As businesses across various sectors push towards sustainability, energy efficiency, and cost reduction, upgrading commercial building systems requires substantial capital expenditure (CapEx) especially if progressing towards NetZero targets around decarbonisation.
At present there is a significant focus to transition from fluorescent lighting to LED solutions, driven by the phasing out of older, less efficient technologies under regulatory frameworks such as Part L of the UK Building Regulations and the ban on new fluorescent fittings as part of RoHS (restriction of hazardous substances). Other CapEx projects include moving from gas boilers to heat pumps, installing solar PV for self-generation as well as HVAC upgrades and building controls.
With every energy efficiency project, comes the promise of a reduction in consumption switching from fluorescent to LED for example and a return on investment. To ensure that your investment in CapEx projects delivers the savings and return you are expecting, sub-metering solutions can be a valuable tool providing insight into improved building operations and to justify the investment.
Sub-metering involves installing additional meters to monitor the energy consumption of specific systems or areas within a building. Unlike mains-incoming meters, which measure the total energy consumption of a building, sub-meters provide granular data on energy usage, enabling facility managers to pinpoint the impact of individual components, such as lighting systems or HVAC units.
Sub-metering becomes a powerful tool when undertaking CapEx projects, particularly those involving upgrades to energy-efficient technologies like LED lighting or transitioning to heat pumps and including solar PV. It allows for precise validation of the energy savings such investments should deliver. For example, after replacing fluorescent lights with LED fixtures, sub-meters can isolate the energy consumption related to lighting, providing precise data on the reduction in energy use directly attributable to the new LED installations.
This data-driven approach ensures that the investments in energy-efficient upgrades deliver the expected returns. If the anticipated savings are not realised, sub-metering data can help identify potential issues, such as incorrect installation or suboptimal settings, allowing for timely adjustments.
Part L sets the standards for the energy performance of buildings, therefore investing in energy efficiency projects is crucial to meeting these standards.
Sub-metering allows for real-time energy use monitoring, providing detailed insights into the effectiveness of CapEx energy efficiency upgrades. By comparing energy consumption before and after the upgrade, building managers can validate the energy savings and ensure compliance with Part L requirements. Moreover, this data can be used to optimise the performance of these systems, such as adjusting lighting or heating levels or implementing automated controls to enhance efficiency further.
Beyond energy efficiency upgrades, sub-metering is equally valuable during broader refurbishments or refits of commercial properties. It offers detailed insights into the energy consumption patterns of different areas and systems within a building. For example, sub-metering can reveal that certain zones, like data centres or kitchens, are significant energy consumers. This information is crucial for prioritising upgrades in these areas, such as installing more efficient cooling systems or replacing outdated appliances.
Sub-metering can also identify underperforming equipment or systems contributing to excessive energy use during a refit. For instance, if an old HVAC system consumes more energy than expected, it may be a candidate for replacement with a more efficient model. Similarly, sub-metering can highlight specific times when energy consumption spikes, suggesting opportunities for additional energy-saving measures, such as programmable thermostats or automated lighting controls.
The benefits of sub-metering extend beyond the initial installation of new systems. By continuously monitoring energy consumption, sub-metering provides ongoing validation of energy savings and highlights further opportunities for efficiency improvements. This continuous feedback loop is essential for maintaining and enhancing the energy performance of commercial buildings over time. The detailed energy usage reports generated from sub-metering data can support compliance with sustainability goals and regulatory requirements, further strengthening the business case for continued investment in energy-efficient technologies.
Whether investing in energy efficient solutions to comply with Part L or undertaking comprehensive refurbishments, sub-metering ensures that investments deliver the expected energy savings, enhance building performance, and contribute to long-term sustainability goals.
Take control of your energy management and building operations with EP&T Global’s sub-metering and EDGE platform. Gain accurate, auditable, and actionable insights that empower you to assess, validate, and justify your CapEx investments with confidence. Elevate your facility management strategy today—partner with us to drive data-driven success.
