A practical 4-step strategy to decarbonise your buildings
As Scotland accelerates its journey towards net zero, decarbonising buildings is a critical challenge – and opportunity – for businesses of all sizes, as 36% of carbon emissions arise from buildings. The transition can be costly and complex without a clear, staged approach.
To make the process easier, this 4-step strategy from SSE Energy Solutions gives you a practical roadmap to reduce emissions, while managing costs and avoiding common pitfalls.
Step 1: Measure performance
The first step is to understand your current energy performance, by carrying out an audit (which follows standard ISO 52120) and upgrading or adding meters if you need to. With better analytics on energy – as well as water, heat, steam and CO2 emissions – you can benchmark against similar businesses and identify inefficiencies.
To show the value of evaluating your usage: one UK university faced a £5 million grid upgrade to support new EV chargers and heat pumps. An audit by SSE Energy Solutions found they could achieve a 20% cut in electricity use by optimising building control systems, avoiding costly infrastructure upgrades.
Step 2: End waste
To eliminate energy waste, optimising control systems is essential – adjusting temperature settings, scheduling, and ensuring building management systems (BMS) are not overridden. Sensors and zoning allow real-time monitoring and control, saving energy with no capital investment.
Space management tools like digital twins (a virtual model for testing) and Integrated Workplace Management Systems (IWMS) help repurpose underused areas and improve operational efficiency. Regular maintenance, right-sizing plant equipment, and heat recovery systems can boost performance by 10–30%.
Step 3: Reduce demand
Reducing how much energy you use is crucial, before investing in renewables. Technologies like LED lighting and battery energy storage systems (BESS) can significantly cut consumption. LEDs, for example, use around 70% less energy, last up to 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs and emit less heat, reducing cooling loads.
Demand-side flexibility (DSF) is another powerful tool. You can take part in programmes to shift your energy use to off-peak times, through smart meters, connected appliances and behavioural changes. This opens up opportunities to earn financial incentives, lower costs, support grid stability and reduce emissions.
Step 4: Decarbonise
Finally, you’re ready to invest in decarbonisation technologies. Heat pumps are highly efficient, and deliver net zero heating when powered by 100% renewable electricity. They need careful planning around pipework, radiator sizing and space for external units.
And to support electric vehicles (EVs) and local charging infrastructure, solar and wind generation, combined with battery storage, can reduce reliance on the grid. You’ll need to consider planning restrictions and intermittency challenges.
Buying 24/7 renewable energy can meet remaining power needs. Businesses should scrutinise suppliers’ generation sources, storage capacity and certification practices. Corporate Power Purchase Agreements (CPPAs) can offer long-term price stability and help fund new renewable projects.
Cutting carbon step by step
Decarbonising buildings isn’t just about installing new tech – a staged strategy is key. By measuring, optimising, reducing and then decarbonising, Scottish businesses can future-proof operations, cut costs, and lead the way to a low-carbon economy.
Wherever you are on your journey to net zero, talk to SSE Energy Solutions about how to simplify your energy and sustainability strategy.
sseenergysolutions.co.uk
