These studies are favoured when assessing a combination of buildings such as a university campus or technology park. A typical Low Carbon Feasibility Report includes a high level energy audit assessing current energy demand and a technical review of existing building fabric, mechanical and electrical systems. Energy wastage is identified and recommendations made for energy saving measures. Future energy demand of the site is estimated, taking into account estate masterplans, and options for renewable energy technologies are considered along with the potential for smart grids and heat networks. Finally, a detailed technical and financial modelling exercise of the preferred technologies can be carried out using energyPRO software.

To help manage energy effectively, an energy audit is an essential tool. We begin with an assessment of current energy use, costs and CO2 emissions, analysing historic energy use patterns and identifying times when the usage has been excessive. Using a benchmark, these details are then compared against other similar buildings. Evaluation of the existing energy management practice and behaviour towards energy use is followed by a technical review of the existing building fabric, mechanical and electrical systems. Potential energy saving measures are highlighted and future targets set to act as a benchmark for energy usage over the next few years.

d3associates decarbonisation plans are bespoke and drafted to meet your particular requirements. They propose a series of measures to be adopted to reduce your carbon footprint and can be building, site or company specific. Through a building survey and energy audit, the plan will establish the current baseline position. A route map will be developed to replace reliance on fossil fuelled systems with low carbon alternatives, as well as considering ways to generate local heat and power.

This is a decarbonisation plan with a specific target to hit Net Zero carbon emissions which means generating as much renewable energy as the building consumes over the course of one year. Once this is achieved, the next step is to be carbon negative, whereby the amount of renewable energy generated exceeds demand. This will be required if we are to meet our local and national carbon reduction targets. The pathway will include energy saving measures and alternative low carbon heating options, typically replacing fossil fuelled boilers with electric heat pumps. In addition, we would consider the most appropriate ways to generate and store electricity.

Project management is at the heart of our business and we recognise its importance in the overall delivery of any project. As an experienced multi-disciplinary team, d3associates has the capability to take your project from feasibility and concept design through to detailed design, procurement and implementation. This includes obtaining all planning and statutory permissions as well as managing all aspects of health & safety. By working with recognised project management tools, we strive to ensure that the appropriate outputs are achieved on time, within budget and to scope - keeping our focus at all times firmly on you, the client.

We appreciate that funding is the key to delivering a project, whether for feasibility studies, detailed design or capital costs. We’re also well aware that funding opportunities are constantly changing so we keep ourselves up to date with both current and future funding programmes. This expertise means the d3associates team can guide our clients towards appropriate grant funding routes and assist in the preparation of applications so you’re ready for submission as soon as an opportunity presents itself.