About this research

About this researchIn late 2017, Centrica commissioned B2B International, an independent research company, to investigate organizations’ attitudes to energy and adoption of distributed energy solutions. Over 1,000 respondents took part in the research, all from companies with 100 or more employees. All qualifying respondents came from organizations using, trying or considering advanced energy solutions, and had management and/or financial responsibility for energy decisions within their company.Most of the figures in this report are based on qualifying respondents only—those that have started their energy journey. Figures 1, 4, 6, 7 and 10 are based on qualifying and non-qualifying respondents, so as to reflect all businesses.

Energy Leadership ModelThe Energy Leadership Model is based on how organizations rated themselves against the following:

We have a comprehensive, end-to-end view of energy efficiency

We measure and track energy efficiency, at least annually

We’re very good at transforming energy data into specific, actionable improvements

Awareness of energy efficiency among our employees is very good

Being energy resilient is a potential selling point

Our reputation depends on having a consistent energy supply

My organization assesses the risk of interruption to its energy supply, at least annually

When we assess energy resilience we do it across all sites

We outperform similar companies on being socially and environmentally responsible

We outperform similar companies on operating a sustainable business model

Green credentials will be an essential component of brand value of all businesses by 2025

Our energy supplier provides us with advice

Distributed energy solutions

Distributed energy solutions include the following:

Energy efficiency: Energy efficient lighting, back-up generation/standby power, HVAC unit optimization, efficiency improvements to the fabric of buildings

Energy insight: Wireless sensors and analytics, BMS/BAS

Heat and power: CHP/cogeneration, thermal/electrical efficiency solutions

Energy monetization: Battery storage units, flexible load/demand response measures

Renewables: Onsite solar panels, onsite wind turbines

Subsectors

Education: Schools, colleges, universities

Healthcare: Hospitals, healthcare facilities, care homes

Manufacturing: Food, drink, CPG, industrials, pharma, other

Real Estate: Commercial real estate, property management, construction, trades, property development

Retail: Retail, wholesale trade

Travel: Hotels, lodging, hospitality, leisure, entertainment, recreation