ECA exceeds carbon reduction targets
Contents |
[edit] Preparing for a net zero future
As a reminder of World Environment Day, it’s worth taking a moment to celebrate ECA’s progress in reducing carbon emissions. Much of the focus at ECA is on supporting Members prepare for a net zero future, and rightly so. But ECA is also putting its own house in order. There is much to celebrate. Over our whole estate we have exceeded our carbon reduction targets.
[edit] Energy tariff
A Sustainability Policy and Action Plan was introduced in 2022, thiis gave ECA milestones to work towards. Although they had already taken significant steps towards reducing our carbon emissions by the time the policy was in place. In 2021 they shifted to a 100% renewable energy tariff for the ECA estate. As the electricity grid itself becomes decarbonised this increases the positive impact on the environment. Of course, by reducing energy use, it also reduce energy costs. So efforts are a win for the environment and a win for the business.
[edit] Solar success
ECA has prevented over 12 tonnes of carbon being emitted in the last 5 years. Much of this success has been down to the installation of solar panels in Sevenoaks. Member firm, A J Taylor Solar, installed the panels and continue to maintain them.
Even dull days generate energy. During January, February, and March this year, which was one of the wettest Springs on record, they generated more energy from the sun than in the same months last year. Overall,they are achieving a reduction in energy consumption each month, measured against the same period in previous years. This means a saving of 10 tonnes of carbon emissions due to the solar installation. The panels are expected to pay for themselves by 2027.
[edit] Energy efficiency
Rotherwick House is ECA's most energy efficient building. Since emissions started to be measured, the carbon footprint of the building has reduced by a third. It clearly shows the importance of a ‘fabric first’ approach to carbon reduction.
[edit] EV Charge Points
The Association has installed EV Charge Points at Rotherwick House and Sevenoaks which has led to an increase in staff using Electric Vehicles. The switch to EVs has saved another 2 tonnes of carbon emissions.
Dave Shrimpton, Facilities Manager, who oversees and measures carbon consumption, says next on his wish list for capital expenditure is the replacement of the Rotherwick House gas boiler with a heat pump. But in the meantime, he reminds the team that we can all play our part in reducing energy use. Its as simple as remembering to switch off lights and machines at the end of the day and consider virtual rather than face to face meetings. And, whenever possible, using a clean energy vehicle as your means of transport.
This article appears on the ECA news and blog site as 'ECA exceeds carbon reduction targets' dated June 5, 2024.
--ECA
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Achieving net zero in social housing.
- Actuate UK issues climate warning and urges action.
- Aligning net zero with the levelling-up agenda.
- A zero-carbon UK by 2050?
- Carbon footprint.
- Carbon negative.
- Carbon neutral.
- Climate Change Act.
- Construction skills crisis threatens UK net zero goals.
- CO2nstruct Zero programme grows to over 70 businesses.
- ECA articles.
- Fabric first investigation into net zero for existing buildings.
- Getting the most out of heat pumps and heating.
- Half of public sector bodies not planning for net zero carbon.
- Heat pumps and heat waves: How overheating complicates ending gas in the UK.
- Infrastructure carbon reduction misses net-zero target.
- Low or zero carbon technologies.
- Making Mission Possible: report on achieving a zero-carbon economy by 2030.
- Nearly zero-energy building.
- Net Zero All Party Parliamentary Group NZ APPG.
- Net zero by 2050.
- Net zero (whole life) carbon.
- Net zero carbon building.
- Net zero carbon emissions.
- Net zero strategy: build back greener.
- Planning the infrastructure transition to net-zero.
- Scotland publishes plans to reach net zero targets with Heat in Buildings Strategy.
- Skilled workforce unable to meet net zero ambitions.
- Smoothing the path to net zero.
- Thermal imaging of the building fabric in the net zero world.
- Transform to Net Zero.
Featured articles and news
The 5 elements of seiri, seiton, seiso, seiketsu and shitsuke.
Shading for housing, a design guide
A look back at embedding a new culture of shading.
The Architectural Technology Awards
The AT Awards 2025 are open for entries!
ECA Blueprint for Electrification
The 'mosaic of interconnected challenges' and how to deliver the UK’s Transition to Clean Power.
Grenfell Tower Principal Contractor Award notice
Tower repair and maintenance contractor announced as demolition contractor.
Passivhaus social homes benefit from heat pump service
Sixteen new homes designed and built to achieve Passivhaus constructed in Dumfries & Galloway.
CABE Publishes Results of 2025 Building Control Survey
Concern over lack of understanding of how roles have changed since the introduction of the BSA 2022.
British Architectural Sculpture 1851-1951
A rich heritage of decorative and figurative sculpture. Book review.
A programme to tackle the lack of diversity.
Independent Building Control review panel
Five members of the newly established, Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommended, panel appointed.
Welsh Recharging Electrical Skills Charter progresses
ECA progressing on the ‘asks’ of the Recharging Electrical Skills Charter at the Senedd in Wales.
A brief history from 1890s to 2020s.
CIOB and CORBON combine forces
To elevate professional standards in Nigeria’s construction industry.
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.