Meeting the challenges of the year ahead

On behalf of everyone at FM Business Daily I...

View the latest edition of FM Director –...

https://issuu.com/fmbdmedia/docs/fmdaug23?fr=xKAE9_zU1NQ

Comprehensive actions required to achieve
net zero carbon emissions

More stories from the latest edition

View the latest edition of FM Director – August 2023

https://issuu.com/fmbdmedia/docs/fmdaug23?fr=xKAE9_zU1NQ

Specialist service provision supports unique customer requirements

There are a seemingly infinite list of maxims outlining...

Supporting real estate management with best FM practice

There has been a long-running discussion on the benefits...

Leading the drive to become service provider of choice

One of the most notable trends in the FM...

View the latest online magazine edition of FM Director – May 2023

https://issuu.com/fmbdmedia/docs/fmdmay23?fr=sN2EzNTUwODA4ODA

Free career advice initiative is open to more FM partnerships

One of the most notable developments over the last...

Continuing to apply the courage of his convictions

Clicking on the About tab of the enlightgroup.co.uk website...

Driving success through data-led approach to FM service delivery

Another highly positive aspect of the FM industry is...

The pros and cons of FM support for agile working

Discussing the challenges and advantages of developing best practice...

The continuing evolution of FM security service providers

One of the most impressive aspects of the wide-ranging...

Share

Aligning with one of this issue’s main features, Adler and Allan’s Dan Ellis provides an overview of the main areas the UK will need to address to achieve its net zero ambitions

One of the most recent areas of interest to emerge within the FM sector is that of the UK’s legally binding aim to achieve net zero carbon emissions and the need to support clients in their journey and ambitions.


One of the most attractive elements within this is that reducing emissions will also involve using less energy, which in turn requires the client to spend less on utility bills. However, achieving net zero will require significant changes in all areas of society and high levels of investment in many areas.
Expert comment on this topic is provided by Adler and Allan head of Sustainability Consultancy Services Dan Ellis, who says “the UK’s built environment will have to undergo significant changes to its energy and fuel infrastructure”.


“For those assets that will take time to upgrade, alternative liquid fuels can provide a transitional option. Hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), as a waste biomass-based product, has 90% fewer emissions than diesel. As it is fully miscible with diesel, it can be used wholly in a system, or as a ‘top-up’ for incremental change.


“The UK’s built environment will have to undergo significant changes to its energy and fuel infrastructure”

“As we decarbonise our buildings, we will have to decommission legacy fuel infrastructure such as tanks, pipework, and containment. The risk of pollution incidents is mitigated with renewable energy, there are fewer pipes liable to freezing, and maintenance costs and downtime are reduced,” he continues.

Co2. Light bulb with natural green background with icons in co2 environmental concept. Clean energy. Renewable energy. Net Zero. Love the world. And sustainable energy.


Historical pollution issues may require remediation and early investigations help FMs to understand risks to be factored into the business case.


The ability to charge an EV at work will also become a greater priority for employees and free charging will be seen as a value-added perk to attract good talent.

Installing charge points should be factored into any net-zero plan, with FMs ensuring that renewable energy is either procured or generated on site to power these where possible. The changing climate means drier dry spells, more extreme rainfall events, stronger storms, and increased flooding, so commercial building managers may need to adapt their assets and strengthen resilience, he continues.
“Effective maintenance is key to ensuring plant remains as efficient as possible. Existing and future critical infrastructure should be protected against physical risks,” says Mr Ellis.