FM company’s net zero experts predict trends for 2023 – © Scharfsinn-Shutterstock
A facilities management company has said that 2023 will see a “surging demand for on-site solar” thereby creating a “supply bottleneck”.
In a decarbonisation insights paper: Net Zero Navigator 2023, FM firm Mitie has gathered experts to share their predictions for the year ahead, covering a range of areas including energy, e-mobility, waste and landscapes.
The paper also contains advice on the need to “get ahead of the crowd to secure grid connections for EV and solar, how to take a wildlife-aware approach to landscaping, and ways to mine artificial intelligence to improve building performance”.
It predicts volatility in the energy market and because of increasing demand cost-effective solutions such as on-site solar generation more businesses will compete for grid supply. It advises rapid investment in on-site solar generation.
EV transition
It states that tardy organisations will “get stuck in the electric vehicle (EV) fleet rush” as everyone enters the race to decarbonise fleets before the government’s ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars is introduced in 2030 and it urges organisations to “act fast”. It states that organisations should plan for the EV transition now to secure a grid connection and ensure adequate charging infrastructure can be installed.
Other predictions in the paper include:
- Enhancing biodiversity will take root to become a legal requirement: Biodiversity is still very much an emerging consideration for organisations, but they should not wait for estate-level biodiversity to be enshrined in law. Organisations can take a wildlife-aware approach now, collect data on site ecology, and explore nature-positive initiatives.
- Data will make or break decarbonisation efforts: To remain on track to meet net zero goals, organisations will need to harness data to inform their strategies, while demonstrating their progress. Businesses should work with an energy partner to collect data to boost efficiency and reduce waste.
- Water’s vital role in decarbonisation will become crystal clear: This year will see a significant shift in attitudes towards the huge carbon footprint of water. Whilst water may still be a cheaper utility than energy, organisations must reduce their water consumption in order to transform their carbon emissions – starting with a water audit.
- Plastic recycling will become a profitable priority: In 2023, the demand for recycled plastics will be higher than ever. Organisations need to start treating plastic waste as a valuable by-product. This starts with gaining complete visibility over just how much waste is produced.
- A culture of conscious consumption will take centre stage: Organisations should implement strategies which change the way people think about energy use across the whole organisation. A strong data service will be a key building block to help make this happen.
- Greater clarity will drive decarbonisation confidence: Although the price of energy will continue to rise this year, there is now a much better idea of what the coming year looks like. Now is the time for organisations to dial up decarbonisation activities – with a focus on cost saving – and start making changes at scale.
Pradyumna Pandit, managing director of energy and decarbonisation at Mitie, said: “Businesses are increasingly under pressure from investors, customers and colleagues to make decarbonisation a priority. This year, leadership teams need to think boldly and strategically about getting everyone involved in the journey to net zero, with support from right across the organisation. Mitie’s Net Zero Navigator provides further inspiration and guidance to businesses on the path to decarbonisation.”
