Mastering Success in Our Net Zero Projects

Hello, Champions of Net Zero!

In the quest for a sustainable future, decarbonisation remains a vital goal for organisations across the UK. Today, we delve into the insights of Anna Kuratnikova, a Client Support Officer at Salix, as she shares her invaluable advice on successfully delivering decarbonisation projects. Anna has spent three years at Salix, witnessing a diverse range of projects from small primary schools to ambitious, multi-million-pound estates. Her observations reveal a crucial pattern: the most successful initiatives are not solely defined by their technical solutions but also by the strength of their teams and a proactive approach to stakeholder management.

As you embark on your decarbonisation journey, you may feel confident that you have the technical aspects sorted. You’re well-versed in building specifications, the most efficient heat pumps, top-notch insulation, and the intricacies of cash flow. But there’s one critical element that cannot be overlooked: do you have the right people on board?

It’s all too easy for organisations to fall short in achieving their decarbonisation goals simply due to a lack of engagement with their stakeholders. The stakeholders involved in such projects can be extensive, but they generally fall into three categories: those who provide funding and permits, those who receive payment, and those who are impacted by the project.

As project managers, garnering the support of your board of directors and funders is paramount. Anna highlights that the most successful projects often begin long before any grant is received. They stem from a genuine ambition for sustainable change that must resonate from the very top of the organisation. No matter how skilled a project manager you may be, if the leadership team lacks urgency regarding sustainable change, your project could face significant hurdles.

Conversely, when stakeholders are kept in mind throughout the project’s lifecycle, the results can be remarkable. There are notable cases where projects have focused on alleviating the financial burdens of underfunded schools. By adopting a comprehensive approach that includes insulation, solar photovoltaics (PVs), and battery systems, organisations have garnered enthusiastic buy-in from school governors. Moreover, careful handovers, along with thorough staff training, have facilitated the smooth operation of low-carbon heat systems. This, in turn, has led to increased satisfaction among students and teachers, who have developed a keen interest in the relationship between these projects and climate change.

At Salix, the significance of decarbonising buildings is not lost on us. However, we emphasise the necessity of maintaining open communication channels and providing reliable, regular updates to ensure that projects adhere to scheme criteria for the release of Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme funding.

Throughout our experience in delivering the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme over the past four years, we’ve identified a common bottleneck: the underestimation of timely engagement with local authorities for planning permits and with Distribution Network Operators (DNOs). Establishing solid relationships and clear communication channels with these entities is fundamental for securing an adequate energy supply. The most successful projects are those where project managers proactively engage with planning authorities and DNOs, ensuring they understand their rights and can effectively communicate the significance of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme as a critical initiative for decarbonising the public sector.

Next, let’s discuss the people you pay: your contractors, consultants, and surveyors. These individuals are essential for the successful delivery of your project. Not all organisations possess the internal expertise to manage complex decarbonisation efforts in-house. Thus, cultivating a strong relationship with your external teams is crucial. It’s vital to address issues promptly, maintain high reporting standards, and ensure that you have comprehensive information regarding your project’s progress. A commendable practice adopted by some Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme grant recipients is to incorporate grant conditions within their tendering packages, striking a balance between quality and cost assessments of the submissions received.

The final category of stakeholders includes those who are often the least predictable: the occupants of the buildings undergoing decarbonisation. As many estate managers jest, they are frequently viewed as the least liked individuals on site, responsible for the logistical challenges that accompany construction work. While most estate managers take this in their stride, the challenge lies in maintaining positive relationships and clear, proactive communication with all affected parties. Even one disgruntled neighbour can lead to media engagement, potentially causing delays and undermining the positive impacts of the project.

There are exemplary cases of organisations that have proactively engaged with their local communities. This proactive outreach involves informing residents about upcoming construction activities that may disrupt their daily lives. More often than not, communities appreciate these efforts, recognising the broader goal of decarbonisation. Every project holds the potential to engage local communities, fostering increased awareness, involvement, and interest. Anna has witnessed educational institutions integrating newly installed heat pumps into their curricula, with parents expressing curiosity about the technology and contemplating its installation in their homes. Meanwhile, students enthusiastically discuss the implications of their schools’ initiatives on their futures.

Amid the daily grind of forms, reports, and applications, it’s all too easy to lose sight of the ultimate goal of sustainable schemes: to reduce our environmental impact and enhance people’s quality of life. Ultimately, the key to success in these projects lies in the people involved—their passion, collaboration, ability to connect, and commitment to a people-oriented approach.

Identifying critical stakeholders and engaging them early on gives your project a significant advantage, particularly in an environment characterised by stringent deadlines. Customising your engagement strategy for each stakeholder group is essential for keeping pace with the urgent need for climate action.

As you embark on your decarbonisation journey, remember that your people are indeed your most valuable asset. Their dedication and involvement can make all the difference in achieving your goals and ensuring a sustainable future for all.

Stay tuned for more insights and updates from the Net Zero News Network as we continue to explore the pathways towards a greener, more sustainable world.