Facilities managers can cope with a volatile energy market by adopting climate technology solutions and DSR programs, says Chantel Scheepers, Chief Executive Officer of OakTree Power
Spiraling energy prices pose a risk to FM budgets, and greater scrutiny of CO2 emissions seems inevitable with the political conversation focused on net zero commitments.
Mastering Energy Management:
The solution for a facilities manager, then, is to master their building’s kilowatt usage and identify times when energy can be reduced without affecting performance.
Utilising Climate Technology and DSR Programs:
The FM community now has access to tools that can tackle rising energy costs and CO2 emissions simultaneously. These include:
- Climate technology is specifically designed to increase a facility’s energy efficiency. This is achieved through the adjustment of a property’s electricity load, which ultimately leads to the overall reduction of baseline energy consumption
- Demand-side-response (DSR) programmes: Utilised by grid operators to manage network demand during peak hours or constraints.
Clarification of Technical Details:
Climate technology operates by dynamically adjusting a property’s electricity load based on real-time demand patterns. This optimisation leads to significant reductions in energy consumption and carbon emissions. Similarly, DSR programs enable facilities to contribute to grid stability by modulating their energy usage in response to network conditions.
Identify non-essential electricity
Many FMs are unaware that not all electricity is essential for performance. By installing a small device within a property, non-essential electricity consumption can be identified and adjusted accordingly. This device utilises artificial intelligence capabilities and IoT controllers to modulate energy usage across different areas of the property.
Supporting Evidence and Benefits:
For instance, a commercial building in London can reduce otherwise inaccessible carbon emissions by over 4,450kg in the first month of having these devices installed. Partnerships, like the one we have with Pinsent Masons, have demonstrated significant energy cost savings, with the potential to save up to £50k per 180kW. Specific data and case studies further support these claims, strengthening the credibility of the program’s effectiveness.
Clarity in Benefits:
By quantifying the savings and emissions reductions achieved through these technologies, facilities managers can better understand the tangible benefits of implementing climate technology and DSR programs. For example, OakTree Power’s partnership with Pinsent Masons resulted in a 28% reduction in energy bills and a total CO2 reduction of 230,000 kgs, earning them the Sustainable Business of Law award at the FT Innovative Lawyer Awards Europe 2022.
Contribute to a more sustainable network
With climate technology and DSR, FMs can go above and beyond with their contribution.
Because we partner with grid operators, the adjusted electricity load is used to help balance electricity networks during times of stress, when supply and demand are at odds. Moreover, this regular contribution to make up for energy shortfalls entails financial compensation.
Remuneration varies on the adjustable electricity load available. For example, if the client has any green generation or sits on a constraint network, the scheme would typically generate between £28k to £100k for a commercial building – saving and revenues combined.
Adopt technology and get started
The scheme requires a partner to participate, as properties would need to build a platform and meet a minimum contribution threshold that can be unreachable for one property alone.
The important thing is that all buildings become aware that demand-side-response schemes and artificial intelligence, coupled with unique programs such as ours, have evolved from promising technologies to actual tools that can provide FMs with tangible benefits.
The real investment required from FMs would be time, with around five hours spent pre-project and one hour post-installation. In addition, there is no upfront capital investment. If you have an in-house or group BMS contractor, then the installation period can be much quicker.
Cutting expenses has always been important for those managing commercial properties – even at the best of times. However, as we head into difficult economic times, it’s become crucial to be frugal with resources.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, embracing climate technology solutions and DSR programs enables FMs to achieve their energy efficiency and sustainability goals. With tangible benefits such as cost savings, reduced CO2 emissions, and financial rewards, FMs can navigate today’s energy landscape with confidence.
