Defra Sustainable report

Description of the project,
“As part of its Carbon Management Programme, the Built Environment Sustainability Team (BEST) – Defra Estates, researched innovative technologies which had the potential to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions with the Defra Network. Using contacts within other government departments, expertise from partner contractors, external organisations and industry experts along with contacts made through workshops and conferences, they identified Voltage Optimisation as a technology that could help deliver the required improvements. powerPerfector (a product with a proven track record in industry, the private and public sector and endorsed by the Carbon Trust) seemed to offer a creative solution.

powerPerfector has the ability to lower the voltage for a whole site, doing so more efficiently than any other technology currently available.

This reduces energy bills and improves the efficiency and operation of electrical equipment. Using energy, emissions and cost data for the estate, BEST identified the top five sites that had the potential to deliver the largest energy efficiencies and emissions reductions that could be considered for a pilot installation programme.

They met representatives from powerPerfector and arranged site surveys and projected saving data reports for the pilot sites. Once that data report was received, the team developed detailed pilot proposals and prepared a report showing pilot sites in terms of cost/benefit analysis and savings potential in terms of outlay versus energy saving and carbon emissions reduction. The report sought funding of £582k for five sites (10 powerPerfector units) with a payback period of 28 months and energy efficiencies of between 8% and 11%. This was then presented to the Management Board for financial approval, which was granted early 2007.

The Barriers
There have been some concerns raised regarding powerPerfector being compatible with certain site specific operations and specialist equipment. These have been addressed on a site by site basis and any issues have been discussed and resolved with all stakeholders and representatives of powerPerfector before installation plans have been implemented.

The outcomes and benefits
To date, six installations have been completed and savings are on target to be above those initially predicted i.e. between 8% and 11%. Current estimates are that we will achieve savings of at least £500K per year in electricity costs and 475 tonnes of carbon per year, with some sites having the potential of up to 15% savings.

This project is delivering tangible results which will help Defra meet it SOGE targets. Our data and case studies will be made available to all other government departments through our website, in order to share good practice and any lessons learned. It has been such a successful pilot that BEST have gone back to the Management Board and sought (and received) approval for a further £1.8M to roll out the technology across the Estate”

Anita Collier, Head of Built Environment Sustainability Team, Estates Division, DEFRA Estates.