It will be expected that the FM SLS general performance standards described in chapters 1.3 - 1.8 are met in relation to energy management, for example the development of energy saving strategies (including separate heating, lighting and ventilation strategies) in consultation with the Authority, acting reasonably and implementing such strategies and cooperating with the Authority in achieving objectives of the strategies.
As a starting point, it is recommended that an assessment is made of the energy management and energy saving strategies/standards where required under the FM SLS service standards. Once the Authority has analysed the contractual requirements, a gap analysis should be undertaken to access whether in the first instance, Project Co and its supply chain partners are meeting the minimum required standards
A Decarbonisation Options Assessment is intended to go further than these expected FM SLS energy performance standards. The purpose of a Decarbonisation Options Assessment is to identify decarbonisation options that could be implemented to reduce energy demand, optimise energy efficiency, and/or deploy low and zero carbon technologies in order to achieve NZ for Operational Energy. Low and zero carbon technologies generate heat, power and cooling with lower emissions than conventional, fossil fuel-based generation technologies.
Technologies that require a combination of fossil fuel and renewable energy sources are defined as low carbon technologies (such as heat pumps supplied by grid electricity to generate heat). Technologies that input energy entirely from renewable sources (such as solar photovoltaic panels and wind turbines) whist in the main are uncommon, are defined as zero carbon.
As an output from the Decarbonisation Options Assessment, it will be clear which decarbonisation options are applicable to building(s) / estate, including their proportionate carbon reduction potential, and the estimated cost and delivery process for each of them.
Once the building(s) and/or decarbonisation options have been prioritised for further investigation, the Decarbonisation Options Assessment should be undertaken by in-house teams and/or commissioned by an external provider(s). Consultancies, design houses for specific technologies, and specialist energy services firms can be used to support in the scoping and determination of decarbonisation solutions. Where external support is required, requirements should be clearly stated, asking for project outputs and all assumptions that have been made in developing their recommendations - including which methodologies and standards have been followed to complete the Decarbonisation Options Assessment. The Decarbonisation Options Assessment should be discussed with Project Co and the FM provider to encourage stakeholder buy-in and create a dialogue to discuss and raise potential implications of the proposed decarbonisation options.