The Energy Crisis: Solutions for Businesses
Tuesday, 27th September 2022
The Government’s recently announced Energy Bill Relief Scheme is of course positive in that it will support businesses, public sector and charities during the energy crisis. However, it misses the mark when it comes to considering the bigger energy efficiency picture. Rather than just slashing costs, now is the opportune moment to drive forward low carbon incentives or infrastructure retrofitting recommendations that would help businesses adopt greener energy practices, reduce waste and lower energy bills in the long term.
Understandably it can be difficult for businesses to negotiate any new investments as we currently face one of the largest economic downturns in years. However, if we take retrofitting building intelligence technologies as an example, they have the potential to make significant energy savings now and well into the future.
Implementing AI-backed IoT technology for monitoring spaces can deliver crucial insights into where businesses are using energy, and where it is being wasted and can therefore be saved. These solutions understand the flow of people through the building and which areas are used most at different times of the day, as well as the use of heating, ventilation or air conditioning (HVAC) systems in these areas. If people are not using a space, businesses can cut down the energy used to heat or cool it, and therefore save costs.
This extends to compliance processes as well, if equipment is constantly being checked through sensors, businesses don’t need to waste money switching equipment on and off or running a tap. Data can really empower businesses to make the best energy savings, while causing minimum disruption to occupants.
The energy bill will certainly help to shelter businesses from the worst of the energy crisis. But it barely touches the surface. We need to quicken the pace of innovation to drive an energy efficiency revolution in how we manage and run our buildings. Not only will this help businesses reduce costs, but support them to reach net zero goals and protect the planet. Buildings account for 39% of global carbon emissions, with 30% of energy wasted in part because of inefficiencies. And where every saving counts, intelligent buildings can bring businesses one step closer to their ESG goals.
Ross Sheil, SVP Global Revenue, Infogrid