Month: April 2023

Categories
Energy Efficiency

The Link Between Energy Efficiency and the Well Agenda

THIS ARTICLE AT A GLANCE

CONTACT ETS

If you have any questions or would like to discuss further what you should be doing, ETS is here and willing to help.
Call 0117 205 0542
Email enquiries@energy-ts.com
Submit a contact form

CHECK OUR SERVICES

The Link Between Energy Efficiency and the Well Agenda

Historically the energy management agenda has largely used the idea of financial cost saving as the principal driver in promoting buy-in and the uptake of efficiency projects, across all sectors. Additionally, over the last 15 years, the market across all sectors became increasingly attuned to the idea of environmental performance – both as a response to an increasingly onerous legislative landscape around carbon performance of built assets, but also as many companies’ internal and external stakeholders placed greater scrutiny on sustainability and the actions being taken by firms to manage their environmental impact across all areas of their operations.

Increasingly over the past few years the ‘Well Agenda’ has become a significant consideration in its own right, with many funding bodies, institutional investment houses, and corporate occupiers requiring high levels of performance against specific assessment methodologies aimed directly at occupant wellbeing – thinking specifically of the ‘WELL’ Standard as developed by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI)

Wellbeing, as much as energy efficiency and carbon reduction, is becoming a key criterion against which a building’s quality is judged. We spend over 90% of our lives in and around buildings, where the concepts of sustainability and environmental impact are widely understood and measured. Now, consideration of buildings’ impact on occupants’ wellbeing – and productivity and absenteeism levels – is advancing. This is not surprising, given 90% of operating expenses typically goes to staff costs and 90% of people say their attitude to work is adversely affected by the quality of their workplace environment.

The Wellness agenda promotes clean air and minimising sources of indoor air pollution, safe and clean water (in recognition of how quickly dehydration is detrimental to human performance), the availability of fresh, nutritious foods and encouraging healthy eating habits, it promotes fitness, through the integration of physical activity into everyday life by providing opportunities for physical activity, such as moving away from prolonged periods of sitting at desks and taking the stairs rather than the lift. The mind element incorporates optimising design, technology, and crowding, noise, indoor air quality and light for the best emotional health. Importantly comfort, including thermal, acoustic, ergonomic and olfactory comfort to optimise the indoor environment, and hence wellbeing and productivity

What is the main link between energy efficiency and the wellness agenda?

The idea of Health & Wellbeing of building occupants is not new, and has always been of importance, ever since the identification of problems including ‘Sick Building Syndrome’ – and increasingly gained further traction as part of the wider environmental performance piece through specific inclusion in building sustainability assessment methodologies such as BREEAM and LEED.

There has always been a debate in the UK market as to whether a buildings’ higher sustainability credentials (as defined by a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating for example) drives higher capital and / or rental values, or that higher value buildings are inherently more sustainable due to often stricter requirements being placed on their performance by planning authorities etc. To date it has appeared to many that the traditional drivers of value remain dominant, especially in more complex markets such as the UK with a wide variety of stock ages.

Sound energy management has always formed a significant part of the Health & Wellbeing agenda, but the significance of the interrelationship has not always been fully appreciated. Deep insight into the performance and calibration of building control systems, and the strategies to which they operate, often undertaken by energy management engineers, is one of the key components in ensuring healthy internal comfort levels – whilst also driving financial savings through improved energy efficiency.

Furthermore, sound building services engineering, including ensuring that PPM regimes are adhered to, is the very bedrock of enabling buildings to deliver the internal conditions that facilitate occupant comfort, productivity and wellbeing.

This is why, at ETS we have always considered the performance of the installed equipment alongside its energy optimisation and the maintenance activities as they have a massive combined effect of occupant wellbeing. This has almost been seen as a soft benefit of our services but is now gaining recognition in its own right.

What are the upcoming trends in energy efficiency and wellness?

As focus increasingly shifts on to the Wellness agenda, evidence is emerging that improving the credentials of buildings, can drive a positive ROI through reduced sick days of staff, higher levels of individual productivity, better staff retention etc – and that as this message resonates with the occupiers more and more, property values may well respond positively.

What might this look like in practice? Measures might typically include improved access to daylight, better acoustical design to help improve concentration and increased ventilation to help employees be more comfortable year-round. Also, vending machines are replaced with access to healthy snacks, biophilic design is considered to bring nature indoors, and sit/stand desks are introduced to help employees achieve better comfort.

The big question is whether it is worth the investment.  Early evidence from the first WELL certified office projects in the United States suggests it is. Costs have varied considerably, with the biggest expenses in acoustics (reducing noise in an open office), enhanced HVAC filtration and zone control (cleaner indoor air). Advocates say that the benefits are highlighted by improved absenteeism and higher productivity figures. This is important considering the annual absenteeism rate in the US is 3% per employee in the private sector. Research has shown that offices with good ventilation and air quality can improve cognitive function significantly, whilst other recent studies have found that improving thermal comfort and access to daylight can significantly increase employee satisfaction, and for most businesses a 1% improvement in an individual’s productivity is worth far more to the bottom line than original fit out costs.

What is next?

There is some scepticism of the measurement of, and correlation between, productivity and wellbeing. Yet it is beyond doubt that lighting, air quality, noise, thermal comfort, design layout, and even the access to nature, have a huge impact on how people feel in the workplace. Post-occupancy surveys provide subjective measurements, while technology, that you can monitor through a buildings Building Management System (BMS), is readily available that delivers objective measurements such as daylight, staff movement and air quality.

The WELL standard aligns with BREEAM certification: The International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) and BRE have published guidance on where the same evidence can be used to make it more efficient for clients and project teams to pursue dual certification, with the aim of saving time and costs. So far there is no indication that it alters the timeline of projects. Similar guidance has also been published for teams seeking Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification too. The Chartered Institute of Building Engineers are also launching TM40: Health and wellbeing in building services, later this month.

It will take time to be able to undertake a full analysis of the impact of “WELL-ready” buildings on increased rents or decreased vacancy rates. Yet building owners who want to attract Class A tenants should consider adopting the wellness agenda, as employers look to differentiate themselves by providing a healthier workplace for their employees, to reduce employee turnover or improve recruitment of talent. A new set of criteria of sustainability should be considered and should involve optimising a complex set of factors, for example, achieving thermal comfort alone the careful balancing of thermal mass, glazing, shading, ventilation, zoning, and building user control. The early initial indications are the returns justify the costs, and developers need to be prepared to respond to this growing market.

At ETS, we have all the skills in-house to ensure your building’s M&E plant is fully up to scratch, and that the Building Management System controlling the interaction of the various pieces of equipment is scoped and optimally tuned, so that the performance of your property can be optimised from a cost and carbon perspective, whilst continually remotely monitoring the parameters set for the building. This will deliver optimal internal comfort conditions to enable your business to keep your teams and other occupants healthy, happy and moreover, productive.

Final thoughts

If you are looking for an energy management system that is tailored to your business needs, ETS can provide you with 25 years of experience in dramatically improving energy efficiency and reducing environmental impacts. Whether your businesses have individual assets or large international portfolios, ETS can assist you in saving substantial amounts of money while significantly reducing your carbon performance.

To discuss your requirements, get in touch. You can contact us by calling 0117 205 0542 or drop us an email at enquiries@energy-ts.com. 

Historically the energy management agenda has largely used the idea of financial cost saving as the principal driver in promoting buy-in and the uptake of efficiency projects, across all sectors. Additionally, over the last 15 years, the market across all sectors became increasingly attuned to the idea of environmental performance – both as a response to an increasingly onerous legislative landscape around carbon performance of built assets, but also as many companies’ internal and external stakeholders placed greater scrutiny on sustainability and the actions being taken by firms to manage their environmental impact across all areas of their operations.

Increasingly over the past few years the ‘Well Agenda’ has become a significant consideration in its own right, with many funding bodies, institutional investment houses, and corporate occupiers requiring high levels of performance against specific assessment methodologies aimed directly at occupant wellbeing – thinking specifically of the ‘WELL’ Standard as developed by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI)

Wellbeing, as much as energy efficiency and carbon reduction, is becoming a key criterion against which a building’s quality is judged. We spend over 90% of our lives in and around buildings, where the concepts of sustainability and environmental impact are widely understood and measured. Now, consideration of buildings’ impact on occupants’ wellbeing – and productivity and absenteeism levels – is advancing. This is not surprising, given 90% of operating expenses typically goes to staff costs and 90% of people say their attitude to work is adversely affected by the quality of their workplace environment.

The Wellness agenda promotes clean air and minimising sources of indoor air pollution, safe and clean water (in recognition of how quickly dehydration is detrimental to human performance), the availability of fresh, nutritious foods and encouraging healthy eating habits, it promotes fitness, through the integration of physical activity into everyday life by providing opportunities for physical activity, such as moving away from prolonged periods of sitting at desks and taking the stairs rather than the lift. The mind element incorporates optimising design, technology, and crowding, noise, indoor air quality and light for the best emotional health. Importantly comfort, including thermal, acoustic, ergonomic and olfactory comfort to optimise the indoor environment, and hence wellbeing and productivity

What is the main link between energy efficiency and the wellness agenda?

The idea of Health & Wellbeing of building occupants is not new, and has always been of importance, ever since the identification of problems including ‘Sick Building Syndrome’ – and increasingly gained further traction as part of the wider environmental performance piece through specific inclusion in building sustainability assessment methodologies such as BREEAM and LEED.

There has always been a debate in the UK market as to whether a buildings’ higher sustainability credentials (as defined by a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating for example) drives higher capital and / or rental values, or that higher value buildings are inherently more sustainable due to often stricter requirements being placed on their performance by planning authorities etc. To date it has appeared to many that the traditional drivers of value remain dominant, especially in more complex markets such as the UK with a wide variety of stock ages.

Sound energy management has always formed a significant part of the Health & Wellbeing agenda, but the significance of the interrelationship has not always been fully appreciated. Deep insight into the performance and calibration of building control systems, and the strategies to which they operate, often undertaken by energy management engineers, is one of the key components in ensuring healthy internal comfort levels – whilst also driving financial savings through improved energy efficiency.

Furthermore, sound building services engineering, including ensuring that PPM regimes are adhered to, is the very bedrock of enabling buildings to deliver the internal conditions that facilitate occupant comfort, productivity and wellbeing.

This is why, at ETS we have always considered the performance of the installed equipment alongside its energy optimisation and the maintenance activities as they have a massive combined effect of occupant wellbeing. This has almost been seen as a soft benefit of our services but is now gaining recognition in its own right.

What are the upcoming trends in energy efficiency and wellness?

As focus increasingly shifts on to the Wellness agenda, evidence is emerging that improving the credentials of buildings, can drive a positive ROI through reduced sick days of staff, higher levels of individual productivity, better staff retention etc – and that as this message resonates with the occupiers more and more, property values may well respond positively.

What might this look like in practice? Measures might typically include improved access to daylight, better acoustical design to help improve concentration and increased ventilation to help employees be more comfortable year-round. Also, vending machines are replaced with access to healthy snacks, biophilic design is considered to bring nature indoors, and sit/stand desks are introduced to help employees achieve better comfort.

The big question is whether it is worth the investment.  Early evidence from the first WELL certified office projects in the United States suggests it is. Costs have varied considerably, with the biggest expenses in acoustics (reducing noise in an open office), enhanced HVAC filtration and zone control (cleaner indoor air). Advocates say that the benefits are highlighted by improved absenteeism and higher productivity figures. This is important considering the annual absenteeism rate in the US is 3% per employee in the private sector. Research has shown that offices with good ventilation and air quality can improve cognitive function significantly, whilst other recent studies have found that improving thermal comfort and access to daylight can significantly increase employee satisfaction, and for most businesses a 1% improvement in an individual’s productivity is worth far more to the bottom line than original fit out costs.

What is next?

There is some scepticism of the measurement of, and correlation between, productivity and wellbeing. Yet it is beyond doubt that lighting, air quality, noise, thermal comfort, design layout, and even the access to nature, have a huge impact on how people feel in the workplace. Post-occupancy surveys provide subjective measurements, while technology, that you can monitor through a buildings Building Management System (BMS), is readily available that delivers objective measurements such as daylight, staff movement and air quality.

The WELL standard aligns with BREEAM certification: The International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) and BRE have published guidance on where the same evidence can be used to make it more efficient for clients and project teams to pursue dual certification, with the aim of saving time and costs. So far there is no indication that it alters the timeline of projects. Similar guidance has also been published for teams seeking Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification too. The Chartered Institute of Building Engineers are also launching TM40: Health and wellbeing in building services, later this month.

It will take time to be able to undertake a full analysis of the impact of “WELL-ready” buildings on increased rents or decreased vacancy rates. Yet building owners who want to attract Class A tenants should consider adopting the wellness agenda, as employers look to differentiate themselves by providing a healthier workplace for their employees, to reduce employee turnover or improve recruitment of talent. A new set of criteria of sustainability should be considered and should involve optimising a complex set of factors, for example, achieving thermal comfort alone the careful balancing of thermal mass, glazing, shading, ventilation, zoning, and building user control. The early initial indications are the returns justify the costs, and developers need to be prepared to respond to this growing market.

At ETS, we have all the skills in-house to ensure your building’s M&E plant is fully up to scratch, and that the Building Management System controlling the interaction of the various pieces of equipment is scoped and optimally tuned, so that the performance of your property can be optimised from a cost and carbon perspective, whilst continually remotely monitoring the parameters set for the building. This will deliver optimal internal comfort conditions to enable your business to keep your teams and other occupants healthy, happy and moreover, productive.

For further information please get in touch with our expert team by calling 0117 205 0545 or email enquiries@energy-ts.com.

Categories
Carbon Consultancy

Blockchain and the Built Environment

THIS ARTICLE AT A GLANCE

CONTACT ETS

If you have any questions or would like to discuss further what you should be doing, ETS is here and willing to help.
Call 0117 205 0542
Email enquiries@energy-ts.com
Submit a contact form

CHECK OUR SERVICES

Blockchain and the Built Environment

Introduction to Blockchain

Blockchain is an extremely complex and in-depth topic that could cover numerous elements and be discussed at great length for various industries. We are already seeing Blockchain being used to great effect and success in industries such as Finance with advances in Bitcoin and the technology surrounding it.

At its core, a Blockchain is a data management protocol that uses a shared set of records or transactions from multiple sources that are digitally synchronized in order to create a combined, tamper resistant source of truth rather than relying on an individual or centralised data sets where potential for distrust or inaccessibility can become a limiting factor.

Blockchain technology is an example of a distributed ledger system which is used to validate transactions to then build a shared database. These databases rely on secure networks to record transactions which are then authenticated by multiple algorithms to ensure that the data being collected is recorded and then digitally timestamped making alteration of this data very difficult.

The Future of Blockchain

Potential applications of Blockchain technology across various industries are almost infinite, as theoretically Blockchain can be applied to any process where there is a data transaction involved. The financial industry and especially the rise of Cryptocurrencies has seen the most prevalent rise in this emerging technology, with increased use providing solutions to increase speed of banking functions or improving identity and fraud protection amongst many others.

However, because of the misunderstandings of the technology surrounding Blockchain, business leaders are struggling to predict the future of this technology and the opportunities it offers. One industry in which decision makers are starting to see the possibilities for Blockchain implementation is the energy industry. There is a growing consensus that this technology will have the potential to improve efficiency of current processes and practices, accelerate the development of IoT platforms and provide greater opportunities in P2P energy trading.

Blockchain and the Built Environment

So, what are some of the main benefits that the energy sector can gain from Blockchain technology and how will this impact on the built environment? As with all industries, Blockchain increases the trust in data transactions and with that, it will allow firms to be more transparent with their data. Smart Energy Contracts are a way in which this will benefit the industry allowing energy companies to automatically trade when certain variables such as volume or price are met.

Blockchain will also open new energy markets and increase access to existing markets for individuals, businesses and communities alike. This will become increasingly important to community owned microgrids for example, where through the use of P2P trading, it will allow owners of renewable energy systems to trade their energy with consumers, without having to go through the major suppliers allowing better rates for the traders which in turn will pass savings onto the end users.

Technological advances will also allow for increased support of the low carbon agenda. An example of this is helping develop the charging infrastructure for Electric Vehicles (EV). Historically, the amount you pay for these type of energy services has been somewhat of a mystery, however by implementing Blockchain systems within the EV charging network, owners of vehicles will be able to see if they are being overcharged for the energy they consume, whilst owners of charging points will be able to assess whether or not they are being underpaid for their services. The more trust generated from these transactions, the more willing service providers should be and in turn provide better coverage of charging stations for EV owners.

Do you have a future business case for Blockchain?

The examples above are only a small portion of what could be achievable. Currently it may be too far away in your plans to be thinking about introducing Blockchain technology into your business however if you believe that there may be a need for renewable energy systems, there is no better time than now to start to review what your requirements might be, what potential solutions might be made available through advances in Blockchain technology in the energy and built environment.

Alongside that, these technologies are still mostly in pilot and development stage and still emerging but is anticipated to be huge in the future. Whilst timescales are unclear as to when these advances become more widespread, current UK government policy keeps increasing pressure towards the energy sector to become more reliant on smart grid technology over the coming decade.
So whether or not business needs are critical at this moment, getting familiar with these trends early so that informed decisions can be made further down the line is important.

Final thoughts

If you are looking for an energy management system that is tailored to your business needs, ETS can provide you with 25 years of experience in dramatically improving energy efficiency and reducing environmental impacts. Whether your businesses have individual assets or large international portfolios, ETS can assist you in saving substantial amounts of money while significantly reducing your carbon performance.

To discuss your requirements, get in touch. You can contact us by calling 0117 205 0542 or drop us an email at enquiries@energy-ts.com. 

Introduction to Blockchain

Blockchain is an extremely complex and in-depth topic that could cover numerous elements and be discussed at great length for various industries. We are already seeing Blockchain being used to great effect and success in industries such as Finance with advances in Bitcoin and the technology surrounding it.

At its core, a Blockchain is a data management protocol that uses a shared set of records or transactions from multiple sources that are digitally synchronized in order to create a combined, tamper resistant source of truth rather than relying on an individual or centralised data sets where potential for distrust or inaccessibility can become a limiting factor.

Blockchain technology is an example of a distributed ledger system which is used to validate transactions to then build a shared database. These databases rely on secure networks to record transactions which are then authenticated by multiple algorithms to ensure that the data being collected is recorded and then digitally timestamped making alteration of this data very difficult.

The Future of Blockchain

Potential applications of Blockchain technology across various industries are almost infinite, as theoretically Blockchain can be applied to any process where there is a data transaction involved. The financial industry and especially the rise of Cryptocurrencies has seen the most prevalent rise in this emerging technology, with increased use providing solutions to increase speed of banking functions or improving identity and fraud protection amongst many others.

However, because of the misunderstandings of the technology surrounding Blockchain, business leaders are struggling to predict the future of this technology and the opportunities it offers. One industry in which decision makers are starting to see the possibilities for Blockchain implementation is the energy industry. There is a growing consensus that this technology will have the potential to improve efficiency of current processes and practices, accelerate the development of IoT platforms and provide greater opportunities in P2P energy trading.

Blockchain and the Built Environment

So, what are some of the main benefits that the energy sector can gain from Blockchain technology and how will this impact on the built environment? As with all industries, Blockchain increases the trust in data transactions and with that, it will allow firms to be more transparent with their data. Smart Energy Contracts are a way in which this will benefit the industry allowing energy companies to automatically trade when certain variables such as volume or price are met.

Blockchain will also open new energy markets and increase access to existing markets for individuals, businesses and communities alike. This will become increasingly important to community owned microgrids for example, where through the use of P2P trading, it will allow owners of renewable energy systems to trade their energy with consumers, without having to go through the major suppliers allowing better rates for the traders which in turn will pass savings onto the end users.

Technological advances will also allow for increased support of the low carbon agenda. An example of this is helping develop the charging infrastructure for Electric Vehicles (EV). Historically, the amount you pay for these type of energy services has been somewhat of a mystery, however by implementing Blockchain systems within the EV charging network, owners of vehicles will be able to see if they are being overcharged for the energy they consume, whilst owners of charging points will be able to assess whether or not they are being underpaid for their services. The more trust generated from these transactions, the more willing service providers should be and in turn provide better coverage of charging stations for EV owners.

Do you have a future business case for Blockchain?

The examples above are only a small portion of what could be achievable. Currently it may be too far away in your plans to be thinking about introducing Blockchain technology into your business however if you believe that there may be a need for renewable energy systems, there is no better time than now to start to review what your requirements might be, what potential solutions might be made available through advances in Blockchain technology in the energy and built environment.

Alongside that, these technologies are still mostly in pilot and development stage and still emerging but is anticipated to be huge in the future. Whilst timescales are unclear as to when these advances become more widespread, current UK government policy keeps increasing pressure towards the energy sector to become more reliant on smart grid technology over the coming decade.
So whether or not business needs are critical at this moment, getting familiar with these trends early so that informed decisions can be made further down the line is important.

If you have any questions regarding the energy needs of your business, our expert team at ETS are always here to help. You can contact us by calling 0117 205 0542 or by dropping us an email at enquiries@energy-ts.com

Categories
Energy Efficiency

BeMS – One size doesn’t fit all!

THIS ARTICLE AT A GLANCE

CONTACT ETS

If you have any questions or would like to discuss further what you should be doing, ETS is here and willing to help.
Call 0117 205 0542
Email enquiries@energy-ts.com
Submit a contact form

CHECK OUR SERVICES

BeMS – One size doesn’t fit all!

This Webinar will focus on BeMS in the Built Environment, highlighting common problems such as legacy equipment, redundancy, OEMs, suppliers, closed protocol systems and the like. We will then discuss on how the end user would define their own outcome based solutions.

Recent years have seen rapid advances both in terms of the equipment capabilities, and the sheer number of manufacturers in the market, whilst the evolution of IoT has resulted in an explosion of data available, so how does the client know which manufacturers solution is best for them?

Therefore, migrating or upgrading your BeMS technology can seem like a daunting task.  Consequently, in order to gain the real value from these systems, decision makers must filter through the wide variety of technologies available on the market and assess the suitability of each.

Join us on Monday 4th November at 15:30-16:30 to learn more about this topic.

Key Learning Outcomes

This webinar provides a brief guide into common misunderstandings and problems, how to assess suitable solutions and technologies and ensuring you maximise the benefits of the chosen solution.

If you missed this live webinar, you can catch up by watching here.

Speaker

Phil Warren, Managing Director

Phil has over 25 years’ experience working as a building services engineer. He is a Chartered Energy Manager, ISO 50001 Lead Auditor, ESOS Lead Assessor and the Chairman for the Energy Institute South West and South Wales Branch. As the Managing Director, Phil is responsible for the development of the company, both in terms of securing new opportunities and continuing to expand the business. Drawing on his extensive experience, Phil continues to provide guidance to the ETS team through sharing industry knowledge, identifying new energy saving initiatives, as well as quality managing internal processes.

Final thoughts

If you are looking for an energy management system that is tailored to your business needs, ETS can provide you with 25 years of experience in dramatically improving energy efficiency and reducing environmental impacts. Whether your businesses have individual assets or large international portfolios, ETS can assist you in saving substantial amounts of money while significantly reducing your carbon performance.

To discuss your requirements, get in touch. You can contact us by calling 0117 205 0542 or drop us an email at enquiries@energy-ts.com. 

This Webinar will focus on BeMS in the Built Environment, highlighting common problems such as legacy equipment, redundancy, OEMs, suppliers, closed protocol systems and the like. We will then discuss on how the end user would define their own outcome based solutions.

Recent years have seen rapid advances both in terms of the equipment capabilities, and the sheer number of manufacturers in the market, whilst the evolution of IoT has resulted in an explosion of data available, so how does the client know which manufacturers solution is best for them?

Therefore, migrating or upgrading your BeMS technology can seem like a daunting task.  Consequently, in order to gain the real value from these systems, decision makers must filter through the wide variety of technologies available on the market and assess the suitability of each.

Join us on Monday 4th November at 15:30-16:30 to learn more about this topic.

Key Learning Outcomes

This webinar provides a brief guide into common misunderstandings and problems, how to assess suitable solutions and technologies and ensuring you maximise the benefits of the chosen solution.

If you missed this live webinar, you can catch up by watching here.

Speaker

Phil Warren, Managing Director

Phil has over 25 years’ experience working as a building services engineer. He is a Chartered Energy Manager, ISO 50001 Lead Auditor, ESOS Lead Assessor and the Chairman for the Energy Institute South West and South Wales Branch. As the Managing Director, Phil is responsible for the development of the company, both in terms of securing new opportunities and continuing to expand the business. Drawing on his extensive experience, Phil continues to provide guidance to the ETS team through sharing industry knowledge, identifying new energy saving initiatives, as well as quality managing internal processes.

Categories
Energy Efficiency

Converting Energy Data into Savings Opportunities

THIS ARTICLE AT A GLANCE

CONTACT ETS

If you have any questions or would like to discuss further what you should be doing, ETS is here and willing to help.
Call 0117 205 0542
Email enquiries@energy-ts.com
Submit a contact form

CHECK OUR SERVICES

Converting Energy Data into Savings Opportunities

There are proven business benefits to appropriate metering and subsequent energy monitoring.

According to the Carbon Trust, 20% of a business’ annual energy costs are wasted through inefficient equipment. A British Gas survey of several thousand smart meters also showed that 46% of SME’s total electricity used is outside of occupation hours (between 6pm and 8am). Additionally, in some cases up to 60% of office heat is lost through the fabric of the building.

Other sources also claim many industrial installations are seeing a 50% reduction in efficiency from heat loss due to poor or missing insulation.

So, we can see that there is real potential in unlocking significant energy savings but how do we exploit these opportunities?

Conducting an energy audit is the by far the best way to collect and then analyse energy consumption data. Tracking past and present energy consumption provides information on how much energy is being used and when. This information can help to determine areas of significant energy consumption and identify energy waste.

So now we need to calculate the savings. What does this Involve?

First you need to review the operational performance of the existing HVAC plant and equipment. Also identify current occupancy levels, operating times and conduct a detailed study of the current BMS control strategy.

All this information can then be compared against buildings with similar characteristics. This will provide a projected consumption profile highlighting problem areas which require improvements.

Savings should be determined by comparing consumption before and after implementation of any energy saving initiative. Suitable adjustments for changes in conditions should also be accounted for.

The metering plan, specific for every organisation, is essential to measure and compare consumption over time. It involves the implementation of metering and measurement equipment as well as energy consumption figures to calculate the EPI (Energy Performance Index).

The analysis of all of this data makes it possible to validate the energy savings achieved following the completion of a project. It also helps keep track of energy performance over the long term.

If you would like advice about how to improve energy efficiency within your building, contact us on 0117 379 0850 and speak to one of our specialists.

More Answers

Final thoughts

If you are looking for an energy management system that is tailored to your business needs, ETS can provide you with 25 years of experience in dramatically improving energy efficiency and reducing environmental impacts. Whether your businesses have individual assets or large international portfolios, ETS can assist you in saving substantial amounts of money while significantly reducing your carbon performance.

To discuss your requirements, get in touch. You can contact us by calling 0117 205 0542 or drop us an email at enquiries@energy-ts.com. 

There are proven business benefits to appropriate metering and subsequent energy monitoring.

According to the Carbon Trust, 20% of a business’ annual energy costs are wasted through inefficient equipment. A British Gas survey of several thousand smart meters also showed that 46% of SME’s total electricity used is outside of occupation hours (between 6pm and 8am). Additionally, in some cases up to 60% of office heat is lost through the fabric of the building.

Other sources also claim many industrial installations are seeing a 50% reduction in efficiency from heat loss due to poor or missing insulation.

So, we can see that there is real potential in unlocking significant energy savings but how do we exploit these opportunities?

Conducting an energy audit is the by far the best way to collect and then analyse energy consumption data. Tracking past and present energy consumption provides information on how much energy is being used and when. This information can help to determine areas of significant energy consumption and identify energy waste.

So now we need to calculate the savings. What does this Involve?

First you need to review the operational performance of the existing HVAC plant and equipment. Also identify current occupancy levels, operating times and conduct a detailed study of the current BMS control strategy.

All this information can then be compared against buildings with similar characteristics. This will provide a projected consumption profile highlighting problem areas which require improvements.

Savings should be determined by comparing consumption before and after implementation of any energy saving initiative. Suitable adjustments for changes in conditions should also be accounted for.

The metering plan, specific for every organisation, is essential to measure and compare consumption over time. It involves the implementation of metering and measurement equipment as well as energy consumption figures to calculate the EPI (Energy Performance Index).

The analysis of all of this data makes it possible to validate the energy savings achieved following the completion of a project. It also helps keep track of energy performance over the long term.

If you would like advice about how to improve energy efficiency within your building, contact us on 0117 379 0850 and speak to one of our specialists.

More Answers

Categories
Energy Efficiency

The Power of Smart Building Technology

THIS ARTICLE AT A GLANCE

CONTACT ETS

If you have any questions or would like to discuss further what you should be doing, ETS is here and willing to help.
Call 0117 205 0542
Email enquiries@energy-ts.com
Submit a contact form

CHECK OUR SERVICES

The Power of Smart Building Technology

What issues are faced by new and old buildings?

The terms ‘Smart Building’, ‘Intelligent Building’, and ‘Building Automation’ are often used interchangeably, and the variation in the definition of these terms and their interpretation can be confusing for businesses when assessing the range of energy saving and ‘sustainable’ technologies available on the market.

With the ever-increasing scrutiny on the sustainability and environmental performance of property assets, and the seemingly inexorable rise of the ‘smart cities’ agenda, the notion of the smart building has gained increased exposure over recent years. However it is clear that smart building tech can include everything from automated building management systems, to HVAC plant monitoring platforms, to meeting room booking systems.

At its most basic level, a smart building can be said to use a combination of technologies to automate building management, removing the requirement for the manual control which can often cause inefficiency and poor environmental performance – although clearly one would hesitate to deem a building as being ‘smart’ simply because a BMS is in place!

Over time, and as technology in this space develops, the notional benchmark of what constitutes a ‘smart building’ also shifts – with expectations about the aspects of the property that should be ‘optimised’  and ‘connected’ including more and more factors.

However, in general, smart buildings are those where technology provides granular monitoring and control over plant and systems to optimise energy efficiency, occupant health & wellbeing, comfort levels, and security systems.

To achieve this, smart buildings increasingly exploit IoT connectivity, sensors, metering and controls to remotely monitor and proactively respond to occupant requirements by adjusting the buildings systems accordingly.

The Benefits of Smart Building Technology

Beyond improved efficiency and occupancy conditions, smart technologies can facilitate better decision making on investment decisions, and the future-proofing of assets through predicative maintenance to ensure operational resilience, ongoing compliance, and capital / rental value protection.

However, the emergence of new technologies and a rapidly evolving marketplace can often bring confusion and a level of uncertainty about which systems to choose and  integrate – which can lead to either inaction, or the implementation of inappropriate solutions.

Migration to Smart Building Technology

Migrating over to smart building technology can seem like a daunting task especially when considering the level of sophistication required to set up the necessary controls automation, monitoring and reporting.  However, depending on an organisation’s goals, size and business activities, it is possible to integrate smart technology within a building without the need for a complex or costly setup.

A BMS / BeMS is the core of any smart building agenda.  Understanding its role and core functions to managing building performance is the first step towards achieving a smart building. Once this understanding is in place, further investigations into additional tech integration can be made, to ensure seamless operation and cohesive communication between disparate building systems.

The ETS team can assist here, as we have the full range of specialisms and expertise under one roof: from analysts & data scientists, chartered building services engineers, building controls and automation specialists, and chartered energy managers.

With this level of integrated expertise, we can help your organisation make the move from ‘dumb’ to ‘smart’ buildings, to save significant amounts of money, proactively manage and reduce carbon emissions, ensure compliance, and protect the value of your property assets.

Get in touch with the ETS team, to explore how we can help! Call 0117 379 0850 or email enquiries@energy-ts.com.

More Answers

Final thoughts

If you are looking for an energy management system that is tailored to your business needs, ETS can provide you with 25 years of experience in dramatically improving energy efficiency and reducing environmental impacts. Whether your businesses have individual assets or large international portfolios, ETS can assist you in saving substantial amounts of money while significantly reducing your carbon performance.

To discuss your requirements, get in touch. You can contact us by calling 0117 205 0542 or drop us an email at enquiries@energy-ts.com. 

What is Smart Building Technology?

The terms ‘Smart Building’, ‘Intelligent Building’, and ‘Building Automation’ are often used interchangeably, and the variation in the definition of these terms and their interpretation can be confusing for businesses when assessing the range of energy saving and ‘sustainable’ technologies available on the market.

With the ever-increasing scrutiny on the sustainability and environmental performance of property assets, and the seemingly inexorable rise of the ‘smart cities’ agenda, the notion of the smart building has gained increased exposure over recent years. However it is clear that smart building tech can include everything from automated building management systems, to HVAC plant monitoring platforms, to meeting room booking systems.

At its most basic level, a smart building can be said to use a combination of technologies to automate building management, removing the requirement for the manual control which can often cause inefficiency and poor environmental performance – although clearly one would hesitate to deem a building as being ‘smart’ simply because a BMS is in place!

Over time, and as technology in this space develops, the notional benchmark of what constitutes a ‘smart building’ also shifts – with expectations about the aspects of the property that should be ‘optimised’  and ‘connected’ including more and more factors.

However, in general, smart buildings are those where technology provides granular monitoring and control over plant and systems to optimise energy efficiency, occupant health & wellbeing, comfort levels, and security systems.

To achieve this, smart buildings increasingly exploit IoT connectivity, sensors, metering and controls to remotely monitor and proactively respond to occupant requirements by adjusting the buildings systems accordingly.

The Benefits of Smart Building Technology

Beyond improved efficiency and occupancy conditions, smart technologies can facilitate better decision making on investment decisions, and the future-proofing of assets through predicative maintenance to ensure operational resilience, ongoing compliance, and capital / rental value protection.

However, the emergence of new technologies and a rapidly evolving marketplace can often bring confusion and a level of uncertainty about which systems to choose and  integrate – which can lead to either inaction, or the implementation of inappropriate solutions.

Migration to Smart Building Technology

Migrating over to smart building technology can seem like a daunting task especially when considering the level of sophistication required to set up the necessary controls automation, monitoring and reporting.  However, depending on an organisation’s goals, size and business activities, it is possible to integrate smart technology within a building without the need for a complex or costly setup.

A BMS / BeMS is the core of any smart building agenda.  Understanding its role and core functions to managing building performance is the first step towards achieving a smart building. Once this understanding is in place, further investigations into additional tech integration can be made, to ensure seamless operation and cohesive communication between disparate building systems.

The ETS team can assist here, as we have the full range of specialisms and expertise under one roof: from analysts & data scientists, chartered building services engineers, building controls and automation specialists, and chartered energy managers.

With this level of integrated expertise, we can help your organisation make the move from ‘dumb’ to ‘smart’ buildings, to save significant amounts of money, proactively manage and reduce carbon emissions, ensure compliance, and protect the value of your property assets.

Get in touch with the ETS team, to explore how we can help! Call 0117 379 0850 or email enquiries@energy-ts.com.

More Answers

Categories
Energy Efficiency

Introducing Smart Building Technology into an Existing Building

THIS ARTICLE AT A GLANCE

CONTACT ETS

If you have any questions or would like to discuss further what you should be doing, ETS is here and willing to help.
Call 0117 205 0542
Email enquiries@energy-ts.com
Submit a contact form

CHECK OUR SERVICES

Introducing Smart Building Technology into an Existing Building

When it comes to creating a Smart Building, it all boils down to what your goals are and what the desired end-state is. Smart buildings have the potential to completely change the way we interact with buildings and change our work lives.

At the end of the day, the building should work for its occupants and not the other way around. So, keep this in mind as you embark on this journey. The goal of a Smart Building is to deliver useful services that help make occupants more productive and safer at the lowest cost, and with the least environmental impact.

A Smart Building optimises and minimises energy. Occupant security and quality of life is one of its top priorities. This means not just physical security, such as connected fire suppression and alarm systems, but also health security— good-quality air and water, and the like.

That being the case, Smart Buildings are a critical component regarding energy usage and sustainability. The building automation systems, such as HVAC control, lighting control, power management, and metering play a major role in determining the operational and energy efficiency of a building. So, much thought and planning needs to go into this beforehand.

So here a question. You may wonder how do I validate the amount of energy I use & could save?
Well one of the advantages of IoT equipment is its ease of deployment making it an easy product to install even for a test purpose. This will enable you to find out the energy consumption very quickly and easily.

It could be used just for a number of weeks to get a snap shot of the building before any commitment is made, enabling data to be collated and a report to be generated on any projected ROI. So, this is another idea to keep in mind.

In summary, when clients first think about smart buildings, they often think about using the latest and most exciting technology. However, before jumping right in and purchasing this technology (because there’s plenty out there), take a step back and ask yourself

  • What will make this building smart?
  • What is our goal and vision for the end product?

Spending a lot of time upfront in this vision and discovery process will help to ensure you embark on the right path. Build your team at this stage, with the right people, get them on board and make them a part of the process. Once you and your team are aligned on the details, plan and plot the journey, and remember it’s more than purchasing a piece of the latest technology; it’s making a commitment to change, but the benefits can be great.

Final thoughts

If you are looking for an energy management system that is tailored to your business needs, ETS can provide you with 25 years of experience in dramatically improving energy efficiency and reducing environmental impacts. Whether your businesses have individual assets or large international portfolios, ETS can assist you in saving substantial amounts of money while significantly reducing your carbon performance.

To discuss your requirements, get in touch. You can contact us by calling 0117 205 0542 or drop us an email at enquiries@energy-ts.com. 

When it comes to creating a Smart Building, it all boils down to what your goals are and what the desired end-state is. Smart buildings have the potential to completely change the way we interact with buildings and change our work lives.

At the end of the day, the building should work for its occupants and not the other way around. So, keep this in mind as you embark on this journey. The goal of a Smart Building is to deliver useful services that help make occupants more productive and safer at the lowest cost, and with the least environmental impact.

A Smart Building optimises and minimises energy. Occupant security and quality of life is one of its top priorities. This means not just physical security, such as connected fire suppression and alarm systems, but also health security— good-quality air and water, and the like.

That being the case, Smart Buildings are a critical component regarding energy usage and sustainability. The building automation systems, such as HVAC control, lighting control, power management, and metering play a major role in determining the operational and energy efficiency of a building. So, much thought and planning needs to go into this beforehand.

So here a question. You may wonder how do I validate the amount of energy I use & could save?
Well one of the advantages of IoT equipment is its ease of deployment making it an easy product to install even for a test purpose. This will enable you to find out the energy consumption very quickly and easily.

It could be used just for a number of weeks to get a snap shot of the building before any commitment is made, enabling data to be collated and a report to be generated on any projected ROI. So, this is another idea to keep in mind.

In summary, when clients first think about smart buildings, they often think about using the latest and most exciting technology. However, before jumping right in and purchasing this technology (because there’s plenty out there), take a step back and ask yourself

  • What will make this building smart?
  • What is our goal and vision for the end product?

Spending a lot of time upfront in this vision and discovery process will help to ensure you embark on the right path. Build your team at this stage, with the right people, get them on board and make them a part of the process. Once you and your team are aligned on the details, plan and plot the journey, and remember it’s more than purchasing a piece of the latest technology; it’s making a commitment to change, but the benefits can be great.

Categories
Energy Efficiency

Smart Building Technology – How to get started

THIS ARTICLE AT A GLANCE

CONTACT ETS

If you have any questions or would like to discuss further what you should be doing, ETS is here and willing to help.
Call 0117 205 0542
Email enquiries@energy-ts.com
Submit a contact form

CHECK OUR SERVICES

Smart Building Technology – How to get started

Introduction

According Energy Manager Today (2018), the global smart building market is predicted to reach $61.9 million by 2024. One of the major drivers for growth in this sector is increasing concern around energy waste and carbon emissions.  Smart buildings improve operational efficiency through sophisticated controls automation, delivering more comfortable working environments at the lowest cost and with the least environmental impact.

Recent years have seen rapid advances both in terms of the communication between disparate systems and the availability of information for building managers.  The evolution of IoT has resulted in an explosion in the sheer volume of data generated, making it possible to proactively respond to building inefficiencies.

Migrating over to smart building technology can seem like a daunting task.  In order to gain the real value from these systems, decision makers must filter through the wide variety of technologies available on the market and assess the suitability of each.  This webinar provides a brief guide into the smart building market, how to assess suitable technologies, how to upgrade an existing building, and how to maximise the benefits of the chosen solution.

Key Learning Outcomes

Malcolm Coombes, Senior Controls Consulting Engineer

As our controls specialist, Malcolm supports both our Operations department and our Technical Energy Centre (TEC). Drawing on his extensive experience, Malcolm provides diagnostics to data anomalies and is the lead engineer for all BMS and controls strategy reviews, upgrades and installations.

Final thoughts

If you are looking for an energy management system that is tailored to your business needs, ETS can provide you with 25 years of experience in dramatically improving energy efficiency and reducing environmental impacts. Whether your businesses have individual assets or large international portfolios, ETS can assist you in saving substantial amounts of money while significantly reducing your carbon performance.

To discuss your requirements, get in touch. You can contact us by calling 0117 205 0542 or drop us an email at enquiries@energy-ts.com. 

Introduction

According Energy Manager Today (2018), the global smart building market is predicted to reach $61.9 million by 2024. One of the major drivers for growth in this sector is increasing concern around energy waste and carbon emissions.  Smart buildings improve operational efficiency through sophisticated controls automation, delivering more comfortable working environments at the lowest cost and with the least environmental impact.

Recent years have seen rapid advances both in terms of the communication between disparate systems and the availability of information for building managers.  The evolution of IoT has resulted in an explosion in the sheer volume of data generated, making it possible to proactively respond to building inefficiencies.

Migrating over to smart building technology can seem like a daunting task.  In order to gain the real value from these systems, decision makers must filter through the wide variety of technologies available on the market and assess the suitability of each.  This webinar provides a brief guide into the smart building market, how to assess suitable technologies, how to upgrade an existing building, and how to maximise the benefits of the chosen solution.

Key Learning Outcomes

Malcolm Coombes, Senior Controls Consulting Engineer

As our controls specialist, Malcolm supports both our Operations department and our Technical Energy Centre (TEC). Drawing on his extensive experience, Malcolm provides diagnostics to data anomalies and is the lead engineer for all BMS and controls strategy reviews, upgrades and installations.

Categories
Energy Efficiency

The Need for BMS Optimisation in New Builds

THIS ARTICLE AT A GLANCE

CONTACT ETS

If you have any questions or would like to discuss further what you should be doing, ETS is here and willing to help.
Call 0117 205 0542
Email enquiries@energy-ts.com
Submit a contact form

CHECK OUR SERVICES

The Need for BMS Optimisation in New Builds

So, your new building is finished, fully commissioned, and handed over. It is now ready for occupation and to be fully equipped with all the state-of-the-art modern features. However, do you know the energy profile of your new building? How much the building going to cost you and the environment?

Yes, someone would have provided an estimation of the costs to run the building, but is that prediction correct? Buildings are not homogeneous; their operation and efficiency are unique to the activities undertaken within the specific site.

Just because a building is new, does not mean that it is running correctly or efficiently. Construction companies have tight deadlines to get a building up, running and compliant to safety specifications. As a result, the finer details of energy efficiency and optimisation is usually treated as an afterthought.

Typically, problems are not identified until after the first-year warranty period has passed, which invariably is too late. The delay in identifying building performance issues can be very costly. Running an inefficient building can cost thousands in wasted energy. It is even more worrying if there are no processes or systems in place to verify or quantify energy use.

Do not wait until issues arise. Inefficient buildings not only cost more money to run but they also impact comfort conditions. Review the current performance of your HVAC equipment and plant operation immediately after your building has been commissioned. In doing so, you will not only identify energy waste through inefficient equipment, but also benchmark the buildings performance.

The information gathered from a performance review will form the body of any action plan going forward. The action plan should provide a list of tasks to reduce energy waste within the building. If done correctly, your running costs should significantly decrease.

Your building should be efficient and comfortable from the start. If you are experiencing problems with your building performance speak to our team today on 0117 379 0850.

Final thoughts

If you are looking for an energy management system that is tailored to your business needs, ETS can provide you with 25 years of experience in dramatically improving energy efficiency and reducing environmental impacts. Whether your businesses have individual assets or large international portfolios, ETS can assist you in saving substantial amounts of money while significantly reducing your carbon performance.

To discuss your requirements, get in touch. You can contact us by calling 0117 205 0542 or drop us an email at enquiries@energy-ts.com. 

So, your new building is finished, fully commissioned, and handed over. It is now ready for occupation and to be fully equipped with all the state-of-the-art modern features. However, do you know the energy profile of your new building? How much the building going to cost you and the environment?

Yes, someone would have provided an estimation of the costs to run the building, but is that prediction correct? Buildings are not homogeneous; their operation and efficiency are unique to the activities undertaken within the specific site.

Just because a building is new, does not mean that it is running correctly or efficiently. Construction companies have tight deadlines to get a building up, running and compliant to safety specifications. As a result, the finer details of energy efficiency and optimisation is usually treated as an afterthought.

Typically, problems are not identified until after the first-year warranty period has passed, which invariably is too late. The delay in identifying building performance issues can be very costly. Running an inefficient building can cost thousands in wasted energy. It is even more worrying if there are no processes or systems in place to verify or quantify energy use.

Do not wait until issues arise. Inefficient buildings not only cost more money to run but they also impact comfort conditions. Review the current performance of your HVAC equipment and plant operation immediately after your building has been commissioned. In doing so, you will not only identify energy waste through inefficient equipment, but also benchmark the buildings performance.

The information gathered from a performance review will form the body of any action plan going forward. The action plan should provide a list of tasks to reduce energy waste within the building. If done correctly, your running costs should significantly decrease.

Your building should be efficient and comfortable from the start. If you are experiencing problems with your building performance speak to our team today on 0117 379 0850.

Categories
Energy Efficiency

Internet of Things – Are you using it to the full?

THIS ARTICLE AT A GLANCE

CONTACT ETS

If you have any questions or would like to discuss further what you should be doing, ETS is here and willing to help.
Call 0117 205 0542
Email enquiries@energy-ts.com
Submit a contact form

CHECK OUR SERVICES

Internet of Things – Are you using it to the full?

A few decades ago we never thought it would be possible to automatically control the conditions in an entire building. However, the latest technological developments and the IoT have evolved the market, leading to the emergence of what we now know as smart buildings.

A smart building is any building that uses automation to control its operations which can include the heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC systems), lighting, security and more. The goal of a Smart Building is to deliver useful services that help make occupants more productive in their environment, at the lowest cost and with the least environmental impact. While newly constructed properties can be designed to implement all of these smart technologies from the ground up, older buildings can also be converted into a smart building.

Many buildings have not been equipped with a Building Automation System (BAS) or a Building Management System (BMS). Older buildings or small/medium sized buildings may not be able to justify the expense of installing a modern BMS. Typically, these types of buildings have disparate systems that operate independently to one another. As such, they rely on manual operation, which can produce inconsistent performance in respect to energy management and budgets.

You may wonder “how do I track, manage and reduce the amount of energy I use?” Well, one of the advantages of IoT equipment is its ease of deployment.  Some IoT equipment can even be implemented on a trial basis to get a snap shot of building performance before any commitment is made.

In some instances, the data pulled from the IoT equipment can be integrated with your BMS, enabling you to not only monitor your system but deliver appropriate information to improve operational efficiency.

Your building should be operationally efficient, comfortable and energy efficient. If you are experiencing problems with your HVAC or control systems or would like advice about the full use of the IoT and what solution to choose, contact us on 0117 379 0850 and speak to one of our Controls Specialists today.

 

Malcolm Coombes, Senior Controls Consulting Engineer

As our controls specialist, Malcolm supports both our Operations department and our Technical Energy Centre (TEC). Drawing on his extensive experience, Malcolm provides diagnostics to data anomalies and is the lead engineer for all BMS and controls strategy reviews, upgrades and installations.

Final thoughts

If you are looking for an energy management system that is tailored to your business needs, ETS can provide you with 25 years of experience in dramatically improving energy efficiency and reducing environmental impacts. Whether your businesses have individual assets or large international portfolios, ETS can assist you in saving substantial amounts of money while significantly reducing your carbon performance.

To discuss your requirements, get in touch. You can contact us by calling 0117 205 0542 or drop us an email at enquiries@energy-ts.com. 

A few decades ago we never thought it would be possible to automatically control the conditions in an entire building. However, the latest technological developments and the IoT have evolved the market, leading to the emergence of what we now know as smart buildings.

A smart building is any building that uses automation to control its operations which can include the heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC systems), lighting, security and more. The goal of a Smart Building is to deliver useful services that help make occupants more productive in their environment, at the lowest cost and with the least environmental impact. While newly constructed properties can be designed to implement all of these smart technologies from the ground up, older buildings can also be converted into a smart building.

Many buildings have not been equipped with a Building Automation System (BAS) or a Building Management System (BMS). Older buildings or small/medium sized buildings may not be able to justify the expense of installing a modern BMS. Typically, these types of buildings have disparate systems that operate independently to one another. As such, they rely on manual operation, which can produce inconsistent performance in respect to energy management and budgets.

You may wonder “how do I track, manage and reduce the amount of energy I use?” Well, one of the advantages of IoT equipment is its ease of deployment.  Some IoT equipment can even be implemented on a trial basis to get a snap shot of building performance before any commitment is made.

In some instances, the data pulled from the IoT equipment can be integrated with your BMS, enabling you to not only monitor your system but deliver appropriate information to improve operational efficiency.

Your building should be operationally efficient, comfortable and energy efficient. If you are experiencing problems with your HVAC or control systems or would like advice about the full use of the IoT and what solution to choose, contact us on 0117 379 0850 and speak to one of our Controls Specialists today.

 

Malcolm Coombes, Senior Controls Consulting Engineer

As our controls specialist, Malcolm supports both our Operations department and our Technical Energy Centre (TEC). Drawing on his extensive experience, Malcolm provides diagnostics to data anomalies and is the lead engineer for all BMS and controls strategy reviews, upgrades and installations.

Categories
Energy Efficiency

An Introduction to Indoor Air Quality

THIS ARTICLE AT A GLANCE

CONTACT ETS

If you have any questions or would like to discuss further what you should be doing, ETS is here and willing to help.
Call 0117 205 0542
Email enquiries@energy-ts.com
Submit a contact form

CHECK OUR SERVICES

An Introduction to Indoor Air Quality

An office or work place should be free of airborne pollutants and pathogens that could affect or cause health issues to occupants or give rise to discomfort.

According to Public Health England (2018), poor air quality is the largest environmental risk to public health in the UK.  We all know about the damaging effects of breathing in polluted air when outside, but what about the air we breathe indoors?  We spend about 90% of our time indoors, therefore our lifetime exposure to air pollutants will be significantly influenced by indoor air quality.

What is Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)?

The quality of air both indoors and outdoors is critical to the health, comfort and well-being of building users.  The most common sources of indoor air pollutants are poor ventilation systems, building materials, chemicals from cleaning products, and office equipment (e.g. printers).  To remove these pollutants, a regular supply of fresh air should be provided throughout the building, with adequate ventilation and air supply rates.  External pollution ingress should also be minimised or eradicated as far as possible.

Air quality is very important in the workplace. Regular workforce complaints, increased sick leave and general discontentment with surroundings could be an indicator of poor indoor air quality.  If not addressed, companies or building owners could experience something known as Sick Building Syndrome (SBS).  The Health and Safety Executive has published guidance on this phenomenon and how to deal with SBS.

How to manage and monitor indoor air quality and pollution?

Building temperature is a common cause of tenant / occupant complaints.  Sporadic and constant alteration of temperature set points should be discouraged.  Not only does this cause issues with comfort conditions, but it also creates challenges in managing indoor air quality.

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) assessments should be completed either periodically as part of routine maintenance checks; or reactively, in response to identified health concerns.  An IAQ suite typically comprises:

  • Measurement and analysis of workplace Carbon Dioxide (CO2) concentrations
  • Measurement and analysis of airborne particles
  • Measurement and analysis of airborne bacteria and fungi
  • Measurement and analysis of surface bacteria and fungi in ventilation systems and ductwork
  • Measurement and analysis of thermal comfort conditions (temperature and humidity)
  • Measurement and analysis of specific parameters in response to specific health complaints

Where does Indoor Air Pollution come from?

Internal pollution comes from a variety of sources, the main types being summarised below:

  • Gaseous pollutants
  • Volatile organic compounds often used in building materials, paints. Coatings, plastics, etc. (formaldehyde and benzene in example). NB: Some sources provide not only odours but can be carcinogenic as well
  • Airborne pathogens
  • Odours
  • Particulates

Gaseous Pollutants

Gaseous Pollutants can come from a variety of sources. The sources of contaminants depend on the type of building, location and types of activity being undertaken. One of the key areas of concern in an office space is Carbon Dioxide (CO2). Densely occupied office space can lead to high concentrations of CO2, which can make occupants feel lethargic and tired.

The Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) recommends that concentrations of 1000 parts per million (PPM), as an instantaneous value or 5000ppm of an 8-hour time weighted average, should be avoided. Typically, an office should be expected to maintain a level of around 650ppm.  The levels of CO2 in an office can also be used to determine if a building has adequate ventilation and often forms part of the IAQ checks.

Particulates

Particulates generated from various sources such as combustion appliances, aerosol sprays, clothing, carpet, wallboard and paper are a serious health concern in an enclosed office environment.  Sufferers of asthma, allergic rhinitis and eczema are the most vulnerable to illnesses triggered by inhaling these particulates.  In an office space, a high particulate concentration can also be an indication of poor office ventilation, hygiene or cleaning regime. Occupational standards dictate that 150µg/m3 over a 24-hour period should be avoided.

Airborne Pathogens

The effects of microbes (bacteria and fungi) in ductwork systems are often ignored.  Heavy concentrations of contaminated deposits that enter a buildings ventilation system can release spores into the airstream.  It is therefore essential to ensure the all the HVAC systems maintain an acceptable level of hygiene.  Bacterial and fungal monitoring often forms part of the IAQ checks that a specialist would undertake. Samples are taken using agar plates for both ‘contact’ (surface) and airborne bacteria and fungi to provide an indication of hygiene.

How to maintain adequate indoor air quality?

Periodic maintenance is essential on any system – ventilation and air conditioning is no exception.  Filter changes, cleaning air grilles and ensuring that temperature settings are correct are all standard procedure under a planned preventative maintenance (PPM) regime. However, system hygiene inspections and the cleaning of main components (duct, coils, filters, main distribution sections, etc.) can often be overlooked or not considered; this is partly because access is often restrictive for many parts of the system, particularly in older buildings.   The office cleaning regime also plays an important role in influencing air quality therefore, the standard and quality of cleaning should also be monitored.

Principally, the components of a comprehensive system in managing and maintaining adequate levels of Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) are as follows:

  • Standard PPM on air conveyance system
  • Regular hygienic assessment and analysis of the conveyance system components and distribution
  • Periodic assessment of Indoor Air Quality with a standard suite of sampling and analysis
  • Ad hoc cleaning of the conveyance system as prescribed following poor hygiene indicators
  • Reactive testing when and if health issues occur to identify, isolate and eradicate any source of contamination

Final thoughts

If you are looking for an energy management system that is tailored to your business needs, ETS can provide you with 25 years of experience in dramatically improving energy efficiency and reducing environmental impacts. Whether your businesses have individual assets or large international portfolios, ETS can assist you in saving substantial amounts of money while significantly reducing your carbon performance.

To discuss your requirements, get in touch. You can contact us by calling 0117 205 0542 or drop us an email at enquiries@energy-ts.com. 

An office or work place should be free of airborne pollutants and pathogens that could affect or cause health issues to occupants or give rise to discomfort.

According to Public Health England (2018), poor air quality is the largest environmental risk to public health in the UK.  We all know about the damaging effects of breathing in polluted air when outside, but what about the air we breathe indoors?  We spend about 90% of our time indoors, therefore our lifetime exposure to air pollutants will be significantly influenced by indoor air quality.

What is Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)?

The quality of air both indoors and outdoors is critical to the health, comfort and well-being of building users.  The most common sources of indoor air pollutants are poor ventilation systems, building materials, chemicals from cleaning products, and office equipment (e.g. printers).  To remove these pollutants, a regular supply of fresh air should be provided throughout the building, with adequate ventilation and air supply rates.  External pollution ingress should also be minimised or eradicated as far as possible.

Air quality is very important in the workplace. Regular workforce complaints, increased sick leave and general discontentment with surroundings could be an indicator of poor indoor air quality.  If not addressed, companies or building owners could experience something known as Sick Building Syndrome (SBS).  The Health and Safety Executive has published guidance on this phenomenon and how to deal with SBS.

How to manage and monitor indoor air quality and pollution?

Building temperature is a common cause of tenant / occupant complaints.  Sporadic and constant alteration of temperature set points should be discouraged.  Not only does this cause issues with comfort conditions, but it also creates challenges in managing indoor air quality.

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) assessments should be completed either periodically as part of routine maintenance checks; or reactively, in response to identified health concerns.  An IAQ suite typically comprises:

  • Measurement and analysis of workplace Carbon Dioxide (CO2) concentrations
  • Measurement and analysis of airborne particles
  • Measurement and analysis of airborne bacteria and fungi
  • Measurement and analysis of surface bacteria and fungi in ventilation systems and ductwork
  • Measurement and analysis of thermal comfort conditions (temperature and humidity)
  • Measurement and analysis of specific parameters in response to specific health complaints

Where does Indoor Air Pollution come from?

Internal pollution comes from a variety of sources, the main types being summarised below:

  • Gaseous pollutants
  • Volatile organic compounds often used in building materials, paints. Coatings, plastics, etc. (formaldehyde and benzene in example). NB: Some sources provide not only odours but can be carcinogenic as well
  • Airborne pathogens
  • Odours
  • Particulates

Gaseous Pollutants

Gaseous Pollutants can come from a variety of sources. The sources of contaminants depend on the type of building, location and types of activity being undertaken. One of the key areas of concern in an office space is Carbon Dioxide (CO2). Densely occupied office space can lead to high concentrations of CO2, which can make occupants feel lethargic and tired.

The Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) recommends that concentrations of 1000 parts per million (PPM), as an instantaneous value or 5000ppm of an 8-hour time weighted average, should be avoided. Typically, an office should be expected to maintain a level of around 650ppm.  The levels of CO2 in an office can also be used to determine if a building has adequate ventilation and often forms part of the IAQ checks.

Particulates

Particulates generated from various sources such as combustion appliances, aerosol sprays, clothing, carpet, wallboard and paper are a serious health concern in an enclosed office environment.  Sufferers of asthma, allergic rhinitis and eczema are the most vulnerable to illnesses triggered by inhaling these particulates.  In an office space, a high particulate concentration can also be an indication of poor office ventilation, hygiene or cleaning regime. Occupational standards dictate that 150µg/m3 over a 24-hour period should be avoided.

Airborne Pathogens

The effects of microbes (bacteria and fungi) in ductwork systems are often ignored.  Heavy concentrations of contaminated deposits that enter a buildings ventilation system can release spores into the airstream.  It is therefore essential to ensure the all the HVAC systems maintain an acceptable level of hygiene.  Bacterial and fungal monitoring often forms part of the IAQ checks that a specialist would undertake. Samples are taken using agar plates for both ‘contact’ (surface) and airborne bacteria and fungi to provide an indication of hygiene.

How to maintain adequate indoor air quality?

Periodic maintenance is essential on any system – ventilation and air conditioning is no exception.  Filter changes, cleaning air grilles and ensuring that temperature settings are correct are all standard procedure under a planned preventative maintenance (PPM) regime. However, system hygiene inspections and the cleaning of main components (duct, coils, filters, main distribution sections, etc.) can often be overlooked or not considered; this is partly because access is often restrictive for many parts of the system, particularly in older buildings.   The office cleaning regime also plays an important role in influencing air quality therefore, the standard and quality of cleaning should also be monitored.

Principally, the components of a comprehensive system in managing and maintaining adequate levels of Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) are as follows:

  • Standard PPM on air conveyance system
  • Regular hygienic assessment and analysis of the conveyance system components and distribution
  • Periodic assessment of Indoor Air Quality with a standard suite of sampling and analysis
  • Ad hoc cleaning of the conveyance system as prescribed following poor hygiene indicators
  • Reactive testing when and if health issues occur to identify, isolate and eradicate any source of contamination

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      Marija SlareEnergy & Carbon Saving Team | Team Leader

      Marija has been with ETS since the start of 2019 working as an Energy Manager. Her role includes energy data analysis, energy management, reporting, building control system management as well as working on various compliance projects such as ISO 50001 and ESOS. She also supports our Controls Bureau, providing remote assistance for our clients.

      Marija holds an MSc in Environmental Consultancy. As her Master’s thesis, Marija conducted in-depth research of energy policies and strategies in higher education institutions. Previously she has worked in various scientific research institutions, focusing on environmental and biological research projects.

      Mark TilbeeHead of Building Technologies

      Mark started his career in building services engineering with an electrical apprenticeship for an HVAC company – managing to achieve the 3rd highest ranking in the UK during that time.

      Over the last 15 years, Mark has worked across multiple M&E fields to a high level, including HVAC, refrigeration, large scale gas distribution systems, electrical design and building management system controls.

      During his previous role as Technical Director for a successful systems integrator, Mark focussed on building controls, including numerous different systems (Trend, Innotech, RDM and Priva etc). As part of this role, Mark focussed on system design, software engineering, integration, commissioning and project management of projects across numerous sectors across the UK including national utilities, multi-site retail, and higher education.

      Darren Sears

      Darren is a highly skilled controls engineer with extensive experience in the HVAC industry. With over 25 years of practical knowledge working in various commercial premises, offices, schools, and care homes, Darren brings a wealth of expertise in HVAC systems and controls.

      With a focus on controls engineering, Darren has dedicated his career to the maintenance and fault finding of BMS (Building Management Systems), control panels, and associated HVAC plant equipment. His day-to-day responsibilities have included conducting maintenance activities on BMS systems, troubleshooting issues, carrying out controller upgrades, and implementing energy-saving initiatives. Darren possesses a deep understanding of HVAC plant operations and their control mechanisms, allowing him to effectively optimise their performance and efficiency.

      Darren has involved in various projects throughout his career, including notable ones such as the Homebase and Argos projects. He led the Homebase 3-mode energy-saving works from start to completion, which involved conducting pre-works surveys, modifying and expanding BMS systems, and integrating HVAC systems. He also served as the lead engineer for the Homebase Last Man Out energy-saving works, optimizing energy consumption during out-of-hours periods. Additionally, he played a key role in the Argos BMS upgrades, retrofitting old control systems with Innotech solutions. Darren's experience and skills make him a valuable asset to any team in the HVAC industry.

      Jake ParkerJunior Controls Engineer

      Although his career in the Energy & BMS sector has only just begun Jake has hit the ground running, taking on commissioning and project management roles, such as becoming an Authorised Person and Permit Acceptor, on his first major site – an Energy From Waste Power Station. Here he was able to gain exposure to many aspects of the BMS industry, such as modifying panel wirings, MBus Metering and BACnet protocol.

      Jake is working hard to further increase his knowledge of controls systems he has worked with, and is rapidly expanding his experience and skill set as part of the ETS team..

      Pragathan GnanarajGraduate Energy Manager

      Pragathan joined ETS in 2022 as a Graduate Energy Manager. His role comprises of providing bespoke energy data analysis and reporting to ETS clients.

      He holds an MSc in Sustainable Development from the University of Surrey. During studies, he focused on the significance of the US withdrawal from the Paris Agreement on Climate Action in Sri Lanka's agricultural sector through the lens of Nationally Determined Contributions. His research and coursework covered a range of relevant topics, including corporate social and environmental responsibility, ecological economics, environmental auditing and management, environmental law, and life cycle assessment.

      While studying his master’s degree, he worked as a Net-Zero Carbon intern at a reputable insurance management company in London, contributing significantly to a project aimed at reducing carbon emissions and achieving the company's net-zero carbon goal. Pragathan demonstrated their ability to interpret data and identified reduction initiatives that aligned with the company's Science-Based Target. Their efforts resulted in comprehensive reports and a presentation for the board of directors.

      Beth NuttallAssistant

      Beth is an accomplished and tenacious professional who has thrived in various roles throughout her career. With a strong work ethic and the ability to excel both independently and collaboratively, Beth possesses a versatile skill set that can be applied across diverse industries and scenarios.

      Currently, she is providing invaluable support to Energy & Technical Services' finance and administration teams, expertly managing paperwork and handling multiple responsibilities with ease, thanks to her extensive experience. Beth monitors multiple inboxes day to day, undertaking tasks from quality auditing reports, to booking travel and accommodation for colleagues. I also generate invoice proposals throughout the course of the month and process invoices from the accounts inbox. No two days are the same and there is always something to do and help out with.

      Beth was with extensive experience in the recruitment industry before. She was at Sanderson PLC as an Account Process Manager, demonstrating exceptional abilities in managing multiple accounts. Beth guarantees that client demands are met while strictly adhering to company protocols with precision. Her expertise also involves effectively managing day rate contractor processes, organizing candidate interviews, and delivering consistent account reports.

      Jason NealonSenior Controls Engineer

      Jason has over 10 years of experience in the BEMS industry and is self-motivated and hardworking. He has a strong desire to lead, learn, and progress. With expertise in all aspects of bespoke BEMS installation projects, Jason is well-equipped to contribute to project success. Jason's current role mainly involves installing, commissioning and writing software for various BEMS controls. I am proficient with RDM, Distech and Innotech controls, and quite adept working on Trend and Cylon controls.

      Before joining ETS in 2022, Jason was a Senior Divisional Manager at SEI Electrical Contractors Ltd. In this role, Jason managed the Security and BEMS Division, serving as the main point of contact for all security and BEMS clients/stakeholders. Jason excels in liaising with clients, surveying, quoting, and winning new works, as well as planning, managing, and delivering security and BEMS projects within agreed timelines and profit margins. He also collaborated closely with the company MD on company goals, future works planning, accreditations, financial reports, and recruitment.

      Furthermore, Jason possesses strong expertise in BEMS, being responsible for writing software and commissioning RDM controllers for their own BEMS projects and subcontracted works. Additionally, he can provide remote support and issue resolution when site visits are not required.

      Elena RogersStrategic Partnership Manager

      Elena is a Strategic Partnership Manager. She is passionate about sustainability and aims to build strong relationships with partners and clients. Elena also plans to expand ETS into new international markets.

      Over the past 20 years, she has excelled in securing and cultivating lucrative business deals across the EU, CIS, and Russia. She is a skilled Senior Sales Manager with extensive experience in the oil and gas downstream, and chemical industries. Her success can be attributed to her expertise in relationship management and her ability to analyse political and economic trends to drive sales growth and capitalize on opportunities.

      Elena's strategic mindset and ability to understand client needs have allowed her to build strong business relationships with clients at all levels. She is skilled in negotiation, communication, and relationship building, working effectively with colleagues, clients, and suppliers. Elena's cultural awareness and adaptability enable her to work in diverse environments and collaborate with individuals from various nationalities.

      She has demonstrated her project management expertise by managing projects from initiation to handover throughout her career. Elena is skilled in handling technical and financial documents. She is bilingual in English and Russian, and has conversational skills in Polish and German.

      Mori ChiangMarketing Exectutive

      Mori joined Energy & Technical Services in 2022 and is based in Edinburgh. She is responsible for company branding, marketing communications and digital channels. Mori studied for the MSc in International Strategic Marketing at the University of Glasgow Adam Smith Business School. As a confident and skilled marketer, she delivers a multi-channel marketing plan, increases brand awareness across our niche target audience, produces compelling content ideas, designs brand materials, manages marketing for partnerships and supports the sales team in perfect communication with new clients.

      Before joining Energy & Technical Services, Mori was a Public Relations Executive at Strathberry, a luxury handbag design brand from Scotland. She analysed e-commerce sales and website performances, coordinated weekly industry news, and prepared press releases for new launches and sales in English and Mandarin. She managed external third-party agencies for international markets, which gave her better negotiation and communication skills. Her D2C experience helps Energy & Technical Services engage more in digital marketing for broader energy insight sharing across various funnels.

      Matt ShakeshaftHead of Finance

      Matt joined ETS in 2018 as our Financial Management Accountant and is responsible for controlling and monitoring the financial and accounting processes across the business. He has over 30 years’ experience as a Financial Controller and Management Accountant and is extremely proficient in managing multi-million-pound accounts and budgets.

      Matt started his career working at Pannell Kerr Forster Chartered Accountants before becoming an Assistant Accountant for a construction company. He later went on to work for a number of large engineering firms including Secure Meters (UK) and Phoenix Surveying Equipment Ltd.

      Simon PocockSenior Consulting Engineer

      Simon has over 25 years experience working as an Engineer and is a Full member of the British Institute for Facilities Management. His expertise includes HVAC, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning.

      After serving in Her Majesty’s Royal Navy, Simon pursued a career within M&E and Building Services taking on a number of roles including Account Manager, Senior Project Manager, Contracts Manager and Senior Consulting Engineer. He has extensive experience working on a range of energy saving initiatives and has acted as Account / Contracts Manager for a number of National Retailers and blue chip companies.

      Simon joined Energy & Technical Services in 2016 and is responsible for the delivery of a range of energy saving and technical engineering projects. He is also the principle lead and Project Manager for one of the UK’s largest DIY retailers.

      Neil PickardSenior Consulting Engineer (Design)

      Neil has over 30 years experience in HVAC and refrigeration engineering. He has a HNC in Building Services Engineering and is (CITB) SMSTS Certified. His expertise includes project management, M&E design, HVAC and refrigeration.

      Neil started his career with Etherington Air-conditioning installing and commissioning Air-conditioning (AC) units before progressing into the role of Senior Contracts Engineer, designing and managing various large scale HVAC projects. During his career Neil has worked with a number of blue-chip clients on a variety of projects ranging in value from small-scale refurbishments to multi-million-pound upgrade schemes.

      Neil joined ETS in 2017 and works as one of our Senior Consulting Engineers specialising in M&E design. Neil supports our Operations department and is responsible for supplying consultancy expertise and delivering a number of energy and engineering projects / contracts.

      Dan WarrenProject Engineer

      Dan has close to ten years’ experience working as an engineer and has a wide range of professional qualifications. His expertise includes compliance, M&E Consultancy and Project Management.

      Dan started his career working for the Royal Navy as an Avionic Technician. During this time he completed a number of industry-recognised qualifications including City and Guilds, NVQ 2 Aeronautical Engineering and a BTEC National Diploma in Engineering. After this he progressed to being responsible for building and upgrading civilian and military helicopters.

      Dan joined ETS in 2017 as one of our Project Engineers, supporting our Operations department to deliver a wide range of energy saving initiatives including sub-metering installs, LED lighting upgrades and building services assessments. As a PRINCE2 qualified Project Manager, Dan oversees the installation and commissioning for a number of multi-site, energy efficiency upgrade schemes.

      Matt Vossen-BarnesSenior Consulting Engineer

      Matt has been an invaluable asset to ETS for several years. As the key account manager for our top retail company contract, he has successfully implemented energy-saving programs and provided valuable assistance to our commercial team. With a BSc (Hons) degree in Climate Change and Energy Management, Matt possesses the knowledge and expertise necessary to manage projects and drive energy management initiatives effectively. His areas of expertise include project management, LED lighting, HVAC systems, BEMs, refrigeration, and building performance optimization. With prior experience as a Store Manager for major retailers, Matt has a comprehensive understanding of the highly competitive retail industry and the challenges involved in enhancing operational efficiency while minimizing capital expenditure.

      His exceptional skill set in the retail sector has led to his outstanding contributions to major programs. As the Project Coordinator, he has successfully overseen the completion of various energy initiatives across multiple sites. Matt takes charge of coordinating LED lighting upgrades, HVAC and refrigeration optimization, and BMS works, and acts as the primary contractor for project management once approved.

      Matt has also been actively engaged in trials and assessments to improve energy efficiency. He participated in a solar film trial, evaluating the effectiveness of window films in reducing heat loss and solar heat gain. Additionally, he conducted a destratification trial assessment to explore the potential of utilizing destratification fans within large retail stores to improve ambient temperature and reduce HVAC load. He also led trials related to BEMs (Building Energy Management Systems) and EC fan walls, assessing their impact on pressurization, temperature control, and energy efficiency.

      Aidan McClureData Science Manager

      Aidan joined ETS in 2020 as a Senior Data Analyst within our Technical Energy Centre. His role in the Data Team includes enriching our data warehouse, expanding and optimising our reporting suite, and developing new ETL processes, while identifying and implementing efficiencies within our existing data processes.

      Before joining ETS, Aidan was working as a Data Analyst for an award-winning CRM Agency where he delivered campaign results, insights, and recommendations to several industry-leading brands. He was also responsible for implementing data-driven strategic and tactical campaigns, internally and with client teams.

      Jon GladwinEnergy Data and IT Analyst

      After graduating from the University of Sheffield with a BA (Hons) in History, Jon started his career working as a Campaign Architect for a marketing consultancy firm, designing data management strategies, building automated reporting systems, and carrying out data mining. He quickly progressed into the role of Reporting Analyst for a global financial administration company, responsible for the financial performance monitoring and reporting within the UK operations department

      Jon joined ETS in 2017 as one of our Energy Data and IT Analysts supporting our Technical Energy Centre team. He is responsible for compiling reporting suites and creating opportunities for streamlining and efficiencies in reporting to our clients. He also supports our Controls Bureau, providing remote assistance for our clients.

      Tania SlaterProcess & Coordination Manager

      Tania started her career working for a civil engineering consulting company as an Office Administrator before progressing into the role of Office Coordinator and Technical Desk Supervisor for a budget retailer. Tania soon returned to the engineering sector, taking on the role of Project Coordinator for a mechanical, electrical and refrigeration consultancy company where she took an active role in project coordination and supervision for various energy reduction and equipment installation projects.

      Tania joined ETS during 2017 following a brief time working in procurement for a water cylinder manufacturing company. Tania has a CMI Level 3 in Project Management and has a wealth of experience in project coordination and delivery. Supporting our Operations department in the north, Tania acts as our Office Coordinator and Technical Administrator for our Wakefield office.

      Phil WarrenCEO & Founder

      Phil has over 25 years experience working as a building services engineer and is a Chartered Energy Manager, ISO 50001 Lead Auditor and ESOS Lead Assessor. His expertise includes Energy Management Systems (EnMS), ISO 50001, energy audits, Heating Ventilating & Air Conditioning (HVAC), M&E services contracting and condition surveying. Phil is also a Member of the Energy Institute (MEI) and acts as the Media Officer for the South West and South Wales (SWSW) branch.

      Phil started his career working for the Army as a Royal Engineer, specialising in refrigeration and steam boilers. After leaving the Army, Phil took on a number of roles including Projects Manager, Service Engineer, Installer, Commission Supervisor, Contract Energy Manager and Operations Manager.

      As the Managing Director, Phil is responsible for the development of the company, both in terms of securing new opportunities and continuing to expand the business. Drawing on his extensive experience, Phil continues to provide guidance to the ETS team through sharing industry knowledge, identifying new energy initiatives, as well as quality managing internal processes.

      Jana PrikrylovaHR / Business Support

      Jana joined ETS in 2018 as a Central Support Co-ordinator and Administrator, and since 2019, she has been dedicated to advancing her career in Human Resources as HR/Business Support. Offering direct support to the Board while actively cultivating and sustaining a positive organisational culture.

      Jana’s responsibilities encompass the development and implementation of talent initiatives, the recruitment process, managing employee benefits and welfare programs, and contributing by offering training and guidance to management on relevant laws and regulations. Jana’s multifaced position demands a strategic approach to HR, requiring a seamless blend of people skills and legal acumen.

      Additionally, Jana acts as one of the main points of contact for our Bristol office and organises the majority of the company's facilities and resources, ensuring the business runs smoothly.

      Beth NuttallCentral Support Administrator

      Beth is an accomplished and tenacious professional who has thrived in various roles throughout her career. With a strong work ethic and the ability to excel both independently and collaboratively, Beth possesses a versatile skill set that can be applied across diverse industries and scenarios.

      Currently, she is providing invaluable support to Energy & Technical Services' finance and administration teams, expertly managing paperwork and handling multiple responsibilities with ease, thanks to her extensive experience. Beth monitors multiple inboxes day to day, undertaking tasks from quality auditing reports, to booking travel and accommodation for colleagues. I also generate invoice proposals throughout the course of the month and process invoices from the accounts inbox. No two days are the same and there is always something to do and help out with.

      Beth was with extensive experience in the recruitment industry before. She was at Sanderson PLC as an Account Process Manager, demonstrating exceptional abilities in managing multiple accounts. Beth guarantees that client demands are met while strictly adhering to company protocols with precision. Her expertise also involves effectively managing day rate contractor processes, organizing candidate interviews, and delivering consistent account reports.

      Viktoria VrastiakovaCentral Support Administrator

      Viktoria joined ETS in 2020 as Finance and Administration assistant, reporting directly to the Management Accountant regarding financial data management, and providing project administration support to the wider company. Having previously worked in the Asbestos Surveying and Consultancy industry for over 9 years, Viktoria is skilled in financial data processing and management, reporting, and technical project administration.

      Danny CarrollEnergy & Carbon Saving Director

      Danny has spent the last 24 years operating in a variety of roles supporting the Food Retail, Commercial Buildings and Distribution sectors. As a former Servicemen his career has progressed from Account Management through to Main Board positions for each Company he has work for delivering Refrigeration, HVAC, M&E services.

      Having spent the last 3 years operating in the Building Management Systems (BMS) he has been responsible for identifying and deploying innovative, secure and connected solutions to support effective and compliant Energy Management Systema for all his customers.

      Qualifications include those in IOSH, CDM, ISO14001, ISO27001 and Financial Management.

      Phil BilyardTraining & Technical Director

      Phil has a Graduateship with the City &Guilds and a HND in Engineering. He is an Incorporated Engineer (IEng), Chartered Energy Manager, ESOS Lead Assessor and CIBSE Accredited Air Conditioning Inspector. Phil is also a Full Member of the Energy Institute (MEI), Institution of Engineering and Technology (MIET) and an Associate Member of CIBSE (ACIBSE).

      Phil started his career providing specialist engineering support in the Army’s Corps of Royal Engineers before pursuing a career in facilities management. He has work across a range of sectors and undertaken a number of roles including Building Services Engineer, Electrical Specialist, Project Manager and Contract Manager. His expertise includes Air and Water Quality Management, Low Carbon Consulting and Project Management.

      After joining Energy & Technical Services in 2010 as a Senior Consulting Engineer, Phil quickly progressed into the role of Operations Director. His role at ETS includes managing our operational team in the delivery of technical consultancy and energy management for our Retail and FM & Property clients.

      Danny CarrollEnergy & Carbon Director

      Sanjana ShaleenEnergy Manager

      Sanjana joined ETS in 2021 as an Energy Manager and her role encompasses supporting ETS clients with identification and implementation of energy reduction targets, and providing practical solutions to their energy challenges.

      She attained her MSc in Sustainable Energy & Green Technologies from University College Dublin (UCD) in 2018 and subsequently worked In Ireland as an Energy Analyst and Project Coordinator.

      Sanjana is Registered EnCO (Energy Conscious Organisation) consultant – recognised by ESTA / Energy Institute and PMVA qualified. Sanjana is also currently working towards becoming an ISO 50001 Lead Auditor.

      Kevin WisemanProject Engineer Consultant

      Kevin has close to 40 years experience working in the building engineering services sector for number of national M&E installation firms including Mitie Engineering Maintenance and Interserve Defence Ltd. He has extensive experience working across a range of sectors and his expertise includes HVAC systems, BMS, Boilers and Pressure Systems.

      After starting his career as an installer and maintenance engineer, Kevin progressed into the role of Operations and Maintenance Manager project managing the operations and maintenance of M&E services for a number of multi-million pound schemes.

      Kevin joined ETS in 2008 as a Contracts / Project Manager for a number of our major retail clients and continues to work on secondment as part of the Engineering department at Sainsbury’s.

      Chris CouvarasEngineer Consultant

      Chris is the most recent addition to ETS, bringing a wealth of experience in technical management and project delivery within fast-paced environments. With a B. Eng in Electrical/Electronic Engineering and almost 20 years building services experience, Chris possesses the knowledge and expertise necessary to manage complex projects and drive technical solutions effectively. His areas of expertise include critical building services operations, technical solutions development, energy management, project management, building data interpretation, and client-centric solutions discovery.

      Chris's extensive professional background includes roles such as Senior Technical Manager at The All England Lawn Tennis Club, where he led a team to provide technical support, implemented a project transition function, and successfully delivered system and component upgrade projects. His leadership ensured the continued reliable operation of the critical and life safety systems across the estate.

      Chris has a comprehensive understanding of the challenges involved in enhancing operational efficiency while minimizing capital expenditure. His exceptional skill set in managing critical systems and delivering client-centric solutions has led to his outstanding contributions to major programs. In previous roles, he identified and developed energy-saving initiatives, ensured compliance with statutory requirements, successfully managed shutdowns, and UPS life-cycle component replacements.

      Chris is passionate about innovation and sustainability in technical operations. His dedication to quality and operational excellence makes him a key player in driving forward the goals of ETS.

      Pragathan GnanarajGraduate Energy Manager

      Pragathan joined ETS in 2022 and is working as a Junior Energy Manager. His role comprises of delivering bespoke energy programmes such as BMS strategy improvements, energy investigations and corrections, energy data analysis and reporting to ETS clients.

      He holds an MSc in Sustainable Development from the University of Surrey. During studies, he focused on the significance of the US withdrawal from the Paris Agreement on Climate Action in Sri Lanka's agricultural sector through the lens of Nationally Determined Contributions. His research and coursework covered a range of relevant topics, including corporate social and environmental responsibility, ecological economics, environmental auditing and management, environmental law, and life cycle assessment.

      While studying his master’s degree, he worked as a Net-Zero Carbon intern at a reputable insurance management company in London, contributing significantly to a project aimed at reducing carbon emissions and achieving the company's net-zero carbon goal. Pragathan demonstrated their ability to interpret data and identified reduction initiatives that aligned with the company's Science-Based Target. Their efforts resulted in comprehensive reports and a presentation for the board of directors.

      Annie WestawayConsulting Engineer

      After achieving a BEng (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering from Nottingham University, Annie continued her studies achieving an MSc in Environmental Sustainability from Edinburgh University. She is a qualified CIBSE Low Carbon Consultant, ESOS Lead Assessor as well as a Chartered Engineer (CEng) and a Full Member of CIBSE (MCIBSE)

      Annie has over 20 years of experience in consultancy working across a range of sectors including infrastructure, retail, public sector, healthcare, leisure, residential and commercial. She has worked in Australia and the UK for a number of world renowned engineering firms including Cundall and CH2M Hill.

      As a leading team member of our Technical Energy Centre (TEC), Annie quality controls the service provided by the TEC team as well as continually developing our services.

      Adeayo BulusEnergy & Carbon Saving Team | Team Leader

      Adeayo joined ETS in 2019 as an Energy Specialist within our Technical Energy Centre (TEC). Drawing on her experience and knowledge of engineering and energy management, Adeayo supports our Controls Bureau. Her role encompasses remote assistance to a number of blue-chip clients requiring BMS strategy improvements, energy performance reviews and reporting.

      She is a Mechanical Engineer with a background in Building Services and Renewable Energy; and has a BSc in Mechanical Engineering and a Master’s degree in Sustainable Energy and Entrepreneurship. Adeayo is also an Associate member of CIBSE and currently working towards her Chartership with the Energy Institute as well as becoming a CIBSE Low Carbon Consultant.

        Get in touch with our team

            Get in touch with our team