Why FM must lead the energy transition

Graeme Hamilton, Business Director – Energy, OCS

The race to net zero is reshaping every aspect of the built environment. From heat decarbonisation to intelligent energy management, organisations are under pressure to cut carbon without compromising operational resilience. Yet amid the complexity of legislation, funding, and technology, one truth stands out: facilities management (FM) teams are uniquely positioned to lead this transition.

FM: The hidden engine of decarbonisation

Facilities managers already sit at the crossroads of compliance, operations, and cost control. They understand how estates function day-to-day, and they hold the levers that influence energy performance: from plant maintenance to asset lifecycle planning. This makes FM not just a delivery partner, but a strategic enabler of decarbonisation.

However, the role of FM in energy transition is often underestimated. Too many organisations still view sustainability as a separate workstream, disconnected from core facilities operations. That mindset needs to change. If net zero is to be achievable, FM needs to move from reactive maintenance to proactive energy management: embedding carbon reduction into every decision about how buildings are run.

The challenges: Cost, capability, and compliance

For many estates, the barriers to decarbonisation can fall under three categories:

Cost: Low-carbon technologies demand significant upfront investment. Heat pumps, smart controls, and on-site generation are expensive, and traditional budgeting models rarely account for lifecycle savings.
Capability: Many organisations lack the in-house expertise to design and deliver complex energy projects. Understanding energy grid constraints, asset optimisation, and funding routes requires specialist knowledge.
Compliance: Legislation is evolving fast. From Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) to climate change agreements, the regulatory landscape is complex and the penalties for non-compliance are a major risk.

FM teams can address all three. They already manage complex frameworks, they can integrate energy strategy into operational planning, and they can unlock funding streams that make projects viable. At OCS, we’ve helped public sector customers secure grants under public sector decarbonisation schemes, while building investment cases based on lifecycle costing rather than short-term spend.

AI in energy management: Promise vs reality

Technology is another critical piece of the puzzle. Artificial intelligence and machine learning are often touted as game-changers for energy management. Today, the technology is delivering real value in predictive maintenance and asset optimisation. For FM teams, this means moving away from reactive fixes to predictive maintenance. Algorithms can spot performance deviations early, allowing interventions before failures occur. This can result in reduced downtime while improving a building’s energy efficiency.

However, there are caveats. Deployment remains patchy as AI-enabled systems are expensive and require scale to be most effective. For most estates, the challenge is not access to technology, it’s integration. Tools and applications must be embedded into FM workflows, not bolted on as standalone solutions. In the years ahead, expect AI to become a mandated part of asset management. For now, FM leaders should focus on practical use cases that deliver measurable savings, rather than chasing the hype.

Funding without friction

One of the biggest misconceptions about decarbonisation initiatives is that they slow down operations. In reality, the opposite is true, but only if the projects are planned and funded correctly. The key is to align energy upgrades with existing maintenance cycles and capital programmes. Replacing end-of-life assets with low-carbon alternatives, for example, avoids duplication of cost and disruption.

Funding is available, particularly in the public sector, but accessing it requires expertise. Grant schemes prioritise projects based on carbon cost, and applications demand access to robust data. FM teams, supported by partners, can provide that evidence by mapping assets, modelling savings, and building the case for investment.

A strategic opportunity

The energy transition is not just a technical challenge, it’s a strategic opportunity for organisations to rethink how its estates are managed. For FM providers, this means evolving from service delivery to energy leadership, combining compliance, technology, and operational insights into an integrated proposition.

Consider this: the UK public sector spends over £26 billion annually on digital technology and employs nearly 100,000 digital and data professionals, yet 47% of central government services still lack a digital pathway. These figures show that transformation is possible, and FM can be the catalyst for similar progress in energy management.

At OCS, we’re focused on making decarbonisation achievable, affordable, and operationally sound. This means aligning strategy, funding, and delivery into a seamless process. The message for FM leaders is clear, don’t wait for someone else to lead. The tools, the remit, and the influence are already in your hands. Every building optimised, every system upgraded, every behaviour changed brings us closer to a sustainable future.

www.ocs.com

This article appeared in the Nov/Dec 2025 issue of Energy Manager magazine. Subscribe here.

Arup leverages IES Building Performance technology to design pioneering net zero in operation and BREEAM ‘Excellent’ school

Global development consultancy, Arup, has designed a pioneering Net Zero Carbon in operation (NZCio) Welsh school campus using performance modelling technology from global climate tech firm, IES. IES’s Virtual Environment (VE) dynamic modelling software played a central role in the design of the Mynydd Isa Campus, helping to reduce carbon emissions by over 100 tonnes per year.

Designed in 2023 and completed in 2025, the two-storey, 10,500m² campus meets Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) ‘Excellent’ standards, reflecting strong performance across areas such as energy use, materials, water and occupant wellbeing.

The IESVE software was used to assess and refine energy performance, taking into account overheating risks under various climate scenarios, including typical years, warm summers and prolonged heatwaves.

The solutions included installing more than 1,000 solar panels, which are expected to generate over 500,000 kWh of electricity each year. This enables the building to produce as much energy as it consumes. To manage comfort, a complex cross-ventilation chimney concept and a ‘traffic light system’ in classrooms is used to alert teachers to open/close windows. The project also made a 25-year performance commitment to ensure the building remains efficient and resilient to future climate conditions.

Niall Gibson, Building Performance Specialist at IES, commented, “This project exemplifies how performance modelling technology can deliver on multiple fronts – achieving Net Zero Carbon in operation, supporting BREEAM ‘Excellent’ certification, and closing the gap between design and real-world performance.

“Rising heat is putting huge pressure on infrastructure that was never designed for these conditions. This isn’t about futureproofing; it’s about catching up with a crisis that’s already here. If we’re serious about tackling climate change, making existing infrastructure more resilient, efficient, and climate-ready must be a national priority. We’re proud to support Arup in delivering a school that sets the standard for future-proof public buildings.”

Steven Burrows, associate building physics engineer at Arup, said, “I feel honoured to have worked on this project from the very beginning and take it through to completion. IESVE modelling played a significant role in the design of the scheme – from developing the complex cross ventilation chimney concept to achieving Net Zero Carbon in operation (NZCio). It’s an incredible achievement that the building generates as much energy as it will consume over the course of a year.”

The campus provides nursery, primary, and secondary education for more than 1,300 pupils. As local authorities and design teams face increasing pressure to decarbonise public infrastructure, the Mynydd Isa project highlights the vital role of whole-life performance modelling and trusted simulation tools in designing and delivering buildings that truly meet net-zero commitments.

Learn more about the project and IES’s pioneering technology here: https://www.iesve.com/discoveries/view/55765/arup-mynydd-isa

Surveys: The Key to Unlocking Up to 40% Energy Savings

Imagine walking into your building and instantly knowing where energy is being wasted, which systems are under strain, and what simple behavioural or operational tweaks could deliver real, measurable savings. That’s the power of a Building Energy Management System (BEMS), and even more so, the power of understanding how to use it effectively.

Globally, buildings account for around 40% of total energy use and 36% of CO₂ emissions. Yet studies show many buildings run at just 60–70% of their designed efficiency. This gap represents a huge opportunity for improvement and cost savings.

An underperforming BEMS is often the result of:

Incorrect specification or control strategy
Poor installation or commissioning
Faulty or badly positioned sensors
Inadequate training or maintenance

JRP Solutions, energy and sustainability specialists, help organisations get their BEMS working as a true business asset. Their proven six-step process starts with a detailed audit and ends with measurable impact: lower bills, reduced maintenance and a lighter carbon footprint.

Step 1: Understanding the building

No two buildings operate the same way. JRP begins with a comprehensive walkthrough and stakeholder interviews to understand how the building actually functions day-to-day. This diagnostic phase focuses on:

Occupancy patterns and space utilisation
Usage of HVAC, lighting, and auxiliary systems
Manual overrides and comfort complaints
Scheduled operation vs. actual use
Energy consumption and peak demand analysis

This process reveals how the building performs in practice, identifying the common gap between design intent and operational reality – one of the largest sources of wasted energy in commercial facilities.

Step 2: Getting to know your BEMS

A BEMS is the brain of your building, managing heating, cooling, lighting, and ventilation. But like any brain, it needs tuning. According to CIBSE (2021), a poorly configured BEMS can waste 20–40% more energy than one that’s optimised.

JRP’s in-depth analysis includes:

Checking sensor accuracy and calibration (drift can cause 15–25% efficiency loss)
Reviewing control strategies and schedules
Evaluating data quality and integration
Assessing alarm and fault detection systems
Reviewing historical performance trends

This stage often uncovers quick wins, such as systems running outside occupancy hours or heating and cooling competing with each other, which can waste up to 30% of HVAC energy.

Step 3: Behaviour makes the difference

Technology alone isn’t enough. Building users and operators play a vital role in energy performance. Studies by EnCO and IFMA show that up to 50% of savings can come from behavioural changes, with engaged occupants outperforming similar buildings by 15–25%.

JRP helps teams:

Understand energy impact through real-time dashboards
Build sustainable habits aligned with business goals
Protect investments through correct BEMS use
Run energy awareness campaigns and competitions

Providing regular feedback on energy use can cut consumption by 5–15% within the first month. It’s about empowering smarter choices, not assigning blame.

Step 3.5: Integrating insights into a wider sustainability strategy

Beyond operational savings, insights from BEMS surveys strengthen corporate sustainability goals. JRP’s data-driven approach supports:

ESG reporting and verified energy metrics
Green building certifications (e.g. BREEAM)
Science-Based Target (SBTi) alignment
Compliance with UK Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS)
Broader carbon reduction and climate commitments

Buildings that integrate BEMS data into sustainability frameworks achieve stronger ESG scores and enhanced investor confidence.

Step 4: Insight into action

After analysis, JRP delivers a clear, prioritised action plan following ISO 50001 principles and CIBSE best practice. Reports include:

Benchmarking against industry standards
Practical recommendations with payback analysis
Lifecycle cost assessments
Risk and change management strategies

Each recommendation is costed, sequenced, and designed for measurable impact.

Step 5: Sustaining the change

Energy savings can erode by 10–25% each year without consistent monitoring. JRP ensures improvements last by helping teams:

Train facilities staff
Establish monitoring and reporting routines
Implement continuous commissioning
Maintain effective feedback loops

Buildings with ongoing monitoring typically retain 95% of their initial savings over five years.

The business case

Whether you’re a facilities manager, sustainability lead, or business owner, a high-performing BEMS delivers benefits far beyond energy savings.

Financial Impact

Lower operating costs
Increased asset value
Improved productivity

Risk Management

Reduced exposure to rising energy prices
Stronger regulatory compliance
Lower risk of equipment failure

Strategic Advantages

Enhanced corporate reputation
Support for ESG and Net Zero goals
Greater attraction and retention of talent

Implementation timeline and investment

A typical BEMS survey and optimisation project follows this structure:

Weeks 1–2: Initial assessment
Weeks 3–4: Analysis and recommendations
Weeks 5–6: Report delivery
Months 2–6: Implementation and fine-tuning
Ongoing: Monitoring and continuous improvement

Investment usually ranges from £5,000–£25,000, with most clients achieving payback within 12–24 months.

Ready to start?

For 25+ years, JRP Solutions has helped clients unlock the full potential of their BEMS, improving efficiency, empowering staff, and accelerating progress toward Net Zero.

A BEMS survey provides the roadmap, but success comes from combining smart technology with informed, engaged people.

To discuss how a BEMS survey could transform your building’s performance, contact JRP Solutions: 📞 0800 6127 567 | ✉️ info@jrpsolutions.com

This article appeared in the Nov/Dec 2025 issue of Energy Manager magazine. Subscribe here.

Q&A with Neil Garland of Evolve Energy

Neil Garland, Head of Origination at Evolve Energy

Why are Corporate Power Purchase Agreements (CPPAs) becoming more relevant to UK businesses right now?

Demand for CPPAs in the UK is growing rapidly as businesses face tougher ESG reporting rules, volatile energy prices and rising energy demand across industries from data centres to pharmaceuticals and retail. Traditionally, CPPAs were the preserve of large energy companies and multinationals with the resources to navigate their complexity. Today, the landscape is shifting. CPPAs are becoming more accessible, opening the door for a far wider range of industrial and commercial businesses to access secure, traceable renewable power. For many businesses, CPPAs now represent a strategic opportunity to stabilise costs, reduce emissions and strengthen their long-term competitiveness in an increasingly challenging energy market.

What’s driving this surge in interest?

A combination of environmental, regulatory and market factors has fuelled this surge. ESG reporting requirements, such as the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive, now mean companies must prove their own energy use and that of their supply chains are sustainable. Scope 3 emissions, linked to these rules, have become critical in competitive tenders and compliance with initiatives like the Science Based Targets initiative.

At the same time, energy price volatility is hitting hard. In January 2025, UK wholesale electricity prices soared to £250 per megawatt hour. Europe’s gas reserves are also under strain, standing at 56.6% in June 2025 compared to 75.5% a year earlier. Falling CPPA prices and record renewable generation in 2024 are now driving businesses toward long-term price stability.

Despite this demand, why are CPPAs still difficult for many industrial and commercial businesses to access?

The barriers to entry remain high. Developers of new renewable projects typically seek long-term contracts of 10 to 15 years to secure financing. For many businesses, this horizon doesn’t align with their energy planning cycles.

Competition from the government’s Contracts for Difference (CfD) subsidy scheme also plays a role. CfDs guarantee generators’ revenues, making them reluctant to offer shorter, more flexible CPPA terms and often pushing prices higher.

Credit is another challenge. Many developers only work with investment-grade buyers. Others require cash collateral or Letters of Credit, which can tie up significant capital. CPPAs are also complex legal agreements, requiring extensive review and sleeving arrangements with licensed suppliers to integrate renewable energy into existing supply contracts. The process can take months or even years, discouraging smaller businesses from participating altogether.

What changes are needed to make CPPAs more accessible and affordable?

Simplification is key. The CPPA market needs to reduce both complexity and cost if it is to attract a broader range of businesses. Standardising terms and conditions would make agreements easier to understand and faster to negotiate, helping to cut down on lengthy legal processes and associated costs.

Lowering credit barriers would also be transformative. Many businesses cannot meet the current credit requirements, and alternative structures are needed to give them a fair chance to participate. Finally, licensed suppliers and generators need stronger incentives to collaborate, so renewable power can flow smoothly from generator to buyer without excessive contractual hurdles.

Are there any examples of how the market is already evolving in this direction?

Encouraging signs are emerging. Renewable energy consortiums are one example, enabling companies to pool demand and share the benefits of a CPPA without bearing all the risk individually. This goes beyond simply purchasing Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin certificates, offering genuine time-matching between renewable generation and consumption.

Some CPPAs now use supply licence exemptions, such as Class A, allowing smaller generators to supply up to 2.5 megawatts per half-hourly settlement period when matched directly to demand. This avoids certain government policy and social costs, making renewable energy more affordable for both sides.

Looking ahead, what needs to happen for CPPAs to become mainstream across the industrial and commercial sector?

Traceable green energy is becoming a critical requirement as businesses face mounting pressure from regulators, supply chains and their own net zero commitments. The rewards of a mature CPPA market are clear: greater transparency of emissions, accelerated carbon reduction and long-term price stability.

To achieve this, the current system must give way to a more open and standardised model. Generators need to align on common terms and conditions, making contracts simpler and quicker to finalise. Making renewable power affordable and accessible will not only accelerate the energy transition but also give UK businesses the tools they need to thrive sustainably in a competitive global market.

www.evolve-energy.com

This article appeared in the Nov/Dec 2025 issue of Energy Manager magazine. Subscribe here.

UK Business Energy Usage on The Rise

POWWR Energy Barometer shows average UK business now uses almost 22 MwH of energy per annum with biggest increase in energy usage seen from London businesses

POWWR, a respected energy software provider, has released its eighth Quarterly Energy Barometer Report, revealing that average energy usage has increased from just over 21 MwH of energy a year to just under 22 MwH. Businesses in London had the biggest rise in energy usage during the quarter (up 9.1% from 21286 KwH to 23224 KwH), making them the second biggest consumers of energy now in the UK, and second only to those in South Scotland (24234 KwH). In fact, businesses in London now consume almost a quarter more energy than those in the West Midlands (19708 KwH).

“While energy usage has increased for the first time this year, it is still 8.3% less than during the same period last year,” explains Matt Tormollen, CEO, POWWR. “Most of the increase was from businesses that use between 30-100 MwH a year. Smaller businesses, by contrast, saw little change and very large businesses that use over 100 MwH per annum actually saw their energy usage drop by over 3.3%.”

On average, UK businesses are paying 3.2% more for their electricity this quarter than last, with businesses in South Scotland (+ 9%), North East England (+7%), and South Wales (+7%) seeing the biggest rises. “Some of this increase could be down to suppliers already including the TNUoS charge and nuclear RAB levy prior to them coming into play in November. The cost of energy, on average, is still 13.3% less than this time last year however,” says Tormollen.

Despite these changes, businesses in the UK continue to commit to energy contracts of just under two and a half years (28 months), with little variation between regions. For those businesses looking to reduce their spend by switching suppliers, there are good deals available for those willing to shop around. In fact, businesses could save over 2% on average by switching suppliers.

The eighth POWWR Quarterly Energy Barometer Report provides valuable insight into just how much energy UK businesses are consuming and what they are paying for it. The report is based upon over 600,000 separate data points covering a variety of businesses, from boutique start-ups to large industrial and commercial organisations.

“Whilst energy usage and bills have both risen slightly this quarter, the future for the UK energy market continues to look bright. Usage and bills are significantly less than they were last year, the willingness by some businesses to sign long contracts shows positive market sentiment, and there are deals to be had for those willing to shop around,” adds Tormollen.

Key findings

Average energy usage is 3.6% more than last quarter
Businesses in London had the biggest rise in energy usage (up 9.1%)
The biggest consumers of energy are businesses in South Scotland (24234 KwH)
Businesses in South Scotland use almost a quarter more energy than those in Yorkshire
Bills have risen by 3.2% this quarter on average
Energy cost has increased by 9% in South Scotland, 7% in North East England, and 7% in South Wales
Average bills are down 13.3% on last year
Businesses can save over 2% by switching suppliers
Average contract length remains 28 months

To access the full POWWR Quarterly Energy Barometer Report please click here.

This article appeared in the Nov/Dec 2025 issue of Energy Manager magazine. Subscribe here.

Time’s up for rogue energy brokers: why regulation in the TPI market can’t come soon enough

jack-b-goodson — Jack Goodson, Senior Business Development Manager at Equity Energies

Jack Goodson, Senior Business Development Manager at Equity Energies

The UK government’s recent commitment to regulate the Third-Party Intermediary (TPI) market is a welcome and long-overdue move. For too long, a lack of oversight has allowed rogue brokers to operate unchecked, charging hidden, inflated fees that add little or no value to customers. It’s a model that undermines trust across the sector and ultimately holds back progress on some of the most urgent energy challenges facing organisations today.

Done well, energy brokerage plays a vital role in helping organisations make informed decisions about procurement, strategy, and carbon reduction. But for too many, especially smaller firms and those in the public and third sectors, it’s become a minefield. Without transparency, customers are left unclear on what they’re actually paying for, and who their broker is truly working for.

That, thankfully, is going to change.

Raising the standard for everyone

Many of us in the sector have already embraced self-regulation. We’ve committed to transparent pricing, clear communication, and a customer-first mindset. But while some progress has been made through voluntary codes of conduct, the reality is that too many bad actors remain, and they continue to give the entire industry a bad name.

Crucially, this isn’t about adding bureaucracy for the sake of it. But it is about levelling the playing field to make sure every customer, regardless of size or sector, gets fair access to expert support that actually helps them reduce cost, cut carbon and make better decisions.

We’ve seen first-hand how valuable that kind of partnership can be. Trust grows when you remove the complexity, show full transparency, and focus on long-term, strategic relationships. When there’s trust, it becomes easier to help customers take confident steps toward better energy strategy, from simple efficiency gains through to decarbonisation and longer-term Net Zero strategy.

Unlocking Net Zero progress

I would argue that the case for regulation isn’t just about fairness, it’s also about progress. A major blocker for many organisations looking to take positive steps towards Net Zero remains cost. For businesses and local authorities already managing tight margins and budgets, paying over the odds for poor advice is not only frustrating, but potentially extremely damaging. It pulls focus and funding away from where it’s needed most: improving energy efficiency, investing in decarbonisation, and building future resilience.

By regulating the TPI market, the government will help reduce unnecessary and unfair broker fees. That change alone could unlock significant capital for energy users to reinvest in better, cleaner solutions. And in doing so, regulation won’t just protect customers, it will actively support national Net Zero goals.

What should good regulation look like?

The energy market is complex. Customers need expert guidance, but this needs to be combined with the confidence that that guidance is impartial, transparent, and rooted in their best interests. That means regulation must go beyond basic box-ticking, and should establish clear minimum standards for transparency, fair pricing, and accountability. It should require brokers to clearly disclose how they’re remunerated, and ensure customers are aware of any conflicts of interest.

Crucially, it should also create space for good practice to thrive. We want to see a framework that rewards long-term thinking, promotes collaboration, and recognises the role intermediaries can play in helping organisations become more energy-literate, more efficient, and more sustainable.

This is also a chance to build consistency across the market. For years, the quality of service has varied wildly depending on which broker a customer ends up with. That’s not good enough. With clear, enforceable standards in place, customers can make better-informed choices, while trusting that the partners they choose to work with are properly held to account.

What to do right now

While regulation is being developed, all is not lost. The first step is to talk to your current energy broker, to find out as much as you can about their working practices, and to make sure you’re getting the best deal at the right price. Asking these questions is a good starting point.

Which suppliers do you work with? A wider supplier network means better, more balanced advice, and not recommendations driven by limited partnerships.
How do you get paid? Hidden fees can cost you thousands, and transparency is the only way to know what you’re really paying for.
What strategy do you recommend for my organisation? Energy buying isn’t one-size-fits-all, so your consultant should tailor their advice to your needs and risk appetite.
How do you make sure I get the best deal? The lowest rate doesn’t always mean best value; it’s the full contract terms that make or break your energy costs.
Can you provide references? The best way to know if they’re any good is to hear it from someone they’ve already worked with.

A moment of opportunity

Regulating TPIs is not a silver bullet, but it’s a significant step forward. It signals a shift away from a ‘wild west’ model of brokerage and towards a market built on trust, transparency, and value. For the organisations we work with, and the wider transition to a low-carbon economy, that shift can’t come soon enough.

We look forward to working with the government and wider industry to help shape a regulatory framework that drives standards up, protects customers, and unlocks the kind of long-term impact this sector should be delivering.

When energy advice is rooted in honesty, expertise, and a genuine commitment to better outcomes, everyone wins, especially the customer.

Beyond compliance: how universities are unlocking demand-side flexibility to cut costs and carbon

AdobeStock_357307134 — Photo by David Schaffer/KOTO - Adobe Stock

Across the UK, universities are redefining what it means to lead on sustainability. From heritage estates to research campuses, institutions are balancing ambitious net zero targets with rising energy costs and the need to keep spaces comfortable and operationally reliable.

While many are investing in renewables, heat pumps, and modern HVAC systems, the real opportunity lies in how energy is managed. Smarter demand-side innovation – including demand response and flexibility – is now helping higher education estates turn existing infrastructure into a strategic sustainability asset.

That’s where Voltalis comes in.

As a European leader in intelligent energy management, Voltalis helps buildings use less electricity when the grid is under pressure or wholesale prices spike, automatically, and without affecting comfort or performance. By connecting to electric heating, cooling, and hot water systems, Voltalis’ technology makes short, imperceptible adjustments that collectively deliver measurable reductions in consumption and carbon emissions. For universities, this means lower bills, verified Scope 2 savings, and enhanced resilience, all with no upfront investment or operational disruption.

At the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, the benefits are clear. In partnership with Voltalis, over 100 student accommodation rooms were equipped with demand response technology in under 15 minutes per installation, with no rewiring or disturbance to students. Within six months, the university saw a 13% reduction in electricity use across two accommodation blocks, over 5,000 successful grid-support events, and zero comfort complaints.

“Since installing the Voltalis solution, we’ve achieved a 13% reduction in electricity use across our student accommodation, all without any changes in comfort or behaviour,” says Daniel Priddy, Head of Sustainability at the university. “That’s rare, especially in heritage buildings with complex infrastructure.”

This kind of operational flexibility is reshaping how universities approach both energy management and long-term resilience. Rather than relying solely on infrastructure upgrades or major capital projects, estates teams can now achieve immediate impact through smart, data-driven control. Demand-side flexibility complements on-site renewables and storage, ensuring that electricity is consumed when it’s cleanest, cheapest, and least carbon-intensive.

As the UK grid becomes increasingly renewable and variable, flexibility isn’t just a sustainability measure, it’s a shield against volatility. By turning campus systems into active grid participants, universities are not only cutting emissions but actively supporting national energy stability.

The role of demand response in higher education will take centre stage at the UHEI Conference & Exhibition (Birmingham, 25–26 November), where Voltalis’ UK Managing Director Dr. Randall Bowen will moderate the panel “Beyond compliance: how smarter energy strategies are protecting budgets and advancing net zero in higher education.”

Joining him on stage will be:

Daniel Priddy, Head of Sustainability, University of Wales Trinity Saint David
Rachael Hanmer-Dwight, Head of Environmental Sustainability & Energy Services, University of Liverpool
Stephen Creighton, Head of Member Services, The Energy Consortium (TEC)

Together, they’ll explore how intelligent energy management, operational innovation, and cross-sector collaboration can help universities move beyond compliance, turning estates into flexible, future-ready assets.

For the higher education sector, the message is clear: meeting sustainability goals doesn’t have to mean deep retrofits or difficult trade-offs. With smarter systems, better data, and proven demand-side technology, universities can achieve real progress – protecting budgets today while building the low-carbon campuses of tomorrow.

Because when campuses can think, flex, and adapt, they don’t just meet their targets – they lead the transition.

All together better.

Learn more at voltalis.co.uk

This article appeared in the Nov/Dec 2025 issue of Energy Manager magazine. Subscribe here.

Transforming higher education: Anglia Ruskin University’s journey to net zero

In collaboration with Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), TEAM Energy’s latest Customer Spotlight features Simon Chubb, Head of Sustainability, sharing powerful insights on embedding net zero into university life.

This in-depth conversation explores how ARU is embedding sustainability into every facet of university life, from operations and teaching to community engagement, and offers practical insights for organisations pursuing their own net zero ambitions.

Leading by example in higher education

ARU is at the forefront of the UK’s net zero movement, driven by a mission to transform lives through innovation and responsibility.

As Simon Chubb explains,

“Achieving net zero is deeply aligned with Anglia Ruskin University’s mission to transform lives through innovative and entrepreneurial education and research. Our core values, including innovation, responsibility, and community, are reflected in our commitment to sustainability. We see it as our responsibility not only to our students, but also to the communities we serve and future generations.”

Strategies and progress

Zero Carbon Operations: ARU has achieved zero carbon in Scope 2 emissions through a pioneering power purchase agreement, sourcing 20% of its base load power from wind farms and the remainder from nuclear energy, ensuring a fully zero-carbon electricity supply.

Decarbonising Infrastructure: The university is investing in district heating and advanced building management systems, aiming for zero carbon in Scope 1 emissions by 2035. These upgrades are part of a 10-year investment programme to transform over 75 buildings across its campuses.

Tackling Scope 3 Emissions: ARU is targeting net zero for Scope 3 emissions by 2045, with initiatives like a university-wide travel management system that tracks and reduces carbon from business and academic travel.

Engaging the university community

ARU’s award-winning ARU Green programme is a standout example of effective engagement. The initiative encourages students, staff, and stakeholders to take weekly sustainable actions, such as reducing energy use and choosing low-carbon travel. Since its launch, ARU Green has recorded 40,000–50,000 actions annually, saving around 100 tonnes of carbon each year.

Overcoming challenges with collaboration and innovation

Despite financial and policy hurdles, such as the withdrawal of government grant funding and rising energy costs, ARU has remained agile. The university has focused on practical, scalable investments and leveraged partnerships, including joint power purchase agreements and public sector frameworks, to share risk and access support.

Advice for others

For organisations beginning their net zero journey, Simon Chubb offers this advice:

“Collaboration is key. No institution can do this alone. Sharing knowledge, resources, and support has been essential. Accept that the journey won’t be perfectly mapped out. What matters is knowing your direction of travel and committing to it. Be flexible, stay focused, and build momentum through achievable steps. That’s how we’ve made progress, and how others can too.”

Discover More

Read the full interview with Simon Chubb to learn how ARU is making net zero a reality and inspiring change across the sector.

Anglia Ruskin University: Sustainability across operations and education

www.aru.ac.uk

This article appeared in the Nov/Dec 2025 issue of Energy Manager magazine. Subscribe here.

Energy resilience and indepence overtake climate confidence, study reveals ahead of COP

As world leaders prepare to gather in Brazil for COP30, a new major study from Siemens reveals geopolitics is reshaping infrastructure strategy, with national energy security overtaking global climate cooperation as the primary driver of the energy transition. The Siemens Infrastructure Transition Monitor 2025 reveals senior leaders believe a resilient energy supply should be the top governmental priority among infrastructure transition goals – up from third place in 2023. Meanwhile, national energy independence and the proactive management of climate risks have seen the most significant growth in priority.

Rising global instability is intensifying market and supply chain volatility. To mitigate the use of energy as a geopolitical tool, governments are prioritizing security, independence, and preparedness alongside climate mitigation.

The report, based on a global survey of 1,400 senior executives and government representatives in 19 countries, highlights a shift: from a multilateral vision of clean energy to one increasingly centered on sovereign resilience and regional production. With mounting pressure on public and private energy systems amid overlapping climate, geopolitical, and market challenges, it finds that energy resilience is now seen as a critical enabler of the clean energy transition – not a trade-off against it.

“The infrastructure transition is entering a new phase whereby national goals of energy security are overtaking global collaboration on decarbonization. As systems face mounting climate and energy disruptions, resilience is no longer optional – AI, technology, and digitalization are now critical to this shift. They can empower organizations and governments to manage the complexities of renewable-based systems, ensure reliability, and accelerate the clean energy transition smarter and more sustainably,” said Matthias Rebellius, Managing Board Member of Siemens AG and CEO of Smart Infrastructure.

From global transition to national resilience

Over three in five (62%) respondents believe future energy systems will rely more on local or regional production than global trade, with key enablers including renewable integration, storage readiness, and advanced grid systems. Already, over half say resilience (53%) and energy independence (52%) are reaching maturity or are advanced within their countries – signaling a shift in infrastructure priorities is already underway.

Confidence in climate targets is declining

With resilience and energy security now taking precedence, confidence in achieving global climate goals is starting to fall. More than half (57%) of global executives expect increased investment in fossil fuels over the next two years, and just 37% of businesses now believe they will meet their 2030 decarbonization targets – down from 44% in 2023.

A wake-up call before COP30

With confidence in climate goals declining and 2026 strategies in development, the report highlights that failure to embed resilience into energy planning risks both economic and environmental fallout. At a time when governments are recalibrating net zero strategies alongside welfare and growth agendas, Siemens underscores that through grid investment and digital innovation, progress towards climate commitments as well as energy resilience can be accelerated.

Artificial Intelligence will accelerate the transition

As national energy strategies evolve, digital technologies remain at the heart of the infrastructure transition. Digitalization ranks as the second most important factor in accelerating the clean energy transition for industries – just behind expanding energy storage – with AI expected to have the greatest positive impact. Respondents believe that AI is helping to make critical infrastructure more resilient (66%) and report that their organizations are using AI to help decarbonize their operations (59%).

Siemens Smart Infrastructure

This article appeared in the Nov/Dec 2025 issue of Energy Manager magazine. Subscribe here.

AI moves to the frontline of energy management at EMEX 2025

ClearVUE debuts IRIS and previews Flexer inside ClearVUE.Zero

Visitors to EMEX will see ClearVUE bring decision-grade intelligence to the point of use. On stand B20, the team will introduce two additions to ClearVUE.Zero that work in tandem: IRIS, a plain-English assistant for understanding what’s happening across your estate, and Flexer, a co-pilot for purchasing that weighs market signals against the position you already hold. Together they sketch a single path from “what’s driving our usage?” to “what should we do next?”, without piling more manual analysis on already thin teams.

IRIS focuses on the questions that slow progress. Which sites are pulling the numbers up? What changed and when? Where is waste likely, and how do we prove a fix actually worked? Ask, and IRIS responds with a ranked view and the evidence behind it, drawn from the data you already collect in ClearVUE.Zero. It helps capture actions with an owner and an expected impact, then provides a simple way to confirm results against a baseline. For newcomers, an anonymised gallery of saved prompts shows how peers approach common problems, so you’re never starting from an empty page. The aim is straightforward: less time unpacking data; more time acting on it.

Flexer brings the same discipline to the buying side. Working inside ClearVUE.Zero, it reads your consumption shape and current position alongside live wholesale prices to show where cover is strong or thin and what that means for delivered cost. From there it frames the next moves in the language of your policy, so decisions can align to your risk rules rather than impulse. Flexer also prepares the housekeeping around those decisions (summaries for review, supplier requests, and a concise renewal pack) so approvals aren’t held up by admin. Because it shares a data foundation with IRIS, operational changes and efficiency plans can be reflected in the cost picture instead of left to assumption.

On stand, the demonstrations keep the focus on the decision path, not a feature tour. You’ll see a question posed, the figures that matter returned, and a prepared next step with the reasoning behind it. The sessions are short by design and meant to start conversations about your estate, your budgets and your risk appetite. If you want to go deeper, the team will show how insight and purchasing dovetail, enough to understand what’s now possible, without giving the whole playbook away.

ClearVUE’s view is simple: monitoring alone doesn’t change outcomes. Interpretation and well-timed action do. IRIS and Flexer are built to close that gap where most initiatives stall, and to leave a clear record of what changed and why.

Where to see it

EMEX 2025, ExCeL London, Stand B20. Demonstrations daily at 11:30 and 14:30. Book a slot: https://clearvue.business/emex-form/

This article appeared in the Nov/Dec 2025 issue of Energy Manager magazine. Subscribe here.