Decarbonisation of the building sector, with a focus on project delivery and facilities management

21.06.2023

The building sector takes up a large proportion of energy consumption and carbon emissions and with construction operations usually relying on fossil fuels, this causes a detrimental impact on the environment. Due to this, businesses in the building sector have a duty of care in altering the way they consume energy and create strategies for decarbonisation.

Decarbonisation is now one of the UK’s primary objectives in achieving net zero and Avrenim is committed to contributing to this improvement and driving net zero for a greener planet by being socially, economically and environmentally aware, putting sustainable practices at the forefront of our delivery for clients.

What is the role of project delivery and facilities management in decarbonisation?

Avrenim plays a significant role in the pursuit of decarbonisation and tackling climate change, and recognises our responsibility to ensure the role we play in project delivery and facilities management positively contributes to creating a greener future for generations to come.

Within both project delivery and facilities management, both service offerings are vital in maintaining sustainable infrastructure, optimising energy solutions and reducing carbon emissions.

Project delivery includes the planning and implementation of initiatives that transition to low-carbon solutions and facilities management refers to the day-to-day operation and optimisation of buildings and its systems.

Through a combination of project delivery and facilities management,  Avrenim paves the way for successful decarbonisation efforts, driving the adoption of low-carbon and renewable energy in our designs. This includes heat pumps for both heating and cooling, solar PV, battery storage and wind, as well as the implementation of energy-efficient technologies and sustainable practices within all areas of our delivery.

The role of project delivery in decarbonisation

Renewable projects

Our project teams are responsible for overseeing and managing the development and installation of renewable energy systems, ensuring all projects are efficiently executed, meet regulatory requirements and integrate with existing infrastructures.

It is important to take into account net zero when considering the materials used in building which can give you an advantage before operations even begin. The reduction of the need for raw materials, by re-using products, repairing instead of replacing, and refurbishing prevents materials from being left in a landfill, therefore preventing potent greenhouse gases from being emitted into the atmosphere – one of the largest contributors to carbon emissions and climate change.

Energy efficiency initiatives

Project delivery involves identifying opportunities to improve the energy efficiency of existing structures and buildings, such as upgrading insulation, installing efficient HVAC systems, optimising lighting and integrating smart building technologies.

The role of facilities management in decarbonisation

Monitoring and optimisation of systems

Facilities management teams utilise advanced monitoring to track energy consumption, identify any inefficiencies, and optimise building operations. From adjusting HVAC settings to monitoring equipment usage, these are all major contributors to reducing energy waste.

Maintenance and upgrades

Facilities management ensures equipment and systems are regularly maintained and optimised, identifying opportunities for upgrades to existing infrastructure as well as replacements that can enhance energy efficiency i.e. replacing outdated equipment with more efficient models.

Occupant engagement

In facilities management, our team at Avrenim work to implement sustainable systems alongside educating occupants about sustainable practices including energy conservation and waste reduction, which collectively works towards carbon reduction targets of a building/business.