GMP invests in energy efficiency to cut costs

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has used an energy management system to increase efficiency and cut costs by generating energy savings of 70 per cent – with a return on investment achieved in just three months.

Helen Wilson, sustainability officer at GMP, said that in the current economic climate there was growing pressure across all police forces to reduce costs and carbon emissions.

“One of the ways we are approaching this challenge is to understand our energy usage, thus allowing us to make informed decisions on how we can reduce energy consumption and ultimately lower our bills,” she explained.

“GMP is responsible for more than 80 sites across Manchester, which cover everything from a 19th century police station renovated into a museum, to brand new purpose-built buildings. We have offices, workshops and even stables.”

GMP worked with independent energy management provider IMServ Europe to get a better understanding of its energy usage.

A micro-building management solution (BMS) was installed into one of GMP’s smaller buildings that houses part of the IT department.

“This building is too small to warrant installing a full BMS system, however, we had limited control over its energy usage and were keen to assess any areas for potential cost savings,” said Ms Wilson.

Micro management

The micro-BMS is specifically designed to enable companies or organisations to monitor, understand and control building energy consumption such as lighting, heating, air conditioning and boilers. This can be done remotely and automatically without interference from local staff.

“Usage in this building is quite high, but we were particularly concerned with the level of energy being used to heat the premises,” said Ms Wilson.

“Prior to installing the micro-BMS we struggled to match heating times to occupation and there was no way to remotely monitor or control it. IMServ’s service allowed us to set a particular temperature for the building while the staff were at work, then during the night and at weekends the heating would switch off.

“With an automated system in place you also don’t have to rely on other people remembering to switch the heating on and off, or worry about people tampering with the boiler controls.

“Over the three-month pilot period, the micro-BMS service provided us with an energy saving of 70 per cent, with a return on investment achieved well within that timeframe. There has obviously been considerable cost savings involved in this, which help towards our ultimate goal of reducing our energy bill.”

Ms Wilson said the micro-BMS had enabled them to install an energy management system where it would not have been possible otherwise.

“By doing so we have been able to investigate and improve energy consumption in the building, contributing to our ultimate goal of reducing the cost of energy used by the GMP,” she added.