Flexible electrical networks for a low carbon future: Network and built environment opportunities for enabling smarter networks
BRE (Building Research Establishment) is an independent, research-based consultancy, testing and training organisation, operating in the built environment and associated industries.
Flexible electrical networks for a low carbon future: Network and built environment opportunities for enabling smarter networks (IP 1/17) was written by Colin Sinclair, and published by BRE Scotland on 10 April 2017.
Equipment that delivers electricity to properties will need to be increasingly agile to meet energy demand requirements and assist in the transition to a low-carbon future. This will become crucial as low-carbon technology may increase peak network flows with surges in system voltage.
This information paper provides an introduction to the concept of flexible electrical networks. It offers an overview of technical solutions that can be applied by network and building designers, owners and operators, at either the network or built environment level, to increase flexibility in the energy system. It describes techniques tested in Scotland under the Flexible Networks for a Low Carbon Future project. It explains innovative technical solutions used to increase energy flexibility and to maintain network integrity and customer supply and service. This includes Distribution Network Operator (DNO)-led smart grid solutions that focus on increasing and enhancing the capability of existing network infrastructure in constrained areas.
The contents of the information paper are:
- Introduction.
- What is a flexible network?
- Enhanced network monitoring.
- Innovative techniques.
- Where to apply these techniques.
[edit] Find out more.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- BRE articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
- Building Research Establishment.
- Developing system intelligence for optimising building electricity networks.
- Electricity supply.
- Energy infrastructure.
- Energy storage.
- Microgeneration.
- Micro-grid.
- Renewable energy.
- Smart grid.
- Smart meter.
- The Future of Electricity in Domestic Buildings.
Featured articles and news
ECA, JIB and JTL back Fabian Society call to invest in skills for a stronger built environment workforce.
Women's Contributions to the Built Environment.
Calls for the delayed Circular Economy Strategy
Over 50 leading businesses, trade associations and professional bodies, including CIAT, and UKGBC sign open letter.
The future workforce: culture change and skill
Under the spotlight at UK Construction Week London.
A landmark moment for postmodern heritage.
A safe energy transition – ECA launches a new Charter
Practical policy actions to speed up low carbon adoption while maintaining installation safety and competency.
Frank Duffy: Researcher and Practitioner
Reflections on achievements and relevance to the wider research and practice communities.
The 2026 Compliance Landscape: Fire doors
Why 'Business as Usual' is a Liability.
Cutting construction carbon footprint by caring for soil
Is construction neglecting one of the planet’s most powerful carbon stores and one of our greatest natural climate allies.
ARCHITECTURE: How's it progressing?
Archiblogger posing questions of a historical and contextual nature.
The roofscape of Hampstead Garden Suburb
Residents, architects and roofers need to understand detailing.
Homes, landlords. tenants and the new housing standards
What will it all mean?
The Architectural Technology podcast: Where it's AT
Catch-up on the latest episodes.
Edmundson Apprentice of the Year award 2026
Entries now open for this Electrical Contractors' Association award.
Traditional blue-grey slate from one of the oldest and largest UK slate quarries down in Cornwall.
There are plenty of sources with the potential to be redeveloped.
Change of use legislation breaths new life into buildings
A run down on Class MA of the General Permitted Development Order.
Solar generation in the historic environment
Success requires understanding each site in detail.