As part of a programme funded by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), and working with the Government Property Function (GPF), Energy Systems Catapult (ESC) has produced guidance to support the public sector to decarbonise its built estate. These guides cover seven themes and give an overview of all the activities required to successfully develop and deliver a decarbonisation programme.

This document provides guidance on the importance of managing your energy data, covering best practice management. It builds on the Theme 1 guide and provides more details on particular areas. 

We welcome your feedback on these resources, please email ESC at PSDecarbGuidance@es.catapult.org.uk.

Why Is Energy Data So Important?

Understanding the use of energy across your estate will be a key contributor to reducing your carbon emissions. The old adage of “you can’t manage what you don’t measure” applies here – understanding where, when, and how you use energy is critical to taking steps to reduce it.

Historically when energy prices are low, managing consumption has not been a high priority, but with the volatile and rapidly increasing energy prices seen throughout 2022 and into 2023, the benefits of understanding how much energy is being consumed and where are clearer: Understanding your energy consumption will not only allow you to better manage your energy costs, but also to develop energy resilience plans and understand and mitigate the risk of any loss of energy supply.