For the UK’s property sector, achieving net zero and improving EPC ratings are no longer distant targets—they are immediate business priorities. Data monitoring systems for heat and energy are indispensable tools in this transition. With data-based insights, property investors and facilities managers can optimise building performance, reduce operational costs, comply with ever-stricter regulations and enhance asset value.

Investing in these systems:

• provides necessary evidence to support decision making and capital expenditure;
• safeguards your buildings against regulatory risks and market shifts;
• and positions your company at the forefront of a more sustainable future.

Data monitoring is essential

You can’t move forward without first knowing where you are. Monitoring systems provide a baseline for electrical and heat consumption that allows you to identify how your building currently operates and extrapolate actionable insights and specific opportunities to improve and optimise building operations.

For instance, one company is tracking performance to understand the effects of their decision to improve 20-year-old roof insulation. After temporarily removing half of the insulation during the summer, they saw a 25% increase in electricity bills. They have now installed insulation with 60% better performance and are analysing its impact on their energy consumption and costs in order to validate the investment

This illustrates how continuous tracking identifies immediate issues and demonstrates the long-term benefits of capital expenditure, improving operational decision-making and the planning process for meeting sustainability goals.

Tracking systems can detect equipment anomalies early, reducing the risk of failure and improving system reliability. They enhance engineering efficacy by enabling your team to quickly identify and respond to issues, improving operational resilience and strengthening the overall capabilities of your engineering staff. Additionally, they track progress towards net zero targets and improved efficiency, providing evidence of the effectiveness of the improvements you implement.

And as the UK’s grid incorporates more renewables, analytics will become essential for managing when and how energy is consumed, helping to balance demand and supply efficiently.

If you aim to achieve the newly released Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard, it requires reporting periods based on on-site measurements.

How data monitoring works

We install heat and electrical meters to measure consumption and store the information in a cloud platform. We analyse the information to identify trends, patterns and areas for improvement, providing clients with regular reports.

Specifically, utility usage (such as gas, electricity and water) can be compared to occupancy metrics (like access badge entries or WiFi/IT usage) to measure how resources are being consumed relative to the number of people in the building.

Analysis of operational efficiency can optimise HVAC, lighting and other energy-intensive systems. Implementing demand-driven control and adjusting settings based on actual usage patterns can significantly reduce waste. This translates directly into lower bills, better building performance and a more comfortable environment for occupants.

Data monitoring should allow you to convert energy consumption into carbon emissions. Analysing kilowatt-hours and the source of your power (whether it’s renewable or not), you can calculate the associated carbon footprint. Energy usage isn’t just about the amount consumed but also about the type and its environmental impact, which can be quantified as carbon emissions. This information can then be used for reporting purposes.

Take the first step now

Sustainability is no longer an option—it’s a business imperative. Property investors and managers in the UK are increasingly judged on their environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance. A building’s EPC rating is often a key indicator of its environmental impact and can significantly influence tenant choice, investor interest and even financing options.

The journey to net zero and improved EPC ratings begins with effective data monitoring, ensuring your buildings are fit for the future. Contact us to learn more.