Energy consulting

Working with clients towards a decarbonised world

Our energy consulting work extends from single buildings and campus scale projects through to district, regional and national level assessment. We’re passionate about guiding clients towards low carbon, low cost solutions that are suited to the challenges we face as a result of climate change.

We work on everything from cutting edge research to more conventional projects with educational institutions, public organisations, private enterprise and government agencies. Our offer includes energy spatial studies for regions and countries, techno-economics and design for some of the most innovative and complex energy systems.

Our experts work with a range of metrics and indicators beyond typical engineering parameters to capture additional benefits which would normally not be recognised in energy transition. These include factors such as techno-economic, socio-economic, comfort, air quality, health impacts, fuel poverty, programme challenges and contractual opportunities.

A truly multi-disciplinary approach to energy consulting

The energy consulting team is multi-disciplinary with engineers, analysts, consultants and geographers working together to develop solutions to problems that need imagination, deep knowledge of existing and new technology, design expertise and computational skillsets.

Our business case development and techno-economic approach mean projects are delivered with a range of key performance indicators. These ensure our work remains world-class and instil confidence for our clients.

Our energy consulting services:


  • Energy supply and demand mapping – using GIS at national, regional and local authority scale
  • City and regional energy planning
  • Campus energy strategies
  • Distributed energy feasibility, planning, design, procurement and supervision
  • Energy system modelling and economics
  • Research, development and policy
  • Energy and climate programme and project management and capacity building
  • Energy strategies for new developments
  • Carbon management

Areas of expertise

university of leeds net zero carbon energy strategy

Net zero campuses

Buro Happold provides campus decarbonisation studies for large universities, public sector bodies, private organisations and multi-national companies to support their aspirations to become net-zero in line with national legislation, local and regional government policies and ​their own brand targets.

We undertake site-wide energy demand analysis along with reviews of existing heating, cooling and power infrastructure. Intervention scenarios are then created utilising demand reduction methods, low and zero carbon heating technologies and onsite renewable electricity generation opportunities. An analysis of the economic and carbon impact of these scenarios is then developed.

Our integrated approach covering supply and demand reduction options mean the client has an holistic view of their campus. Understanding the costs associated with building retrofits and technology upgrades is key to capital planning and overall estate investment strategy.

Energy system design and delivery

We provide end-to-end design and delivery services for energy systems that are ready for a low carbon future.

Our design philosophy promotes a lifecycle approach, putting safety at the fore. We use industry and bespoke in-house tools to deliver safe, reliable and easy to maintain systems. Our energy consultants draw on experience and data-driven process designs to generate lean, high utilisation and performance solutions to deliver cost-optimised selections.  

Confidence in performance is essential to underpin business propositions. By considering the technical, commercial and operational impacts of our designs throughout we support our clients in progressing technological transition with confidence through design, tender and onsite delivery.

Smart energy systems

As energy systems transition in response to national and local policies on decarbonisation, emissions and resilience, an integrated approach is required. Smart energy solutions are the key to unlocking and leveraging opportunities to do more with our energy assets, improve resilience and reduce cost. This includes the integration of the latest technologies in microgrids, smart buildings, EV charging and energy storage.

We offer full feasibility, design and assurance services through all stages of smart energy development. Our clients include urban developers, local authorities, network utilities, renewable energy generators and community energy companies. Our expertise includes smart buildings, heat, power, transport and digital engineering, including the latest in digital twin design.

Utilities strategy and commercialisation

One of the most costly aspects of any development are the utility connections  – power, water, gas, telecoms and increasingly district heating/cooling. Time and cost can be lost in understanding the market and how best to serve a project. 

Our experienced team can help. We advise from initial strategy and approach through to detailed costing, applications and agreement of the final solution with providers. 

We support clients to secure the best solution both in terms of the market fluctuations and what/who to procure. Our energy consultants also ensure the correct contract terms, conditions and tariffs are agreed upon for both sides of a supply agreement.

Energy planning

To respond to the climate emergency, and to make a transition to a low-carbon energy economy, we need to understand existing energy systems and opportunities to decarbonise. Energy planning is the key to unlocking net zero energy systems.

We offer energy planning services from local to national scale, covering community and campus energy plans, Local Area Energy Plans (LAEP), regional and national energy planning.

By setting out with a clear, robust plan from the outset, we provide clients with a bespoke route-map for their specific projects. Energy plans unlock economies of scale by identifying measures for groups of buildings, post codes, areas, and regions.

Project highlights

A view of the front entrance to the university with its' tall towers

University of Edinburgh 2040 Zero Carbon Strategy

Buro Happold created a strategic energy masterplan to help the University of Edinburgh achieve its ambitions of becoming net zero carbon by 2040. The institution needed an overarching strategy for its approach to sustainable energy generation and efficient energy usage.

Our experts created a comprehensive Energy Infrastructure and Buildings Masterplan to support the University’s shift towards being more environmentally sustainable in its day-to-day operations. We examined the technical options available to the University both to shift to low carbon energy supplies and to improve the energy efficiency of its buildings and energy infrastructure.

CommuniHeat

Buro Happold’s energy consultants are enabling the transition of a community without a mains gas connection by developing a viable techno-economic approach. This includes building enhanced datasets, applying digital twin technology to plan and explore future scenarios and working with new and innovative financial models.

The village of Barcombe in East Sussex could become the blueprint for the decarbonisation of our communities. The village was chosen as a good archetype of a rural community, which features a broad range of different house styles and a diverse socio-economic demography.

university of leeds net zero carbon energy strategy

University of Leeds – Pathway to Net Zero

Buro Happold’s energy consultants were engaged to help develop the University’s net zero carbon implementation plan.

We modelled the net zero pathway using spreadsheets to capture data on existing university demands before appraising a series of interventions. These measures comprise building retrofits and changes to energy generating technologies. This allows us to fully understand the cost of meeting net zero carbon emissions by 2030.

Prioritising passive over active measures, the pathway put forward follows a “lean-clean-green” hierarchy. Our recommended solution not only lowers carbon emissions, but also brings down fuel and offset costs.

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