In 2024 we ran a study called Carbon Admissions, which demonstrated that many organisations struggle with the foundational processes required to underpin the approach to reaching Net Zero.

Before you can truly transform energy usage or make meaningful changes, it’s essential to understand how those changes are working—and even anticipate how they could work. That’s where data and insight play a critical role. The key thing to remember here is that the purpose of data in the path to Net Zero is to create actionable insight – practical steps and changes you can put in place to move forward and unlock cost efficiencies which can be reinvested back into your business.

Let’s break down what this means and how organisations can approach it effectively:

  1. Real-time monitoring: Tools like MY ZEERO provide live, up-to-the-minute data on energy usage across your operations. This granular visibility is extremely powerful by helping you see exactly where energy is being consumed and to spot inefficiencies in real time.
  2. Collecting granular data: Breaking down energy use into specific categories – such as by site, equipment, or time of day – provides the detail needed to uncover hidden inefficiencies. This data is vital for targeting improvements where they’ll have the greatest impact, and for unlocking the impact of small, incremental changes which ultimately combine to deliver bigger impacts collectively and over longer periods.
  3. Measuring the impact of changes: Once you’ve started making adjustments, data lets you measure the outcomes. Whether it’s switching off machinery during downtime or optimising HVAC schedules, this step is about understanding the tangible savings in energy, emissions, and cost. This evidence is ideal to showcase to the wider organisation, and your finance team, what positive outcomes look like as well as demonstrating progress in sustainability reporting.
  4. Modelling potential scenarios: By leveraging your data, you can model the potential impacts of future actions. For example, what would installing solar panels achieve in carbon savings and a reduction in your energy bills? Or how much energy could be saved by upgrading certain equipment? Modelling lets you predict outcomes, prioritise actions, and build confidence in decision-making over the short, medium and long-term. Again, this is often a finance director’s dream!
  5. Benchmarking and tracking progress: Regularly comparing current energy use to your baseline and to industry benchmarks allows for ongoing evaluation. Trend analysis helps highlight progress, identify anomalies, and ensure you stay on course toward your Net Zero goals.

Of course, turning data into actionable insights can feel daunting. But with the right tools and approach, you can uncover a clear picture of your energy landscape and make informed decisions that drive lasting change.

If you need guidance on monitoring, measuring, or modelling your energy use, we’re here to help. Together, we’ll ensure every decision is rooted in data and delivers real results on your pathway to Net Zero.

Kareena Browne, Head of Data & Insights