem daunting. But success is highly achievable if you plan ahead. Using CHP as an alternative to more traditional grid connectivity can save you money on your utility bills, but maximising efficiency relies on equipment running at full capacity 24 hours a day. A feasibility study commissioned well in advance is an essential first action to help you specify the perfect solution for your energy requirements. These will match engine size, dimensions, location and generation outputs to site demands. The higher your energy consumption, the more you could save.

But CHP is much more than just a plug-and-play solution. Indeed, the following points need to be considered at the start of any blended energy programme, as well as throughout the lifespan of your CHP engine.

1. Size – There is no ‘one size fits all’ solution when it comes to engine specification. It’s critical to take facility size and energy requirements into consideration. For example, an oversized engine will shut down during periods of low demand, but an undersized engine will restrict generation capacity. In both circumstances, incorrect sizing will limit the financial benefits of choosing CHP over grid connectivity.

Getting the balance just right is a tricky but nevertheless critical task.

2. Installation – Precision is fundamental when it comes to engine installation. Unlike more standard gas engines, CHP technology is very sensitive and must be fitted by an expert. We’ve visited

CHP sites where poor installations, with problems ranging from unlevel floors to inadequate housing, significantly impacts upon engine performance.

Working in partnership with an installation expert is essential to long-term issue prevention.

3. Calibration – Correct engine calibration is essential to ensuring best possible running efficiencies, much in the same way that a racing car must be professionally tuned to deliver optimum performance. In our experience, rushed calibration can considerably impact on outputs. Getting it right from the start is critical to ensuring long-term financial savings.

4. Maintenance- Working at full capability, 24/7/365, will take its toll on the performance of any CHP engine. Poorly maintained machines can see efficiencies drop by as much as 20%. There are a number of simple daily checks you can make but it is also critical to work with an established CHP maintenance provider to action the servicing intervals your manufacturer has advised (these are typically 2,000, 10,000, 20,000, 40,000 and 60,000 running hours.

5. Ensuring CHP efficiency – Once a CHP unit has been installed on site, it’s important to have a data management solution in place to enable data collection and view performance metrics – this is key to the success of any blended energy plan.

THE RIGHT SOLUTION FOR YOUR BUSINESS? As the public sector moves towards a low-carbon future, a rethinking of its energy requirements and usage is essential to meet wider, over-hanging initiatives, such as the Greener NHS strategy, for example, and its commitment to reducing the NHS carbon footprint to net-zero by 2045. CHP is a cost-effective, reliable and secure solution that can also yield substantial carbon usage reductions that will also stand up to the rigours of significant and continuous energy demand, within a payback period of less than five years.

At CooperOstlund, we understand that no two sites are the same, so we approach every situation in an entirely bespoke way - ensuring the utmost care and attention to deliver outstanding results.

For more information, visit www.cooperostlund.com.

GET READY FOR GREEN HYDROGEN

HYDROGEN-READY CHP SYSTEMS REDUCE COSTS NOW AND A FUTUREPROOFED FOR UPCOMING CHANGES Backed by the energy regulator Ofgem, 300 homes in Scotland will soon become the first in the world to use 100 per cent green hydrogen. Here Luke Worrall, business development manager at heat and power specialist NerG, explores the considerations around hydrogen’s role in generating electricity using combined heat and power (CHP) systems.

D

espite years of slow progress, changes to the UK energy system are coming thick and fast. The prime minister unveiled his ten-point plan for a green recovery in November, 2020, outlining his vision for a green industrial revolution. This forms the blueprint that will facilitate the UK meeting its legally-binding target of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

THE IMPORTANCE OF HYDROGEN The prime minister’s plan will build on the UK’s strengths by “Working with industry aiming to generate 5 GW of low carbon hydrogen production capacity by 2030 for industry, transport, power and homes, and aiming to develop the first town heated entirely by hydrogen by the end of the decade.”

Unlike natural methane gas, green hydrogen can be produced using renewable energy. However, while hydrogen and natural gas blends can be transported using existing pipelines, high-purity hydrogen will require major infrastructure upgrades. So, what does this mean for businesses looking to reduce energy costs now while preparing for upcoming changes?

FUTUREPROOF SYSTEMS One of the most efficient ways of meeting your electricity needs will continue to be by using onsite combined heat and power (CHP) systems that use gas to produce cheap electricity.

However, most CHP systems are designed to work with natural gas and not hydrogen, and given that they

typically have a lifecycle of around 15 years, businesses face a dilemma: how do I invest in reducing energy costs now, without having to overhaul my entire CHP system down the line?

Luckily, it’s now possible to buy CHP systems that can start saving you money on your energy spend immediately and are futureproofed for the upcoming changes. NerG offers a variety of hydrogen-ready CHP plants.

These industry leading plants can run on natural gas and can run on up to 40 per cent hydrogen without modification. Furthermore, they can be configured to run on 100 per cent hydrogen with a simple retrofit.

As the UK energy landscape adapts to meet the UK’s net-zero targets and begins to incorporate renewable sources of energy like green hydrogen, it’s important that businesses respond in kind. By installing hydrogen-ready heat and power systems, businesses can reduce their energy costs now, while futureproofing their electricity supply and safeguarding their investment.

To find out more about combined heat and power systems, visit the NerG website https://nerg.co.uk/

ENERGY MANAGER MAGAZINE • JUNE 2021

27

RENEWABLE ENERGY

MAXIMISING RENEWABLE ENERGY INVESTMENTS WITH ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE Muhammed Malik, CEO and Founder, NeuerEnergy

U

rgency to reduce carbon emissions is accelerating, with the UK government recently committing to a 68% reduction by 2030, on the path to achieving net zero by 2050. Currently, the public sector accounts for 3% of the UK’s carbon emissions and has an estimated annual carbon footprint of over 13 MtCO2e.

As such, public sector bodies are increasingly being tasked with leading the shift to a low carbon economy.

However, the tricky part is staying on top of a continuously evolving ecosystem made up of disparate systems and a diverse range of providers. For example, in the UK specifically, the government’s Ten Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution is advancing offshore wind, driving growth of low carbon hydrogen, and delivering new and advanced nuclear power, meaning investment in these areas will progress swiftly.

For energy managers in the public sector, their goal for 2021 is clear: save their organisation money whilst continuing to transition to highquality renewable energy sources.

Yet, transitioning schools, universities, hospitals, government offices and military facilities to more sustainable energy is no easy feat, and there are multiple factors to consider, particularly around cost and risk. Even with the financial support available - including grants from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS) - the sector has a seemingly mammoth task ahead of it.

While it’s true that manually selecting renewable energy providers can require a great deal of marketplace analysis and time spent on RFPs, fortunately, advances in technology can simplify and streamline the process. Through the use of AI-based algorithms that build and monitor partnerships with solar, wind or carbon reduction energy providers, energy managers can easily uncover new opportunities with local suppliers that meet their diverse energy demands while reducing carbon emissions, without labour-intensive research. So, how can they put this into practice?

28

1. Integrate energy data for a ‘single source of truth’: Energy data is often stored independently by individual facilities, in disparate systems. As such, energy managers should harness AI technologies to pull all that information together, which is possible through simple API-based data integrations, enabling them to better evaluate the existing energy mix across multiple facilitates and management systems. With disparate data sets connected together in a single platform, energy managers can then gain a clear understanding of their purchasing workflows, including current power purchase agreements (PPAs), and combine that information with outside data sets to deliver a full picture of the green energy options available to their organisation.

2. Automate renewable energy purchasing: Traditionally, PPAs encourage buyers to use just one supplier - meaning organisations tend to rely on low risk, high volume providers. But this approach often takes months of manual research and RFPs. However, with intelligent AI capabilities , energy managers can standardise the energy acquisition process to maintain a more dynamic and diverse energy portfolio. AI algorithms, for example, can produce the perfect provision of green energy from low-risk high-volume suppliers, while standardising partial fulfillment agreements with independent initiatives and new developments, furthering the positive impact of public sector green energy investment across the growing renewable grid. In turn, by grouping PPAs and automating the complex legal workflow, public sector bodies will save a magnitude of time, money and personnel.

3. Manage risk in real-time: AI algorithms can leverage numerous data sets via one platform, meaning the commercial and environmental implications of various scenarios can be understood in real-time. With this information in one place, AI algorithms can then suggest actions to ensure

ENERGY MANAGER MAGAZINE • JUNE 2021

energy provision is maintained to minimise risk to organisational operations.

For example, sensor and climatic data can be correlated to predict energy needs ahead of time, according to seasonal variations, and align this energy demand with grid load and outages. AI algorithms can also analyse risks that are inherent with new technologies, such as intermittent energy generation, and suggest actions accordingly.

4. Streamline emissions reporting: AI models can provide insight into the current and potential results of renewable energy initiatives, enabling energy managers to make informed decisions that will help them to stay on track with sustainability targets. Realtime intelligence can be delivered both quantitatively, with reportable checkliststyle scoring, and qualitatively, with a more in-depth commentary on progress.

Outcomes can then be cross-referenced across inter-connected targets to deliver short-term and long-term insight, and to report to the relevant parties, enabling a more transparent and accountable approach to emissions reporting.

Looking ahead, pressure will not ease on public sector organisations to minimise their emissions and lead the way to a more circular economy. The key starting point is to gain a complete view of internal and external data, ideally via a single platform. Only then will energy managers be able to automate and standardise the renewable energy acquisition process, whilst managing risks and costs. This ‘single source of truth’ will be vital for energy managers to manage a more diverse renewables portfolio, while also equipping them with the necessary information to prove that they are driving truly impactful results for their public sector organisation. https://neuerenergy.com/

RENEWABLE ENERGY

ACCREDITED MASTER IN RENEWABLE ENERGY AWARD The Renewable Energy Institute’s renowned online courses are open to participants worldwide, regardless of which country or time zone you live in. With 24/7 access to all the course materials, including the tutorial videos taken from the live classroom courses, you can study from any location, whenever it suits you.

T

he REI now have partfunding available for you to study the Accredited Master in Renewable Energy Award. Current part-funded price: £4410 £3330.

You will have the opportunity to study thirteen certified training courses in Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, with the choice to study up to three courses in the Live Virtual Classroom.

UPCOMING LIVE VIRTUAL CLASSROOM COURSES: • Electric Vehicles US version, 21st – 22nd June 2021 • Hydrogen Energy, 29th – 30th June 2021 • Renewable Energy Management and Finance, 12th – 13th July 2021 The courses and the overall

pathway for the Master in Renewable Energy Award is accredited by the CPD Accreditation Service.

To enquire, please go to: www.renewableinstitute.org/training/

or email training@renewableinstitute.org and one of our senior course advisors will be happy to help.

Register now to receive your digital issue of Energy Manager Magazine FREE of charge

THE ONLY PUBLIC SECTOR ENERGY JOURNAL

energymanagermagazine.co.uk/ subscribe Image © East Street Imagery

ENERGY MANAGER MAGAZINE • JUNE 2021

29

RENEWABLE ENERGY

HYPE OR GRIPE: THE DETAIL OF BLUE VS GREEN HYDROGEN In response to environmentalists concerns over hydrogen, Technology and Training Director at Vaillant, Mark Wilkins comments:

A

s a manufacturer of both boilers and heat pumps we know there is no silver bullet to decarbonising heat in the UK but ultimately, we need clarity from the Government so heating manufacturers, gas and network providers have a clear strategy to determine the journey to decarbonising heat.

The last 14 months have been a huge challenge, especially for the Government, the pandemic has pushed back numerous strategies such as the Future Homes Standard, the Heat and Build Strategy and the UK Hydrogen Strategy. As soon as these strategies are released, Vaillant and the industry can move forward in developing innovative new technologies and training programmes to support green jobs, ensuring we are prepared to reach the UK’s net-zero target and support a green economic recovery.

Whilst we are supportive of the long-term goal of green hydrogen, blue hydrogen has an important role to play as a stepping stone in the reduction of carbon emissions in the immediate future. It is true that blue hydrogen is produced from natural gas but the CO2 produced is not released into the atmosphere.

Up to 90% of the CO2 can be stored in tanks or underground caverns preventing emissions. Creating blue hydrogen can achieve lifecycle carbon emission savings of up to 85% when

30

compared to natural gas boilers being used today. (Source: The CCC) Whilst Vaillant is a strong advocate of both heat pumps and hydrogen boilers, arguably hydrogen is easier to store than electricity. In the peak heating season, energy demand is approximately four times the average demand for the rest of the year. Historically, this has been met via the storage of gas for use at these peak times, but a move to pure electrification of heat will pose significant challenges for the electricity grid to cope with seasonal demand. With little means of storage and the variability of wind and solar energy generation, challenges are presented for green electricity generation. Hydrogen, as a ‘replacement gas’, can be stored, overcoming the challenge of variability in electricity demand and generation throughout the year.

Of course, other options such as hybrid heat pumps (where the heat pump is installed together with the incumbent boiler) can provide an onsite flexible solution to cope with the seasonality of demand and provide a cost-effective lower carbon solution for those more hard to treat homes.

Heat pumps are a good alternative when homes are off the gas grid or for many retrofit properties that have a suitable level of insulation. However, some existing UK homes need insulation upgrades before the installation of a heat pump is an effective

ENERGY MANAGER MAGAZINE • JUNE 2021

measure. With the cost of a heat pump installation significantly more expensive than a boiler installation and with a lack of incentives currently available, many homeowners will opt for a less costly approach.

Currently, many homeowners are unaware of the changes required to their heating systems, including how a heat pump works, how the system operates at lower temperatures, and the behaviours in the operation of the system compared to a traditional boiler.

We urge the Government to act quickly and provide the much needed clarity so that we can move forward in the decarbonisation journey. Whilst we are waiting for strategies to be announced, Vaillant is working with Government and trade associations to ensure the decarbonisation of heating is carried out in the most effective way, ensuring that whatever is suggested is easy to implement for the installer and the homeowner. www.vaillant.co.uk

RENEWABLE ENERGY

RFTO AND GREEN HYDROGEN – GOVERNMENT MUST LISTEN TO INDUSTRY If green hydrogen is going to play the part that the government would like it to play in the race towards Net Zero, government departments need to take a more connected approach and keep listening to industry to enable green hydrogen projects to be realised. Elizabeth Vago, renewable energy partner with law firm Spencer West explores the issues.

T

he recent Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation Order 2007, as amended (RTFO) consultation will lead to changes in legislation that will impact on whether the door will open to green hydrogen being a major part of the Government’s Net Zero ambitions. The consultation which dealt with the introduction of green Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) among other issues closed on 23 April.

REDUCING CO2, NOISE AND IMPROVING AIR QUALITY The RTFO, recognises hydrogen as a “Development Fuel” with huge potential for decarbonizing road transport, which is widely acknowledged as being a “hard to reach” sector for decarbonisation.

Commercial scale green hydrogen production hubs can produce enough hydrogen to decarbonize a large number of fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV) and thus avoid large quantities of CO2 emissions.

This would improve air quality in urban and rural areas, as well as reducing noise since FCEVs are inherently much quieter than conventional diesel vehicles.

OBSTACLES TO OBTAINING RENEWABLE TRANSPORT FUEL CERTIFICATES The RTFO defines 100% certified green hydrogen as a Renewable Fuel of Non-Biological Origin (RFNBO), provided it meets the carbon and sustainability criteria defined in Part 2 of the RTFO guidance. Producers of RFNBOs are eligible to receive double the Renewable Transport Fuel Certificates (RTFCs).

However, there are currently obstacles to obtaining such certificates for green hydrogen developers due to the requirements of the RTFO rules. One

of the key principles is the concept of “additionality”, i.e. that any renewable energy used for the production of RFNBOs must be “additional” and not divert energy away from existing applications.

If connected to the grid they cannot meet the minimum Greenhouse Gas Savings (GHG savings) to obtain the certificates. This is because the calculation currently used in the guidance to assess the volume of renewable fuel for the issue of RTFCs considers whether or not the production site is connected to the grid, and if it is, the impact on the grid as a whole on renewable energy supplied to the production site.

The hydrogen produced is therefore only considered to be partially renewable as the grid in the UK is not fully decarbonised. Put another way, in order to obtain green certificates, hydrogen facilities need to be connected to, a new offshore wind farm for example. The problem with this is that all new green hydrogen facilities have to find suitable sites and then construct infrastructure to connect to the off-shore wind farms. This makes the undertaking prohibitively expensive and can result in a negative business case.

The RTFO consultation does go some way to addressing the problems and the Department for Transport is certainly open to and sympathetic to industry’s concerns. However, it is not just down to the DfT: it needs BEIS and Ofgem to climb aboard the hydrogen bus at the same time and with the same destination in mind.

A STEP FORWARD – BUT NOT FAR ENOUGH The consultation proposes to change the definition of “additionality” to allow the Administrator to consider other factors where the facility is connected into the grid. PPAs may be used as evidence that renewable energy has been purchased.

PPAs to date have not been permitted, and this is a step forward.

However, it doesn’t go far enough as the proposed definition of additionality is: “renewable energy that would not have been available to the grid in the absence of power demand from the RFNBO plant in question.”

This definition is too narrow and would in reality allow almost no renewable energy to be considered except in cases where: (i) curtailment is avoided; and (ii) a private wire between the generator and the RFNBO plant is in place with no grid connection.

A more generalised definition to mean that additionality relates to “renewable energy derived from any new generation capacity and which is in principle allocated to the RFNBO plant in question” would clearly remove such obstacles.

As well as the definition of additionality being revised, waiving noncommodity related electricity charges for hydrogen electrolysers should also be considered to enable production of hydrogen at diesel parity because electrolysers can provide grid balancing services such as demand side response and frequency response and therefore should not be subject to those charges.

The Government needs to acknowledge that the widespread deployment of commercial scale green hydrogen production hubs (all capable of delivering diesel price parity provided they are eligible for the full RFNBO subsidy) is the most feasible solution for the delivery of immediate (short to medium term) decarbonization from 2024 onwards, addressing the current lack of uptake of renewable transport fuels.

Elizabeth Vago is an infrastructure projects and renewable energy partner at law firm Spencer West. To contact Elizabeth, call 07970 451685 or email elizabeth.vago@spencer-west.com .

ENERGY MANAGER MAGAZINE • JUNE 2021

31

WATER MANAGEMENT

HOW COULD YOUR BUSINESS FOCUS ON SUSTAINABILITY?

I

nternet Retailing recently reported that Zalando has launched a new fashion experience store that will allow customers to browse clothes based on the values they care about.

The retailer is focusing on providing garments that are more sustainable.

This means customers can actively seek out clothing that is made using less water, that is made from reusing materials, or where worker wellbeing is a key focus for the manufacturer.

There are also categories including animal welfare, reducing emissions and extending the life of fashion items.

As Fashion United reported last year, the global fashion industry produces nearly 20 per cent of all global wastewater and, according to a report published in 2017, consumed some 79 billion cubic metres of water.

These figures can be so huge it’s hard to quantify them, so the news provider noted that it takes an average of 5,000 gallons of water to produce one pair of jeans and one T-shirt. To put that in context, the average person uses 30,000 gallons of water when they have a bath.

Many who champion sustainable values highlight the need for more of us to purchase pre-loved clothing and shoes, which is another area that Zalando is expanding into, Internet Retailing noted.

From April, seven new markets have been able to trade in and buy pre-owned fashion. These are Italy, Austria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Ireland, Finland and Sweden.

It seems that focusing on more sustainable fashion could be having a positive effect on the retailer’s bottom line too, with the company reporting an increase in its gross merchandise volume (GMV) in the first quarter of this year.

David Schneider, co-CEO at Zalando, commented: “We aim for 25 per

32

A growing number of businesses are waking up to the need to take action in relation to the climate crisis and are looking for ways to make their current operations more sustainable and environmentally friendly.

If this is an area that you are exploring at the moment, you might want to look at other businesses to see what steps they’re taking, as this could help you identify the changes you could make at your organisation. cent of our GMV to come from more sustainable products by 2023. During the coronavirus crisis, customers told us that shopping sustainably became more important to them than ever before.”

However, the firm’s research also found that many customers struggle to translate their sustainable values into tangible action when it comes to clothes shopping, which is something that Zalando hopes to address through its new offerings.

If your business is in the early stages of its sustainability journey, there are some simple changes you

ENERGY MANAGER MAGAZINE • JUNE 2021

can make that could help. Arranging a water audit survey to find out where you could save water is a good place to start, as well as investigating the different options for your water supply.

Making sure that you purchase electricity from a supplier that uses renewable sources is another easy way to make a difference, as well as finding ways to reduce your energy usage such as by encouraging everyone to switch their computers off at the end of the working day rather than leaving them on stand-by, and to turn out all the lights. www.h2obuildingservices.co.uk

ABOUT US

H2O BUILDING SERVICES IS ONE OF THE UK’S LEADING PROVIDERS OF COMMERCIAL WATER MANAGEMENT AND CONSULTANCY SERVICES1.

With unparalleled expertise in carrying out water audits, we specialise in saving businesses money on their water bills, by reducing water use, rectifying errors in billing, and resolving onsite issues which cause waste.

With more than 30 years’ experience in water supply and water engineering, our highly qualified team of professional consultants provides a complete end-to-end service. From checking the accuracy of your water bills to repairing leaks, monitoring water use to installing equipment to improve water efficiency, we are your one-stop shop for all your water supply needs.

H2O HISTORY H2O Building Services was founded in 1997 by water industry consultant Graham Mann. Applying his experience in water supply auditing and reporting, Graham set up H2O with one key goal – to help businesses cut costs from their water bills.

With inside knowledge of the water supply industry and a wealth of expertise auditing water use at the biggest, most complex industrial sites, Graham has the skills and knowledge to provide businesses of all shapes and sizes with clear, actionable intelligence on their water use – the first step to improving efficiency and reducing costs.

Over the past 20 years, Graham has developed H2O into the UK’s leading water audit specialist. He has himself built a reputation as a go-to figure for advice and insight into all aspects of water supply, earning media recognition for his expertise, including an appearance on the BBC showcasing his skills as a ‘water leak detective’.

But H2O is much more than a oneman band. Graham has assembled around him a team of highly qualified, highly experienced water consultancy specialists who share his passion for water efficiency and passing the cost savings onto the customer.

H2O Building Services is based in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, but provides water consultancy and management services throughout the UK.

Share:

OUR MISSION Water is our passion, and our mission is to pass that on to help clients save money.

Water supply is complex, especially in large-scale industrial and commercial operations covering many different sites. The mechanics of supply are complex, billing is complex, regulation is complex. With so many other things to think about when running a business, few people have the time or inclination to dig into that and really understand how their water supply works. Or, more importantly, how they are being charged, and what for.

Our aim is to remove all of that complexity.

With our unique approach to water cost savings, we start on the basis that knowledge is power.

Through in-depth auditing2 of billing and water use, we can show clients exactly what they are being charged for, where they can make savings, and even whether they are owed a refund for past mistakes.

THE WATER AUDIT EXPERTS

OUR PROMISE We pride ourselves on the quality of our customer service – just take a look at our client testimonials5 to see for yourself. Our team of highly experienced and qualified professionals is always focused on the needs of the customer, we are flexible in our approach and will do whatever it takes to save you money.

We promise to always maximise savings in any way we can. We aim to achieve cost reductions of around 20 to 30% for our clients, which can amount to sums running into hundreds of thousands of pounds.

Read our case studies6 to see some real life examples.

For our leak detection7, repair8 and installation services, we guarantee first class workmanship which will last.

We know that shoddy patch-ups will only end up costing clients more money down the line, which is why we employ the very best engineers to get the job right first time.

With our ongoing water bill validation3 and Automatic Meter Reading (AMR)4 services, we can guarantee that you always have a complete picture of water use, that you are never overcharged, and that problems like water leaks are spotted straight away. And as a fully managed service, we take care of every aspect for you.

WITH H2O BUILDING SERVICES YOU GET: •

Unique, innovative service unparalleled in the UK

•

A proven track record in saving businesses considerable sums of money

•

Decades of experience in water supply consultancy and management

•

First class, flexible service

•

Guaranteed quality of work on all repairs and installations.

Watch the Video here!

Call 1. www.h2obuildingservices.co.uk/our-services/ 2. www.h2obuildingservices.co.uk/our-services/water-audits/ 3. www.h2obuildingservices.co.uk/our-services/bill-validation/ 4. www.h2obuildingservices.co.uk/our-services/amr/ 5. www.h2obuildingservices.co.uk/client-references/ 6. www.h2obuildingservices.co.uk/case-studies/ 7. www.h2obuildingservices.co.uk/our-services/water-leak-detection/ 8. www.h2obuildingservices.co.uk/our-services/water-leak-repairs/

0845 658 0948 and let us start saving you money today.

www.h2obuildingservices.co.uk

WATER MANAGEMENT

TOOLS TO IMPROVE WATER HYGIENE IN YOUR HOSPITAL

E

states and Facilities teams continue to strive for compliant water systems.

Whilst the relatively simplistic tasks we have undertaken for many years, broadly temperature monitoring and condition inspection, remain vital to our knowledge of water safety risks, this approach cannot alone be fully effective and must also be complemented with more holistic and dynamic measures.

HTM04-01 Parts A – C demands that we more closely understand not only the changing conditions within our water systems but also address potential failings of existing complementary control measures from a management perspective. As such, some of the ‘tools’ currently used to minimise risks – whether physical, management or other operational tools can be reviewed further…

BUILDING MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS: - PUT TO BEST USE. HTM04:01 Part A - Paragraph 11.1 states:- “The continued safe operation of domestic hot and cold water systems requires a number of routine checks to be made by physical means using separate thermometric equipment. A number of the control parameters can, however, be continuously monitored by building management systems (BMS) even though routine checks will still be required for calibration purposes.”

BMS systems are clearly not a recent development, but often their potential is not fully realised. The dynamic nature of what are often large, complex and aging water systems within hospital environments, means we should perhaps consider additional factors e.g. are the BMS sensors fitted in the areas where they are most required?

Additional BMS sensors may be useful with the temperature monitoring requirements highlighted in HTM04-01 [Part B Chapter 7, table 1]. Some thoughts to take away - is BMS information acted upon routinely and effectively? Do BMS sensors need calibrating?

Have the critical alarm setting been reviewed recently, who receives these alarms?

LITTLE USED OUTLETS: - A SIMPLE WORKABLE STRATEGY. HTM04-01 Part B Chapter 7 table 2 states: - “Consideration should be given to removing infrequently used showers, taps and any associated equipment that uses water… Infrequently used equipment within a water system (i.e. not used for a period equal to or greater than seven days) should be included on the flushing regime.

Regularly use the outlets to minimise the risk from microbial growth in the peripheral

34

parts of the water system, sustain and log this procedure once started” The flushing frequency now recommended is “Weekly, or as indicated by the risk assessment” Little used outlets are, both straightforward and fiendishly difficult to manage effectively, and this is particularly true on large sites, where differing dept.’s run outlets depending on the circumstances, at differing frequencies, where records management is often inconsistent and there is a sometimes a reluctance to remove outlets based on uncertain future use.

A clear and simplistic strategy of control, understood by all, is the only method of ensuring this vital risk minimisation measure remains effective. Issues to consider may include site wide, specific departmental and cleaning / staff training and / or broader awareness via intranet systems. Training does not need to be lengthy to be effective; however it does need to be reiterated.

Both paper and / or electronic monitoring systems may be used, but both remain dependent upon ownership, at a flushing and more strategic level. Flushing record audits must also be built into strategies, as the nature of flushing inevitably means its completion may become inconsistent.

A formal risk assessment with regard to frequency should also be undertaken and an approved flushing form must be consistently used. Above all there must be good communication at all levels of management.

TRAINING: - A CLEAR STRATEGY. HTM04-01 Part A Paragraphs 6.29 and 6.30 state: - “Individuals to whom tasks have been allocated (supervisors and managers as well as operatives) need to have received adequate training in respect of water hygiene and microbiological control appropriate to the task they are responsible for conducting…”

“It is important that any person working on water distribution systems or cleaning water outlets should have completed a water hygiene awareness training course so that they can gain an understanding of the need for good hygiene when working with water distribution systems and water outlets, and of how they can prevent contamination of the water supply and/or outlets.”

A robust and comprehensive training matrix in conjunction with competence assessments is also an essential part of any Water Safety Plan [WSP], which should be monitored by the Water Safety Group [WSG].

HTM0-4-01 helpfully recommends a

ENERGY MANAGER MAGAZINE • JUNE 2021

basic agenda in 15 points [not exhaustive] for water hygiene training sessions for those who are involved in the delivery of ensuring safe wholesome water to all outlets and preventing contamination.

Much of this agenda can be adopted for the majority of differing roles within your hospital, though tailored training for RP’s, AP’s, CP’s, Infection Control teams, facilities / domestic teams and other staff remains imperative. At operational maintenance level, whilst staff Awareness and Competent Person’s training will highlight broadly current water safety issues, the often neglected task specific PPM training for individuals, must also be undertaken. Contractors too must be incorporated in training plans, to ensure they routinely undertake appropriate training.

APPROPRIATE ‘TOOLS’ FOR THE JOB HTM04-01 Parts B & C details to all members of the Water Safety Group the importance of using tools which are appropriate for the task in hand.

In particular, to ensure we do not contaminate water systems through poor practices by Competent Persons, Cleaners and Healthcare workers.

The training matrix should ensure these groups of individuals have been identified and include appropriate training schedules, i.e.

• Competent Person and contractors – clean tools and components.

• Cleaners – running outlets and correct use of cleaning cloths.

• Healthcare workers – routine use of outlets and inappropriate disposal of fluids / bodily fluids in to an outlet.

CONCLUSION There are clearly many facets that can make water safety management within a healthcare environment operationally difficult, time consuming and often expensive process. As technology improves and once novel systems become more commonly used, the processes we develop to minimise risks from waterborne pathogens become ever more wide ranging. Nevertheless, many of these systems remain only complementary measures and will not replace straightforward and pragmatic approaches to management, undertaken by trained individuals, where on-going review is routine and where water safety is given due consideration from the outlet to the boardroom. https://resources.waterhygienecentre. com/blog

WATER MANAGEMENT

HOW TO/TOP TIPS TO SAVE RUNNING COSTS AND REACH GREEN GOALS IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR AND BEYOND

W

ith a new utilities framework for Public Sector organisations now live and with Covid-19 restrictions starting to ease and more movement in and out of buildings, a greater focus on reaching sustainability goals is becoming more possible.

Hot water can cost between 2 to 4 times as much as cold water, once energy costs are taken into account, so even small steps to increase water efficiency and cut waste helps lower water and energy costs for organisations – whether that’s council offices, emergency service sites or other Public Sector facilities.

If you manage utilities or facilities in the public sector and want to reduce reliance on mains water, supplied through wholesalers’ networks, as well as look for efficiencies and where risks are on your infrastructure, then there’s a few things to keep in mind.

Plus, there are essential steps to take if you’re looking to procure water too.

GET TO KNOW WHERE SAVINGS OPPORTUNITIES COULD BE Water efficiency activities and devices can help the public sector to meet their environmental targets to reduce carbon emissions and save money.

These include low-cost urinal controllers, sensor-controlled taps, water efficient showerheads and the savings from these – and larger measures – add up towards your organisation’s green goals and targets.

HERE’S SOME EXAMPLES OF WAYS TO SAVE: • Sensors on urinals can reduce the number of flushes, so they aren’t doing this when no-one is at your site. You could even go for waterless urinals as a single urinal system can be as large as 9 litres, flushing at least 4 times per hour. That’s over 800 litres per day.

• There can be substantial savings, for example, a London-based university identified £50,000 of savings after taking steps to monitor its water use and reduce leaks.

WATCH FOR WATER WASTE – AS SMALL DRIPS CAN ADD BIGGER EXTRA COSTS Regular servicing and maintenance of taps, toilets and urinals – as well as any

water efficiency devices you have – is also important - so you know they’re working properly and no water’s being wasted.

Carrying out site checks regularly is also worth the time. For example, a High School had a leak in a plant room at their site – losing an estimated 12,000 litres (12 cubic metres) an hour, at an estimated cost of £850 a day – caused by a copper pipe that had corroded. The leak, in the last eight months, was causing some flooding in the plant room so needed quick action. Water retailer Water Plus provided a quote for its repair experts to attend and complete work on-site and the leak was fixed the following day.

DELVING INTO WATER DATA HELPS/DELIVERS RESULTS More public sector sites – and organisations in the private sector – are exploring how to get more data on their water use.

Monitoring devices, such as data loggers that can feed information into a smart portal to help track use and spot unusual increases, to regularly checking your water meter readings, ideally each month, are effective methods of tracking everyday usage which can help those managing utilities see where savings can be made, particularly across large or multiple sites.

It also means any unexpected surges in consumption, which can indicate a pipe leak, can be spotted and, if necessary, a repair organised promptly.

UNDERSTAND YOUR PORTFOLIO OF BUILDINGS It’s important to know which buildings your organisation owns, or is responsible for, the addresses of these, how much water they use over the course of a year and whether there are devices measuring water use such as Automatic Meter Reader data loggers (AMR).

It’s worth remembering, savings from introducing water-saving devices can potentially be much more than on a new retail contract for water and wastewater on its own.

Gathering Supply point Ids (SPIDs) numbers and locating where the water meters are, if you’re able to, will also put you in a better place to see what water you use and when along with where any issues may be, to protect your organisation from disruption and limit increases in future costs from leaks.

FOLLOW THE RULES AND REQUIREMENTS TO BE COMPLIANT Where a public sector organisation has to advertise their water procurement - and if your spend is over £25,000 then they will need to – then they can manage the tender process meeting the compliance requirements themselves, under the Public Contract Regulations 2015, or it’s much easier and less time-consuming to use a framework.

One of the newest for the Public Sector, is Pagabo’s national utilities, water and wastewater framework, which also covers Ancillary Services such as water efficiency, leak detection and repair as well as smart metering - installing Automatic Meter Reader (AMR) data loggers, with data accessible to customers through an AMR online smart portal. The framework, along with further information, can be found at: https://www.pagabo.co.uk/ frameworks/utilities-supply-framework .

By using an established Public Contract Regulations compliant framework you know the legal requirements will be met for your procurement needs. And frameworks have delivered significant savings for the public sector too.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? Water Plus is the largest water retailer in the UK and manages the water and wastewater services for many public sector organisations, including some of the largest and most diverse in England and Scotland – from councils, schools, colleges and universities, to UK Governmentowned sites, prisons, hospitals and the emergency services. More details on the services can be found at: www.waterplus.co.uk/watermanagement You can contact the Public Sector team at Water Plus direct at: bids@water-plus.co.uk , if you have any questions or need help with procurement and tenders.

ENERGY MANAGER MAGAZINE • JUNE 2021

35

WATER MANAGEMENT

WHY WATER SAVING SHOULD BE MORE OF A CONSIDERATION FOR SUSTAINABILITY IN COMMERCIAL BUILD

A

s we move closer to the government’s 2025 and 2050 net zero future plans, we can’t help but notice the distinct lack of water saving measures.

In fact, run through the Government’s white paper – powering our net zero future – and there’s only 10 mentions of water within the entire document.

Strange when water saving measures can be one of the easiest and cheapest ways to save water but also, associated energy costs. In domestic settings, hose pipe bans are a regular thing, we’re told to be mindful of our water usage and we’re given meters to measure our water usage so we can be charged accordingly. If you’re on a low income or have a family, you have access to lower water rates, although these tariffs aren’t generally published.

You also have access to a water saving specialist who will come to your home, provide you with water saving devices and handy tips and tricks to save water.

However, in the commercial and social sectors, it’s not widely talked about or even considered. There’s no requirement for all social housing to be built with water saving in mind, for these water saving devices to be ready fitted for when the tenants move in which will save them money, power and energy right from day dot. There’s no simple water butt in the garden ready for the tenants to water their garden with or advice to inform their water supplier of their financial situation to ensure the best rates. These are actionable, easily remedied fixes which benefit the tenant and help to reduce emissions.

By simply installing aerators on taps tenants can expect water and energy savings of up to 60% in a year. In fact, if the flow rate is reduced from 10 litres per minute to 4 litres, for example, then they could save 60% immediately.

That’s a huge amount and a benefit to not only water saving but also energy costs as the energy used to heat the water reduces thanks to the reduced amount of water you need to heat.

And this doesn’t just apply to a new build. Adding an aerator to an older tap can also reduce water usage from 15 litres of water per minute to as little at 6 litres of water per minute. Add onto that the

36

Derek Aaronson CEO of Hart Home Group, the umbrella company for three retail websites; NotJustTaps, Lime Kitchen and Bathroom and Hart Plumbing Spares. energy savings and it can be possible to see a significant reduction in both bills, meaning the tenant is not only reducing costs but also helping to save the planet.

A saving of over 60% across an entire building in a year can make a significant impact on rate reduction. If supported by eco-friendly heating alternatives for water heating like heat pumps or solar, energy and water rates can become almost non-existent. Luckily, an aerator can also be installed on even older style taps in just a few minutes meaning an entire building with multiple facilities could start benefitting from savings in under a day.

Apply this to the commercial build sector for the domestic market looking to build a new block of flats and the savings soon add up. Combine the simple water saving devices with solar thermal heat pumps or other renewable energy sources and the future looks bright.

It’s not just the commercial build for the domestic market which benefits.

Commercial retail, factories and even supermarkets and shopping centres can all benefit from water saving. If the simple act of installing aerators on taps is the only thing they do, that 60% reduction in costs can easily be passed onto the owners meaning rates can be reduced making the space more affordable and ultimately, more attractive.

Water saving doesn’t just stop at aerators, timed flow taps for example also ensure water isn’t wasted, great for school settings or large retail environments. Combine these with aerators and your rates will reduce further.

There’s also an education role to be played here. Teaching plumbing and heating students the benefits of water saving right from college means it isn’t something they fall on by mistake or is led by the customer or even legislation.

ENERGY MANAGER MAGAZINE • JUNE 2021

By working with the education sector to ensure the next generation of plumbing and heating engineers benefit from sound energy and water saving advice means that they’ll be fully equipped to make the right decisions to meet the governments targets.

But it isn’t just the new generation where education plays a part, traditional plumbing and heating engineers also need to be reminded and educated on the new technologies and advances in fittings and fixings which allow for water saving to happen. With heating engineers, this can easily be built into their gas safe reviews and continued training, for the plumbing sector, which has less re-education built in, it’s reliant on their own inquisitiveness but also that of suppliers and trade retailers to offer alternative measures when installers are placing orders.

The simple measure of advising a procurement agent for a large new project that they could be saving money by switching to this type or tap, using this type of fitting or valve will ensure that the widest audience is reached.

It’s worth noting that a lot of larger companies will have water saving policies in place and will be installing toilets which reuse the water, ensuring taps are turned off and water coolers are replaced with filtered water taps. However, this is presumed, and not insisted upon as with the New Homes Policy and carbon reducing targets.

If water were made more of a priority, we believe the savings for both the environment and the end user would be hugely beneficial and would also help to reach the government’s carbon reducing targets, quicker.

It’s a multi-faceted approach that’s need here, and one we wholly support. www.harthomeinteriors.co.uk

PSSA

Public Sector Sustainability Association

BECOME A CORPORATE MEMBER The Public Sector Sustainability Association (PSSA) provides a professional association and network for all those working in the Public Sector who have a common interest in sustainability. The aim of the association is to bring together a wide group of people working across all areas of the Public Sector – to help educate, train, support and connect as we work towards a more sustainable future.

Corporate membership of the Public Sector Sustainability Association is available to any private sector organisation wishing to reach committed and influencial sustainability professionals in Government, Local Authorities, NHS, Education and Housing Associations.

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS • • • • • • • •

Comprehensive listing in Suppliers Directory Unlimited opportunity to supply press releases, articles & news to feature on PSSA website One release for inclusion in monthly Newsletter.

Logo on PSSA homepage Introductory email sent to our members as the latest Corporate Member to join the PSSA Logo - ‘Member of the PSSA’ to use on your own websites/materials 25% off Website/Newsletter banner advertising 25% off Newsletter sponsorship

WHAT DOES IT COST The introductory rate for annual membership is £495+VAT.

Interested in becoming a Corporate Member of the PSSA? Get in touch today - call us on 01933 316931 or email us at corporate@pssa.info

ww w. p s s a . in fo

HVAC

REDUCING YOUR HVAC CARBON FOOTPRINT: HOW THE SECTOR CAN BECOME MORE SUSTAINABLE IN THE JOURNEY TO NET ZERO

W

ith ongoing efforts from governments across the globe to reduce carbon emissions and with an ever greater focus on sustainability, it is vital that the HVAC sector does its part in becoming more environmentally conscious. And while there have been steps to become more sustainable, there is a huge amount that still needs to be done to make sure that many of the targets that have been set are attainable.

In buildings both large and small, industrial heating accounts for roughly two thirds of industrial energy demand and around a fifth of global energy consumption. Figures like this show the need to have efficient and environmentally-friendly HVAC equipment in place to make the crucial steps towards reducing the contributions these systems make to our carbon footprint.

A 2019 report by The International Environment Agency (IEA) showed that the buildings and construction sectors combined were responsible for over 30% of global energy consumption and nearly 40% of carbon emissions. This is indicative of the steps the sector needs to take to play its role in a more eco-friendly society, some of which are already underway. However, much more needs to be done if the UK is to reach its goal of becoming net zero by 2050.

As we envisage what a post-Covid world might look like, businesses and governments are continuing to put sustainability and lower carbon emissions at the forefront of their planning and the HVAC sector is certainly no exception. But with change in the sector a daunting prospect, decisionmakers often don’t know where to start.

38

Mark Goldsworthy, M&E Sales Director, Eco UK Group SMART TECHNOLOGY With the constant growth and greater deployment of smart technologies within the HVAC sector, this is certainly a way that systems can become more efficient. Smart HVAC uses sensors that integrate with a building’s automation system. These sensors then collect information about conditions throughout the building.

Heatwaves are now a far more common occurrence in the UK. The Met Office estimates they are up to 30 times more likely and will be a bi-annual occurrence by 2050. It is important that any uptake in HVAC usage doesn’t lead to a drastic increase in emission generation. This is one of the areas where smart systems will become crucial.

Many scientists have been unequivocal in their sentiment that heatwaves are a cause of greater emissions and expect temperature records in the UK and Europe to be broken more regularly, so sites will need to be equipped to handle these conditions.

With wireless systems now much more commonplace, temperatures can be controlled easily from handheld devices. With these new technologies, those managing the systems can also benefit from remote monitoring and maintenance, reducing the need to travel to the site for yet another environmental incentive.

ENERGY MANAGER MAGAZINE • JUNE 2021

To accompany the smart systems, equipment including smart thermostats can be installed to maximise HVAC efficiency. Other smart systems available to businesses include smart furnaces and air conditioning units that are far easier to operate than their traditional counterparts.

REDUCING UNNECESSARY VENTILATION While global temperatures continue to rise, air conditioning usage has increased and has contributed to greater levels of energy usage.

A huge amount of needless emissions are generated by unnecessary ventilation, contributing heavily to heat loss and overall energy wastage.

Recirculation of air is a traditionally lower energy cost method of retaining heat and keeping emissions low, however, we must be mindful of the risks associated with recirculating air. The risk of circulating diseases is negated somewhat with heat recovery ventilation, which both removes the risk of disease spreading and improves energy consumption.

Air conditioning units in particular contribute significantly to a building’s energy consumption, equating to 10% of the UK’s electricity consumption and as such it is important that we bear in mind ways to counteract the emissions this creates. Global energy demand for

HVAC

air conditioning units is expected to triple by 2050, as temperatures continue to rise year on year. The efficiency performance of new conditioning units will be key when it comes to ensuring that escalating demand does not equate to greater emissions. Another issue for suppliers and manufacturers to address is differing rates of consumption for AC units in different countries, with units sold in Japan and the EU typically more efficient than those found in China and the US.

MODULARISATION Modular HVACs have also become increasingly popular in recent years.

Modular HVACs are responsible for heating, cooling and distributing air through an entire building, with their increase in popularity largely down to their greater levels of energy efficiency, cost effectiveness, flexibility and substantial ease of installation and maintenance.

Modular HVACs can be tailored specifically for workspaces and they

often allow work to be done on the systems without disturbing the workforce, achieved primarily through rooftop placement. Commercial workspaces are larger and often require differing needs to residential properties and can cater to many of the specific requirements of work and commercial spaces.

As we strive for lower carbon emissions, it seems that this trend will continue and will become a key area in reducing emissions that HVACs have traditionally generated.

SYSTEM MAINTENANCE AND TRAINING To meet government and industry requirements, many new buildings will require HVAC systems that can be maintained simply in order to perform in a more energy efficient way.

Many companies are looking at ways to become climate neutral and significantly reduce their footprint.

Companies are following the likes of German based Wilo Group, who

have announced they are committing to sustainable manufacturing by developing a new carbon neutral plant and HQ in the next few years.

As we continue to move towards an ever more environmentally conscious society, it will be of paramount importance for companies, governments and the public to think about ways in which we can lower carbon emissions.

Smart technologies will certainly be at the forefront of this, negating many needless journeys and making it easier for industries to adjust settings and tackle issues remotely. Greater levels of training will help equip us with the tools to make sure we are best placed to reduce emissions and be more sustainable as a result.

While the steps outlined above do show some progress and measures we can take, there is far more that we can do as a sector to significantly reduce HVAC’s carbon footprint and once we have moved beyond the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, this will surely be at the front of industry leader minds. https://ecoukgroup.com/

ENERGY MANAGER MAGAZINE • JUNE 2021

39

FINANCE

LEVEN VALLEY PRIMARY SCHOOL USES SALIX FUNDING TO REDUCE CARBON EMISSIONS BY 77 PER CENT Situated within the Lake District National Park, Leven Valley has become the first Primary School to use interest-free funding from Salix to install a ground source heat pump, transforming its heating infrastructure.

O

ver the last decade, the school has demonstrated its commitment to reducing the carbon footprint of its estate, creating a sustainable, heat-efficient environment and preparing for the decarbonisation of heat.

As part of the school’s carbon reduction strategy, sustainable and natural building materials were maximized where possible, allowing the building to be transformed into a warm and welcoming learning environment. Despite the old building structure, the school also adopted a series of energy efficient steps such as replacing insulation, solar PV (Photovoltaic) and LED lighting in order to continue with the delivery of their carbon strategy and install a ground source heat pump (GSHP.) Leven Valley has used funding from Salix Finance to upgrade its heating system from an oil-based system to a 30.12kW borehole ground source heat pump (GSHP).

In this case, a GSHP was the most robust, long-term approach for minimising carbon emissions and was an ideal replacement for the school’s oil-based heating system.

This ground source heat pump project is expected to save Leven Valley an estimated £5,110 per year and reduce carbon emissions by 77 per cent.

40

Ian Nicol, head teacher at Leven Valley Church of England Primary School, said: “We are a very small school… but I hope you can see that we think big and act green.

The buildings have become part of our educational ethos, values and provision and work in sympathy with our location within the Lake District National Park.”

Leven Valley’s holistic approach to energy efficiency allows a smooth transition to achieving a low carbon future and the savings made can be reinvested into further energy efficiency projects or resources for the school such as learning materials.

Sinead Desmond, Programme Manager at Salix, said: ‘We’re delighted to see Leven Valley implementing so many carbon reduction measures and we’re pleased to have been able to

ENERGY MANAGER MAGAZINE • JUNE 2021

support them with the delivery of multiple energy-saving technologies. The school is an-other great example of how public sector organisations across the UK are leading the way to a sustainable future.’

Salix provides interest-free funding for schools to reduce energy costs through the installation of energy efficiency technologies. As of March 2020, Salix has invested over £61m in over 3,300 school projects, saving over £12m and 55,700 tonnes of carbon per year. https://www.salixfinance.co.uk/

FINANCE

NHS HOSPITAL REDUCES ITS CARBON FOOTPRINT AND ELECTRICITY BILLS FOLLOWING THE INSTALLATION OF SOLAR PANELS AND ENERGY EFFICIENT LIGHTING A hospital has drastically reduced its electricity bill by a third while also substantially lowering its carbon footprint with the installation of solar panels and energy efficient lighting.

T

he Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (RJAH), in Oswestry, Shropshire, has had 1,760 solar panels fitted along with its entire lighting upgraded to LEDs. It is estimated the trust is now saving over £217,000 annually, while also reducing carbon emissions by over 809 tonnes of carbon per year as it pivots towards a net zero carbon future.

Nick Huband, Director of Estates and Facilities at RJAH, said: “It’s massively important for us to be more sustainable and efficient.

“The target is to get to net zero but it’s not an insurmountable task. It is doable but there is significant capital investment required and a different way of thinking more importantly as well.

“Solar panels are really important to this strategy. Not just the financial return but also the offset against the carbon tonnage is huge.

“All the external lighting has been replaced with energy efficient LED lighting, along with all the internal lighting in the wards and the theatres.

“There has been a big fall in energy usage. We’re expecting a £200,000 year reduction in costs on our energy costs – it’s a significant saving.”

The RJAH was able to carry out the work thanks to Salix Finance, which provides Government funding

to the public sector to improve energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions and lower energy bills.

With the help of Salix, the Trust unlocked £1.2 million in funding for the project - with the panels and lighting reducing electricity bills by a third.

The hospital, which has an international reputation for orthopaedic surgery and musculoskeletal medicine, is now exploring the possibility of adding two further rows of solar panels which it estimates will reduce energy bills by a further £65,000 per year.

It is one of several initiatives the hospital is looking at as it works towards a more sustainable future.

This includes installing more charging stations for electric car drivers and planting trees to offset emissions.

Nick Huband said: “We couldn’t have done this without Salix as it is so difficult to get capital funding via the NHS. We’ve put ourselves forward for things like European funding and been unsuccessful and similarly with NHS funding so without the support of Salix this work wouldn’t have happened.

“We’re looking at some more radical ideas like solar panels on the roof of the

car park. The drive to reduce emissions is really well supported here – there is a lot of buy-in from our executives which helps with schemes like this.

“It’s not just about LED lighting and solar panels. We have some green sites which, due to a number of restrictions, we can’t build on or sell so we’re looking at ways to offset our carbon by planting trees.

“We can then create walk routes through so patients and visitors can enjoy it while we try to achieve zero carbon.”

Salix has now helped fund almost 19,000 projects to the tune of £1 billion – saving the public sector £203 million per year on its bills.

It is estimated the work carried out across the UK via Salix’s platform has reduced carbon emissions by almost 867,864 tonnes.

Sameen Khan, Programme Manager for the NHS Programme at Salix, added: “More than ever before, we want to support our NHS services and the patient and staff environment at the Hospitals across the country. The Salix funding can help decrease operational costs which can be re-allocated for patient care.” https://www.salixfinance.co.uk/

ENERGY MANAGER MAGAZINE • JUNE 2021

41

DISTRICT HEATING

TURNING UP THE TEMPERATURE ON DISTRICT HEATING NETWORKS

Zisis Nikoloudis, Segment Manager – Commercial, at Uponor

D

istrict heating networks have been steadily growing in popularity over recent years, thanks in part to their ability to significantly improve a building’s energy efficiency levels1.

Despite this, still only around 3% of the UK’s heat demand is supplied by such networks - a figure which the Committee on Climate Change has said needs to rise to at least 18% if the UK is to meet its carbon targets.

To encourage the industry to make significant inroads in ensuring this sustainable way of heating is utilised to its full potential, the government has been putting in place incentives and policies including the Heat Network Investment Project and 1 Super-insulate or use renewable technology? Life cycle cost, energy and global warming potential analysis of nearly zero energy buildings (NZEB) in a temperate oceanic climate. Energy and Buildings 139 (2017) 590–607

42

the Renewable Heat Incentive, which aim to encourage the use of more environmentally friendly heating solutions, such as district heating networks and renewable energy sources.

Even with these incentives and policies in place, revolutionising how those in the industry, not to mention homeowners, think about heating is not going to be an easy task, and we’re still a long way off where we need to be.

HELPING TO REACH OUR GOAL Making sure we’re using the most up-to-date, sustainable systems available is an important part of getting to where we need to be, and district heating networks are a very viable solution which deserve more attention.

In practice, district heating networks typically consist of

ENERGY MANAGER MAGAZINE • JUNE 2021

DISTRICT HEATING a centralised energy centre that uses an underground network of pipes to supply heated water to a property. They are particularly useful for large, multioccupancy buildings as well as suburban developments, as only one heat source is required to supply all the properties.

District heating networks can be coupled with renewable technologies and solar thermal power which are highly efficient. In addition, on average they last longer than conventional boilers, delivering lifecycle cost-savings.

PIPING HOT In order to maximise a district heating system’s efficiency further, using high performance, insulated pipes to carry water to and from the energy source will reduce heat losses.

In fact, innovations in this area mean that now only the very smallest amount of heat is lost into the surrounding earth while transporting the water.

The growth of district heating networks in urban areas, and in complex buildings where space is at a premium, has helped to drive the development of smaller, durable and more flexible pre-insulated pipes. These flexible pipes don’t need large trenches, can follow the contours of the land and can be installed to fit around corners and other obstacles.

Additionally, by installing flexible pipes the number of connections required is reduced, minimising the possibility of leaks occurring and also further improving the efficiency of the system.

Another great way to enhance a district heating network’s energy efficiency is to couple it with sustainable in-home heating solutions such as radiant heating systems, radiant panels and underfloor heating. These systems operate at lower temperatures compared to traditional heating methods such as radiators2,3. Incorporating smart energy management technology, such as smart heating controls4, will also boost efficiency levels by ensuring that heat is only provided where and when it is required.

IN PRACTICE Recently Uponor supplied energy efficient piping solutions to renewable heating expert, Finn Geotherm, for use 2 A comparison of heating terminal units: Fancoil versus radiant floor, and the combination of both. Energy and Buildings 138 (2017) 621–629 3 Low-energy guide. Underfloor heating and cooling in low-energy buildings. Uponor 4 Categories and functionality of smart home technology for energy Management. Building and Environment 123 (2017) 543-554

in the largest district heating scheme in East Anglia for housing association, Flagship Homes. Located in Felixstowe, the renewable heating project has transformed the way residents heat their homes and receive hot water, and dramatically cut heating bills and carbon emissions for more than 100 houses, flats and bungalows.

By installing six large scale district heating systems and Uponor piping, residents are now enjoying substantially cheaper heating bills – paying around

70% less than before. Energy use has also been cut by 70%, making a significant impact on carbon emissions and providing a more affordable and efficient living environment.

With such clear advantages, there is no doubt that we will continue to see the rise of district heating networks across the country, as these systems continue to prove themselves to be a sustainable method of heating homes and reducing carbon emissions, now and in the future. https://www.uponor.co.uk/.

ENERGY MANAGER MAGAZINE • JUNE 2021

43