Unlocking Net Zero: Complete Building Decarbonisation

The journey towards achieving Net Zero buildings may initially appear complex, yet it all begins with a fundamental question: Where do we embark on this journey? Energy costs and growing climate concerns are challenging our way of life, and conventional approaches no longer work. Notably, the UK has some of the world's oldest and least energy-efficient building stock, with 80% of the structures intended for use in 2050 already standing, necessitating extensive retrofitting efforts.

My journey began as the founder and MD of GW Power, an MEP specialist. I became increasingly frustrated by the lack of collaboration within construction projects involving Architects, MEP Consultants, and main contractors, regarding sustainability. Clients often found themselves ill-informed about crucial aspects, including costs, returns on investments, and the long-term implications on operational expenses. This, coupled with clients' mounting concerns about the cost of energy and the UK's ambitious net-zero targets, led me to envision a simpler solution for our clients. In collaboration with Ash Wray, my co-founder at C3, we embarked on the journey to establish C3 Group, a sustainability consultancy. Our goal was to leverage GW's expertise as an accomplished building infrastructure delivery specialist and MCS approved contractor. Together, we aimed to offer our services collaboratively, providing an end-to-end building decarbonisation service.

With the growing agenda of achieving Net Zero targets for all, this blog post aims to guide you through our comprehensive building decarbonisation solutions. We will demonstrate how these initiatives not only contribute to environmental responsibility but also yield strategic advantages for your organisation.

Our process starts with our sustainability consultants conducting a low-carbon strategy assessment for your building or estate, charting our path forward. Within this process, we identify priority areas, commencing with quick wins. Our strategy incorporates vital data streamlined to facilitate informed decision-making. As a holistic solution provider, we involve installation specialists from GW Power right from the outset, proactively addressing construction-related risks and ensuring buildability.

How often have you received a budget estimate from a consultant, only to see it return significantly higher after tendering? This often happens when consultants rely solely on a Luckins database or a Spons square meterage for their cost assessments. In some cases, consultants specify products that prove impractical or fail to offer the most suitable solution due to their lack of practical experience.

Similarly, how often has a delivery contractor recommended a product that ultimately fell short of meeting your performance and aftercare requirements, leaving you suspecting their motivation was driven by profit margins?

For many, funding represents the most significant obstacle on the journey to achieving Net Zero. We can help you explore funding options, as there are numerous financing pathways to kickstart your initiatives. For instance, we maintain partnerships with various finance entities to offer support to private sector clients. Furthermore, we specialise in funding applications and have recently assisted NHS Trusts and Educational Sectors in securing funding through the Salix Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme. Currently, we are also assisting a Social Housing provider with the upcoming phase of the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund.

Once the project scope is determined, C3 Group assumes the role of principal designer, collaborating with all stakeholders to develop a full RIBA Stage Technical design. Subsequently, we transition to the construction phase, with GW Power taking on the principal contractor role and serving as the client's primary point of contact for installation. Meanwhile, C3 Group manages the project and provides accredited retrofit coordination services, acting as the lead professional in accordance with PAS 2038.

The nature of decarbonisation projects varies depending on the type and characteristics of the building. Our approach involves assembling a project team with specialised expertise to align with the unique requirements of each project, whether it leans towards a construction-oriented focus or an engineering-driven one. While some projects favour a construction-biased approach, especially those aligned with the 'fabric-first approach,' it's essential to recognise that this approach may not always be feasible.

In many cases, projects necessitate engineering-focused solutions, particularly during the initial phases of the journey, especially when clients are operating with limited budgets or pursuing quick wins. These endeavours often encompass straightforward engineering installations, such as the integration of low-carbon technologies like Solar PV, along with other energy-efficient upgrades like heating controls and LED lighting. Nonetheless, it remains important to consider the implications of the initial project phases right from the outset, adopting a comprehensive, data-driven approach to metrics to make well-informed decisions.

The race is on to reach net zero, and often, clients want to commence construction as soon as possible because the faster the projects are completed, the sooner clients can reap benefits in reduced carbon and energy costs. Some clients even achieve a return on investment for certain installations in as little as 3 to 4 years. As a turnkey supplier, we can move swiftly to incorporate innovative solutions and meet these pressing deadlines. We are also included on dedicated decarb frameworks like the Crown Commercial Service HELGA 2, which is designed to streamline the procurement process for the public sector organisations reaching net zero.

Our foremost objective is to assist you in identifying cost savings, empowering you to allocate these resources towards achieving Net Zero. As sustainability specialists, we've built our foundation on collaboration, expertise, and an unwavering commitment to our clients. Our comprehensive approach covers everything from low-carbon strategy assessments to streamlined project delivery, ensuring your project is executed seamlessly and efficiently. Don't let the challenges of Net Zero deter you. We're here to guide you every step of the way.

For additional information or to schedule a meeting, please do not hesitate to contact us using the following contact details:

GW Power-Safe Ltd:

• Email: info@gwpower.co.uk
• Phone: 01482 429354

C3 Group Ltd:

• Email: hello@c3group.co.uk
• Phone: 01482 639471