The 2023 Mayor’s Business Climate Challenge (BCC) – Part 2

We’re back with another update on the 2023 Mayor’s Business Climate Challenge. In this blog we share the latest developments in our efforts to create a more sustainable business since our last update, which you can check out here.

A Quick Recap On What The BCC Is All About

The BCC is an initiative led by the Mayor of London to promote energy efficiency among businesses. Over 250 businesses in London have supported this cause to enhance workplace value, well-being, and environmental performance. Our specific target is to reduce energy consumption by 10% throughout 2023.

Last November, we had an energy audit by Turner and Townsend Sustainability Technical experts. They provided valuable insights and a detailed report. 

OpenCredo consumed 17,047 kWh of electricity in 2022 (within the average range of 15,000 to 25,000 kWh for small to medium businesses). 

According to the latest report from the International Energy Agency (IEA), global energy-related CO2 emissions witnessed a rise of 0.9%, equivalent to 321 million tonnes, in 2022. This surge propelled the total emissions to a record-breaking high, surpassing 36.8 billion tonnes. Within our own office, our audit findings indicated that we were accountable for producing 3.9 tonnes of carbon dioxide.

Business Energy data reveals that small-to-medium businesses are projected to consume an average of 25,000 kWh of energy in 2023, resulting in an estimated bill of £8,255.58.

The report found that over the past three years, OpenCredo has consistently maintained an energy use intensity rating below 50, surpassing the ‘good office’ benchmark of 79 established by the Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE). Moreover, our energy consumption remains below the minimum standard mandated by the UK Green Building Council for a Net Zero commercial office. This indicates that OpenCredo’s energy usage is well controlled, leaving little room for further improvement; however, we have managed to squeeze some improvements in! 

Check out the below graph to compare the results:

OC’s Journey (so far) to Achieve Net Zero

There are six steps that OpenCredo can take to reduce carbon emissions and eventually get to Net Zero.

1. Measure and report energy consumption and data

• OpenCredo is committed to regularly monitoring and reporting our energy usage. We rely on Europoint’s monthly sub-meter readings to achieve this, which provide accurate insights into our energy consumption patterns.

2. Operate the office efficiently

• We have implemented various measures to maximise energy efficiency. Timers are set for the air conditioning, heating, and refrigerator to minimise unnecessary energy usage. Furthermore, our office features motion sensor lights (PIR sensors), ensuring the lights are on only when needed. Additionally, we maintain heating and cooling systems at a moderate temperature, not exceeding 23 degrees Celsius and 19 degrees Celsius, respectively.

3. Utilise low-carbon heating sources

• OpenCredo is fully switched to low-carbon heating sources through Europoint. Using air-source heat pumps, we have made an environmentally friendly choice that optimises electricity usage compared to conventional heating systems.

4. Generate clean energy on-site

• While OpenCredo cannot generate clean energy on-site, Europoint has taken the lead in investigating this. They are obtaining quotes and evaluating the feasibility of installing solar panels on our building

5. Use renewable energy

• OpenCredo’s energy supplier is green, using renewable energy sources.

6. Offset emissions

• OpenCredo is actively exploring options to offset our emissions. We are researching and assessing various avenues to neutralise our carbon footprint effectively.

What Do Our Energy Savings Look Like For This Year?

With all of OC’s energy improvements, we can achieve significant savings and benefits by maintaining what we currently do. Specifically, we could save 3,883 kilowatts of energy annually, resulting in an estimated cost savings of £1,840. Additionally, our efforts could reduce 0.9 tonnes of carbon emissions annually, contributing to environmental preservation. 

What Are Our People Doing To Help?

We have consistently sought input from our People to join us along the Mayor’s Business Climate Challenge journey and to operate the office more environmentally conscious. To encourage open dialogue and idea-sharing, our People have utilised our environment-social Slack channel to contribute their suggestions for improvements – it is a real team effort here at OC.

Europoint 

Europoint – our building management company, is also making great progress on the Challenge, implementing several initiatives to hit that 10% reduction target. They have since taken extra measures that have been recognised and enabled the building to achieve an A in its EPC rating – an amazing achievement for the building and its tenants!

What’s Next

Moving forward, our immediate focus will be on maintaining the measurement and reporting of data. 

We are delighted to share that OpenCredo is currently exceeding the 10% target with less than 4 months to go, with a whopping reduction of 12% as of August 2023!

Stay tuned for our final blog, which will provide a comprehensive overview of our experience and progress made throughout 2023.

This blog is written exclusively by the OpenCredo team. We do not accept external contributions.