Multinational law firm Pinsent Masons has partnered climate tech startup OakTree Power to implement a demand side response (DSR) solution at its City of London office.
As part of this, non-critical electrical equipment such as air conditional chillers, fans and pump motors will be reduced by a small amount by a smart Internet of Things (IoT) controller, which integrates with Pinsent Masons’ own building controls systems.
This then reduces carbon emissions, as well as allowing for the provision of flexibility services through DSR.
The solution was previously only available at an industrial level, with OakTree Power now providing large and medium-size commercial buildings access to flexibility and balancing markets for the first time.
Indeed, Pinsent Masons is the first organisation in the UK legal sector to adopt the solution.
OakTree Power said the solution provides crucial flexibility services while reducing emissions and contributing to a smarter, more sustainable network.
Allan Clark, head of sustainability and facilities compliance at Pinsent Masons, said the partnership with OakTree Power will enhance the suite of energy efficiency measures the company has in place while helping to support National Grid ESO.
“As a multinational professional services business, we recognise the impact our operations have on the environment which is why we pledged to cut our global carbon emissions by at least 50% by 2030,” he said.
The DSR solution is to reduce carbon emissions by over 50,000kg every year across the 200,000 square feet building.
Other companies offering commercial DSR services include GridBeyond, which in 2020 launched an Energy Opportunity Calculator designed to show businesses how much they could save through demand response and energy optimisation.
Meanwhile, last year Bryt Energy’s head of flexibility Chris Curry delved into the value proposition of demand side response, stating that demand flexibility solutions “need to be accessible across our business community, allowing more organisations and smart assets to actively contribute to a more agile energy system”.
