Business Update
September 2020
Hard work + positive energy: A note from our CEO
Despite the slight pause on our current return to work plans, it feels good to be a business that is recruiting across the group and driving forward during these times. We have worked incredibly hard during lockdown on behalf of our customers and to protect everyone that is part of the Zenergi family, and we are proud of the way everyone has stayed true to our values in the most difficult of circumstances. We hope that everyone will start to see the benefit of this hard work as we introduce some exciting new initiatives in the coming months. As always, we wanted to share with you some updates below that will hopefully be of interest to you and keep you up to date with the latest group news...
ISBL launches Professional Development Fund in association with Zenergi The Institute of School Business Leaders (ISBL), the leading representative body for School Business Professionals (SBP), has established a new funding initiative with the objective to support professional development in school business management. The Professional Development Fund has been established using the ISBL Energy Framework. Zenergi administers the Energy Framework in partnership with ISBL and has agreed to make a contribution to the fund for each contract signed through the framework. Graham Cooke, CEO of Zenergi, said: “We’re delighted to contribute to the ISBL’s new fund to support professional development in school business management. School business leaders are critical to the effective
operation of schools, and as they are faced with more challenges than ever before, we believe now is the time to support our school business leaders. We’re really pleased to invest in the development of this important profession that is so close to our hearts.” The new fund is founded on ISBL’s belief that all School Business Professionals should have access to high quality, relevant qualifications and training opportunities. For more information on how to access the funding to support SBP qualifications and development, click on the below button.
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, energy demand has dropped considerably, resulting in an under recovery of non-energy costs. These non-energy costs are expected to increase to make up the shortfall, with the costs likely to be passed on to the consumer, as is the supplier’s contractual right. Please be aware that the impact of COVID-19 is expected to transfer to both domestic and business markets,
more so if a spike in cases occurs over the winter months. For any queries about how this may affect your contract, contact us. Additional information about how non-energy costs make up your bill can be found in our Ultimate Guide to Non-Commodity costs.
Don’t risk missing the deadline for SECR! The deadline for the first submission of Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) is fast approaching for those organisations that are required to comply. Our technical services department is ready to support you with the collation of the required data and the submission on your behalf. If you
are unsure if the legislation applies to your organisation, contact us and we can evaluate your need to comply and prepare a proposal to manage the reporting on your behalf. For the first time this year, many Multi-Academy Trusts will need to report on carbon emissions within their Company Report. We delivered a webinar to outline the actions required to comply, The Challenge and Strategic Opportunity of SECR reporting
for MATs. The requirements of carbon reporting can be complex, but we can help you meet the compliance requirements while maximising your energy efficiency gains.
Bill Validation and Contract Management: Your outsourced energy department
From checking that readings reflect actual consumption; that rates are correct; and the bill reflects the terms and conditions of the contract; to monitoring unusual consumption, our bill validation service focuses on identifying any possible discrepancies in energy bills to ensure customers only pay for the energy they use. Our service takes the effort and stress out of dealing with your energy by giving you access
to a dedicated relationship manager to manage your energy-related queries; monitor your consumption and offer guidance on how to reduce your energy bills; and manage any queries with suppliers. It doesn’t matter if we help you with your contract, you use another provider, or you have procured the energy yourself, our service is designed to fill the void often left when price is not the only thing you need to achieve. To understand more about our bill validation and contract management service contact us.
Site Works: Access specialist expertise to manage complex processes We are pleased to offer a comprehensive site works service through Zenergi’s Apollo Energy division. Working across a wide variety of sectors from retail and residential to manufacturing and leisure, Apollo Energy has significant experience in managing
all elements of utility site works.What do customers say? “Apollo Energy worked with us to facilitate the extension of the Manchester Metrolink network out to Trafford Park. The project was completed over a 3-year period and involved the disconnection of all utility services and site clearance for demolition of 7 existing buildings along the line, the installation and connection of 3 new HV
Traction substations, 3 Low Voltage substation services and 6 Low Voltage Tram Stops. Critical path activity deadlines were all met throughout the project. Apollo Energy procured the energy supplies and metering contracts ensuring a competitive price and all supplies were added to the group contracts which are fully managed by Apollo Energy. We would highly recommend Apollo Energy for their wide range of services delivered and experience by their qualified, friendly and efficient team.”
Daniel Vaughan, Head of Metrolink “The Apollo team have always been friendly and efficient, providing a service which is excellent value for money. We are always confident that Apollo can deliver and having our dedicated account managers for Procurement and Siteworks means that they are only ever a phone call away."
Matthew Jones, Finance Manager – Unionburger Ltd If you have any requirements for site works, contact us and for more information, click on the button below...
Eco-Hub: Tailored reporting for monitoring and managing your business energy profile
Eco-Hub from Zenergi’s Apollo Energy division, allows customers to identify energy usage profiles, manage projections, and make carbon footprint reductions. The easy-to-use bespoke system offers visually engaging insights to assist in meeting environmental targets, and to explore and implement energy saving opportunities and track their success. Eco-Hub compliments Zenergi’s Positive Energy Pack
Interactive (PEPI) portal which gives customers granular visibility into energy use to help with lowering consumption. If you are interested in augmenting your existing reporting, or gaining access to tailored reports that give you precisely the information you require, contact us today. For more information on what the Eco-Hub could do for your business, have a look here.
Green energy: We're on a mission! Each year, Earth Overshoot Day marks the date when our demand for ecological resources exceeds what the planet can regenerate in that year. This year Earth Overshoot Day was calculated as August 22, almost one month later than last year (July 29 2019), largely driven by the impact of COVID-19 and the resulting lockdowns. If this has made you think about your organisation’s contribution, have you considered how buying green energy could support your sustainability targets? Zenergi has set an ambitious target to sign 20% of all electricity contracts onto a green tariff. This is the equivalent of 200GWh of electricity. Today, green tariffs are often not more expensive than non-green tariffs, so let us know if you are interested in switching to
green. For simple tips to save energy and help #movethedate, take a look at our short article.
ISBL National Conference: Unleashing potential **Now Virtual**
10 - 13 November, Hilton Birmingham Metropole (10:00 - 13:30)
As headline sponsor of this key event in the education calendar, we will, as usual, be hosting a pre-event reception – with a twist, now that the conference has moved to a virtual event. Watch this space for more details! Streamed across four mornings, the conference will offer access to more than 20 hours of high-quality CPD, with headline speakers, a range of workshops, access to exhibitors, and an opportunity to interact with peers. We are preparing to deliver fun and interactive workshops, along with the launch of our exciting new game. Webinar: ISBL Expert Talks - Energy & Carbon Efficiency
17.07.20
The Team at Zenergi are passionate about energy efficiency and how to save you money. On this webinar delivered in association with ISBL, we looked at the ways to hibernate your school during holidays and ways to minimise your energy usage with some handy top tips and a checklist. Webinar: The challenge and strategic opportunity of SECR carbon reporting for MATs
13.07.20
The vast majority of academy schools will be required to comply with Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) legislation. If you are a MAT and are unsure of your need to comply, watch this session for an overview of the requirements for SECR and insight into its future in supporting the route map to the Government’s Carbon Net Zero strategy. Webinar: Be lean and green with your energy budgets and
start your journey to net zero
30.06.20
Our Projects division delivered an inspiring session identifying opportunities to support your energy, infrastructure and sustainability objectives. The session focused on how you can build a roadmap for your school’s ‘green’ journey from concept to delivery, ensuring you maximise all potential savings.
Competition: Zenergi’s harvest festival of scarecrows!
Our new competition has been launched to celebrate Recycle Week 2020 and recognise the efforts to keep recycling going and create positive change around us. What do you have lying around that you can #ReduceReuseReScarecrow? For some ideas and more details on how to enter, visit our website here. Send us a photo of your creation by The Harvest Moon on 1 October for a chance to win some Zenergi Eco goodies… good luck!
Supporting career development for young people Five graduates have joined our new Graduate Scheme where they will spend six months at Zenergi, with placements within different departments around the business to develop an understanding of Zenergi, learn new skills, and kickstart their careers. Chris Jermy, Zenergi’s Head of Business Development and Graduate Scheme leader, said: “We’re really proud to launch our new graduate scheme and to be able to offer this opportunity at a time when graduates are facing huge challenges trying to enter the workforce. The standard of applications was exceptional and our five successful graduates have already got off to a flying start. We’re looking forward to nurturing our new talent and supporting their development as we work together on some exciting initiatives.” Alongside the graduate programme we have also launched an apprenticeship programme. The Apprentice position will offer the opportunity to complete a Level 3 and Level 4 qualification in Business Administration, with a permanent position upon successful completion. Read more
Thank you for your interest in our Newsletter and, as always, keep safe and well.
Contact us with any questions.
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