To improve sustainability and energy efficiency across their 94-site estate, children’s services provider Aspris have partnered with Commercial. They are re-evaluating their approach to energy consumption in a bid to accelerate their carbon Net-Zero journey.

The partnership has already seen voltage management solutions rolled out across 16 schools, reducing energy consumption by 5-9% at each school. This solution provides huge energy, carbon and cost reductions for Aspris. To date, they have saved more than £23,000, 78,000kWh of energy, and 11 tonnes in CO2e.

After conducting a Green Audit, which includes site surveys and auditing across the Aspris estate, Commercial compiled the data collected from schools into a league table. This table was ranked by potential return on investments. Commercial’s business transformation specialists then devised a strategy, prioritising the most energy-inefficient sites. This allowed for the easy identification of energy saving opportunities. Proposals and investment were confirmed and made in the first quarter of 2024. 

Commercial rolled out this solution in each of the sites over the summer holidays. This meant causing minimal disruption to the operation of the schools. Despite the quick turnaround, voltage management was successfully implemented. The 16 schools were up and running for the beginning of the school year. 

Marc Cavendish, Head of Smart Technologies at Commercial, said: “The work we have done with Aspris Children’s Services so far across 16 schools has led to massive savings in cost, carbon and energy.

“From our Green Audit through to rolling out solutions across their estate, it has been a pleasure working with Aspris. We are excited to continue our partnership into the future.”

The journey so far 

After appointing Commercial as their preferred Workplace Supplies partner in 2022, Aspris were introduced to our ESG consultancy capabilities. Initially, they sought help complying with Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS) deadlines. Commercial’s in-house experts compiled an ESOS report on the organisation’s energy consumption. The team then delivered recommendations on the options with the greatest return on investment. The report, accredited by one of Commercial’s in-house ESOS lead assessors, includes a range of innovative solutions which can be delivered across the Aspris estate. 

These options range from solar power in care homes to ensuring full measurement and analysis of emissions across all three Scopes. From improving air conditioner efficiency to the use of AI powered plug sockets. Thanks to their partnership with Commercial, Aspris now have a much clearer picture of the options available over the course of their Net-Zero journey. This will allow them to increase energy efficiency, decrease costs and reduce their impact upon the environment. 

Joe Buchanan, Head of Procurement at Aspris, said: “Working with Commercial has greatly advanced our sustainability efforts and initiatives. 

“Their expertise has made a tangible impact, and we are grateful for their support in our journey towards a greener future.” 

Looking ahead to Net-Zero 

Aspris are now in a much stronger position to continue their journey towards Net-Zero thanks to their partnership with Commercial. They can concentrate on providing the best-in-class services to young people and supporting them to achieve their potential.