As we head further into a 2024, many will be hoping that there is more stability and preparedness with regards to the UK’s energy costs after unpredictability and the sharp rises in energy prices that have been ongoing over the past few years.

The consistent rise in energy costs has meant that many business owners have faced higher costs and insecurity about their future. According to a 2021 survey, statistics reveal that over a third of small business owners saw their energy bills increase that year, and almost a third said they were intending to reduce their energy usage to save on running costs. Some businesses that were on fixed-price contracts expiring in late 2021 had already seen their bills quadruple since the beginning of the year.

The energy crisis has been caused by a combination of factors, including high global gas demand and gas shortages, insufficient investment in renewable energies, as well as the bankruptcies of smaller energy suppliers. The UK government has previously stated that it will not intervene to rescue failing energy companies or subsidise energy prices for businesses, resulting in many businesses either switching to a new supplier – paying a higher tariff – or risk losing their energy supply. The energy crisis has had a ripple effect on other aspects of the economy, such as food and drink production, transport, and manufacturing with many businesses scaling back production and in some cases staff. The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) called for urgent action from the government to support small businesses and protect them from the impact of the ongoing energy crisis, suggesting measures including providing grants or loans for energy efficiency improvements, and creating a hardship fund for the most severely affected sectors. The FSB also advised businesses to shop around for the best energy deals and seek guidance from their trade associations or local authorities.

The energy crisis is a major challenge for many business owners, and, worryingly, it’s likely to continue for the foreseeable future. However, it is possible for businesses to adapt and innovate, by adopting renewable energy sources, diversifying products or services, or finding new ways to reduce energy use.

Startling evidence indicates that the average cost of energy for a commercial building in 2023 was £3,375 higher than in 2021, and about £1,582 higher than in 2022, representing an increase of 139% and 38%, respectively. This shows that the energy crisis has significantly affected energy costs in commercial buildings in the UK and continues to, therefore business owners would be wise to avoid complacency by taking measures to reduce energy consumption and improve their energy efficiency.

Focusing on cost as a driving factor for adopting energy efficiency, the average energy costs in commercial building depends on various factors, such as the type and size of the building, the energy supplier and tariff, the energy consumption and efficiency, and the market conditions. However, based on some sources, the average cost of energy for a commercial building in 2021 and 2022 can be estimated, and compared with prices in 2023.

According to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, the average price (excluding Climate Change Levy) for electricity between July and September 2021 was 13.22 pence per kWh; for gas it was 2.91 pence per kWh.

Assuming a typical annual electricity consumption of 15,000 kWh and a typical annual gas consumption of 15,000 kWh for a small commercial building, the average annual energy cost for a commercial building in 2021 would be:

• Electricity cost = 15,000 × 0.1322 = £1,983
• Gas cost = 15,000 × 0.0291 = £437
• Total cost = 1,983 + 437 = £2,420

The average price (excluding Climate Change Levy) for electricity between July and September 2022 was 21.56 pence per kWh, up by 8.34 pence per kWh (or 63%) compared with July to September 2021 and for gas it was 6.53 pence per kWh, which increased by 124% or 3.62 pence per kWh over the same period.

Assuming the same consumption levels as above, the average annual energy cost for a commercial building in 2022 would be:

• Electricity cost = 15,000 × 0.2156 = £3,234
• Gas cost = 15,000 × 0.0653 = £979
• Total cost = 3,234 + 979 = £4,213

The average price (excluding Climate Change Levy) for electricity between July and September 2023 was 28.76 pence per kWh, up by 7.2 pence per kWh (or 33%) compared with July to September 2022 and for gas it was 9.87 pence per kWh, which increased by 51% or 3.34 pence per kWh over the same period.

Assuming the same consumption levels as above, the average annual energy cost for a commercial building in 2023 would be:

• Electricity cost = 15,000 × 0.2876 = £4,314
• Gas cost = 15,000 × 0.0987 = £1,481
• Total cost = 4,314 + 1,481 = £5,795

Therefore, the average cost of energy for a commercial building in 2023 was about £3,375 higher than in 2021, and about £1,582 higher than in 2022, representing an increase of 139% and 38%, respectively. This effectively illustrates how the energy crisis in the UK has significantly impacted energy costs for commercial buildings, and that business owners should take measures to reduce their energy consumption and improve their energy efficiency.

The amount of energy that can be saved with sustainable architectural solutions and energy efficient methods in place will depend on numerous factors, including the type and size of the building, the current level of energy efficiency, the method and cost of the energy source, and the nature and cost of the energy efficiency measures. However, based on varying sources, the potential energy savings for different types of commercial buildings in the UK is possible to estimate.

According to the Energy Saving Trust, a typical small building with an annual electricity consumption

of 15,000 kWh and an annual gas consumption of 15,000 kWh could save up to £415 a year by following a few simple energy saving suggestions, such as turning off standby appliances, installing a smart thermostat, buying efficient appliances, and investing in double glazing.

According to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, a typical medium-sizedcommercial building with an annual electricity consumption of 50,000 kWh and an annual gas consumption of 50,000 kWh could save up to £1,500 a year by implementing basic building improvements, such as swapping to energy efficient bulbs, preventing heat escaping through doors and windows, insulating the hot water tank/cylinder, installing smart thermostat/controls, and installing a smart meter to accurately monitor energy use.

According to Ofgem, a typical large commercial building with an annual electricity consumption of 100,000 kWh and an annual gas consumption of 100,000 kWh could save up to £5,000 a year by undertaking larger building improvements, including installing wall or floor insulation, switching to low-carbon heating technologies, such as heat pumps, hydrogen boilers, or district heating networks.

These are only indicative estimates, and the precise energy savings may vary depending on the specific characteristics and circumstances of each building. However, they effectively illustrate that energy efficiency is crucial for commercial buildings and, although some businesses may benefit from grants and subsidies, the cost of energy continues to rise, so the year ahead could still prove challenging.

The Importance of Energy Efficiency in Commercial Buildings:

Energy efficient solutions can help to limit the environmental impact of a commercial building by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and, in the UK’S case, contribute to the net-zero promise. Energy efficiency methods also help lower energy bills, reduce operating costs and enhance the working environment thus improving productivity and the comfort of employees and other building occupants including customers.

The value and appeal of commercial buildings can be increased by introducing energy efficiency measures, thus creating new business opportunities benefitting the wider economy and society, driving innovation and growth, as it establishes new markets and opportunities for green products and services. By improving the energy efficiency of buildings, businesses can achieve a sustainable and prosperous future.

These benefits are explained in more detail:

• Cost savings: By improving the energy efficiency of commercial buildings, businesses can reduce energy consumption thus lower energy bills. This can help save money and increase profitability. According to the Energy Saving Trust, a 20% cut in energy costs represents the same bottom-line benefit as a 5% increase in sales.
  Furthermore, energy efficiency measures may also increase the value and attractiveness of commercial buildings, as they can enhance the comfort and productivity of building occupants and reduce the maintenance and repair costs.
• Environmental impact: Businesses that implement energy efficiency solutions for their buildings, can also reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to the UK’s net-zero target. By adopting energy efficiency measures, businesses can not only reduce their environmental impact, but also improve their reputation and brand image, potentially attracting more customers and investors who value ethics and sustainability.
• Regulatory compliance: Increasing the energy efficiency of commercial buildings means that businesses can also comply with the relevant regulations and standards that apply to their sector and size. For example, last year, the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) Regulations required landlords of non-domestic buildings in the private rented sector to achieve a minimum EPC rating of E, with a minimum EPC rating of B to be achieved by 2030. The performance-based policy framework for large commercial and industrial buildings requires owners and single tenants of buildings over 1,000m² to measure and report their energy use and carbon emissions, subsequently taking action to improve their performance. Regulatory compliance would mean businesses could avoid penalties and fines, and demonstrate their social responsibility and leadership.

To use a real-time example, One Angel Square, Manchester – which up until last year was the Co-operative Group Headquarters – perfectly exemplifies a building that has effectively employed energy efficient solutions. The 16-storey building contains 325,000 sq ft of open plan office space and a large central atrium. Completed in 2012 and achieving a BREEAM Outstanding rating (one of the highest ever BREEAM scores of 95.16%). as well as a display energy certificate (DEC) A+ grade performance – it is one of the most sustainable commercial buildings in the world.

Some of the energy efficient features of the building include:

• A double skinned façade with 300,000 square feet of exposed concrete (sourced from suppliers with BRE standard and BES 6001 certification, as well as certified environmental management systems) that acts as a thermal sponge and a soaring open atrium that promote natural heating, cooling, and lighting.
• A rainwater harvesting and recycling system.
• A Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plant that runs on pure rapeseed oil grown by The Co-operative farms providing most of the heating and electrical requirements for the building, with surplus energy being back-fed to the national grid.
• Heat recovery from IT systems that also helps to heat the building.
• Low energy LED lighting and IT equipment and systems.
• High efficiency passenger and service lifts.
• Earth tubes to bring in cool air via a heat exchanger. Cooling and ventilation systems were designed around the results of a UKCIP climate change assessment for projected 2050 and 2080 temperature levels.

Designers also used building information modelling (BIM) to create the building before any construction began, which helped to prevent unnecessary material wastage as well as lost time, and to minimise the overall impact of construction. The building also used prefabrication and waste reduction, as well as carbon reduction methods, such as using a dedicated gas supply instead of inefficient electric heaters for the site cabins.

Implementing these energy efficiency solutions will have eased its environmental impact, adhered to regulatory compliance and saved on running costs, operating with at least an 80% reduction in carbon emissions, a 50% reduction in energy consumption and approximately £500,000 annual saving in utility bills, compared to the Co-op’s previous headquarters – a network of historic and listed buildings in Manchester city centre which was deemed no longer apposite for a modern Co-operative. It also highlighted the leadership, innovation, and the commitment of The Co-operative Group with concerning environmental issues. More details about the building and its energy performance in the case study by BAM.

Ten years later the new Lidl headquarters in Tolworth would also be built with sustainability at the forefront of its design, and Solinear was proud to contribute to this innovative new building.
Named “Lidl House” by Lidl staff, the new state-of-the-art 250,000 square ft building, which spans five floors, accommodates Lidl’s 800-strong head office team, with further room to grow, and was designed with a number of innovative measures to reduce its impact on the environment.

Some of those measures include:

• The largest number of electric charging points in one location in the UK, which can encourage the use of low-emission vehicles and reduce the carbon footprint of the staff and visitors. This is especially beneficial if company cars are electric as claims for fuel can be costly as prices rise.
• Solar panels on the car park that provide 300kW of energy per hour, which can generate renewable electricity and reduce the reliance on fossil fuels.
• All of Lidl House’s toilets flush with harvested rainwater rather than from the public water supply system.
• The building is fitted with automatic LED lighting which reduces electricity consumption.
• On-site facilities include a barista and a canteen with a huge range of fresh food choices, meaning that employees don’t have to travel off-site for refreshments, thus reducing their individual carbon footprints.
• Lidl HQ also provides a Health and Wellbeing Centre which can be accessed both in and outside of office hours with a range of exercises classes and gym equipment. As mentioned above this means that employees don’t need to travel off-site, thus reducing their individual carbon footprints.
• Lidle House is surrounded by vast, protected green space benefiting employees and wildlife.
• Staff at Lidl House are working with local charity partners to assist the Tolworth community; Lidl’s donations are creating community-driven green initiatives in the surrounding area including helping to plant flowers and vegetables which will benefit the community as well as the environment.

How does brise soleil benefit a car park?

Solinear’s contribution to the Lidl project involved assorted façade elements to various aspects of this state of the art, energy-efficient building including a substantial vertical bespoke brise soleil system enveloping the multi-storey car park and rooftop cladding surrounding and shielding vital plant room equipment.

As mentioned brise soleil is highly beneficial for the thermal comfort of building occupants and reduces the reliance on mechanical climate control but some may wonder how brise soleil can benefit a car park…?

• Temperature Control: Brise soleil helps to regulate temperature within a multi-storey car park by reducing solar heat gain. By preventing direct sunlight from entering the building, shading structures or devices prevent excessive heating of parked vehicles and the interior environment, leading to a more comfortable and pleasant experience for users.
• Energy Savings: By reducing the need for mechanical cooling systems, solar shading can contribute to energy savings and lower operational costs for multi-storey car parks. Shading structures help maintain more stable indoor temperatures, reducing the workload on air conditioning systems and lowering energy consumption.
• Protecting Vehicles: Brise soleil can offer protection for vehicles parked in multi-storey car parks from prolonged exposure to sunlight, which can cause interior materials to fade, deteriorate, or overheat. Shading structures or devices create a barrier that shields vehicles from direct sunlight, prolonging the lifespan of vehicle interiors and reducing the need for maintenance or repairs and subsequent wastage. This means that all areas of the car park are viable – even on a south facing aspect where solar glare is strongest.
• Improved Lighting Efficiency: By reducing glare and excessive brightness caused by direct sunlight, solar shading can improve visibility and lighting efficiency within multi-storey car parks. This can improve safety for drivers and pedestrians navigating the parking facility, reducing the risk of accidents or collisions. As opposed to a completely enclosed car park, a solar shading façade allows some light to penetrate the interior space meaning that reliance on energy-consuming artificial lighting is reduced.
• Enhanced Aesthetics: It’s worth noting that alongside the energy-efficient properties that solar shading structures or devices offer, they can also contribute to the aesthetic appeal of multi-storey car parks, enhancing the overall design and visual appearance of the building. Shading elements such as architectural fins, canopies, or louvres can be integrated seamlessly into the building’s facade, adding visual interest and sophistication to the structure as well as continuing a theme or corporate identity via the façade with bespoke colours and designs.

Overall, the solar shading will help to create a more comfortable, energy-efficient, and aesthetically pleasing environment for users of Lidl’s multi-storey car park, making it a more functional and sustainable space.

Assessing Your Building’s Energy Performance:

An energy assessment on the current energy performance of a commercial building is a proactive, sensible and strategic approach to optimising energy use, reducing energy bills, meeting regulatory requirements, and contributing to environmental sustainability. It aligns with broader goals of energy conservation, cost effectiveness, and responsible building management.

Some key reasons why it’s important to assess a building’s energy include:

• Energy Efficiency Improvement: Understanding a building’s current energy performance offers an insight in to identifying areas where energy efficiency can be improved. Determining inefficiencies allows commercial building owners and managers to employ targeted measures in reducing energy consumption and operating costs.
• Environmental Impact: Buildings substantially contribute to overall energy consumption and carbon emissions, consequently, assessing energy performance helps to identify opportunities to lessen a building’s environmental impact by reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
• Cost Savings: Energy costs can be a significant portion of a building’s operational expenses, therefor, assessing and improving energy performance can lead to substantial cost savings over time. Energy efficient buildings will often consume less energy for heating, cooling, lighting, and other operations compared to buildings with little or no energy efficient measures.
• Occupant Comfort and Productivity: Improving energy performance often involves improving the building’s thermal comfort, indoor air quality and lighting conditions. This not only reduces energy use but can also contribute to a healthier and more pleasant indoor environment with positive effects on occupant wellbeing and productivity.

• 

  Compliance with Regulations: It is now commonplace for regions and countries to have regulations and standards in place promoting energy efficiency and sustainability in buildings. Routine energy performance assessments help safeguard compliance with these regulations and may be required for certification or rating schemes.

• Asset Value and Marketability: Energy efficient buildings are increasingly valued in the property market. Evaluating and improving energy performance can improve the long-term asset value of a building and make it more desirable to tenants and investors who are increasingly prioritising sustainability for ethical and economical reasons.
• Technology and System Upgrades: Regular assessments help identify opportunities to upgrade building systems and technologies. This could involve adopting more energy efficient Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems, lighting options, or smart building technologies that can improve energy usage.
• Risk Management: The instability of energy prices and the unpredictability of future regulations related to energy consumption pose potential risks to building owners and operators. Assessing energy performance helps to develop strategies that mitigate these risks and increase the resilience of the building.

As mentioned, assessing a building’s energy performance offers insights into energy consumption and costs, environmental impact, and the potential for improvement, however, assessing a building’s current energy performance will largely depend on a variety of factors including type, size, and purpose of the building.

One of the simplest self-assessment methods is conducting a site walk-through and inspecting the building for any problems and weaknesses, identifying areas that require improvement. Using a checklist helps guide those who wish to self-asses through the procedure – examining lighting, heating and air conditioning systems, electrical appliances, building design, and insulation and evaluating the cost-effectiveness of each measure using an economical analysis method. Net present value offers a simpler method whilst life cycle cost analysis is more complex but both help to compare the benefits and costs of each measure over time. Listing and prioritising recommendations, from which a plan of action can be established, should include the estimated energy savings, costs, and payback periods of each measure, as well as the implementation steps and duties. It’s also worth considering the feasibility and the impact of each measure on the building’s operation and occupants then presenting conclusions and recommendations to employees, management, and stakeholders, and request feedback and support.

Energy efficiency plans could be a team exercise as getting the building’s occupants involved and implementing a plan can highlight where energy is being wasted and can be saved – duties can be allocated to individuals which as a whole could make a substantial difference to energy efficiency improvements. Incentives could be introduced further motivating building occupants to reduce energy consumption.

The following selection also includes some of the best and most popular methods to self-evaluate a building’s energy performance, as well as the data and tools available:

• Compare against the baseline: Monitor and record the energy use of a building against itself over time, for example catalogue energy bills from the last 1-3 years to assist with analyse energy consumption. This can help identify any changes or trends in energy consumption and performance and assess the impact of any energy efficiency measures or improvements. Using historical data, such as utility bills, meter readings, or energy audits, a baseline can be established from which comparisons can be made.
• Compare with energy simulation/energy modelling: Using an energy modelling tool to assess a building’s energy performance, versus potential performance, can help identify areas of improvement and the best strategies to reduce energy consumption and costs. An energy model can be created using various inputs, such as building geometry, occupancy and usage, materials, orientation, systems and weather data. Examples of energy modelling tools include EnergyPlus and SBEM.
• Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) or Reduced Data SAP (RdSAP): This method is used by the UK government to assess and compare the energy and environmental performance of buildings. SAP is used for new builds, while RdSAP is used for existing buildings. The SAP methodology is based on the BRE Domestic Energy Model (BREDEM), which provides a framework for calculating the energy consumption of buildings. The SAP assessment requires information on the energy performance of the building fabric and its services, which can be obtained from the Product Characteristics Database (PCDB) or the Appendix Q database. The SAP assessment produces an energy performance indicator, such as an EPC rating or a SAP rating, which can be used to demonstrate the compliance with the Building Regulations or the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD).

There are numerous online platforms to help building owners and managers track energy consumption.

This includes:

• MyEnergy: MyEnergy provides tools for monitoring energy consumption, analyzing trends, setting energy-saving goals, and comparing usage with similar buildings. It can help consumers to understand how energy is being used and identify areas where changes can be made to save energy and money.

For specifically tracking energy consumption in commercial buildings, a useful website is the Carbon Trust’s Carbon Trust Standard. Whilst not a tool in itself for tracking energy consumption, the Carbon Trust Standard provides certification and recognition for organisations that actively measure and manage their carbon emissions, including energy consumption in commercial buildings.

Additionally, there are numerous energy management software platforms that are tailored specifically for commercial buildings. They include:

• EnergyDeck: EnergyDeck provides a platform for monitoring, analyzing, and benchmarking energy consumption in commercial buildings – offering real-time data visualisation, reporting tools, and integration with various energy meters and sensors.
• Enerit: Enerit offers energy management software designed to help organizations track and reduce energy consumption in commercial buildings. The software provides features for energy data management, performance monitoring, and compliance with energy regulations.
• TEAM Energy: TEAM Energy offers a variety of energy management solutions, including software for tracking energy consumption in commercial buildings. This platform provides tools for metre data management, energy monitoring, and reporting.

Many energy providers offer online portals or apps for customers to monitor energy usage, so it’s worth checking with energy providers for any available tools or resources.
Whichever technique is preferred, monitoring and evaluating the results of energy efficiency methods and making adjustments as needed will save costs and reduce the environmental impact of a building.

If self-auditing a building’s energy efficiency is not an option, the next plan of action would be consulting with a professional energy assessment service. Hiring a qualified professional and accredited energy assessor to conduct a comprehensive and reliable energy audit for a building can offer numerous benefits including the following:

• Expertise and experience in energy assessment and compliance with relevant regulations and standards, such as the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES), and the Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS).
• Access to advanced tools and technologies, such as building information modelling (BIM), heat and power (CHP) plants, and renewable energy sources, that can help to achieve the best energy performance and sustainability for the building requiring improvements.
• Customised and tailored solutions to suit specific requirements and objectives, as well as budget and timeline.
• Comprehensive and detailed reports that include energy performance indicators, such as EPC rating or SAP rating, energy conservation measures, cost-benefit analysis, and the action plan.
• Ongoing support and guidance throughout the implementation and evaluation stages, as well as the certification and compliance processes.

Professional energy assessment services can be found via the government website by searching for an accredited assessor or contact some reputable energy and sustainability consultancy firms, such as Focus 360 Energy, UK Energy Assessors, or Professional Energy Services.

Innovative Solutions from Solinear:

Being a leader and innovator in the field of static and motorised architectural louvres and solar shading, Solinear’s products and services can help create energy efficient and environmentally friendly buildings, supporting the principles of sustainable architecture.

Solinear also provides consultancy, design, installation, and maintenance services to get the best out of the energy-saving products available and uses advanced tools and technologies, such as building information modelling (BIM), to deliver high-quality and sustainable outcomes.
Amongst the numerous means and methods of conserving energy and the energy-saving products that are available, Solinear offers a diverse range of architectural louvres and solar shading products and services that contribute to a building’s energy efficiency.
Some of the benefits of Solinear solutions, products and services include:

• Reducing the solar heat gain and glare in buildings, which can improve the thermal comfort and productivity of occupants and reduce the need for artificial cooling and lighting.
• Enhancing the aesthetic and functional design of buildings, by creating unique and attractive façades, roofs, and canopies, and providing natural ventilation and daylighting thus achieving sustainable architecture.
• Reducing reliance on mechanical ventilation systems; Solinear’s ventilation louvres optimise natural airflow, thus lowering energy consumption and associated carbon emissions.
• Helping to achieve compliance with the relevant building regulations and standards, such as the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES), and the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM).
• Providing customised and tailored solutions that suit the specific needs and goals of each project, as well as the budget and timeline.

Since its launch in 2004, Solinear has worked on a variety of projects across different sectors, such as education, healthcare, commercial, and residential with notable projects including the McLaren Production Centre in Surrey, Great Ormond Street Hospital in London, Majestic in Leeds, Madinat Al Irfan Customer Experience Centre in Muscat, Oman, and Battersea Power Station in London.

The latter, being one of Solinear’s most iconic and prestigious projects…

Solinear was appointed to design, manufacture, supply and install a rooftop louvre system that would frame the impressive new rooftop atriums nestled amongst the landscaped terrace gardens, crowning Battersea Power Station.

The louvre system would be multi-purpose – a practical means of passive environmental ventilation for the offices below, occupying the building’s former central boiler house and now accommodating the Foster + Partners designed Apple HQ, whilst also achieving a specific level of acoustic performance. The acoustic louvres are designed to prevent noise pollution escaping from the offices below, disturbing residents on the rooftop, as well as external sounds permeating through to the offices thus enhancing acoustic clarity for Apple employees and customers.
In addition to these requirements the louvre system needed to maintain an architecturally pleasing presence amongst the James Corner Field Operations designed roofscape.

Solinear manufactured an extensive Aquarius Viento system (Aquarius X-line 75 single bank louvre system, with a 300mm deep acoustic module and motorised damper which was installed around the large rooflight nestled amongst the rooftop garden. Incidentally, “viento” is Spanish and means gust, breeze, wind.

The engineering of the entire system not only realised the project requirements but was accomplished without compromising aesthetic appeal and with consideration for ease of future maintenance.
Solinear’s customised configuration of architectural louvre, motorized damper and acoustic louvre module as a maintainable arrangement is an exceptionally specialised product that the team has taken pride in designing and manufacturing. It is so specific in its requirements that Solinear may be the only engineers of such a system, or at the very least one of a very limited number of specialist manufacturers who are able to offer this product.

Solinear’s involvement in this project proved to be vital in maintaining the essential environmental comfort for both residents and office workers located at Battersea Power Station, including the one and a half thousand Apple employees who benefit from the Viento motorised louvres.

The amount of heat and noise that is generated by the offices below will be significant so the acoustic and ventilation louvres will be highly beneficial in lessening the need for mechanical and artificial methods of climate control, in turn, reducing the general running and maintenance costs of the offices thus saving money as well as improving indoor air quality, occupant comfort and the energy efficiency of the building. The louvre system will also assist in adhering to building codes, and maintaining sustainability goals.

Alongside Solinear’s energy efficiency solutions, Battersea Power Station carbon footprint reducing measures include:

• 36,000 tons of greenhouse gases saved by reusing the Power Station compared to the footprint of new construction.
• 5,889 tyres diverted from landfill used in cradle and batten flooring in Phase 3.
• 10,000 bike parking spaces available across the operational estate.
• More than 904 electric car charging parking bays (29% of total) are available across the completed development.
• Over 18 acres of new open space has been created including the 6-acre Power Station Park.
• Battersea Power Station has three ten-megawatt boilers and three Combined Heat and Power (CHP) engines, with each one producing up to two megawatts of heat and a further two megawatts of electricity. All this machinery runs on gas at high efficiency, generating energy with a vapor plume. There are also six chiller units providing efficient air conditioning using non-potable water from an existing on-site borehole with vapor being vented through two of the rebuilt chimneys.
• Conventional energy production in the UK is typically 40% efficient, however, Battersea Power Station’s combined heat and power engines achieve around 80% efficiency levels. The Energy Centres provide heating, hot water, and cooling for 100 % of the residential, retail and office buildings within the scheme.
• Another important feature of the Energy Centre is its large thermal storage system allowing energy to be generated and stored at quiet times for use at periods of high demand, allowing the machinery to be used more efficiently and reducing emissions overall.

Solinear’s work on Battersea Power Station earned the team a National Building and Construction Award last year.

Read more about Solinear’s Battersea Power Station project

Implementing Energy-Efficient Architectural Designs:

Architectural design plays a vital role in shaping the energy efficiency of a building, profoundly impacting its environmental footprint and operational costs. By integrating Passivhaus green architecture design principles, such as orientation, building shape, insulation, and natural ventilation, architects can enhance energy performance and minimize reliance on mechanical systems. Thoughtful consideration of factors like solar exposure, thermal mass, and fenestration not only enhances occupant comfort but also reduces heating, cooling, and lighting loads. Furthermore, innovative design strategies, such as green roofs, building-integrated renewables, and daylight harvesting, can further elevate a building’s sustainability profile while adopting a healthier indoor environment. Ultimately, green architecture design serves as the foundation for sustainable building practices, paving a way towards creating energy-efficient buildings that harmonise with their surroundings and contribute positively to the built environment.

Listed below is a selection of ways that architectural design impacts energy efficiency. By implementing these measures and technologies, architects and designers can create buildings that are more sustainable, comfortable, and cost-effective.

• Effective Insulation and Thermal Mass: Insulation is the use of materials or techniques that reduce the heat transfer between the inside and outside of a building, such as foam, wool, or double glazing. Insulation can help prevent heat escaping through doors, windows, walls, floors, and roofs, therefor improving the thermal comfort and energy efficiency of the building. Energy-efficient designs incorporate high-performance insulation materials and thermal mass to minimise heat transfer through the building envelope. This helps to maintain steady indoor temperatures, reducing heating and cooling loads and improving overall energy efficiency. Effective insulation can also help reduce noise pollution and condensation problems in buildings.
• Optimised Building Orientation: Appropriate building orientation can maximise natural daylighting and passive solar heating while minimising solar heat gain, reducing the need for artificial lighting and cooling systems. Orienting buildings to take advantage of prevailing winds can also enhance natural ventilation, lowering dependence on mechanical ventilation systems.
• Efficient ration Design: Strategic placement and selection of windows, skylights, and glazing systems optimise daylight penetration and solar heat gain. Energy-efficient windows with low-emissivity coatings and thermal breaks help reduce heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer, improving comfort and energy performance.
• Daylighting Strategies: Energy-efficient architectural designs prioritise daylighting through the strategic placement of windows, light shelves, and reflective surfaces. Maximising natural daylight reduces the need for artificial lighting during daylight hours thus leading to significant energy savings and enhancing occupant comfort and productivity.
• Natural Ventilation and Passive Cooling: Architectural features such as operable windows, louvres, and atria enable natural ventilation, promoting airflow and thermal comfort without the need for mechanical cooling. Passive cooling strategies, such as shading devices, green roofs, and reflective surfaces, further mitigate heat gain and reduce cooling demand.
• Passive Solar Design: Passive solar design principles, such as designing for solar access, thermal mass, and shading, optimise solar energy utilisation for heating, cooling, and lighting purposes. Passive solar strategies can substantially reduce energy demand and operational costs while increasing thermal comfort and sustainability.
• Solar shading: As mentioned, incorporating solar shading devices or structures such as louvres, blinds, awnings, or canopies into architectural designs help to block or filter the sunlight from entering a building thus reducing solar heat gain and glare in buildings. In turn they improve the thermal comfort and productivity of the occupants and can also reduce the need for artificial cooling and lighting. It also enhances the aesthetic and functional design of buildings, by creating unique and striking façades, roofs, and canopies, and provides natural ventilation and daylighting.
• Renewable energy technologies are more sustainable and lower energy costs and dependence on fossil fuels responsible for greenhouse gas emissions.Renewable Energy Integration: Renewable energy sources are the use of natural resources or technologies that generate electricity or heat from renewable sources. Architectural designs could incorporate features such as solar panels, wind turbines, and building-integrated photovoltaics to harness renewable energy sources and offset electricity consumption from the grid. Integrating renewable energy technologies enhances the sustainability and resilience of buildings while lowering the energy costs of the building and dependence on fossil fuels responsible for greenhouse gas emissions.
  Renewable energy sources can also provide security and reliability of energy supply and create new markets and opportunities for green products and services.
• Daylight utilisation: Daylight utilisation can help reduce the electricity consumption and environmental impact of a building by maximising the use of natural light. For example, solar panels on a car park can provide renewable electricity, while large windows and skylights can provide natural light and ventilation.
• Building energy modelling (BIM): Designing a structure with building energy modeling can help assess and optimise the building’s energy performance versus potential performance by using various tools and technologies. For example, building information modelling can help create the building before any construction begins, which can prevent unnecessary wastage of materials and time. Energy modeling tools like EnergyPlus or SBEM can help identify the areas of improvement and the best strategies to reduce energy consumption and costs.
• Low-energy lighting: Low-energy lighting is the use of lighting devices or systems that consume less electricity and produce less heat than conventional lighting, such as LED, CFL, or halogen lamps. Intelligent or IT lighting can help reduce the electricity consumption and the environmental impact of the building and reduce the need for artificial cooling. Low-energy lighting can also provide better quality and more durable lighting thus reducing the maintenance and replacement costs of the lighting.

The Role of Technology in Energy Management:

Advancements in technology have shaped smart building revolutionising energy management in commercial buildings, offering innovative solutions to assess, optimise, and reduce energy consumption. Energy management technology from sophisticated building automation systems (BAS) to advanced energy analytics platforms, numerous tools are available to help facility managers gain understanding of energy usage patterns, identify inefficiencies, and implement targeted strategies for improvement. Proactive decision-making and responsive control of building systems have been made possible with energy management technology including smart meters and sensors offering real-time monitoring of energy usage.

Additionally, integration with renewable energy sources, energy storage systems, and demand response programs further improves flexibility and resistance in energy management strategies. As concerns regarding sustainability increase, technological solutions for energy management enable businesses to not only save costs but also demonstrate environmental responsibility and meet regulatory requirements. 

Some of the technological solutions for energy management in commercial buildings include:

• IoT (Internet of Things): In energy management IoT, refers to the integration of interconnected devices, sensors, and systems within a building to collect real-time data, monitor energy usage patterns, and enable automated control and optimisation of energy-related processes. IoT devices, such as smart meters, sensors, and actuators, collect information on energy consumption, equipment performance, environmental conditions, and occupant activities. This data is then communicated to centralised management platforms or cloud-based systems, where it is examined using advanced analytics and machine learning algorithms to identify energy-saving opportunities, predict equipment failures, and optimise energy usage in real-time. By leveraging IoT in energy management, organisations can achieve greater visibility, control, and efficiency in their energy operations, leading to cost savings, reduced environmental impact, and improved sustainability.
• Artificial intelligence (AI) for building energy management systems (BEMS): AI can help to optimise energy use and performance of buildings by analysing various data sources, such as weather, occupancy, and electricity prices, and making predictions and decisions in real time. AI can also allow smart buildings to participate in energy markets as sources of flexible demand, reducing their load or increasing it when needed, without affecting their operational performance. Developed by Grid Edge, Flex2X is a useful example of an AI-based BEMS.
• Smart appliance management: Smart appliance management can help reduce energy consumption and costs by integrating and monitoring the appliances within a building, for example, lights, sensors, thermostats, and meters. Smart appliances can be controlled remotely or automatically, based on preferences and schedules of occupants, and can also provide feedback and alerts on their energy performance. One such example of a smart appliance management system is Portfolio Manager, which has been developed by the S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
• Efficient thermal regulation system: Designing a building with an efficient thermal regulation system can help to improve the thermal comfort and energy efficiency of the building by reducing the reliance on artificial heating and cooling. For example, a double skinned façade and a soaring open atrium can produce natural heating, cooling, and lighting. A combined heat and power (CHP) plant can provide most of the electrical and heating requirements for a building, while heat recovery from IT systems can also help to heat the building.

Renewable Energy Options:

Renewable energy solutions are ways of generating electricity or heat from natural sources that are replenished over time, such as solar, wind, hydro, biomass, and geothermal. These green solutions can help lower energy costs, greenhouse gas emissions, and reliance on fossil fuels, as well as create jobs and stimulate economic growth.
Renewable energy solutions can be applied to commercial buildings in a variety of ways, depending on the site characteristics, energy requirements, and budget of the building owners.

Some of the most common renewable energy solutions for commercial buildings include:

• Solar panels: By converting sunlight into electricity or heat, solar panels can reduce electricity bills, provide backup power, and generate income from selling excess electricity to the grid or participating in demand response programs.
  They may also improve the aesthetics and value of the building.
  Solar panels can be installed on rooftops, facades, car parks, or ground-mounted systems.
• Wind turbines: These are structures that convert wind energy into electricity and can provide clean and cheap electricity, as well as reduce grid congestion and transmission losses. Wind turbines can be installed on rooftops, near buildings, or on remote sites including offshore. They can also create local employment and community benefits. However, despite their advantages, wind turbines sometimes face challenges as they can emit noise, are considered by some to be a blight on the natural landscape, may be problematic to wildlife especially birds, and planning permission can be an effort.
• Biomass boilers: The boilers burn organic matter, such as wood pellets, chips, or logs, to produce heat or electricity and can be used to provide space heating, hot water, or steam for industrial processes. Their benefits include reducing heating costs, lowering carbon emissions, and supporting local forestry and agriculture, however, biomass boilers may require a large storage space for the fuel, as well as regular maintenance and cleaning.
• Heat recovery systems: These systems capture and reuse the waste heat from various sources, such as ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration, or industrial processes, thus improving the energy efficiency and comfort of a building, as well as reducing the cooling load and peak demand. Heat recovery systems can also reduce the need for additional heating or cooling equipment and lower the operating costs and emissions.
• 

  Green roofs: Green roofs are covered with vegetation, such as grass, flowers, or shrubs. They can provide insulation, stormwater management, air quality improvement, biodiversity enhancement, and aesthetic value and can also reduce the urban heat island effect, which is the phenomenon of higher temperatures in urban areas compared to rural areas. Green roofs can lower the energy demand and costs for heating and cooling, as well as extend the lifespan of the roof.

• Rainwater harvesting and recycling: This is a method by which rainwater is collected and stored from roofs or other surfaces, and used for non-potable purposes, such as flushing toilets, watering plants, or washing vehicles. Rainwater harvesting and recycling can reduce water consumption and bills, as well as the pressure on the water supply and sewerage systems. It can also prevent flooding and erosion and improve water quality and availability.

The practicability of these green solutions for commercial buildings depends on a variety of factors, including the location, size, shape, orientation, design, construction and usage of the building, as well as the availability, cost and performance of the technologies, along with the incentives, regulations, and policies of the government and utilities. Therefore, it is vital to conduct a thorough assessment of the energy needs and opportunities of each building, and compare the advantages and disadvantages of different options, before choosing the most appropriate and cost-effective solution.

Government Incentives and Support:

According to the government, buildings in the UK account for approximately 40% of the country’s total energy consumption and 34% of its emissions, therefore, improving the energy efficiency of buildings is a key priority.

The rise in energy costs this year could have differing consequences for business owners depending on their size, sector, and energy contract. According to some sources, the energy price cap for the UK’S domestic customers is expected to fall by 5% in January, but then rise again by 6% in April. However, this will not apply to non-domestic customers, who have different tariffs and contracts with their energy suppliers. Up to the end of March last year, businesses had their costs limited under the government’s “Energy Bill Relief Scheme” but under a new scheme running until March this year, firms get a discount on wholesale prices, rather than costs being capped, with heavier energy-using sectors, like pottery and ceramics, glass, and steelmakers, receiving a bigger discount than others. The UK government also announced the new “Energy Bills Discount Scheme” for businesses, charities, and the public sector from April, which is intended to provide a discount on high energy costs to give businesses certainty while limiting taxpayers’ exposure to unpredictable energy markets. Businesses in sectors with particularly high levels of energy use and trade intensity are predicted to receive a higher degree of support and the new scheme would mean that all eligible UK businesses and other non-domestic energy users should receive a discount on high energy bills until 31 March next year.

It is worth noting, that some experts advise caution suggesting that the energy crisis is far from over and that prices could still fluctuate in the future and to consider the UK government’s reputation for moving goal posts and reneging on some promises. Therefore, business owners should be prepared for the possibility of higher energy costs, taking steps to reduce their energy consumption and improve energy efficiency.

A number of government incentives for energy efficiency have been implemented in an attempt to reach the net zero goal (although a number have been watered down by the UK’S present government – with a general election in the pipeline and the possibility of a new government, the path to net zero could be subject to change).

Some of the policies and measures are as follows:

• The Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) Regulations: These regulations require landlords of non-domestic buildings in the private rented sector to achieve a minimum EPC rating of E by 2023, and a minimum EPC rating of B by 2030. The government also announced a new Energy Bills Discount Scheme for UK businesses, charities, and the public sector from April this year, which will allegedly provide a discount on high energy costs until early 2025.
• Performance-based policy framework for large commercial and industrial buildings: This framework requires owners and single tenants of buildings over 1,000m^2. to measure and report their energy use and carbon emissions, and to take action to improve their performance. The framework has been introduced in phases since 2022 and will continue in to 2025, covering around 10,000 buildings, representing 50% of the total floor area of the non-domestic sector.
• The Heat and Buildings Strategy: This sets out how the UK intends to decarbonise its homes and buildings, including through the deployment of low-carbon heating technologies, such as heat pumps, hydrogen boilers, and district heating networks.

There are also various sources of advice and support for UK businesses wanting to improve their energy efficiency standards, such as the Energy Saving Trust, the Crown Commercial Service, and the Federation of Small Businesses. These organisations can provide guidance on how to save energy, access grants or loans, and implement best practices.

There are also government incentives, grants, or support programs for energy-efficient upgrades in the UK – these include:

• Help to Heat: This is a collection of schemes that provide funding for energy-saving measures such as low carbon heating systems, insulation, and windows. These schemes include the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, the Home Upgrade Grant, the Sustainable Warmth Competition, and the Energy Company Obligation. More information on these schemes and how to apply is available on the government’s website.
• Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund: This is a fund that aims to upgrade social housing stock, that falls below EPC D, to a higher standard. The fund will provide grants to local authorities, social housing providers, and charities to install energy efficiency and low carbon heating measures in their properties. Further details on which councils have received funding through this scheme can be found on the government’s website.
• Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme: This scheme helps public sector buildings such as hospitals, schools, and museums reduce carbon emissions and will provide grants to public sector organisations to install renewable energy sources, heat pumps, and LED lighting in their buildings. More can be found out about this scheme and how to apply on the government’s website.

These are some of the main government incentives, grants, or support programs for energy-efficient upgrades in the UK. The Ofgem website details more schemes and benefits that can help reduce energy bills.

Conclusion:

Energy efficiency plays an essential role in addressing environmental concerns, lowering operational costs, and improving sustainability in commercial buildings which is especially important as they account for about 36% of the total final energy consumption and 40% of the carbon dioxide emissions in the UK. By optimising energy usage, buildings can minimise their carbon footprint, help to mitigate climate change impacts, and comply with regulatory requirements. Additionally, energy-efficient buildings usually offer improved comfort, productivity, and occupant satisfaction, contributing to a healthier indoor environment.

Through expertise, continual product development and innovative solutions, companies like Solinear play a vital part in facilitating energy efficiency for different types of buildings, such as offices, schools and colleges, hospitals, care homes, leisure centres, bars, restaurants and retail outlets. Specialising in natural ventilation solutions that reduce the reliance on mechanical heat extraction and architectural shading systems that help to optimise natural daylighting, solar heat gain, and glare control, Solinear’s products reduce the need for artificial lighting and cooling, resulting in significant energy savings and improved thermal comfort.

Whilst maximising energy performance Solinear’s award-winning products increase the value and attractiveness of buildings, enhancing their architectural aesthetics and for a truly unique system, customisable shading solutions are available incorporating advanced materials, design principles, and automation technologies to meet the unique requirements of each project.

Solinear also offers consultancy and installation services, as well as after-sales support and maintenance.

For those interested in improving the energy efficiency and performance of a commercial building, contact Solinear for a free consultation or a quote. Solinear’s experts will assess the building’s energy needs and opportunities, and recommend the best solution for a specific budget and goals.