Streamlined energy and carbon reporting
Streamlined energy and carbon reporting (SECR) is a mandatory regulation that obliges large businesses in the UK to report on their energy and carbon emissions alongside efficiency measures implemented. To comply with this requirement, organisations must report emissions data using specified frameworks and methodologies. The protocols around this will often include guidance on appropriate methodologies, for example, they may stipulate that measurements are expressed in metric tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e). It’s another area of support our sustainability team offers to our clients with our skilled engineers following prescribed frameworks for capturing this data. The reporting is intended to inform measures and encourage energy efficiency and carbon reduction that has both economic and environmental benefits.
Stages of carbon reporting: from construction to operation
Carbon reporting is not a once-and-done process, there are stages of a building’s life where both stakeholders and the GLA will require data. The first stage is before the build when plans and modelling will calculate carbon emissions and compare the results with relevant benchmarks. Several carbon reduction strategies and recommendations influence the design to achieve the desired performance. This is when reports would be generated on the extraction of materials, transportation to and from the site, plus waste and materials used which would be documented in environmental product declarations or EPDs.
The next stage comes when our sustainability team is asked to generate a report once something is built. This documents the carbon that has been used and what may have come about in addition to the report generated before building. The purpose of this stage of reporting is to allow for things that might have happened such as supplier change during the build or the substitution of certain materials that were intended but were replaced by others. This reporting is an attestation that confirms the actual carbon emission against the benchmarks and what has been specified initially is in use. In the past, developers might specify CHP or biomass boilers that never actually got used so this is just another way to check what has been declared has happened and the lessons learned for that will inform future projects. The GLA will request this report so that they can check the key actions undertaken to reduce the carbon emission and compliance in line with the signed-off levels against what has been delivered or is specified in use.
Streamlined energy and carbon reporting in use
Carbon reporting and streamlining energy use does not end once the construction of a building Is finished. The Cudd Bentley team works with and supports our clients throughout the life cycle of a building as the clients will require data when the building is operating on timelines such as the end of year one, year two, year five and so on.
This reporting is not just aimed at meeting local authority guidelines, there will be other interested stakeholders and the client may also need this data as part of their European carbon reporting. Energy efficiency in commercial construction drives down costs and makes the premises more attractive for tenants. Smaller businesses renting units within a commercial property may be keen to elevate their green credentials and there may also be investors in commercial assets who will make decisions based on the ESG credentials of a property. In respect to residential developments, low carbon emissions and energy efficiency are also desirable and contribute to the well-being of the occupants.
If you require data for SECR, please contact our sustainability team who will be happy to assist.