Achieving energy efficiency and net zero targets with retrofits

The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) has warned that a collective failure to retrofit commercial buildings to meet national net zero targets by 2030 could lead to an energy crisis. The warning comes as a reaction to a recent report that found, for 86% of facility managers, retrofitting their properties to improve energy efficiency was deemed a low priority. In addition, it found that 23% of building managers of the largest companies admitted they had not been involved in any net zero planning relating to business strategy.

The report adds that 52% of facility managers feel the government could support retrofit projects’ financial viability by making such works VAT free. However, there is a feeling that the industry is sleepwalking towards an energy crisis due to a lack of action.

Indeed, the VAT-free argument carries weight, but it ignores the already interwoven benefits of retrofit projects, which are often more financially viable than facility managers expect. Property optimisation isn’t just an asset in helping businesses reach net zero targets; retrofit works in a time of volatile energy bills help future-proof buildings and dramatically reduce operational costs. By ranking retrofitting so lowly, facility managers are missing the opportunity to reduce costs and improve efficiency in energy consumption and production processes.

Why retrofits matter

As with any building, be it a commercial or residential property, time and degradation can result in a downturn in performance. Even if the wear and tear of time aren’t visibly noticeable, its effects can still be costly.

From composite panel jointing to insulated walls and ceilings, even the smallest of downturns can result in properties having to work harder to reach the desired performance levels. Retrofits and maintenance works put buildings under the microscope to assess where they are failing. That informs what needs to be done to reverse the decline. Doing so at regular intervals can rectify issues before they grow into costly problems too, so proactiveness is vital here.

Environmental gains

The operations of buildings account for around 15% of UK carbon emissions. The food manufacturing industry, therefore, needs to play its part if national net zero targets are to be achieved. We must ensure that this is a collective effort across every commercial sector.

Net zero-focused retrofit works are future-minded. They represent a small cost now but can guarantee sizeable savings in the long term. Studies from The Carbon Trust have found that improving the energy efficiency of manufacturing facilities can shrink their energy bills by up to 20%. With ever-rising energy bills a perennial concern for all UK businesses, such cost savings should not be overlooked.

Food manufacturing properties can lose up to 75% of their heat through the fabric of a building if it is not treated with care. Investing in the fabric of a building is therefore highly valuable in both saving businesses money in challenging economic times and future-proofing business operations. That includes ensuring that everything from the floor and ceilings to windows and doors are performing at their best. 70% of the UK’s current building stock is expected to still be in use by 2050, meaning that commercial and industrial properties must be modernised if they are to stand the test of time and perform efficiently.

Tried & tested temperature control

In food production, and cold storage facilities, the process of operating temperature is a pivotal link in the supply chain as food travels from farm to plate. Ensuring that temperature-controlled facilities are optimised for efficiency and performance isn’t just about shrinking carbon footprints and saving money on energy bills, either. These facilities must be food safe.

Often, the first issue to arise is corrosion of doors and gaskets, compromising door seals. It means refrigeration equipment has to exert more energy to perform properly. Ice build-up can also lead to accidents, including slips and employees getting trapped inside cold storage facilities. Further to that, checking and changing the HVAC system, replacing, and overlaying food-safe flooring and hygienic panelling can give temperature-controlled facilities a huge operational and hygiene compliance boost.

For facility managers, cold stores should be the first point of focus when it comes to retrofit. Ensuring they are working as they should means greater inventory integrity, cheaper energy bills and reduced carbon emissions. They are important steps on the path towards net zero.

Whilst 86% of facility managers don’t see retrofitting as something to prioritise, understanding the wider context can change that. We must also remember that a significant amount of the industrial property portfolio is at or near end of the original design life. Consequently, there is an even greater opportunity to remediate existing challenges whilst future-readiness is also delivered. It’s paramount that, as an industry, a collective effort is made to achieve the ever-nearing national net zero targets for 2030.

To find out how cold storage optimisation can elevate your business, head over to our cold storage page.

You can also get in touch with us today via email: enquiries@ambreybaker.co.uk  or give us a call on 01529 300013