Monitoring and metering: cornerstones of a net zero strategy in the public sector

This piece was originally published in Energy Manager Magazine, July/August 2025

Author: Davide Natuzzi, assistant director, energy, carbon and technical, Salix

As the UK increases its efforts to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050, public sector organisations are still a central role in driving this transformation. 

Through funding initiatives such as the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS) and the increasing emphasis on transparency in energy performance, accurate monitoring and metering have become foundational to achieving real, measurable change. I believe these tools are essential not only for managing energy use, but also for ensuring that implemented measures deliver the carbon reductions they promise.

We can see how the urgency for better energy management is highlighted by the impacts of climate change already visible across the UK. 

Record-breaking heatwaves and extreme weather events place unprecedented stress on public buildings, particularly hospitals, schools, and care facilities. Climate adaptation requires not just more resilient infrastructure but also smarter energy use. Accurate monitoring of energy systems ensures buildings are operating efficiently, even under stress, and helps prioritise improvements to support occupant health and operational continuity.

To achieve net zero, public organisations must implement a wide range of measures from fabric upgrades and LED lighting to low-carbon heating systems and renewable energy generation. Without robust monitoring in place, these measures risk falling short of their potential. Metering enables organisations to identify inefficiencies, set baselines, and verify actual savings, ensuring a continuous feedback loop that supports performance improvement.

For instance, replacing a gas-fired boiler with a heat pump can substantially reduce carbon emissions. However, the real-world impact of this change pivots on proper commissioning, ongoing monitoring, and adaptive control. Heat pumps can underperform if not properly integrated with the building's heating demand or if users are not adequately trained in their operation. Monitoring provides the data necessary to fine-tune these systems and maximise their carbon-saving potential.

Effective energy and carbon accounting is critical for public bodies to track their performance, set realistic targets, and ensure compliance with statutory government carbon reduction targets and support the organisation's internal decarbonisation roadmap.  Rather than relying solely on utility bills, this approach requires a strategic framework, establishing clear governance, integrating sub-metering and energy management systems, and utilising advanced software platforms to turn raw data into meaningful analytics.

However, limitations continue. Many public sector buildings, particularly historic or complex estates, lack granular metering infrastructure. Data gaps, inconsistent formats, and legacy systems can make it difficult to establish accurate baselines or measure performance over time. Additionally, shared energy systems and mixed-use spaces complicate allocation of emissions to specific departments or activities.

To overcome these barriers, organisations can invest in modern Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS) that allow for real-time energy tracking and remote diagnostics. Cloud-based platforms can help centralise and standardise data, making it easier to benchmark performance across sites. Furthermore, smart meters and IoT sensors provide high-resolution data that can reveal usage patterns and identify opportunities for behavioural or technical interventions.

Another valuable strategy is to adopt recognised standards for Measurement and Verification (M&V), such as the International Performance Measurement and Verification Protocol (IPMVP). This framework provides a structured approach for quantifying the impact of energy-saving measures, using either whole building analysis or isolating specific systems. Applying IPMVP ensures that reported savings are credible and replicable critical for securing ongoing investment and stakeholder support.

The UK’s building regulations increasingly reflect the need for better energy monitoring. Part L (Conservation of Fuel and Power) mandates energy performance standards for new and existing non-domestic buildings, including requirements for metering and sub-metering systems in larger facilities. These regulations are pushing public sector organisations to embed metering in both refurbishment and new build projects, ensuring long-term accountability.

However, compliance does not always guarantee performance. A building that meets regulatory standards on paper may still operate inefficiently due to user behaviour or control issues. This is where metering becomes not just a compliance tool but a continuous improvement mechanism.

One of the most promising examples of metering and verification in action is how we at Salix have administered the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme since 2000. Across its multiple phases, the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme has funded thousands of low-carbon projects, until now, in local authorities, universities, NHS trusts, schools and more. A key requirement for recipients is to demonstrate energy and carbon savings, turning metering from a technical requirement into a strategic asset.

By requiring robust M&V plans aligned with standards like IPMVP, we are helping the public sector build a culture of accountability and continuous learning. This not only ensures public funds are spent effectively but also accelerates the development of best practice for carbon measurement and management.

Monitoring and metering are no longer optional components of energy management; they are strategic enablers of the public sector’s transition to net zero. From mitigating the risks of climate change to complying with regulatory requirements and demonstrating value for money, data is at the heart of the journey.

As public bodies continue to implement ambitious carbon reduction programmes, their success will depend not just on the measures they take, but on how well they measure them. Through smart technology, robust standards, and supportive funding mechanisms like the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, the sector can lead by example - transforming good intentions into verified outcomes.