As the nation prepares to get Britain Back to Business and lockdown restrictions begin to ease, organisations across the UK are considering how they can prepare for a ‘new normal’ way of operating. To support those planning a return to workplaces, Mitie Energy has launched a new Zero Carbon for Zero Cost service to help businesses drive a green recovery, as part of its Plan Zero commitment to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2025.

While research from Mitie* has found that more than half (56%) of businesses increased their focus on cutting carbon emissions in 2019, for a third (33%), cost is still more important than carbon when it comes to energy purchasing decisions. As many businesses are likely to face increasing budget pressures, Zero Carbon for Zero Cost has been developed to support organisations with ambitious net zero carbon emissions targets that have limited budgets to upgrade, replace or install new assets. 

The service focuses on demonstrating the cost savings of investments, choosing efficient solutions with a prompt quick payback and affordable funding options. This approach means that over their lifetime, carbon saving solutions often come at zero cost to the business.

These solutions include:

• Modernising HVAC, electrical and lighting systems: Outdated systems use more energy, especially assets such as HVAC, lighting and electrics. Upgrading to more efficient systems saves energy and reduces carbon emissions. Connecting these assets to a building management system (BMS) allows for them to be monitored remotely to ensure they are working to optimum levels.

• Decarbonising power: Upgrading fossil fuel boilers to renewable heating solutions or generating electricity through renewable sources will cut carbon emissions and save on energy costs. Systems such as ground source heat pumps can save enough energy to cover their cost in just five years.

• Renewable energy battery storage solutions: Generating electricity on-site with a renewable source such as solar or wind not only supports decarbonisation, but also reduces energy supply risk. Connecting renewable power generation with battery storage adds resilience, ensuring the site is powered 24/7.

• Carbon strategy and compliance: Complex environmental reporting and compliance can add cost. Support from sustainability and compliance experts supports quicker reporting, while billing teams ensure energy costs are always accurate and provide the best value.

Through carbon reduction projects such as these, including upgrading assets, efficient lighting, ground source heat pumps and renewable energy systems, Mitie saved 100,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions for customers in FY 19/20.

Carlo Alloni, Managing Director, Technical Services and Integrated Facilities Management, Mitie, said:

“We’ve all seen the positive effect that lockdown has had on our environment, however, as restrictions begin easing so will these benefits. As companies get back to business and we all adjust to a new normal, now is an ideal time to ensure that green thinking is leading the UK’s economic recovery.

“To meet ambitious net zero carbon commitments every business must ensure carbon reduction is at the centre of their plans to help fuel a green, clean recovery in the UK. While many business leaders may think prioritising carbon will be expensive, it doesn’t need to cost the earth. By working with the right partner organisations can identify proven and effective solutions which save both energy and cost, meaning these investments pay for themselves, essentially achieving zero carbon goals for zero cost.”

The Zero Carbon for Zero Cost service builds on Mitie’s own Plan Zero commitment to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2025, 15 years ahead of the UK Government’s target. Plan Zero focuses on three pillars: Eliminating carbon emissions from power and transport; Eradicating non-sustainable waste; Enhancing inefficient buildings to meet the highest environmental standards.

Notes to editors

*Survey of 500 workplace energy decision-makers undertaken by Opinium in December 2019.

For more information on how Mitie can assist companies on their net zero carbon journey, visit www.mitie.com/energy or https://discover.mitie.com/energy-zerocarbon.

About Mitie

Founded in 1987, Mitie is the UK’s leading facilities management and professional services company. It offers a range of services including Technical Services (Engineering Services, Energy, Water and Real Estate Services), Business Services (Security, Cleaning and Office Services) and Specialist Services (Care & Custody, Landscapes and Waste Management).

Mitie employs 48,900 people across the country, looking after a large, diverse, blue-chip customer base, from banks and retailers, to hospitals, schools and critical government strategic assets. It takes care of its customers’ people and buildings, by delivering the basics brilliantly and by deploying advanced technology. It is pioneering the Connected Workspace, using smart analytics to provide valuable insight and deliver efficiencies to create outstanding work environments for customers.

Find out more at www.mitie.com.