Energy efficiency: Innovation and collaboration needed

In a sector marked by volatile pricing, changing regulatory frameworks and increasing financial and security risk, it is necessary for the industry to come together to safeguard and ensure the future of energy resource efficiency, says Nicola Meadows, event director – Environment, i2i Events Group.

With a constantly shifting Energy sector, it can be quite challenging to stay abreast of the changes and understand what impact it may have on your business. During its current term in power, the Government has signposted significant changes to legislation and we are starting to see these come through in 2016. These address the Renewable Obligation and Feed-in tariffs, tax rationalisation for commercial and industrial end-users, and further adjustments to the non-domestic Renewable Heat Incentive, to name a few. 

The Energy Event is a key place for visitors to understand the latest policies, compliance requirements and find the latest technologies to drive a reduction in energy costs and improve their sustainability performance. Building on last year’s success, the Energy Event provides key opportunities for networking and professional development.

Apart from policy changes, there are a number of issues which seem to be challenging the sector, including energy security which remains a thorny issue for UK businesses. With DECC intending to hold an early capacity auction in the winter of 2017/18, and energy suppliers not being allowed to delay payments, businesses could face higher than anticipated energy bills next year. But what will the implications be for your business? 

The Energy Event will be tackling these key topics, as well as the changes to energy policy, the advancement of half-hourly usage (P272) and demand-side response (DSR). The exhibition aims to provide visitors with solutions to the challenges that are facing their business, making it a one-stop shop for all of the industry’s needs.

Looking to the future

The event organisers are also on the lookout for tomorrow’s energy managers and have launched a national search to find the industry’s ‘Rising Stars’. The competition celebrates trailblazing initiatives that challenge the way resource management works and inspire a new generation of efficiency managers: www.rwmexhibition.com/content/Are-you-the-next-rising-star-in-resource-management

Energy Information theatre 2016

In the Energy Information theatre key industry players come together to debate, discuss and share insights on the future of energy resource efficiency.

This year’s keynote speaker is Christopher Hodgson, environment and sustainability manager at the Guardian News & Media. He will outline the Guardian’s accelerated path to low carbon energy management solutions and full supply chain engagement. He will share insights and challenges from the digital media sector’s journey towards sustainable energy use and explore what drives energy consumption in digital media and what technologies and monitoring tools can be utilised to achieve green success.

The extensive exhibition, free to attend conference programme and business networking opportunities provide direct access for end-users to the latest services, solutions and best practice guidance.