Our Energy and Sustainability Director Dr Paul Roberts explains why the collection and utilisation of data is 'fundamentally important' in helping organisations like the MOD cut energy use and carbon emissions.
We at VIVO Defence Services are using innovative technology at the UK military’s highest energy consuming bases to help the Ministry of Defence reach Net Zero.
Working with our supply chain partner Equans UK & Ireland, we are currently putting in place new Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS), which will help cut energy bills and carbon emissions.
Speaking at VIVO’s recent Energy and Sustainability Conference, Dr Paul Roberts told how the programme – called Project Phoenix – started after VIVO carried out audits of assets and found the ‘controlling units’ of energy consuming plant at many military bases needed upgrading.
Dr Roberts. VIVO Defence’s Energy and Sustainability Director, added: “The programme is very ambitious. There’s over 80 sites in need of upgrade and we’re looking at two to three years for all the sites to be completed. The first four sites have now been upgraded by VIVO, working in partnership with Equans UK & Ireland, with a further 10 on track to be completed by winter."
Following the completion of the first two sites at RAF Leeming and MOD Stafford, VIVO held demonstrations of the new systems with attendees from the Royal Air Force (RAF) and the British Army as well as the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), which VIVO works on behalf of.
The smart computer-based BEMS optimises energy usage by integrating with a building’s infrastructure, such as its heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC)systems.
It collects live energy consumption data that VIVO operatives can see in buildings across each estate in real time allowing for informed decisions around energy usage. It will also facilitate the identification of anomalies and issues that are causing high energy use.
Dr Roberts said: “Data is fundamentally important to reduce energy and carbon emissions and this investment means that we will have the controlling capability to optimise the way energy is used across the bases.
“The ability to have more control over energy use through harnessing data will help the MOD and DIO with their ambitious journey towards Net Zero.”
VIVO Defence Services Chief Executive Officer Jerry Moloney added: “It is great that we are able to undertake this work on behalf of DIO as we believe that helping the UK military cut energy costs and lower carbon emissions is crucial as it will help the MoD to save money and reach Net Zero.”
James Graham, CEO for Digital & Energy Services at Equans UK & Ireland, said: “We are proud to support VIVO in enhancing the energy efficiency and sustainability of UK military bases. Utilising our expertise and experience in energy management, we are supporting the teams to deliver cutting edge smart Building Energy Management Systems that will significantly reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions across the built estate for armed forces.
“This initiative aligns with our commitment to driving innovative solutions for a sustainable future and aiding the MOD in achieving their net zero goals."