How to Procure Renewable Energy in the Built Environment
The challenge is big: buildings are responsible for 25% of UK electricity demand, and we need to reduce that demand by 80% by 2030 if we’re to meet the UK’s legally enshrined 2050 net zero target. At the same time, our electrical system needs to adapt to new, flexible and varied energy generation sources, while greatly increasing the amount of renewable generating capacity. The way organisations buy electricity – the process that’s followed, what questions are asked, and what is demanded of the market – is a very important lever to wider systemic change.
Following the publication of Renewable Energy Procurement Part 2, we are now launching an open learning programme for our members to develop the skills and knowledge needed to successfully procure high-quality renewable electricity, and, while doing it, accelerate the decarbonisation of the energy system as a whole.
The programme will walk businesses and asset owners through the process of assessing their current energy procurement strategy, and the steps to setting a bolder, greener one.
About the course
This practical course spread across three months, will support delegates to use the Renewable Energy Procurement Part 2 guidance as part of their own electricity procurement strategy. Using the new tools and rating system, delegates will assess their current procurement strategy and prospective procurement routes available to them. Understanding and implementing UKGBCs three key principles for quality renewable electricity procurement will form a core part of the programme.
The programme will:
- Introduce the core concepts, tools, and the rating system
- Support delegates to use these in their own work-time
- Enable delegates to share challenges and learnings with their peers
- Provide key learnings for UKGBC on the guidance, tools, and rating system, allowing us to update the approach if needed.
Course Dates
Who is it for:
This programme is designed for people in procurement or sustainability teams who are tasked with buying renewable electricity for a building or portfolio of built assets.
You will need to be currently procuring electricity directly from a licensed supplier (i.e., not a tenant who is billed for their electricity through their landlord). It is beneficial, but not necessary, if you are approaching the end of your current electricity contract and are considering options for renewal. You will need electricity consumption data from your building for at least the last 12 months, as well as information on the output from any onsite generation such as solar PV.
Why join the course?
Time requirement from delegates: 30 hours across the three months.
Course hosts
This course will be hosted by Joe Pitts-Cunningham, Experiential Learning Manager at UKGBC.
Tom Wigg, Senior Advancing Net Zero Advisor, and author of Renewable Energy Procurement Part 2, will provide a technical explanations and support through the programme.
Advancing Net Zero Partners
Our Climate Change Mitigation work is made possible due to the generous support of our Advancing Net Zero Programme Partners
Project partners
Get involved
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