GUEST ARTICLE: Turning buildings into energy assets

British businesses are having to navigate some of the highest electricity prices in the world. The financial impact of this means many expect to be less competitive in the years ahead. Finding solutions to mitigate those costs should therefore be high on the priority list for building owners and managers. One of the most effective options to them to this is transforming their buildings into energy assets, as Andrew Gordon, Managing Director UK & Ireland at Eaton, explains here…

Buildings as energy infrastructure

Becoming an energy asset means installing building infrastructure which allows it to generate, transmit and store its own power. Since 2010, the cost of achieving that aim has dropped significantly. Lifetime costs for solar and onshore wind energy now 88% and 68% lower, respectively. Meanwhile, the price of batteries has decreased by over 90% in the past 15 years.

When paired with a smart energy management system, these technologies allow building owners to further reduce costs and improve resilience. These systems help shift energy use to off-peak periods, storing electricity when it is cheaper and using it when grid prices rise. As dynamic tariffs, a system whereby the price of electricity rises with energy demand. become more common, businesses that can adapt their energy consumption in real time will see the greatest savings.

Beyond cost reduction, demand response programmes offer businesses an opportunity to generate additional income by adjusting energy use during peak demand. Energy storage solutions not only support this flexibility but also create the potential to sell excess stored energy back to the grid. This transforms energy management from a cost-saving exercise into a profit driver.

The sustainability selling point

Investing in energy-efficient buildings does more than reduce emissions. It lowers operational costs, improves asset value, and future-proofs buildings against rising energy prices and tightening regulations.

Optimising insulation, HVAC systems, and smart energy management helps businesses cut costs by reducing energy waste and improving efficiency. Meanwhile, on-site EV charging and flexible energy systems increase land value, as properties with embedded sustainability features are becoming more attractive to tenants, investors, and buyers.

Beyond financial gains, sustainability is a market differentiator. Businesses and consumers are prioritising sustainability in their decision-making, meaning companies with greener buildings are more likely to win new partners and retain customers.

Those that take action now will not only secure their long term operations but also contribute to the UK’s transition to a better energy system.