20 JUNE 2022
FM ENERGY SPECIALIST’S VIEW
JAMES GRAHAM, MANAGING DIRECTOR FOR
EQUANS UK & IRELAND
The last few years has seen a series of material challenges
for FM’s and indeed most organisations across the globe.
The COVID-19 pandemic
interrupted life and work as we
knew it, the ongoing pressure
to meet net zero carbon
targets mounted; and now
the energy crisis is impacting
individuals and businesses
alike with bills rising
exponentially. Individually
these pose di iculties, and
together they can seem
overwhelming; but while it
might not feel like it – they
are collectively lending one
another to much-needed action.
Organisations were already looking at ways to invest more
in renewable energy sources and the pandemic instigated a
revaluation of the archetypal 9-5 o ice job. Throw into the mix
the global rise in fuel costs and companies have never been
more encouraged to start pushing forward with sustainable
solutions.
No longer are simple energy management tools su icient to
mitigate escalating costs. Energy costs have risen up the priority
list with businesses looking for ways to mitigate the impact.
This is compounded by businesses being o ered no protection
from OFGEMS price cap, meaning that costs of production are
rocketing, and some organisations are looking at the costs of
simply keeping the lights on.
This is where FMs can be instrumental. Decarbonisation and
facilities management will go hand in hand to driving us towards
net zero, while keeping
prices down. Investment in
renewables, onsite generation
with a combination of wind,
solar and battery storage is
clearly the panacea – there is a
wealth of grant funding available,
and this, combined with current
energy prices, means that now is the
time to really consider a step change to
onsite renewable generation.
The stronger the appetite for this, the more
likely it will drive capital investment and strengthen
business cases to support investment in energy measures.
A myriad of decarbonisation funding pots has been launched
in recent years, which have centred on retrofit models. This
not only served to bolster net zero carbon ambitions, but it
incentivised organisations to act and fight for their piece of the
pie.
To obtain funding through the likes of the Public Sector
Decarbonisation Scheme or Social Housing Decarbonisation
Fund, local authorities and housing associations had to prove
they had a robust delivery partner to achieve their goals. This
in turn, put pressure on contractors to ensure decarbonisation
was front and centre of any future projects and this stimulated
innovation – applying pressure on the experts to seek attainable
solutions.
If equivalent capital investment were introduced for
sustainable energy management solutions, this would similarly
encourage companies across all sectors to take action; and
it would drive FM’s to continue innovating. Smart Buildings
technology is critical to not only reducing cost but also
optimising consumption based on the carbon intensity of the
grid. FM’s will also have a bigger role as buildings become more
interactive with the grid reducing costs through active demand
management.
Our team consistently deliver significant savings generated
through their installation, optimisation, and monitoring of
building control systems, so we have seen how impactful these
measures can be first hand. Every business or individual faces
the escalating cost of living but taking action now will help to
mitigate those costs and it has the benefit of pushing us closer
to our net zero targets.
SUSTAINABILITY CONSULTANT’S VIEW
DAN ELLIS, HEAD OF ADLER AND ALLAN SUSTAINABILITY
CONSULTANCY SERVICES
Our society is currently based on fossil fuels. The move to
net-zero needs to happen quickly but it will not happen
overnight. Many buildings will not be in a position to completely
reconfigure their systems for some time to come.
FM CLINIC
With the rising cost
of energy how are
FMs managing the
extra costs required in
running buildings? Is the
energy crisis encouraging
organisations to invest
more in renewables to
supplement their energy needs
as well as address carbon reduction?
Do you predict capital investment in energy
management solutions will increase?
James G raham
ADVICE & OPINION
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