In FY24, we also engaged with the Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme Regulations 2014 (ESOS Regulations) to identify and implement a number of energy-saving measures. This mandatory scheme, which runs every four years, requires large undertakings to review 100% of their business energy data for a continuous 12-month period, with 95% of energy represented in audits.
For the third phase of ESOS, we selected the baseline period from 1st April 2022 to 31st March 2023. During this period, our Total Energy Consumption (TEC) was evaluated at 28,993 MWh. The energy consumption was distributed across transport (45%), offices (28%), and engineering (27%).
To maximise the potential for energy savings, we engaged Carbon Architecture to conduct an energy audit across a selection of sites that represented high energy consumption within the group. These sites included:
— London Fire Solutions’ factory, a manufacturing site
— ARC’s light engineering site
— NewFlex Brighton as an example of a flexible office space site
— CMS’s transportation (CMS is a national maintenance business)
Following the energy audits carried out by Carbon Architecture, we received a number of recommendations to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions across our operations. These recommendations are tailored to the specific needs and characteristics of each site and operation.
ESOS Recommendations
Here are a selection of the recommendations that we are taking forward.
London Fire Solutions
Insulating the copper pipe associated with the paint dryer to mitigate heat loss and save energy.
Installing air ducts in the compressed air room to ensure that only cool, clean air is fed into the compressor and hot air is driven away from the compressor.
ARC
Our next step would now be to upgrade further to an asset analytics system. Then follow on installing an automatic monitoring and targeting system to focus on energy efficiencies on site.
Upgrading current dust extraction system to ensure the extraction system motors are all direct-drive EC fans, which can ensure optimal energy consumption in the dust extraction process.
CMS
Introducing driver training courses to ensure optimal fuel savings and efficient travel to sites.
Trialling a tracker to monitor engine idling to combat inefficient fuel usage.
If we were to implement all recommendations received, it would result in a reduction of 613tCO2e and 3,023MWh of energy, representing 11% of the Total Energy Consumption (TEC). We are reviewing ways to implement as many of the recommendations as possible.