Decarbonisation and achieving net zero

Understanding decarbonisation the journey to net zero in the public sector 

As the name suggests decarbonisation is the process of becoming less carbon-intensive.

On a wider level, this is part of a global drive to reduce emissions as agreed in the Paris Agreement on climate change.

In order for the power industry to become fully decarbonised by 2050, it is vital that the users of power are able to  move to greener power supplies and become more energy efficient.

In the UK, the power sector has a target to achieve net zero by 2050.

What is net zero?

Net zero is the term used to describe the effect of residual emissions that have been offset by measures which result in a net emission of zero carbon overall.

Familiar as we are with terms like decarbonisation, net zero and climate emergency, it’s useful to understand what decarbonisation looks like in practice and how the process can be applied to public sector estates.

Traditional energy sources – natural gas, oil and coal.

Perhaps the most obvious way to decarbonise the UK is to seek alternative power supplies such as wind, solar or hydro. As our dependency on electric vehicles and heating systems such as air or ground source heat pumps increases, so will the demand for clean electricity.

As the production of green electricity increases how do we store any unused energy? 

Battery storage and hydrogen

Battery storage is dependent on capacity – which is likely to be limited. Which leads nicely on to the increased focus on hydrogen as an alternative power supply.

Indeed, it is a fast growing option thanks to the versatility of the gas to be used to power anything from vehicles to heavy industry.

Reducing outputs

Perhaps the most common approach that individuals, businesses and Industries can collectively contribute to, is the reduction of carbon output.

This includes reducing motoring emissions and implementing new technologies in our homes and businesses.

The switch to electric vehicles or clean heating systems is a gradual one, largely due to the costs involved.

Decarbonisation of public sector estates

Implementing new technology to increase energy efficiency in public sector estates takes time, planning and money.

The UK government has signalled its commitment by releasing £1bn of funding grants for use by the public sector to implement capital works within their estates.

There is no easy, one-size-fits-all, way to decarbonise public sector estates. Estates Managers need to consider the most suitable solutions for their properties, and in all likelihood will need different solutions across their estates.

Decarbonisation projects will mean significant changes to infrastructure, we must consider the affordability of new energy provisions and, undoubtedly, sizeable installation projects that will affect how the buildings can be used while work is being carried out.

For many older properties, the process will have to take a staged approach. For example, it may be necessary to switch from oil to gas before taking further steps to renewable energy sources.

How Demiurgic Consulting Engineers can help your decarbonisation project

Over recent weeks Demiurgic Consulting Engineers have helped a number of clients prepare bids for Government grant funding from Salix Finance.

The process involves reviewing the current Building Services and the thermal properties of the buildings in order to develop the most feasible approach to their decarbonisation projects. 

Drawing on our experience of implementing energy efficient, green solutions for building services in public sector buildings across health, education and other public sector estates, we can ensure that bids are based on carefully considered plans that are both realistic and effective in achieving the desired aims of the client.

If you need to help to develop decarbonisation plans for your estates, email Gary Jones to find out how Demiurgic Consulting Engineers can help.