Modern Building Services

20 MODERN BUILDING SERVICES OCTOBER 2022 FEATURE NET ZERO T his was the key question we wanted to address in our Business Energy Tracker 1 report - a major piece of research where over 200 large organisations told us the real impact the UK energy crisis is having on their confidence to invest, particularly in the crucial measures that will help the UK meet its net zero target. The findings from the report are clear - 77%of respondents say energy is now their biggest business risk and that it is a board-level concern for 8 out of 10 organisations. As a result, despite an organisation’s best intentions, there is a concern that it could be a case of “survival first, net zero second”. Firstly the good news. Are businesses still backing net zero? Broadly, yes, they are, with many seeing the benefits of adopting robust and long-term sustainability strategies. Two thirds (67%) of businesses believe that net zero by 2050 is achievable, although this is down from 75% when we asked the same question in 2020 as part of our Your Business Blueprint - the Road to Net Zero report. Nearly three quarters (72%) also say that they feel clear on the role they can play in the transition, with the same number believing that their business will benefit. When asked about the main positives of embedding a more sustainable approach, greater resiliency through saving money and carbon is seen as the top benefit for a third (33%), while one in five (20%) believe there would be reputational benefits. One in eight (12%) also believe that a strong approach to net zero will help them attract the next generation of talent. However, the cost of funding the transition is a major concern, with a huge 93% saying they were very or a little concerned about the potential economic impact on their business. Many industrial and commercial companies have already made great strides in lowering their emissions, and now they are being asked to do even more at a time when budgets are stretched. That is why it is so important that businesses have the right support mechanisms in place and clear policy direction to help them deliver on their own decarbonisation objectives, survive the current energy crisis, and help thembecome more resilient in the long term. How can you reduce energy risk and keep net zero on track? Despite the challenging environment, our report revealed that many organisations are taking a proactive approach to combat the current crisis by increasing their focus on low-carbon measures. More than half (55%) say that sustainability measures would be their most important investment priority over the next 12 months So, when it comes to reducing risk and increasing sustainability, there are several steps businesses can take. Get a handle on your data Understanding exactly where and how you are using energy is crucial to reducing both costs and carbon. A sophisticated energy management system will help you monitor power and gas consumption throughout your organisation – and the related emissions. Depending on the nature of your business, sub- metering can also help to provide more granular detail about specific energy uses, such as machinery, lighting, or temperature control. Businesses are seeing the value in using smart energy management technologies - the report revealed that 40% are already using them, and a further 39% are planning to install them. When it comes to an effective net zero strategy, data really is king. “With very little sign that the cost pressures are easing, what is the impact of this uncertainty?” asks Anthony Ainsworth, Chief Operating Officer at npower Business Solutions. How to keep net zeromomentum during the energy crisis