Why Decarbonisation Keeps Getting Pushed Down the To-Do List

Many estates, facilities, and sustainability managers face a relentless daily workload. Immediate concerns like maintenance issues, compliance deadlines, and budget constraints often take precedence, making it challenging to focus on long-term goals such as decarbonisation.

It’s not a matter of lacking commitment. Most professionals in these roles are deeply invested in improving their buildings’ performance and reducing carbon emissions. However, the pressing nature of day-to-day operations means that strategic initiatives like achieving net-zero targets often get sidelined.

At C3 Group and GW Power, we’ve collaborated with numerous organisations that recognised the need for decarbonisation but felt overwhelmed by the process. What these teams required wasn’t an extensive report or a complex strategy but clear guidance, structured planning, and support that acknowledged their time constraints.

Our approach begins with leveraging existing data. Perfect information isn’t a prerequisite. We can identify underperforming buildings and opportunities for quick carbon savings by assessing available energy, asset, and maintenance data. Often, clients are surprised by how much actionable information they already possess once it’s consolidated and analysed effectively.

Following this, we assist clients in developing phased planning processes. This includes creating site-specific Heat Decarbonisation Plans (HDPs) and investment-grade proposals that outline not only the solutions but also the funding and delivery mechanisms. We customise these plans to align with each organisation’s operational realities, considering factors like occupancy schedules, budget cycles, planned refurbishments, and internal approval processes.

A notable example of our work is the partnership with an educational trust managing multiple school sites. We conducted comprehensive assessments and developed a roadmap to net zero tailored to their specific needs. Implementing energy efficiency measures, such as installing over 4,400 LED panels, resulted in significant cost savings and carbon reductions. To date, the trust has achieved savings of £222,441.59 and a reduction of 104.3 tonnes of CO₂e emissions, with an average return on investment of just over three years. This collaborative effort not only improved the trust’s sustainability profile but also demonstrated the tangible benefits of structured decarbonisation planning.

Our integrated approach combines strategic planning with practical delivery. C3 Group focuses on technical planning, funding strategies, and business case development, while GW Power provides delivery insights, feasibility validation, and installation expertise. This synergy ensures that plans are not only well-conceived but also effectively executed.

Clients appreciate this realistic and supportive methodology. We don’t demand extensive preparation or flawless data. Instead, we work with teams to initiate progress from their current position, facilitating manageable and achievable steps toward decarbonisation.

We will be sharing these insights at Re:Generation Earth during our workshop, How to Decarbonise Your Estate: From Strategy to Delivery. This session is designed for professionals seeking to advance their decarbonisation efforts amidst operational pressures. Whether managing schools, hospitals, office portfolios, or mixed-use sites, attendees will gain practical guidance through each stage of the decarbonisation journey, including data gathering, funding options, planning, and delivery. Real-world examples will illustrate successful strategies, and we will address questions throughout the session.

Decarbonisation may seem like a long-term ambition in roles dominated by immediate demands. However, it becomes an attainable goal with proper support and a structured approach. Initiating the process doesn’t require overhauling existing operations but taking informed, incremental steps. Let’s work together to turn your goals into action.

Let’s Talk

Come speak to us at ReGeneration Earth where you’ll find us at Stand 62 or visit www.c3group.co.uk