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Registration is now open for October’s Energy Management Summit… Now is the time to book!

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The Energy Management Summit is a bespoke and highly targeted event, where you can meet with a selection of top suppliers, who can help with your upcoming plans and projects, alongside opportunities to network with peers & access to seminars!

You will be provided with a personalised itinerary of pre-arranged, 1-2-1 meetings with suppliers relevant to you. No hard sell, and no time wasted.

The event is entirely free for industry professionals, like you, to attend.

8th & 9th October 2024

Radisson Hotel & Conference Centre, London Heathrow

Your free pass includes;

– A corporate itinerary of one-to-one meetings with leading solution providers

– A seat at our industry seminar sessions, soon to be announced – keep an eye out, register your interest here

– Full hospitality including lunch and refreshments throughout

– Multiple networking breaks to make new connections in your field

– Overnight accommodation

– A gala dinner with a showcase entertainment

Places are in high demand, book your spot here.

RENEWABLES MONTH: Sourcing Sustainability – Top tips for choosing trusted providers in the UK

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The UK’s transition to a greener future presents both public and private sector energy management professionals with a new challenge: sourcing reliable and trusted renewable energy solutions providers. With a multitude of options available, navigating the market and selecting a reputable partner can feel overwhelming. However, by following these top tips from Energy Management Summit attendees, you can confidently choose a provider that meets your specific needs and helps your organisation achieve its sustainability goals…

1. Define Your Requirements:

Begin by clearly outlining your organisation’s energy consumption profile and sustainability aspirations. Factors to consider include desired energy source (e.g., solar, wind, biomass), target electricity or heating needs, budget limitations, and preferred project scale (on-site generation, power purchase agreements). Understanding your specific needs facilitates a focused search and helps eliminate providers who don’t offer compatible solutions.

2. Seek Industry Accreditation:

Prioritise providers that hold relevant industry accreditations, demonstrating their commitment to quality and adherence to best practices. Look for memberships in organisations like theRenewable Energy Association (REA), the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS), and the Federation of Environmental Trade Associations (FETA).

3. Evaluate Track Record and Expertise:

Research the provider’s experience in delivering similar renewable energy projects in the UK. Look for a proven track record of successful installations, a team with qualified and experienced personnel, and a strong understanding of the specific regulatory environment in the UK.

4. Prioritise Financial Stability:

Renewable energy projects often involve significant upfront investments. Choose a provider with a demonstrably stable financial background to mitigate potential risks associated with project completion and ongoing maintenance. Request financial statements and inquire about project financing options.

5. Look Beyond Cost:

While cost-effectiveness is important, consider the long-term value proposition. Evaluate the provider’s after-sales support, maintenance capabilities, and warranty offerings. Opting for a slightly higher initial cost may be justified by longer-term benefits, such as extended equipment lifespan and ongoing technical support.

6. Request References and Case Studies:

Seek references from previous clients within your sector or with similar project requirements. This provides valuable insights into the provider’s communication style, project execution capabilities, and post-installation support. Additionally, requesting case studies allows you to assess the provider’s approach to specific challenges and project outcomes.

7. Ensure Transparency and Clear Communication:

Open communication throughout the project lifecycle is paramount. Choose a provider that prioritises clear communication, providing regular updates on project progress, addressing concerns promptly, and proactively informing you of any potential challenges.

8. Consider Contractual Considerations:

Be meticulous in reviewing contracts and establishing clear expectations. Ensure the contract outlines key aspects such as project scope, warranties, performance guarantees, payment terms, and dispute resolution mechanisms. Seek legal counsel if needed to ensure the contract effectively protects your organisation’s interests.

By following these top tips, energy management professionals in the public and private sectors can navigate the renewable energy provider landscape with confidence. Choosing a trustworthy partner will play a crucial role in achieving your organisation’s sustainability goals and contributing to a greener future for the UK.

Are you searching for Renewable Energy solutions for your organisation? The Energy Management Summit can help!

Photo by Anders J on Unsplash

The electronics trends manufacturers should know about for 2024

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Britain’s manufacturers have begun the year with renewed optimism, and the market sector of electronics manufacturing is no different. A growing number of UK manufacturers feel they’re moving ahead of their continental counterparts and are maintaining a positive outlook for the year ahead.

Increased automation, a focus on purpose-built solutions for healthcare applications and further usage of new technology are driving electronics manufacturing forward, with excitement in the sector around new innovations.

The recent news that Elon Musk’s Neuralink project has successfully implanted a brain-computer interface into a human subject’s brain gives an indication of the types of technologies we can expect to see in the short and long-term future.

Paul Dearman, Head of Business Development at specialist cable assembly and electronics manufacturer GTK, has noted a shift in the way that manufacturers interact with their suppliers, with increasingly more rigorous standards required, particularly for specialist projects. We spoke to him to better understand the other electronics trends that today’s original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) should be aware of for 2024…

Solutions for healthcare

With the release of the NHS’ business plan for 2023/24 in September, priorities for publicly-funded healthcare institutions like hospitals and care homes have shifted. Following the merger between NHS England and NHS Digital in February 2023, there’s a greater focus than ever on pushing the NHS forward using technology.

The NHS’ technological priorities for this financial year include delivering “technology upgrades across primary care,” “addressing legacy technology constraints,” and “leveraging innovation to transform health and care.”

“Demand for electronics to be used in healthcare applications is growing, as seen in Q4 of 2023,” notes Dearman. “Electronics producers who are unable to match the complex demands of the healthcare sector risk missing out on a significant chunk of business.”

Evolved manufacturing techniques

Expect technological advances to continue streamlining the electronics manufacturing process through 2024. Internet of Things (IoT) integration has increasingly taken precedence in the sector over the last few years, and that trend shows no signs of slowing down.

Automation will also become more important than ever in 2024 and affect an even greater number of business functions. Automation has already helped expedite the early stages of product development, enabling manufacturers to bring a product to market more quickly than ever. For instance, visualisation tools such as Graphisoft’s Archicad have made it far simpler to create serviceable early-stage designs, freeing up time and resources for the production process.

As such, says Dearman: “Firms who aren’t automating extensively can expect to get left behind by more efficient manufacturers.”

IoT for manufacturers and customers alike

Just as IoT has become an integral part of the manufacturing process, it’s also being increasingly implemented in both residential and business applications. As well as smart homes, business use applications such as supply chain management are becoming more common.

One of the impacts of the growing use of IoT and smart-connecting devices, according to Dearman, is the increased demand for reliable connectivity solutions. “These technologies have necessitated a call for reliable data and power transmission in non-standard settings – OEMs require cable assemblies and connectors that are robust enough to meet those needs in more difficult environments.”

OEMs should therefore be aware of the increased demand for purpose-built solutions, and consider how their existing infrastructure can adapt to support that.

Customisation is king

In 2024, expect your customers to be looking for more bespoke, customised solutions than ever before. Hyper-personalisation has been a growing trend across a range of sectors for a number of years, but demand for bespoke electronics is expected to increase during the year ahead.

Technological advancements are part of the reason behind this – the growing use of machine learning means that businesses can understand their customers in more depth than ever and cater to them more efficiently.

“The demand for personalisation is taking a number of forms”, says Dearman. “Whether it’s small customisations like one-off overmoulding or entirely bespoke solutions, firms need to be prepped to create built-for-purpose solutions.”

Capacitive touch solutions

Given the wide range of electronics that the average consumer interacts with during a given day, OEMs should consider the importance of UI, ergonomics and aesthetics when creating a device that’s designed for direct user input. For example, GTK reports an increase in the level of demand for capacitive touchscreens in its display solutions, as users have now come to expect on-screen controls.

Google Search data backs this up – searches for “capacitive touchscreen” and “capacitive touch sensor” have increased by 23% and 21% respectively compared to January 2023, indicating that demand for these solutions is growing, especially as they becomes more cost-effective for industrial applications.

Sustainability concerns remain vital

As net zero edges closer, businesses across the country are interrogating their operating practices in more depth. Sustainability is becoming a more important concern than ever, as stakeholders at every level become increasingly concerned about the provenance of their electronics.

Offering your customers alternative or sustainably sourced materials could be the difference between winning their business and failing to do so. Many of today’s alternative cabling solutions provide the same durability and performance as their traditional alternatives, so it’s worth considering whether your business has incorporated these into its new product designs.

“Understanding your customers and their habits for the year ahead could be the difference between your business surviving and thriving, so it’s vital to get in front of those trends and understand exactly what they need”, Dearman comments.

Photo by Louis Reed on Unsplash

Prepping for Net Zero: How your SME can create a Net Zero strategy

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Small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) are vital to the consumer fabric of the modern world and are responsible for between 60% and 70% of the world’s industrial carbon emissions. However, they’re often overlooked when it comes to national policy, with huge corporations usually afforded the focus of UK policymakers.

With Sir Keir Starmer’s recent announcement that the Labour Party will shred its flagship pledge to spend £28bn a year on renewable energy projects, the UK’s commitment to its net zero goals have been once again called into question.

We spoke to Charlotte Enright, Renewables Specialist at green finance experts Anglo Scottish Asset Finance, to discuss the state of the net zero landscape, how environmentally minded SMEs can overcome the obstacles they’re faced with and how to create a robust net zero strategy…

The onus on SMEs

The Labour Party’s U-turn on renewables spending mirrors a policy change by Rishi Sunak’s Conservatives back in September, where he decided to relax some of the country’s net zero commitments. This means that, irrespective of the result of the impending general election, the UK’s SMEs face uncertain governmental guidance when it comes to achieving net zero.

The lack of cohesive guidance has already caused problems for UK businesses, who face further uncertainty going forward. The 2023 edition of the Net Zero Barometer Report by the British Standards Institute (BSI) indicates that two-thirds of decision-makers at UK SMEs do not feel confident in their path to net zero.

Similarly, the same study showed that SMEs across various UK sectors are crying out for guidance from the government. 28% of respondents believed that educational projects would help them reach net zero, while a further 22% feel they need more information in order to get there.

Cultural change…

Money and funding issues aside, it’s particularly difficult for SMEs to completely adapt their business practices without total buy-in at all levels of the company. Enright advises that there’s no substitute for real operational change.

“Everyone, at every level of your company, must be pulling in the same direction to begin making real strides from a net zero perspective,” she states. “Too often, we’re seeing firms nominate dedicated net zero individuals or teams. These staff members are given the impossible task of reducing company emissions without sufficient funding or support from upper management.”

…from top to bottom

It’s not just the upper management who should be involved in the net zero process, however. SMEs should be looking to engage employees of all levels in net zero strategies. It’s often those who are working with company technologies and procedures every day who can provide the most insight into how to streamline those processes.

“Company-wide consultation on net zero strategy might be a challenge to organise initially, but it’s likely to lead to increased employee advocacy for your net zero program and the wider company alike,” says Enright. “Your company could even gain a competitive PR advantage by doing so.”

Increasing emission visibility

Once you’ve ensured that the entire company is onside with your company’s sustainability mission, it’s vital to take a strategic view in terms of monitoring emissions. “For most SMEs,” says Enright, “the best primary course of action is getting a handle on where exactly your emissions come from.”

Corporate emissions can be categorised into three distinct groups – or scopes – a system devised by the Greenhouse Gas Protocol – the world’s most-common greenhouse gas accounting standard. These are:

Scope 1 emissions

Emissions from sources that an organisation owns or controls directly – for example from burning fuel in a fleet of vehicles (if they’re not electrically powered).

Scope 2 emissions

Emissions that a company causes indirectly. These emissions tend to come from where the energy that the company purchases and uses is produced. For example, the emissions caused when generating the electricity used in your building would fall into this category.

Scope 3 emissions

Emissions that are not produced by the company itself and are not the result of activities from assets owned or controlled by them. These emissions are those that your business is indirectly responsible for up and down its value chain. Scope 3 emissions include all sources not within the scope 1 and 2 boundaries.

Understanding where the bulk of your company’s emissions come from is the first – and perhaps most vital – step in ascertaining your goals.

Setting goals

With visibility over where your company’s emissions come from, the next step is setting your goals. The best plans for net zero are regularly reassessed at regular intervals to ensure progress is being met. Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-sensitive (SMART) targets of varying lengths are necessary to keep the big picture in mind and to meet shorter-term targets.

Planning for 2050 – the UK’s current net zero goal – should be the endgame, but successful net zero strategies must be reachable via a series of shorter two-to-three year targets that work in pursuit of the wider goal.

Success will look different for different companies. Your targets can take inspiration from similar, aspirational businesses, but must be tailored to you and your needs. The Oxford Martin Net Zero Carbon Investment Initiative has published a series of Principles for Climate-Conscious Investment to inform and guide your firm’s spend on the way to net zero.

Taking collective action

Collaboration with businesses across your supply chain is a great place to start your net zero strategy, enjoy increased visibility over results and maximise your impact. Most SMEs work regularly with partners or suppliers who will be in the same boat as you when it comes to net zero compliance – and working together can reap a whole host of shared benefits.

Consult with your partners to collectively adopt and promote net zero initiatives, and ensure that your entire value chain is contributing to reducing emissions. As well as helping progress each partner towards net zero, you will likely enhance your collective reputation as a result of standing together on environmental issues.

Recent months have also revealed strong results from a number of collaborations between larger corporations and SMEs. If your SME functions as part of the supply chain for a larger corporation, it may be worth discussing how they can utilise their resources to support associated businesses.

However, it’s vital that any net zero collaboration your business makes is aligned with the Green Agreements Guidance, monitored and administered by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). This set of guidelines can be used to ensure your collective green action does not fall foul of competition law.

Financial modelling

“The U-turns from both the Tory and Labour parties indicate just how volatile the net zero landscape is,” comments Enright. “So, it’s understandably daunting for SMEs to invest in sustainable infrastructure, particularly when we take fixed cost increases and inflation into account.

“One way to combat this,” she states, “is by first investing in dedicated sustainability modelling tools. These could take the form of training courses, to help better understand the risks associated with a sustainable investment, or a digital tool, to project the performance of your investment in various sustainable initiatives.

“Knowing how to accurately conduct sensitivity and scenario analyses could be the difference between rushing into an ill-advised outlay, or investing successfully,” she advises.

Accessing funding

Even with access to the latest financial modelling software and training, the amount of operational change required for some SMEs may be impossible using only internal funding. In the current landscape, it’s vital that mid-sized businesses are aware of the external funding facilities available to them.

These could come in the form of government funding. SMEs may be eligible for different government grants or loans intended for businesses investing in green technologies with a view to limiting emissions.

Dedicated green bonds and green loans are another valuable facility at your disposal. Global uptake of these green finance methods increased from $5.2bn to $540.6bn between 2012 and 2022, indicating the importance of green finance in the route towards net zero.

These are monitored centrally according to the Green Loan Principles (GLP), which dictate that you must report your company spend on green initiatives, as well as the impact those projects have made.

Enright comments: “Inconsistent messaging from UK leaders has made it difficult for SMEs to know where they stand with regards to national sustainability and how much of the weight of the UK’s net zero push falls on their shoulders.

“Regardless of what your company is being asked to do by the government, a net zero policy is important in terms of your company’s role in the wider push for sustainability. It can also give you a competitive advantage!”

With the right guidance, creating a net zero strategy for your SME need not be as as daunting as it might seem

Photo by Hendrik Schuette on Unsplash

If you specialise in Carbon Management we want to hear from you!

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Each month on Energy Management Briefing we’re shining the spotlight on a different part of the market – and in March we’ll be focussing on Renewable Energy.

It’s all part of our ‘Recommended’ editorial feature, designed to help energy management buyers find the best products and services available today.

So, if you’re a supplier of Carbon Management and would like to be included as part of this exciting new shop window, we’d love to hear from you – for more info, contact Danielle James on 01992 374085 / d.james@forumevents.co.uk. 

Our features list in full:

Mar 24 – Carbon Management
Apr 24 – Metering & Monitoring
May 24 – Water Management/Strategy
Jun 24 – Energy Storage
Jul 24 – Data Collection & Management
Aug 24 – Waste Management
Sept 24 – Solar PV
Oct 24 – Lighting
Nov 24 – Heating & Ventilation
Dec 24 – Onsite Renewables
Jan 25 – Energy Management Systems
Feb 25 – Renewable Energy

Digital Product Passports ‘will transform’ EV battery industry by enabling supply chain traceability

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Over 5 million BEVs will be sold with a Battery Digital Passport in Western Europe in 2027, where global manufacturers will have to start creating battery Life-Cycle Assessments (LCAs) by 2025. LCAs provide the critical information needed to generate Battery Passports.

That’s according to ABI Research, which says amid a growing demand for sustainable choices, businesses and consumers face challenges in making informed decisions due to data gaps in supply chains. The Digital Product Passport (DPP), pioneered by the European Union, aims to simplify this task. Between 2026 and 2027, DPPs will be first implemented in the greatest environmental impact product group, batteries & vehicles.

“The Digital Product Passport will be a game-changer promoting traceability, material and energy efficiency, and repair-based business models,” says Rithika Thomas, Sustainable Technologies Industry Analyst at ABI Research. The Battery Digital Passport is a digital twin of the battery, which stores information about the battery with a QR code, serial number, and supporting unique verification documents to demonstrate the circular flow of resources from raw mineral extraction to material production, manufacturing, operation, and recycling.  The battery passport aims to be a global one-stop verification for battery quality and responsible manufacturing.”

Successful DDPs rely on strategic data management across ecosystem players. Manufacturers must invest in robust tools for supply chain data and disclosures to unlock the full potential of DPPs. Initiatives like the Global Battery Alliance, with partners such as Audi and Tesla, along with Circularise, Circulor, Minespider, Minviro, and Siemens, prototype Battery Passports to enhance transparency in the battery value chain, reshaping the EV battery industry for a circular and sustainable future. As technology advances, secondary ecosystems, like the recycling market and second-life batteries, will thrive, offering significant carbon emissions advantages in applications such as stationary storage for photovoltaic systems, emergency power supplies, or power buffers for fast charging.

DPPs are an emerging technology within the circular economy framework. Diversifying data collection and applications in consumer goods, construction, apparel, and food sectors through solutions like those from  Avery Dennison, Kezzler, PSQR, 3E, Madaster, and Circuland expands long-term business opportunities. Using DPP for customer engagement and showcasing sustainability commitment ahead of product-specific regulations is crucial.

Detailed product information communicates a company’s dedication to sustainability, quality, regulations, and transparency. “DPP facilitates data collection, collaboration, and informed decision-making, optimizing production and identifying cost-saving and circularity opportunities. Recognized as powerful tools for transparency, digital product passports aggregate lifecycle information on a common platform. Proactive companies gain investment, customer acquisition, regulatory influence, transparency improvement, and operational compliance benefits through sustainability reporting and data transparency,” Thomas concludes.

These findings are from ABI Research’s Digital Product Passports: Tech-Driven Sustainability and Traceability for EV Batteries, Construction Materials and Pilot Use Cases.

Interest rate cuts to create energy transition investment ‘megatrend’?

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The energy transition could be one of the investment megatrends this year and beyond as interest rates are likely to be cut, says the CEO of one of the world’s largest independent financial advisory, asset management and fintech organisations.

The comments from deVere Group’s Nigel Green come as central banks around the world continue to hold rates steady for the time being, but with growing expectations that they will begin to cut them in the first half of this year.

He says: “Investing in renewable energy infrastructure, such as utility-scale solar and wind farms, demands significant upfront capital.

“As such when interest rates are high, the return on investment for these projects can be adversely affected, leading developers to hesitate and potentially put new projects on the back burner.

“Beyond the large transitional projects, the industrial sphere has been delving into alternatives to traditional fuels with lower carbon footprints, such as the amalgamation of hydrogen with natural gas. This strategic shift is motivated by a dual concern for both environmental preservation and economic viability.

“However, in times marked by elevated borrowing costs, the emphasis tends to pivot more towards economic considerations, potentially impeding the pace of investments in environmentally-friendly technologies.

“Likewise, the transport sector, poised for advancements in electric vehicles (EVs), hydrogen-powered vehicles, biodiesel, and compressed natural gas, has encountered difficulties in rationalising new projects amid heightened interest rates.”

In addition, escalating interest rates have placed added strain on consumers. The allure of embracing electric vehicles or delving into residential solar investments dwindles in the face of elevated borrowing expenses.

“For consumers, the financial repercussions of these choices become more conspicuous, potentially influencing the pace at which sustainable technologies are embraced.”

Despite the obstacles encountered, a positive outlook persists for the transition towards sustainable energy. “The enduring validity of the long-term investment perspective is underscored, with companies maintaining their dedication to environmental objectives, and governments worldwide offering financial backing to facilitate the transition,” notes Nigel Green.

Looking ahead to the rest of 2024 and beyond, the narrative is likely to shift.

The deVere CEO concludes: “The energy transition has been hit by high interest rates and inflation.

“But now the stage appears to be set for an upward trajectory in energy transition investments.

“This, together with global commitments to environmental sustainability intensifying, 2024 could see the start of an energy transition investment megatrend.”

RENEWABLE ENERGY MONTH: How storage and the smart grid will take us forward

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In the UK, the push towards sustainability and the reduction of carbon emissions has placed renewable energy technology at the forefront of strategic planning for Energy Managers in both the public and private sectors. The adoption of renewable energy not only aligns with environmental goals, but also offers economic and operational benefits. Here’s a look at the current applications of renewable energy technology by Energy Managers and how its usage is anticipated to evolve…

Current Applications

Solar Power: Solar panels are one of the most visible signs of renewable energy adoption. Energy Managers are increasingly deploying solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on buildings and unused land to generate electricity. This not only reduces reliance on grid electricity but also lowers energy costs over time.

Wind Energy: While large-scale wind farms are more commonly associated with national energy grids, some organisations have started to explore small-scale wind turbines as a means of generating onsite renewable energy. This is particularly applicable in rural or exposed locations with consistent wind speeds.

Biomass Energy: The use of biomass boilers and heaters, fuelled by wood chips, pellets, or agricultural waste, is another area of focus. These systems provide a sustainable heating solution, significantly reducing carbon emissions compared to traditional fossil fuels.

Heat Pumps: Ground-source and air-source heat pumps are gaining traction as efficient methods to heat and cool buildings. By extracting heat from the air or ground, these systems use minimal electricity and can significantly reduce energy bills and carbon footprints.

How Usage is Likely to Evolve

Integration with Smart Grids: The future of renewable energy in the UK is closely tied to the development of smart grids. These advanced energy networks can intelligently manage the distribution of electricity, incorporating renewable energy sources more effectively. Energy Managers will play a key role in integrating their organisations’ renewable energy systems with smart grids to optimise energy usage and contribute to grid stability.

Energy Storage Solutions: As the adoption of renewable energy grows, so does the need for effective energy storage solutions. Technologies like battery storage systems are set to become more prevalent, allowing Energy Managers to store excess energy generated during peak production times for use when production is lower. This not only ensures a consistent energy supply but also maximises the financial benefits of renewable installations.

Innovative Renewable Technologies: The continuous innovation in renewable energy technologies presents new opportunities for Energy Managers. Emerging technologies, such as floating solar panels and tidal energy, could offer novel ways to generate renewable energy in space-constrained environments or coastal areas.

Increased Focus on Decentralisation: The trend towards decentralised energy systems, where energy generation and consumption occur closer together, is expected to grow. This shift will see Energy Managers playing a pivotal role in developing localised energy solutions that reduce transmission losses and enhance energy security.

Renewable energy technology is set to remain a key focus for Energy Managers in the UK’s public and private sectors. With advancements in technology and the evolving energy landscape, the applications of renewable energy are expected to become more integrated, efficient, and innovative, driving forward the UK’s commitment to a sustainable and low-carbon future.

Are you searching for Renewable Energy solutions for your organisation? The Energy Management Summit can help!

Photo by Thomas Richter on Unsplash

Energy Management Summit 2024: Secure your place in London this autumn

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The delegate registration process for the Energy Management Summit is now open for all industry buyers, with two days of supplier meetings, networking and seminars awaiting you.

The Energy Management Summit is a unique event specifically designed for senior professionals like you within the industry!

October 8th & 9th, 2024

Radisson Hotel & Conference Centre – London Heathrow

You can attend this two-day event entirely for FREE.

BOOK YOUR PLACE HERE

ENERGY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS MONTH: Key supplier considerations for public and private organisations

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Energy management systems (EMS) play a crucial role in achieving efficiency, sustainability, and cost-reduction goals in the contemporary landscape of the UK’s public and private sectors. For Energy Managers tasked with selecting the best EMS for their organisations, the decision can be complex and multifaceted. Here are some top tips to guide this important decision-making process, informed by input from attendees at the Energy Management Summit…

  1. Assess Organisational Needs and Goals: Begin by conducting a comprehensive assessment of your organisation’s energy usage and needs. Consider factors like the size and type of facilities, existing energy systems, and specific energy goals, whether it’s reducing carbon footprint, complying with regulations, or cutting costs. Understanding these needs will help you identify an EMS that aligns with your organisational objectives.
  2. Look for Scalability and Flexibility: The ideal EMS should be scalable and flexible to adapt to your organisation’s evolving needs. Whether it’s expanding facilities, updating systems, or changing energy goals, your chosen EMS should be able to accommodate these changes without requiring a complete overhaul.
  3. Prioritise Data Accuracy and Real-Time Monitoring: An effective EMS should offer accurate data collection and real-time monitoring capabilities. This feature is crucial for identifying energy consumption patterns, inefficiencies, and areas for improvement. The more precise the data, the more effectively you can implement energy-saving strategies.
  4. Ensure Integration Capabilities: The EMS should integrate seamlessly with existing systems in your organisation, such as HVAC, lighting, and renewable energy sources. This integration is key to managing all aspects of your energy infrastructure cohesively.
  5. Evaluate User-Friendliness and Training Support: Choose a system that is user-friendly and offers comprehensive training and support. A user-friendly interface ensures that staff across your organisation can effectively engage with the system, while good training support aids in maximising the system’s potential.
  6. Consider Advanced Features and Analytics: Advanced features like predictive analytics, AI, and machine learning can significantly enhance the functionality of an EMS. These technologies enable proactive energy management by predicting future patterns and suggesting optimisation strategies.
  7. Review Compliance and Reporting Capabilities: Ensure the EMS complies with relevant UK energy regulations and can generate reports for compliance purposes. Reporting capabilities are also important for internal tracking and for communicating progress to stakeholders.
  8. Assess Cost and ROI: While cost is an important consideration, focus on the potential return on investment (ROI). A more expensive system might offer greater long-term savings through higher efficiency and more sophisticated features.
  9. Seek Feedback and Conduct Pilot Testing: Before finalising your decision, seek feedback from peers in the industry and consider conducting a pilot test. This approach can provide insights into the system’s practicality and effectiveness in a real-world setting.
  10. Plan for Future Energy Trends: Lastly, consider future energy trends and how they might affect your needs. Your chosen EMS should be adaptable to future advancements in energy technology and shifting regulatory landscapes.

In summary, selecting the best energy management system for an organisation in the UK’s public or private sectors requires careful consideration of organisational needs, scalability, data accuracy, integration, user-friendliness, advanced features, compliance, cost-effectiveness, peer feedback, and future adaptability. With these factors in mind, Energy Managers can choose an EMS that not only meets current needs but also positions the organisation well for future challenges and opportunities in energy management.

Are you searching for Energy Management Solutions for your organisation? The Energy Management Summit can help!

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