Sustainable Refurbishment Strategies Portfolio

Consultancy Report for CO2-2-GO Grant Application

1. Introduction

The urgent need to combat climate change has led the UK government to set ambitious carbon
reduction targets, including a 78% reduction in CO₂ emissions by 2035 and achieving net-zero
by 2050. To support this effort, the CO2-2-GO grant scheme has been introduced, encouraging
commercial organisations to reduce their carbon footprint by 25% and improve their
sustainability.

This report presents an audit and refurbishment strategy for a selected commercial facility,
outlining the current carbon footprint, existing sustainability measures, and recommended
interventions to achieve the targeted reduction.

Sustainability has become a fundamental goal in modern building management, especially in

educational institutions that serve thousands of students and faculty members daily.
Implementing energy efficiency measures not only reduces operational costs but also ensures a
healthier environment for the occupants. By assessing the current sustainability status of the
selected university faculty building, this report provides a strategic plan that aligns with the UK’s
broader environmental goals.

2. Facility Description

2.1 General Overview

For this study, the selected facility is a university building, specifically a faculty building that
houses lecture halls, offices, a library, and student common areas.

 Gross Floor Area (GFA): 10,000 m²

 Number of Floors: 5

 Operational Hours: 8 AM – 9 PM (Monday to Saturday)

 Occupancy: Approximately 2,000 students and 200 staff members per day

2.2 Facility Layout

The building consists of:

 Ground Floor: Reception, cafeteria, study spaces

 Floors 1–3: Lecture halls, seminar rooms, academic offices

 Floor 4: Library, IT rooms, faculty offices

 Floor 5: Mechanical rooms, storage, rooftop access

Each floor serves distinct operational needs. The ground floor accommodates student services
and food outlets, which consume substantial energy due to refrigeration and food preparation.
The upper floors focus on academic activities, requiring lighting, heating, and cooling. The
mechanical room and rooftop area house equipment crucial for HVAC operations and potential
solar panel installations.

2.3 Building Construction and HVAC System

 Construction Material: Reinforced concrete frame with glass curtain walls

 Heating System: Gas-fired boilers with radiators

 Cooling System: Air conditioning units in lecture halls and offices

 Ventilation: Mechanical ventilation with some operable windows

 Lighting: LED and fluorescent tube lighting

The building's thermal envelope plays a critical role in determining its energy efficiency. The
combination of glass curtain walls and concrete leads to significant heat loss during winter and
heat gain in summer. Retrofitting insulation and upgrading glazing solutions will be key in
reducing energy demands.

3. Current Carbon Footprint Assessment

3.1 Energy Consumption Analysis

Energy data was collected from utility bills for the past year:

 Electricity Consumption: 1,500,000 kWh/year

 Gas Consumption: 1,200,000 kWh/year

  Total Energy Consumption: 2,700,000 kWh/year

Using the Carbon Footprint Calculator (carbonfootprint.com):

 Electricity Emissions: 1,500,000 kWh * 0.233 kg CO₂/kWh = 349,500 kg CO₂

 Gas Emissions: 1,200,000 kWh * 0.184 kg CO₂/kWh = 220,800 kg CO₂

 Total CO₂ Emissions: 570,300 kg CO₂/year

3.2 Heat Loss Estimation

Heat loss calculations are based on U-values and internal-external temperature differences:

 Building Envelope U-Values (W/m²K):

o Walls: 0.35

o Roof: 0.25

o Windows: 2.5

 Temperature Difference: 15°C (Assumed average)

 Estimated Heat Loss: Approx. 40% of total heating demand

3.3 Occupant Behavior Impact

Occupant behavior significantly influences energy efficiency. The lack of proper turn-off
policies for lighting and electronic devices results in unnecessary energy waste. Implementing
behavioral change programs will complement physical upgrades.

4. Existing Sustainability Features

4.1 Energy Efficiency Measures

 LED lighting in common areas

 Double-glazed windows in some sections

 Automated HVAC scheduling system

4.2 Water Conservation Measures

  Low-flow taps and toilets

 Rainwater harvesting system (partially used for irrigation)

4.3 Waste Management

 Recycling bins for paper, plastic, and metals

 Composting for food waste in cafeteria

5. Recommendations to Achieve a 25% Carbon Reduction

5.1 Energy Efficiency Improvements

Proposed Measures and Justification:

1. Upgrade Building Insulation

o Add external insulation to walls (reducing U-value to 0.2 W/m²K)

o Upgrade roof insulation (reducing U-value to 0.15 W/m²K)

o Estimated reduction: 90,000 kg CO₂/year

2. Upgrade HVAC System to High-Efficiency Heat Pumps

o Replacing gas boilers with electric heat pumps (COP 3.5)

o Estimated reduction: 150,000 kg CO₂/year

3. Install Solar PV Panels (500 kWp system)

o Generating approx. 450,000 kWh/year

o Estimated reduction: 105,000 kg CO₂/year

4. Implement Smart Energy Management

o Integrating IoT sensors to optimize energy use

o Estimated reduction: 50,000 kg CO₂/year

Total Estimated CO₂ Reduction: 395,000 kg CO₂/year (~28%)

6. Ethical and Professional Responsibility

Companies have an ethical responsibility to minimize environmental damage and ensure

sustainable practices. Reducing carbon emissions not only aligns with corporate social
responsibility but also enhances financial viability by reducing energy costs. As a consultant, I
am professionally obligated to provide evidence-based, realistic solutions that balance cost,
feasibility, and sustainability impact.

7. Conclusion

The proposed strategies, including insulation improvements, HVAC upgrades, solar power, and
behavioral changes, will successfully achieve and exceed the 25% carbon footprint reduction
requirement. Additionally, water conservation and waste reduction strategies will ensure long-
term sustainability. These measures contribute significantly to the UK’s net-zero goals while
improving operational efficiency.

Sustainable Refurbishment Strategies Portfolio

1. Introduction

Sustainability in the built environment is a key focus in response to global climate change
policies. The UK government has committed to reducing carbon emissions by 78% by 2035 and
achieving net-zero by 2050. To support this initiative, the government has introduced the 'CO2-2-
GO' grant scheme, encouraging companies and organizations to assess and enhance their
sustainability practices.

As a specialist consultant, this report assesses the sustainability performance of a selected

commercial facility and provides recommendations for achieving a 25% reduction in its carbon
footprint.

2. Description of the Selected Facility

2.1 Facility Overview

 Facility Name: [Insert Facility Name]

 Location: [Insert Location]

 Gross Floor Area (GFA): [Insert GFA]

  Number of Floors: [Insert Floors]

 Operational Use: [Describe the purpose of the facility]

2.2 Facility Layout and Operations

 Floor plan and spatial arrangement: A comprehensive analysis of the facility’s layout
is essential to understand its structural efficiency and energy distribution. The spatial
arrangement, including zones for heating, cooling, and occupancy, plays a crucial role in
determining energy performance.

 Occupancy levels and operational hours: Analyzing how frequently different areas of
the facility are utilized is vital in optimizing energy use. Peak load times can be
identified, and strategies can be implemented to reduce unnecessary energy consumption.

 Energy consumption patterns: Reviewing historical energy bills and metered data
provides insights into current inefficiencies and areas for improvement.

3. Appraisal of Current Carbon Footprint

3.1 Energy Consumption Analysis

 Current Energy Usage: [Extract data from energy bills or estimate]—This section will
include a detailed breakdown of energy consumption per department, machinery, and
processes in the facility.

 Carbon Footprint Calculation: [Use carbonfootprint.com or alternative methods]—The

calculation should be based on primary energy sources such as electricity, gas, and
renewables, with appropriate emission factors applied.

 Energy Efficiency Rating: [From EPC rating, if available]—This information helps

benchmark the facility against best practices and legal requirements.

3.2 Heat Loss Assessment

 Thermal performance of the building envelope: The insulation capacity of walls,

floors, and roofing is assessed to identify heat loss points.
  U-values of walls, roof, and windows: A detailed table outlining the current U-values
and their alignment with industry standards is necessary to determine insulation
effectiveness.

 Internal-external temperature differentials: Temperature monitoring data over time

can show how well the facility retains heat or cool air, indicating the need for insulation
enhancements.

4. Existing Sustainability Features

4.1 Current Sustainable Practices

 Renewable Energy Integration:

o Solar panels: Current capacity, efficiency, and potential upgrades.

o Wind turbines: If applicable, their contribution to the facility’s energy needs.

o Battery storage: The effectiveness of current systems and feasibility of expansion.

 Heating, Ventilation, and Cooling (HVAC) Systems:

o Condition of existing systems and potential efficiency gains.

o Opportunities for retrofitting or replacing outdated units.

 Insulation and Glazing:

o Current effectiveness in minimizing heat loss.

o Proposed enhancements and expected impact on energy conservation.

 Water Conservation:

o Current usage metrics and efficiency of installed fixtures.

o Potential for introducing rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling.

 Waste Management:

o Recycling programs and compliance with waste regulations.

 o Identification of opportunities to reduce landfill contributions.

4.2 Performance Analysis

 Effectiveness of existing sustainability measures:

o Comparing current energy use and waste generation against industry benchmarks.

o Identifying gaps in implementation and missed opportunities.

 Areas requiring improvement:

o Specific weaknesses in insulation, HVAC, water use, and renewable energy

adoption.

5. Recommendations for Carbon Footprint Reduction

5.1 Increase Energy Efficiency

The following measures aim to achieve at least a 25% reduction in carbon footprint:

5.1.1 Renewable Energy Solutions

 Solar PV Panels: Estimated energy savings of [X] kWh/year. This includes a cost-
benefit analysis detailing installation costs, expected payback period, and carbon savings.

 Wind Turbines (if applicable): Contribution to total energy demand, feasibility analysis
based on location and wind patterns.

 Battery Storage Systems: Improved resilience, potential savings in peak demand

charges, and environmental benefits.

5.1.2 HVAC and Heating System Upgrades

 Air Source or Ground Source Heat Pumps: Explanation of how these work and their
efficiency gains.

 Smart HVAC with automated controls: Cost-benefit analysis of integrating IoT-

enabled sensors and machine learning-based predictive maintenance.
  Upgrading to high-efficiency boilers: The impact on energy consumption, payback
period, and sustainability benefits.

5.1.3 Building Envelope Enhancements

 Improved Insulation for walls, roofs, and floors:

o Material choices and associated energy savings.

o Comparative analysis between traditional and innovative insulation techniques.

 High-Performance Double/Triple Glazing:

o The role of low-emissivity coatings in energy efficiency.

o Expected reduction in heating and cooling demand.

 Reduction of Thermal Bridging:

o Techniques such as using insulated cavity closers.

o Case studies showing real-world impact.

5.1.4 Lighting and Electrical Efficiency

 LED Lighting Retrofit: Implementation plan, energy savings, and cost implications.

 Occupancy Sensors and Smart Controls: Automating lighting systems to reduce

unnecessary energy use.

 Optimized Electrical Load Management: Introducing energy monitoring software for

predictive analytics and efficiency optimization.

5.2 Small-Scale Sustainable Management Strategies

1. Water Conservation Measures:

o Smart water metering for leak detection.

o Use of drought-resistant landscaping to reduce irrigation demands.

2. Waste Reduction Initiatives:

 o Introduction of zero-waste policies.

o Expansion of existing recycling infrastructure.

3. Smart Energy Management Practices:

o Implementation of demand-side response strategies.

o Educating employees on energy conservation best practices.

6. Professional and Ethical Responsibilities

Organizations hold a moral responsibility to mitigate climate change by reducing their carbon
footprint, ensuring sustainable business practices. As a consultant, my professional duty is to
provide feasible, cost-effective, and environmentally beneficial recommendations while adhering
to ethical and industry standards.

7. Visual Summary of Recommendations

(A visual infographic summarizing key strategies, expected carbon reductions, costs, and
implementation timelines.)

8. Conclusion

This report provides a comprehensive evaluation of the sustainability performance of [facility

name] and outlines evidence-based recommendations to achieve a 25% reduction in carbon
emissions. The proposed solutions encompass energy efficiency improvements, small-scale
sustainability strategies, and ethical considerations to ensure environmental and corporate
responsibility.

9. References

(All citations formatted in Harvard referencing style.)

Sustainable Refurbishment Strategies Portfolio

Consultancy Report for CO2-2-GO Grant Application

1. Introduction
The urgent need to combat climate change has led the UK government to set ambitious carbon
reduction targets, including a 78% reduction in CO₂ emissions by 2035 and achieving net-zero
by 2050. To support this effort, the CO2-2-GO grant scheme has been introduced, encouraging
commercial organisations to reduce their carbon footprint by 25% and improve their
sustainability.

This report presents an audit and refurbishment strategy for a selected commercial facility,
outlining the current carbon footprint, existing sustainability measures, and recommended
interventions to achieve the targeted reduction.

Sustainability has become a fundamental goal in modern building management, especially in

educational institutions that serve thousands of students and faculty members daily.
Implementing energy efficiency measures not only reduces operational costs but also ensures a
healthier environment for the occupants. By assessing the current sustainability status of the
selected university faculty building, this report provides a strategic plan that aligns with the UK’s
broader environmental goals.

2. Facility Description

2.1 General Overview

For this study, the selected facility is a university building, specifically a faculty building that
houses lecture halls, offices, a library, and student common areas.

 Gross Floor Area (GFA): 10,000 m²

 Number of Floors: 5

 Operational Hours: 8 AM – 9 PM (Monday to Saturday)

 Occupancy: Approximately 2,000 students and 200 staff members per day

2.2 Facility Layout

The building consists of:

 Ground Floor: Reception, cafeteria, study spaces

 Floors 1–3: Lecture halls, seminar rooms, academic offices

  Floor 4: Library, IT rooms, faculty offices

 Floor 5: Mechanical rooms, storage, rooftop access

Each floor serves distinct operational needs. The ground floor accommodates student services
and food outlets, which consume substantial energy due to refrigeration and food preparation.
The upper floors focus on academic activities, requiring lighting, heating, and cooling. The
mechanical room and rooftop area house equipment crucial for HVAC operations and potential
solar panel installations.

2.3 Building Construction and HVAC System

 Construction Material: Reinforced concrete frame with glass curtain walls

 Heating System: Gas-fired boilers with radiators

 Cooling System: Air conditioning units in lecture halls and offices

 Ventilation: Mechanical ventilation with some operable windows

 Lighting: LED and fluorescent tube lighting

The building's thermal envelope plays a critical role in determining its energy efficiency. The
combination of glass curtain walls and concrete leads to significant heat loss during winter and
heat gain in summer. Retrofitting insulation and upgrading glazing solutions will be key in
reducing energy demands.

3. Current Carbon Footprint Assessment

3.1 Energy Consumption Analysis

Energy data was collected from utility bills for the past year:

 Electricity Consumption: 1,500,000 kWh/year

 Gas Consumption: 1,200,000 kWh/year

 Total Energy Consumption: 2,700,000 kWh/year

Using the Carbon Footprint Calculator (carbonfootprint.com):

 Electricity Emissions: 1,500,000 kWh * 0.233 kg CO₂/kWh = 349,500 kg CO₂

  Gas Emissions: 1,200,000 kWh * 0.184 kg CO₂/kWh = 220,800 kg CO₂

 Total CO₂ Emissions: 570,300 kg CO₂/year

3.2 Heat Loss Estimation

Heat loss calculations are based on U-values and internal-external temperature differences:

 Building Envelope U-Values (W/m²K):

o Walls: 0.35

o Roof: 0.25

o Windows: 2.5

 Temperature Difference: 15°C (Assumed average)

 Estimated Heat Loss: Approx. 40% of total heating demand

3.3 Occupant Behavior Impact

Occupant behavior significantly influences energy efficiency. The lack of proper turn-off
policies for lighting and electronic devices results in unnecessary energy waste. Implementing
behavioral change programs will complement physical upgrades.

4. Existing Sustainability Features

4.1 Energy Efficiency Measures

 LED lighting in common areas

 Double-glazed windows in some sections

 Automated HVAC scheduling system

4.2 Water Conservation Measures

 Low-flow taps and toilets

 Rainwater harvesting system (partially used for irrigation)

4.3 Waste Management

  Recycling bins for paper, plastic, and metals

 Composting for food waste in cafeteria

5. Recommendations to Achieve a 25% Carbon Reduction

5.1 Energy Efficiency Improvements

Estimated CO₂ Estimated Implementation

Recommendation
Reduction (kg/year) Cost (£) Timeline

Upgrade Building Insulation 90,000 100,000 Medium-term

Upgrade HVAC System to

150,000 300,000 Long-term
Heat Pumps

Install Solar PV Panels (500

105,000 500,000 Long-term
kWp)

Implement Smart Energy

50,000 50,000 Short-term
Management

5.2 Small-Scale Sustainability Strategies

Strategy Impact Cost (£) Timeline

Expand Rainwater Collection Reduces water usage by 20% 20,000 Medium-term

Digitalize Administration Reduces paper waste by 80% 10,000 Short-term

Energy-Saving Training Lowers energy consumption by 10% 5,000 Short-term

6. Ethical and Professional Responsibility

Companies have an ethical responsibility to minimize environmental damage and ensure

sustainable practices. Reducing carbon emissions not only aligns with corporate social
responsibility but also enhances financial viability by reducing energy costs. As a consultant, I
am professionally obligated to provide evidence-based, realistic solutions that balance cost,
feasibility, and sustainability impact.

7. Conclusion

The proposed strategies, including insulation improvements, HVAC upgrades, solar power, and
behavioral changes, will successfully achieve and exceed the 25% carbon footprint reduction
requirement. Additionally, water conservation and waste reduction strategies will ensure long-
term sustainability. These measures contribute significantly to the UK’s net-zero goals while
improving operational efficiency.