Across the UK, public sector and commercial estate managers face the same challenge: how to reduce energy consumption and emissions without compromising operational comfort or blowing through already stretched budgets.
This dilemma is particularly acute in high-consumption sectors like hospitality, healthcare, and education, where buildings must remain consistently functional and welcoming, regardless of energy market volatility. At the same time, these same sectors are under increasing pressure to deliver on ambitious carbon-reduction targets.
And while plenty of solutions exist, from deep retrofits to heat network transitions, these are often capital and/or resource-intensive, and not every organisation has the time or funds to pursue them.
That’s where Voltalis comes in. We offer a solution that’s simple, completely free to deploy and operate, and designed to start delivering value immediately – without lifting a finger.
Smarter energy use, without the disruption
Voltalis provides intelligent, demand-side flexibility. In short: we help buildings use less electricity when it matters most, during peak times, without impacting comfort, control or user experience.
We do this by installing smart thermostats, at no cost, to electric heating, cooling or hot water systems. When the grid is under pressure or wholesale prices spike, our platform can briefly reduce power consumption in a way that’s imperceptible to occupants. Those small changes, aggregated dynamically across thousands of sites, create a meaningful reduction in electricity demand, provide a valuable balancing service for the grid and produce on average 15% energy savings and significant carbon emission reductions to asset owners
This isn’t just demand reduction, it’s smarter demand.
Unlike traditional efficiency measures that require behavioural change from users, equipment upgrades or investment, Voltalis is designed to be hands-off and maintenance-free. Once installed, the technology works automatically in the background, optimising usage in real time and adapting to local conditions.
That means estate teams don’t need to train staff, change BMS protocols, or adjust comfort settings. There’s no need to compromise on experience to achieve sustainability. The system operates completely within pre-set comfort boundaries, ensuring rooms stay warm, cool, or ventilated as they should – just using energy more intelligently.
Proven in practice: The University of Wales Trinity Saint David
One of our most successful UK pilots took place at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David.
In autumn 2024, over 100 student accommodation rooms were equipped with Voltalis Demand Response technology. Each device took just 15 minutes to install – no rewiring, no capital cost, and no disruption to students or staff.
Six months later, the results were clear:
- 13% reduction in electricity consumption across two student accommodation blocks
- Significant Scope 2 emission reductions, contributing to the university’s decarbonisation strategy
- Over 5,000 grid support events delivered in under six months
- Zero complaints from occupants
Even in heritage buildings dating back over 200 years, the technology worked seamlessly, optimising performance without impacting comfort.
“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. That’s rare, especially in a heritage university with complex infrastructure. What’s even more impressive is that despite the system running consistently, there were no complaints from users. Everything worked quietly and seamlessly in the background.” — Daniel Priddy, Head of Sustainability
And this is just the beginning. Voltalis have since started deploying their technology across more universities and are discussions with several other universities and large estate operators across the UK to replicate and scale these results.
A solution for estates under pressure
Voltalis is already managing over 1.5 million devices across 250,000 homes and businesses across the European Union and the UK.
Typical benefits include:
- Up to 15% savings on electric heating and cooling usage
- Verified reductions in Scope 2 emissions
- No upfront cost or ongoing maintenance
- Seamless operation with no behavioural change or change in supplier
For large estates managing multiple buildings such as schools, care homes, council offices, or hotel chains, the impact multiplies quickly. Flexibility becomes not just a savings opportunity, but a strategic asset.
A smarter system needs smarter demand
As the UK grid moves towards more renewable energy, the challenge isn’t just about producing clean power – it’s about using it more intelligently. Wind and solar are intermittent by nature. That means the grid needs help during peak demand or supply dips, and flexibility becomes a frontline solution.
By shedding load intelligently, Voltalis helps avoid the need for fossil-fuel peaking plants, reduces the risk of blackouts, and increases energy security by supporting a more resilient national energy system.
For the public sector, it’s also a way to deliver leadership on net zero, showing how innovation, not just investment, can drive progress.
Come see for yourself
We’ll be showcasing our solution at the Hospitality Tech Expo 2025, taking place on 30th September and 1st October at ExCeL London. Come and visit us at stand HT328 to see how Voltalis can support your energy strategy, simplify operations, and protect your bottom line.
Because when buildings can think, and flex, you don’t just save energy, you build the future.
All together better.
To learn more, visit voltalis.co.uk.
This article appeared in the September 2025 issue of Energy Manager magazine. Subscribe here.
