 ENERGY CONSERVATION
The 4 main areas of expertise available through CRC and our affiliated companies are:
Home Energy Efficiency – Free surveys and funded installation - we can provide homeowners or tenants with a free home energy survey for funded (usually 70% - 100%) loft and/or cavity wall insulation and in addition possibly condensing gas boiler & water heater upgrades or new central heating installations to dramatically reduce the annual heating and hot water costs. An average site survey is offered without any obligation and takes approximately 1 hour to perform
Energy Conservation & Renewable Energy Consultancy - we and/or our affiliates provide commercial and industrial site surveys, audits, reports, design & feasibility studies for recognised fees. In the majority of cases these services are offered to clients entirely free as they are covered by a 100% Government grant for sites spending in excess of £50,000 per annum on energy costs. The report will identify the scope for other opportunities with the client. Also included are free site scoping surveys to assess the cost of installing energy saving capital equipment or controls together with reduction of client energy/utility costs through supply contract negotiation. The site surveys identify typically 30% savings in energy and pay fees of say £400+ per man-day (+ expenses of typically £100 per day) for the engineer that does the survey and are worth typically £1,000-£10,000 per site. Site surveys or scoping exercises are one of the most attractive services to market
Energy Conservation & Renewable Energy Contracting, Project Management & Funding - we and/or our affiliates are electrical contractors, install recognised monitoring/control equipment, high efficiency energy conservation equipment and renewable & alternative energy systems - often identified in the above site surveys - which save the client typically 20% - 30% of their energy use/costs. Of particular interest and scope at this time are high efficiency lighting schemes, heating systems and electric motors & drives and also AM&T - automatic monitoring and targeting systems for energy cost and use. In addition we can provide expertise in solar energy (PV & thermal), wind energy, bio-mass & ground/air source & geothermal energy, heat pumps, micro CHP etc. applicable to industry, commerce or the home. Also included is the ability to offer clients advice to access tax allowances, grants, funding, finance and leasing options for the funding of the energy saving capital projects
NHER, SAP, DECs, EPCs, BREEAM assessments & Air Leakage - we can provide the required expertise to assess the energy performance of existing or planned buildings in the domestic and commercial areas for architects, builders, housing associations, developers or homeowners - which is now required due to various areas of Government legislation. This is performed for recognised professional fees - NHER (National Home Energy Rating) is the UK's largest energy rating scheme and part of the home information packs for sellers - SAP (Standard Assessment Procedure) Rating reflects the notional cost/m² of providing energy for heating and domestic hot water in a dwelling - DECs (Display Energy Certificates) are a requirement for all public buildings of over 1000m² from October 2008 and will need to be updated each year to verify improved performance EPCs (Energy Performance Certificates) are required for all commercial and industrial building over 50m² that are to be let, leased or sold – BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) assesses the total performance and carbon footprint of any type of existing or new building - Air leakage testing, also known as pressure testing, air permeability testing and air tightness testing of residential buildings is part of the Building Regulations April 2006 part L1A and stipulates that all new dwellings must demonstrate they are airtight to an agreed standard
Carbon Reduction
Carbon Reduction – also known as carbon management is typically the reduction of CO2 (carbon dioxide) and other 'greenhouse gas' emissions which are responsible for global warming & climate change
Energy Conservation - the ability to achieve the same level of comfort, production and transport using less energy by reducing site energy use, reducing wastage and improving overall efficiency
Energy Cost Reduction – the ability to purchase any form of energy at a preferential price to control existing and future energy costs from suppliers or to use alternative types of energy costing less to purchase
Renewable & Alternative Energy Systems - the ability to use alternative forms of energy such as wind, solar, bio-mass, hydro-electric, hydrogen, air/water/ground source and geothermal to replace fossil fuels with zero, net zero or reduced carbon emissions
Corporate Aim - our principal corporate aim for homeowners, commerce and industry is known as Carbon Reduction and/or Carbon Management. This is typically the reduction of CO2 (carbon dioxide) and other 'greenhouse gas' emissions which are responsible for global warming & climate change. The UK Government declares that climate change is the World's 'biggest threat' and that the UK needs a 'step change in energy efficiency' and has committed the UK to a minimum of 20% reduction in CO2 emissions by the year 2010 and by 60% by 2050 (Kyoto Accord etc.) and also the adoption of 15% renewable energy sources by 2020
The above targets are to be mainly achieved by burning less fossil fuels in the factory, power station, commerce or home using improved techniques or alternative systems and by greater use of renewable energy. UK initiatives and funding through the Energy Saving Trust www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/ for homeowners & the Carbon Trust www.carbontrust.co.uk for industry/commerce assist in enabling this commitment. Funding for qualifying homeowners is usually up to 100% free loft and cavity wall insulation and possibly high efficiency gas boilers and/or water heaters. The industry/commerce funding may be for 100% free site energy surveys, 20%-30% enhanced capital tax allowances, 0% (interest free) loans or 50%-100% capital grants
Industrial Energy
Energy conservation for industrial and commercial sites
The CRC Group has many years experience in identifying and implementing viable, practical and cost effective energy conservation opportunities where the simple return on investment for capital projects is typically 2 years or less
Free site energy surveys - we can offer initial free site energy conservation scoping surveys for clients. For sites spending in excess of £50,000 per annum on energy then these sites can qualify for a free detailed site energy survey funded by the Carbon Trust (DEFRA) performed by experienced listed energy consultants. The reports highlight opportunities for immediate energy savings and further viable capital projects
EPCs and DECs - commercial and industrial client sites now require energy performance certificates and/or display energy certificates to conform to current legislation and to confirm the site energy performance
BREEAM assessments - building research establishment environmental assessment method is the leading and most widely used environmental assessment method for buildings. It sets the standard for best practice in sustainable buiding design
Efficient lighting - with the recent advances in lighting technology all sites in the UK can benefit greatly from modern high efficiency lighting systems and controls where savings can be as high as 60%
Motor controls - over 65% of electicity on industrial sites is used by electric motors and typically 20% of this energy can be saved by better motor control systems
Power factor correction - most industrial and commercial sites require power factor correction equipment installed to optimise the efficiency of electrical supply, site distribution and use in accordance with installed inductive and/or reactive electrical loads
Energy contracting - most clients require a turnkey contract for supply and fitting of modern high efficiency equipment and energy control systems and the CRC Group has inhouse electrical design and contracting services to support these contracts
Funding and financing - the UK Government offers financial assistance and tax allowances for approved energy saving projects. Clients will also accept funding of projects from the savings under a lease purchase arrangement
Grant applications - our specialists at the CRC Group can assist our clients to apply for grants that are available for energy conservation projects
Utility contracts - utility contract negotiations and renewals - usually include electricity, gas and telecoms
Free Site Surveys
Free site energy surveys for commercial and industrial clients
Energy Conservation & Renewable Energy Consultancy - we and/or our affiliates provide commercial and industrial site surveys, audits, reports, design & feasibility studies for recognised fees. In many cases these services are offered to clients entirely free as they are covered by a 100% Government grant for sites spending in excess of £50,000 per annum on energy costs. The report will identify the scope for other opportunities with the client. Also included in our services are free site scoping surveys to assess the cost of installing energy saving capital equipment or controls together with reduction of client energy/utility costs through supply contract negotiation. The site surveys identify typically 30% savings in energy and pay fees of say £400+ per man-day (+ expenses of typically £100 per day) for the engineer that does the survey and are worth typically £1,000-£10,000 per site. Site surveys or scoping exercises are one of the most attractive services to market
Efficient Lighting
High efficiency lighting for commerce and industry
Almost every commercial and industrial site is a candidate for better lighting systems and controls. Modern lighting equipment now available for offices or factories will operate at twice the efficiency of currently installed systems saving typically 50% of the lighting costs
This area is perhaps the biggest opportunity for controlling energy usage and costs across all commercial and industrial sites in the UK – whatever the size – and therefore the greatest opportunity to deliver real carbon savings. It is also an easy area of energy conservation to understand and for clients to agree the benefits. If a site is presently lit by say 100KW of lighting for say 100 hours per week - then by reducing the lighting load to 50KW (50% reduction) the client will agree that the costs have been reduced by 50% without the need for external metering or verification. In this case a saving of £25,000 per annum on electricity cost at 10 pence per KWH
With the introduction of modern high efficiency lighting equipment that is now being produced at a competitive price and the escalating electricity costs in industry and commerce there has never been a better time to sell and install these systems and a typical return on investment is 12-18 months or less. In addition the option to lease purchase the equipment over an agreed contract period of say 3-5 years means that the entire project is funded from the savings from day 1. Also this type of equipment qualifies for ECA (enhanced capital allowance) giving the client a 30% tax rebate on the capital costs in the first year
Existing lighting systems can either be upgraded by refurbishment (example - replacing old wire wound ballasts in fluorescent fittings with electronic high frequency ballasts) or better the systems can be replaced by modern equipment fitted with highly polished reflectors to collect and direct 98% of the light down to the working level. In addition systems can be fitted with automatic dimming controls in accordance with prevailing natural light levels and also with presence detectors to switch lights on and off with the movement of personnel. These further automated enhancements will provide additional dramatic savings
In most cases old fluorescent fittings or high bay sodium or metal halide fittings will be replaced by high frequency fluorescent fittings with reflectors and we can deliver a turkey solution for the supply and installation of the new equipment
For typical lighting equipment see: www.advancedlighting.co.uk
Motor Controls
Motor drives and controllers
Over 65% of electicity on industrial sites is used by electric motors and typically 20% of this energy can be saved by better motor control systems and with the recent escalation of electricity prices these devices are now very attractive
Approximately 95% of electric motors on sites are AC induction motors and there are 3 main areas of potential for considerable savings - new high efficiency electric motors - variable speed drives - motor optimisers
High efficiency motors - to minimise electricity usage on new electric motor installations client are now advised to specify high efficiency motors correctly sized for the application. This will typically save 5% of electricity used. In some cases it is viable to replace old oversized motors with new high efficiency correctly sized motors
Variable speed drives - VSDs - also commonly known as inverters - these AC motor speed controllers are recognised as the industry standard technology to control energy usage on electric motors and they control the speed of the motor in accordance with production or load requirements. Typical savings are 20% and payback within 2 years and can often be within 12 months for constantly running motors. The Group has recognised distribution and installer status with the market leaders ABB - see: www.abb.co.uk
Motor optimisers - also used as "soft starters" control the voltage applied to constant speed electric motors in accordance with the actual load on the motor. AC induction motors are designed to work at maximum efficiency at maximum rated load capacity but most electric motors are oversized and operate at well below their rated capacity and therefore operate at low efficiency
A 100 kW Motor running at full load will consume electricity to the value of £10 per hour (at 10 pence per Kilowatt-hr – typical cost) or £240 per day on a continuous basis or £87,000 per annum!! If the motor operates at an average of 60% nominal load (approximately £52,000 per annum) then 20% savings will give a benefit of £10,000 per annum - see also: www.theenergysaver.co.uk
Power Factor Control
Industrial and commercial power factor correction
Most industrial and commercial sites require power factor correction equipment installed to optimise the efficiency of electrical supply in accordance with installed inductive or reactive electrical loads. This technology is recognised as an industry standard technique and most applications reduce the measured demand and metered load on site and give attractive paybacks of approx. 18 months.
The Group has recognised distribution and installer status with the market leaders ABB - see: www.abb.co.uk
Energy Contracting
Energy contracting - installation services
Energy contracting - most clients require a turnkey contract for supply and fitting of energy control equipment and the CRC Group has inhouse electrical contracting services and financial leasing options to support this
Industrial and commercial clients are now typically looking for a return on investment of 2 years or less before they view a contract as viable and the recent large increases in electric and gas energy costs has brought most capital energy conservation contracts within these limits
The CRC Group directors and affiliates have over 20 years experience in energy conservation contracting including site supervision services to ensure quality contracts particularly relating to the supply and installation of high efficiency lighting and electric motor drives
Funding And Financing
Funding and financing of energy conservation projects
When considering implementation of capital projects, even if these projects have a very attractive simple return on investment (say within 2 years), there is often the lack of immediately available capital
We can offer a package to clients where the cost of installing equipment is funded entirely from the project savings over an attractive short term period - up to 5 years. In many cases this is the preferred option and therefore there is "no reason" why the client cannot afford to go ahead with the project
ECAs - enhanced capital allowances - the Carbon Trust and the Government will allow clients to claim 100% first year capital allowances - i.e. a 30% tax rebate - on the cost of installing recognised types of equipment that appear on the ECA list - see www.eca.gov.uk. This brings down the immediate pay back period and can make the difference in the decision to go ahead with a project (e.g. 18 month pay back down to 12.6 months)
Interest Free Loans - companies that want to invest in energy saving equipment can take advantage of the Carbon Trust's unsecured interest free loans of up to £100,000 per site (£200,000 in N Ireland) - see www.thecarbontrust.co.uk
Capital grants - some projects qualify for 50% capital grants for renewable energy systems (e.g. biomass and solar photovoltaic) and in some re-development areas for standard energy conservation equipment. These need to be assessed on their own merits and funding availability varies from time to time
Where clients are looking for financial assistance to fund projects these can therefore be:
1. Leasing companies - that will pay for the installation of energy saving equipment and lease the installed equipment to the client - typical leasing costs over 4 years would be 50% of the savings. After the contract period the leasing company can sell the equipment to the client for a nominal sum
2. Asset financing arrangements - where an asset finance company will provide the cost of the equipment secured on the assets of the company
3. Shared savings schemes - where a specialist company will install the equipment and share the savings with the client having first amortised the costs of installing the equipment before sharing the savings
Grant Applications
Grant applications for clients
Carbon reduction and energy conservation grant applications and Submissions
The current level of grant funding for energy management in the UK is extensive at the present time. A significant amount of funds are available to a wide range of organisations for capital expenditure on energy reduction schemes. This ensures that the client has a far more cost effective solution in their bid to reduce rising energy costs and consumption
The grant funding available is applicable to the majority of schemes which show a potential for a reduction in energy consumption and can be typically 50% of capital project costs
Examples of this type of development include:
Lighting refurbishment schemes
Boiler replacements
Renewable energy schemes (solar panels, wind turbines, photovoltaics, ground source heat pumps, biomass)
Combined heat and power installations Insulation upgrades
However we have found that the obstacles which generally prevent businesses from obtaining these grants are:
A lack of awareness with respect to the funding available
The application process being too complex and time consuming
The Carbon Reduction Consortium have business analysts who specialise in putting together grant applications on behalf of our clients. This ensures that the proposed scheme is matched with the correct funding stream and also the application is tailored to suit the requirements of the funding body. The client does not have to deal with any of the complex administration involved and can benefit from significant capital investment opportunities. Fees can be based on a % of grant obtained
Utility Contracts
Utility contract negotiations and renewals
Utility contracts usually include electricity, gas and telecoms. The CRC Group has in-house expertise and affiliated companies that assist clients to negotiate contract renewals for electricity and gas contracts and telecoms contracts. Typical contracts are for 12 months but longer term contracts can be negotiated. With the recent escalation in energy costs these contracts minimise the increase and help companies to plan for likely future price increases. This service is part of our energy cost reduction services
The energy contract negotiation services are offered to clients when performing site energy surveys and can be offered free to the client - with a fee or commission going to the Group from the new utility company contract. In addition we can offer competitive telecom contracts to covering landline, mobile and data contracts. See www.titantelecom.uk.com. This area is also a career opportunity through the Group for self employed commission salespeople
Carbon Trust Initiatives
Free and funded services from the Carbon Trust - available through recognised listed consultancies
Carbon Trust Initiatives – free site energy surveys are usually available for sites and organisations with an energy bill greater than £50,000 per year. See www.carbontrust.co.uk. Telephone support is available for smaller organisations. The Carbon Trust's free Energy surveys include the following:
Initial Opportunities Assessment - this survey reviews all significant energy use on the site and is the first step to cutting energy costs and consumption for inexperienced organisations. Up to ten recommendations are usually included in the Action Plan, most of which will pay back in less than 18 months. Minimal client energy efficiency experience needed
Specific Opportunities Assessment - intended for organisations that have already implemented a range of energy efficiency measures and wish to build upon their experience. The survey is focussed upon a narrow range of energy uses on the site (that have been identified) to provide a more in-depth analysis of these areas. In addition, the consultant will evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of energy management practices to help the organisation sustain the improvements that have already been made. Some client energy efficiency experience needed
Multiple Site Assessment - for organisations with more than five sites and an accumulative energy bill of greater than £150,000/year the Carbon Trust will carry out surveys at a sample of sites in order to obtain an overview of energy saving opportunities that exist across the organisation. An energy management review performed as part of the survey will identify the strengths and weaknesses of energy management practices and help the organisation deliver savings across the portfolio of operations. As part of the multiple site assessment senior management will be briefed on the findings. Good level of energy efficiency experience required by client
CHP Advice - for organisations that are specifically interested in the use of Combined Heat & Power (CHP). Advice ranges from initial feasibility studies, design, and project implementation advice for both new developments and refurbishments. Some energy efficiency experience required by client
Energy Management Assessment - for experienced organisations that are only interested in improving energy management practices to sustain the improvements already achieved. The assessment evaluates performance across eight dimensions of energy management and enables the organisation to compare their performance against that of other organisations. Good level of energy efficiency experience required by client
Detailed Survey - Feasibility Study - this survey is a detailed investigation on the feasibility and potential savings from a specific energy saving opportunity, such as replacement of equipment with significant energy consumption – but likely to entail significant capital costs for the organisation. Good level of energy efficiency experience required by client. NB - this survey is only part funded (~50%) by the Carbon Trust
Design Advice - design Advice offers professional, independent and objective advice on energy efficient and environmentally sound building design. Clients are offered free initial design consultancy on a building project - further consultancy, with partial funding, may be available. All levels of client energy efficiency experience are covered
EPCs and DECs
Energy Performance Certificates - EPCs
Display Energy Certificates - DECs
CIBSE - Chartered Institute of Building Service Engineers - accredited expertise
EPCs - Energy performance certificates - the CRC Group has expertise to produce energy performance certificates for commercial and industrial premises
Anyone offering accommodation for sale or let, including sub-letting, now requires an EPC to demonstrate the energy performance of the accommodation. The EPC has to be provided, to the prospective buyer or tenant at the earliest opportunity, before entering into a contract to sell or let
An EPC sets out the energy performance of a building, in order that the energy efficiency is taken into account as part of the decision to purchase or lease that building. EPCs are accompanied by a Recommendations Report which includes advice and suggestions upon specific improvements, to minimise energy usage and reduce a buildings running cost
DECs - Display energy certificates - the CRC Group has expertise to produce display energy certificates for commercial and industrial premises
All buildings with a total floor area greater than 1000m2 occupied by a public authority or those institutions providing a public service visited by a large number of persons require a Display Energy Certificate (DEC) which is displayed in the entrance of a building for the public to see and shows the actual energy use and operational rating. Clients are given an advisory report which lists measures to improve the building’s energy rating. DECs are valid for 1 year and then require a reassessment
BREEAM Assessments
BREEAM - Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method
BREEAM is the leading and most widely used environmental assessment method for buildings. It sets the standard for best practice in sustainable design and has become the de facto measure used to describe a building's |
