ENERGY MANAGEMENT, SUSTAINABILITY REPORTING AND NET ZERO: HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE EMA MEMBERS' MEETING
Thank you very much to all who attended and participated in the EMA Members’ meeting hosted by the University of Birmingham.
The meeting brought together energy and sustainability professionals to explore the evolving relationship between energy management, sustainability reporting and organisational decarbonisation.
The event opened with a masterclass on Energy Management and Sustainability Reporting: Two Sides of the Same Strategy, which provided delegates with a practical overview of the UK's rapidly developing sustainability reporting landscape. With increasing attention on the new Sustainability Reporting Standards (SRS S1 and SRS S2), the session highlighted the growing importance of reliable energy management systems, not only for compliance purposes but also for supporting informed decision-making, risk management, and long-term business resilience. A key takeaway was that effective sustainability reporting is only possible when underpinned by strong energy management practices.
The theme of data-driven decision-making was explored by Q Energy in the sponsored presentation, From Annual to Hourly: AI Trading, Battery Flexibility and the Road to 24/7 Matching. Delegates heard how traditional annual approaches to energy procurement and carbon reporting are becoming increasingly outdated in a market characterised by half-hourly settlement, price volatility and evolving carbon accounting requirements. The presentation explored how access to granular energy data, combined with battery storage and AI-enabled optimisation, can unlock significant opportunities to reduce costs, manage risk and improve carbon performance.
The afternoon session shifted focus from theory to practice, with the University of Birmingham sharing its decarbonisation journey and the challenges of transforming a complex, operational campus while maintaining day-to-day activities. As the University works towards achieving Net Zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2035, delegates gained a fascinating insight into the practical realities of decarbonising what is effectively a small town.
The presentation was followed by a guided tour of the University's Energy Centre, offering attendees a first-hand look at the infrastructure that supports the campus. Delegates learned how the site has evolved over several decades, from an original power station located in its current place to more recent investments in a highly efficient 4 MW gas turbine and a 2.1 MW gas engine. The Energy Centre continues to play a critical role in supporting the University's energy strategy, with approximately two-thirds of its electricity demand now met through CHP generation.
The meeting not only provided valuable insights into how organisations can use data, technology and strategic planning to support their sustainability ambitions, but also showcased the practical challenges and opportunities involved in delivering decarbonisation within complex operational environments. Equally importantly, it brought together like-minded energy management professionals, creating opportunities to exchange ideas, share experiences and build valuable connections.
If you are reading this and not yet a professional member or corporate member of the EMA, now is a great time to get involved.
- Join the professional membership: https://www.theema.org.uk/ema-membership/
- Become a corporate partner and present at our next meeting: https://www.theema.org.uk/corporate-membership/
If you would like to sponsor the next EMA meeting, please email us at [email protected] or give us a call on 0203 916 5516.
Be part of our growing energy management community.