Offices

We have installed remote monitoring in our offices to capture energy and water use where possible so we can use the data to influence behaviour and create improvement plans. All our major offices also have a Display Energy Certificate.

The behaviour of our people impacts not only their direct energy usage, but also the way they interact with suppliers, sub-contractors, clients and home occupiers. Research indicates that up to 10% efficiency gains can be made through behavioural change and we will help staff make the changes within their control so we can reach our goal and become a more efficient business.

We have also carried out energy audits of our premises, all of which are rented, and produced display energy certificates (DECs) measuring usage. We are currently implementing £250,000 of energy efficiency measures for a 20% cut in CO₂ emissions, set to be complete by the end of 2011.

These include:

• changes to lighting controls
• changes to heating controls
• improvement of windows and building fabric
• power-down devices for photocopiers
• voltage optimisation devices (reducing incoming current to 220v to save money)
• investing in new boilers

Funding for these improvements is being modelled in a similar manner to the Government’s Green Deal proposals: the Group holding company is paying for the upfront measures and local company offices (LCOs) will repay it over several years. They will always save money overall due to lower energy bills against a background of rising energy prices.