The Green Energy Advice Bureau launches a new sustainable solution to help businesses reduce their energy costs and journey towards a greener future.
Sustainability and ‘net-zero’ are key terms for businesses across all sectors. Now more than ever, trying to source sustainability solutions is top of the agenda. Reducing costs and consumption is a win for both the environment and profit margins for business owners, so why isn’t every company on top of their energy contracts?
Ultimately, finding the right energy deal and affordable sustainability services requires time and expertise that most business owners don’t have. That’s why Doncaster Rovers has launched a partnership with the Green Energy Advice Bureau (GEAB). As a customer, they have installed GEAB’s market-leading Energy Monitoring System (EMS), demonstrating their commitment to sustainability in 2024. Further to this, as a partner, they are now recommending GEAB’s energy consultancy services to their customers and sponsors, helping other businesses reduce their costs and emissions too.
What is an Energy Management System – and why should businesses get one?
Most businesses have no idea where their energy usage comes from. The team at GEAB has a saying: “You can’t manage what you can’t measure”. And that’s where EMS comes in. Users can utilise this technology to get instant, accurate insight into the energy consumption at circuit level on site. This means taking measurements behind the meter, looking at every touch point for energy consumption. With this information, businesses can identify areas of wastage and take action to reduce both emissions and annual costs.
Another major benefit of EMS is preventive maintenance. Using this technology, businesses can spot a problem with a machine or air compressor when it suddenly starts to consume more, or less, energy. The EMS picks up on these discrepancies, enabling businesses to take action to make repairs long before a fault would normally be identified. Doncaster Rovers have just completed their first step of analysis and have already identified several key areas of inefficiency, just from EMS readings of nighttime consumption. This is now being narrowed down and investigated at site level.
How can EMS tell you what action to take just by taking readings?
The technology doesn’t tell you what to reduce. Instead, it is an account manager who does the analysis, using the data captured by the EMS. Upon completion of investigation, GEAB’s account managers are able to quantify the associated consumption, carbon and cost reductions.
“It’s astounding how easy it is to make changes once you’ve got the insight,” says Richard Rae, a senior sustainability consultant at GEAB.
“It can be as simple as comparing two kiosks operating on the same site and realising that one kiosk is leaving their lights on over the weekend.
Richard is carrying out the analysis at Doncaster Rovers. “This account is going to be really interesting,” he says.
“They have offices, kitchens, car parks, cellars and concession stores, as well as the stadium. We’re running analysis to examine consumption at different times of day and seasonally – including match days and club events.
“From the initial consultation, we have already been able to commit to a minimum 10% reduction in annual consumption solely due to the installation of the EMS.”
If it’s that easy, why don’t all businesses have EMS installed?
It can be very expensive to install Energy Management Systems. Each unit requires an upfront investment, which many business owners can’t afford. GEAB, however, offer a Capex free solution for all businesses, enabling establishments of all kinds and sizes to start their journey to becoming more sustainable.
What other sustainability solutions does GEAB offer businesses?
2024 is looking to be a really exciting year for sustainability for Green Energy Advice Bureau. The business has just undergone a rebrand, moving in a new direction with sustainability at the forefront. It is rapidly building a team to keep up with EMS demand and is branching out with new partnerships every day.
Solar panels are the next big thing and, just like EMS, GEAB offers a Capex free solution for businesses. Net-zero is a huge priority right now – this means businesses are doing what they can to neutralise their carbon footprint. There are many products available on the market to help businesses reduce their emissions, so it’s key that businesses speak to an expert who can find you the right solution based on the nature of its operations.
What is the Capex free solution and why is it so important?
GEAB recognised that the barrier to entry for sustainability was just too high. The irony being that the businesses that were most worried about their overheads didn’t have the capital to buy the technology to reduce their costs. With such a push for net-zero, GEAB knew it needed to do something to help business-owners access the products which would enable them to reduce their emissions and achieve their goals of carbon reduction.
“You don’t get business owners picking up the phone, looking for a cheaper energy deal, then suddenly finding thousands extra in their budget to install solar panels. It just doesn’t work like that,” said Liam Spence, head of sustainability at GEAB.
“Even with the best intentions, going green requires money and considering how tough the market has been over the past few years, purse strings are tighter than ever.”
Making sustainability solutions affordable to businesses is a top priority for GEAB moving forward. All sustainability products, be they solar panels, EV charging or EMS, cost money to purchase and install. GEAB has taken on the initial cost of this purchase and installation so that businesses can implement new, greener practices without any upfront investment.
Part of the growth plan for GEAB means building partnerships with businesses and associations that are looking to promote sustainable practices to their members. Lots of associations and member organisations are trying to help their customers with their net-zero goals. Working with GEAB gives their members or customers access to these bespoke offers to better control their energy.
Paul Cobb, CEO and founder of the Green Energy Advice Bureau, said: “The truth is, every business needs energy, but almost no business-owners have the time or expertise to source the right solution for their needs. That’s where our energy experts come in.
“We can negotiate and secure bespoke contracts, be that procurement via suppliers or sustainability products directly. Working with a broker is a no-brainer because they have the expertise and supplier relationships to ensure you are on the right contract for your requirements.”
If I’m interested in sustainability solutions for my business, where do I start?
Your first step is to get advice from an expert who can analyse the nature of your business operations, your requirements and capabilities. You can contact Green Energy Advice Bureau directly for a free sustainability consultation for your business. Remember, sustainability isn’t just about installing new technology – it’s about working smarter and reducing costs at a basic level. If your customer base comprises of other businesses, you could also go one step further and discuss a partnership opportunity with GEAB, enabling you to offer your customers or members these energy saving solutions.
To discuss how GEAB can find the right energy solutions for your business, visit geab.com/portfolio-north or call 0191 821 0049.
If you are interested in exploring a partnership opportunity with GEAB, email [email protected].
