In today’s rapidly evolving corporate landscape, sustainability has moved from a mere buzzword to a critical part of business strategy and the UK’s Net Zero commitments. For companies aiming to make a meaningful impact, improving energy efficiency and transitioning to low-carbon heating systems are no longer optional - they’re essential steps towards a greener future. In this feature, Clarke Controls founder Clive Bodenham explains how scalable energy management systems can transform commercial spaces into models of sustainability.
When I think about managing energy in a business, I often compare it to something we're all familiar with - what we do at home to save energy. The measures we take in our homes can be applied in a business setting. Of course, it's on a bigger scale and a bit more complicated, but the concept is the same. The frustrations we face at home, like adjusting thermostats or managing lighting, are amplified when dealing with an entire building. But just as our cars have become smarter with technology like sat nav and cruise control, buildings can also benefit from advanced energy management systems that make energy efficiency easier and more automated.
One of the most effective steps a business can take is implementing an Energy Management System (EMS). These systems are designed to monitor and manage energy usage, ensuring that every watt of energy is used efficiently. Clarke Controls’ EMS, for example, provides real-time data on energy consumption, allowing businesses to make precise adjustments that reduce energy waste and free up staff to focus on more critical tasks. This automation enhances operational efficiency and improves overall productivity and job satisfaction. For example, our system includes tamper-proof digital temperature sensors and roller door switches. A good EMS will also significantly lower your carbon footprint by reducing your Scope 1 and 2 emissions, helping businesses work towards their sustainability goals.
Energy management doesn’t stop at monitoring usage; it extends to controlling how and where energy is used within the building. Smart thermostats and zoning systems are key to this approach, providing businesses precise control over heating and cooling. Companies can significantly reduce energy wastage by scheduling heating based on occupancy patterns and using zoning to heat only occupied areas. Incorporating PIR motion sensors further optimises energy use, ensuring that lights are only on when needed. Alongside this, one EMS can control a whole range of systems in place across hundreds of locations. Need to move the timings one hour back for British Summer Time? With Clarke Controls, that can all be done remotely from the cloud, giving you full control over every facility (just as we recently did at over 200 Wickes stores across the UK).
Insulation is another crucial element in creating a sustainable workspace. High-quality insulation reduces heat loss, lowers heating demand, and enhances energy efficiency. Clarke Controls often begins its projects with an energy audit to identify where improvements can be made, such as upgrading insulation.
Modernising heating systems is also critical in reducing a building’s carbon footprint. Upgrading to energy-efficient systems like heat pumps or biomass boilers can dramatically reduce operational costs and carbon emissions. At Clarke Controls, we assess each building’s unique needs and local climate conditions to recommend the most suitable technology, ensuring that the transition to these systems is practical and sustainable.
Beyond technology, it’s important to understand human behaviour's importance in energy conservation. Simple practices, such as closing doors to retain heat and turning off heating in unused rooms, can make a significant difference. A good EMS can go one step further and turn the heating off if doors are left open beyond the agreed-upon limit.
Educating employees and promoting a culture of energy awareness within the company are essential components of a successful sustainability strategy. Effectively, a good EMS is a conscientious site manager. Where a site manager can only be in one place at a time, our EMS runs 24/7, every day of the year, saving energy, money and reducing your carbon footprint.
Don’t just take my word for it, though!
Look at our work across Marshalls' production facilities in the UK. After conducting a site survey and installing their EMS, we helped them save over 25% on their energy consumption while reducing their carbon emissions and footprint.
For businesses committed to sustainability, Clarke Controls offers the expertise and technology to create heat-efficient, sustainable workspaces. Through a combination of advanced systems, practical solutions, and a focus on technological and human factors, we help companies meet and exceed their energy efficiency goals, saving them up to 25% on their energy bills and consumption.