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OCTOBER 2021 21
FMJ.CO.UK
also make huge strides towards delivering a net zero
future for us all.
FMJ & Andrea Temporiti, Head of Digital for ABB
Electrification will present a webinar: Data – the human
element in a sustainable future on 28 October at 11am.
Register here: https://bit.ly/3lQswUW
FM SERVICES SUPPLIER’S VIEW
KATH FONTANA, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF MITIE
PROJECTS
COP26 o ers an
opportunity for
countries around
the world to share
ideas, plans and
best practice on
how they will
reach net zero by
2050. While the
UK has already
taken a major step
by committing
to cut its carbon
emissions by 78
per cent by 2035,
it’s still missing a plan on how it will decarbonise the
built environment, which accounts for a significant part
of the nation’s carbon footprint.
Decarbonising the built environment is not only a
challenge for Government, but businesses too. This is
why we hope that this COP will be an opportunity for
countries to discuss how they are planning to tackle
this challenge and, more importantly, declare their
support for businesses decarbonising their operations
and estates too.
We know that reaching net zero for the built
environment is not something any business can do
alone – customers, FMs, landlords and the public sector
must all come together. Our first-hand experience
as facilities management experts, with significant
building management and energy expertise, enables
us to advise which solutions are best suited to which
buildings. And our operational focus means we know
the challenges that organisations face when rolling out
these initiatives.
Customer demand for new infrastructure to
generate renewable power, such as solar panels and
battery storage, and for new green energy contracts
is high. With expertise in these areas, we’re playing
an instrumental role in supporting our customers in
tackling climate change.
However, when it comes to becoming truly net
zero, focusing on renewable energy is not enough,
businesses will also have to face the challenge of
replacing gas heating systems at their sites. Installing
solutions, such as ground and air source heat pumps,
o£ en have high upfront costs, meaning that without
an adequate budget to cover these costs or access to
government funding, many organisations may need to
either slow or stop their journey to a net zero estate.
Even organisations with the CAPEX budget to invest
in heat pumps may still struggle to justify the expense
due to large OPEX costs. The reason for this is that gas
is significantly cheaper than electricity, in part due to
the Climate Change Levy for gas being significantly
lower than for electricity. This may put businesses in a
di icult position of having both high upfront costs and
increased energy bills – with operational and capital
budgets o£ en managed separately, many organisations
find that they simply can’t cover the additional costs of
switching to green electricity to heat their sites.
Our hope for COP26, and beyond, is that the UK
Government o ers more support for businesses
trying to decarbonise their operations, helping them
to overcome challenges like these. This could be
done by providing funding to help businesses make
green capital investments, as well as transferring
the Climate Change Levy from carbon emitting gas
to clean electricity to encourage more businesses to
decarbonise their power.
All these financial initiatives are essential for
decarbonising the built environment. And while they
may seem particular to the UK, financial considerations
are roadblocks for businesses in every country. This
is why it’s important that this year’s COP is used as an
opportunity to learn what other nations are doing to
overcome these challenges and drive net zero among
businesses. These lessons, alongside the experience
and expertise of FM providers and energy managers,
will be key for decarbonising Britain.
ENERGY SUPPLIER’S VIEW
DAVID CARROLL, SENIOR CORPORATE ACCOUNT
MANAGER, GAZPROM ENERGY
Currently,
the price of
renewable
technology and
green products
present a barrier
to entry for many
UK companies
looking to
become greener.
Green energy
comes at higher
prices and results
in increased
procurement
costs. It would be encouraging to see greater support
from the government with regards to subsidies and
investment in green and renewable energy following
COP26 to support facilities on their journey towards
decarbonisation. Support could include schemes such
as financial benefits for those who choose green tech
and further financial penalties for the biggest emitters.
FM CLINIC
Kath Fo ntana
David Carroll
Technology for
a smarter world
@ConceptCAFM
FSI (FM Solutions) Limited
@fsifm
link
/www.fsifm.com
/3lQswUW
