Improving the Use of Energy in Buildings

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More information

Please contact enquiries@nef.org.uk

Case Studies

CSH (pdf)
Renewable Study (pdf)
Heat & Hot Water (pdf)
Carbon Calculator (pdf)
LZC Study (pdf)
Energy Survey 1 (pdf)
Energy Survey 2 (pdf

Our services will normally be drawn from the following steps:

1.   Identifying why a carbon footprint is needed

We will work with you to agree the main reasons for calculating a footprint. These can include:

• wanting to control carbon emissions in line with best practice
• preliminary work for gaining external certification such as the Carbon Trust Standard
• working towards becoming carbon neutral in line with PAS 2060
• implementing a wider ISO 14000 Environmental Management System
• measuring success under NI185 for Councils, or
• meeting customer demand.

2.   Selection of appropriate methodology and factors

By default we will normally use the UK DECC/Defra reporting methodology, in line with our simple carbon calculator, but utilising the full set of factors. However we can also undertake preliminary calculations in line with the Carbon Trust Standard or ISO 14064-1. (Please note that we do not at present offer verification services under ISO 14064-3, and would recommended contacting BSi, LRQA, SGS or another certification body if you have already calculated a footprint and need it to be independently verified.) We can also discuss the available factors - do you want a footprint that only covers direct carbon dioxide emissions, or should it also include the effects of the production of fuels and other greenhouse gases?

3.   Identification of boundary and scope

The boundary defines which parts of your organisation will be included in the footprint. Boundaries may be restricted to a single building or factory, but more often comprise a division or company. However the boundary may also include emissions from joint ventures and subsidiaries.

The scope looks at what sources of emissions should be counted within the boundary. These can include direct emissions from burning fossil fuels, indirect emissions from sources such as electricity and transport, and the carbon equivalents of emissions of other greenhouse gases. Although there are three main scopes defined by the internationally recognised Greenhouse Gas Protocol, many UK companies (including those reporting under the Carbon Trust Standard) use a slightly different scope more closely matched to end-use energy consumption.

4.   Calculation of your carbon footprint

Once the methodology, factors, scope and boundary have been agreed, the actual calculation is often quite easy. We can assist in tracking down incomplete or missing data elements, or providing informed estimates where firm data is unavailable, and review the results for reasonableness.

5.   Managing your carbon footprint

We can also help with managing the footprint once it is known. We have experts in sustainable energy, and run training courses for employees and can help you set up behaviour change programmes. There is no point calculating a figure if you are not planning to manage it!

We can help you set targets for its reduction and, depending on your sector, we may also be able to help you to benchmark your carbon footprint.

6.   Verification of your carbon footprint

At present we are not able to offer formal verification services under ISO 14064-3 or AA1000. However we can review the available evidence and issue a limited opinion on whether you have followed your stated methodology of calculation and if the evidence made available supports the available data.

The first step...

There is no need to contract us to undertake every step above. If you already feel confident about some of the stages, please feel free to ask us for support on the others.

In the meantime, if you have information about energy use available, you may like to calculate an estimated footprint using our Simple Carbon Calculator.

Carbon Labelling of Products

We can also work with organisations in helping to create carbon labels for products, using the BSi/Carbon Trust PAS 2050 methodology. Please contact us for more information.