NBS: Energy considerations

Author - Charlotte Johns

Date published: 13/12/22

Lee Jones – Head of Manufacturer Solutions, NBS

NBS is a technology platform for the construction industry, with headquarters on St Nicholas Street, Newcastle. NBS’ platforms provide a means for construction project designers and specifiers to make more sustainable decisions in relation to various aspects of their designs. As a peer within the industry, NBS also has an environment first outlook towards their own energy consumption.

In 2016, NBS chose to refurbish their Grade II listed offices in lieu of moving or contracting a new build to facilitate the growth of the company. Energy demand was a high priority in the refurbishment decisions and many factors were implemented, including LED lighting in all areas. which can save up to 90% energy over conventional bulbs [1]. PIR (Proximity infrared) sensors to areas not of high use, ensuring that when a room is not in use, the lights are off. Energy efficient appliances were also procured. Including dishwashers and coffee machines. With 200 employees on average, installing a commercial coffee machine can save a heap of energy over a continually boiling kettle [2]. Modern appliances are also placed under more strict rules and expectations today, so if your fridge is getting on a bit, swapping for a new one could make a huge difference to energy consumption.

The fabric of any building is the biggest single area to focus for energy efficiency, specifying low U-values to windows and doors and ensuring that your walls, roof and possibly floors are well insulated will make the biggest difference. NBS had difficulty in this area being a listed building, but to overcome some of the obstacles, natural air flow was prioritised over Air-conditioning to reduce energy and importantly carbon emissions. Rooflights were also installed to maximise natural daylight. NBS staff tend to only work during the day, so reducing the need for lights to be switched on is a key energy reduction method, it is also proven to aid well-being [3].

As a technology company, NBS relies heavily on the internet to deliver their services. Switching from on premise servers to the cloud makes a big difference to the business’ energy demand. Reducing on-site servers consuming power and no-air conditioning required to keep them cool [4].

Finally in 2019, NBS began full measurement of their operational carbon emissions, which led to the company becoming certified as carbon neutral in 2022 [5]. Part of this included a carbon reduction strategy, which meant lowering energy use and reliance on fossil fuels generally. Some measures were complex, but others quite simple. Just ensuring that PC’s are switched off at the end of the day can make a big difference.

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