Skip to main content
Facilitate Magazine: Informing Workplace and Facilities Management Professionals - return to the homepage Facilitate magazine logo
  • Search
  • Visit Facilitate Magazine on Facebook
  • Visit Facilitate Magazine on LinkedIn
  • Visit @Facilitate_Mag on Twitter
Visit the website of the Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management Logo of the Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management

Main navigation

  • Home
  • News
    • Comment
    • People
    • Reports
    • Research
  • Features
    • Analysis
    • Features
    • Round Tables
    • Webinars
  • Outsourcing
    • Contract Finder
    • Contracts
    • FM Business Models
    • Interviews
    • Mergers & Acquisitions
    • Opinion
    • Procurement
    • Trends
  • Know-How
    • Explainers
    • Legal Updates
    • White Papers
  • Jobs
  • Topics
    • Workplace Services
      • Hospitality
      • Catering
      • Cleaning
      • Front of House
      • Grounds Maintenance
      • Helpdesk
      • Mailroom
      • Manned Guarding / Security
      • Pest Control
      • Washroom Services
      • Disaster Recovery
      • Specialist Services
    • Professional Performance
      • Behavioural Change
      • Continual Professional Development
      • Education
      • Management
      • Recruitment
      • Training
    • Workplace Performance
      • Benchmarking
      • Health & Wellbeing
      • Operational Readiness
      • Procurement
      • Security
      • Workplace User Experience
      • Workplace Culture
    • Compliance
      • Health & Safety
      • Risk & Business Continuity
      • Standards
      • Statutory Compliance
    • Building Services
      • Architecture & Construction
      • Asset Management
      • Building Controls
      • Building Fabric
      • Drinking Water
      • Fire Protection
      • HVAC
      • Landscaping
      • Mechanical & Electrical
      • Building Security
      • Water, Drainage & Plumbing
    • Technology
      • Building Information Modelling
      • CAFM
      • Data & Networks
      • Document Management
      • Information Management
      • Internet of Things (IoT)
      • Software & Systems
    • Energy management
      • Energy Management Systems
      • Electricity
      • Gas
      • Solar
      • Wind
    • Sustainability
      • Environmental Quality
      • Social Value
      • Waste Management
      • Recycling
    • Workspace Design
      • Agile Working
      • Fit-Out & Refurbishment
      • Inclusive Access
      • Lighting
      • Office Interiors
      • Signage
      • Space Planning
      • Storage
      • Vehicle Management / Parking
      • Washroom
    • Sectors
      • Corporate Office
      • Education
      • Healthcare
      • Manufacturing
      • International
      • Retail
      • Sports & Leisure
      • Regions
  • Buyers' Guide
Quick links:
  • Home
  • Sections
  • News
  • Comment
Sections

The road to Net Zero

Open-access content Friday 6th October 2017 — updated 2.38pm, Tuesday 5th May 2020

9 October 2017 | James Sandison


James Sandison, head of operations at US company Sandison Mechanical engineering Consulting, discusses how developing new energy strategies is key to keeping operating costs low 


Developing new energy strategies is key to keeping operating costs low and equipment running smoothly. If your company has not yet implemented energy strategies, a solution can be developed in five steps. 


STEP 1: Ask accounts for last year's utility bills. This will help you to better understand summer and winter energy use. 


STEP 2: You may be shocked by the bills, but this is not a reflection on you as an FM. The equipment you have been keeping alive has probably been eating away at your raise and vacation time. You may say: how do I implement new equipment and at the same time justify the cost? How do I know it will save money? How can I calculate the payback? We have a strict budget.


STEP 3: Look at the energy budget over a time period that includes the following: 


a) Lease term of the building(s) and the longevity of the existing equipment along with the energy bills. Does your company own the buildings? If so, are there plans to sell them within the next five years? If yes, then energy implementation is vital for a higher ROI.


b) Calculating payback: This is based on proper equipment choice and hiring the right company for installation.


c) Implementation: Do not assume you have all the facts or know best. You may find that your electric bill is higher in the summer; this may be due to chillers, compressors, absorption chillers and HVAC. When selecting equipment to be replaced or improved, consult an energy engineering company that is up to date on implementation strategies.


STEP 4: Your facility may benefit from combined heat and power (CHP). See your gas and electric bills: if both are equally high and you have a 16-24 hour-a-day facility, then CHP is the top priority.


STEP 5: Choose an energy company to best fit your specific needs. Look at how diverse the firm is in energy implementation. If it limits itself by only using solar or HVAC, avoid it. Green energy implementation is a market of possibilities.


James Sandison is head of operations, design and implementation with US company Sandison Mechanical engineering Consulting

Also filed in
Comment
Content

You might also like...

Share
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Linked in
  • Mail
  • Print

Today's top reads

 

Latest Jobs

Head of Facilities

Norwich
Market competitive salary with excellent benefits package
Reference
59397

Deputy Director of Estate Services

Newcastle-under-Lyme
£75,000 per annum
Reference
59396

Health and Safety Manager

London (Central)
£50,000
Reference
59394
See all jobs »

 

 

Sign up to our newsletter

News, jobs and updates

Sign up

Subscribe to print

Sign up to receive our bi-monthly magazine

Subscribe
Facilitate magazine cover, June 2020
​
FOLLOW US
@Facilitate_Mag
Facilitate Magazine
Facilitate Magazine
CONTACT US
Contact us
Tel: 020 7880 6200
​

IWFM

About IWFM
Become a member
Qualifications
Events

Information

Privacy Policy
Terms & Conditions
Cookie Policy
Think Green

Get in touch

Contact us
Advertise with us
Subscribe to Facilitate Magazine
Write for Facilitate Magazine

General

IWFM Jobs
Help

© 2023 • www.facilitatemagazine.com and Facilitate Magazine are published by Redactive Media Group. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any part is not allowed without written permission.

Redactive Media Group Ltd, 71-75 Shelton Street, London WC2H 9JQ