elcomponent.co.uk

20th May 202520th May 2025

A large warehousing and supply chain specialist searches for environmental sustainability

Elcomponent, the UK’s provider of leading energy management solutions, supports shipping company in its search for environmental sustainability

The Brief

A global leader in pallet and container pooling services, operating across Europe has implemented an environmental sustainability programme aimed at reducing the environmental impact of its plant operations. With a wide network of service centres and a diverse range of equipment in operation, the client required an energy monitoring solution that was accurate, easy to deploy across multiple sites, and user-friendly for non-specialist staff.

Solution: Elcomponent’s SPC Pro2 Portable Energy Data Logger

To meet the client’s needs, Elcomponent supplied its SPC Pro2 portable three-phase energy data loggers. This solution aligned perfectly with the client’s operational and sustainability needs.

Key Features of the SPC Pro2:

Ease of Use: Requires only a single voltage input via a standard wall socket for voltage reference and power, eliminating the need for complex electrical connections.
Safe Operation: Utilises fully isolated flexible hoop-type current transformers (CTs), ensuring safe use by non-electrical personnel.
Design: Compact and lightweight with a high-impact ABS case and magnetic feet for secure attachment to ferrous surfaces.
Large Memory Capacity: Stores up to 200,000 records, supporting surveys up to 12 weeks in duration.
Flexible Data Download: Offers USB flash drive interface for cable-free data transfer, or direct connection to a PC via USB cable.
Advanced Software: Includes PowerPackPro software for detailed analysis and reporting.

Implementation

The SPC Pro2 devices were deployed across service centres in the UK, Ireland, Benelux, and Spain. These instruments became a foundational component of the client’s “Measure to Manage” programme, an initiative designed to collect accurate and detailed data on the energy use of machinery and processes.

Through easy installation and safe operation, staff were able to monitor energy consumption without the need for specialist training. The data gathered was then analysed using Elcomponent’s PowerPackPro software, providing valuable insights into energy usage trends and helping the client to identify areas for improvement.

Results

Enhanced Energy Visibility: Gained detailed insights into machinery-level and site-wide energy consumption across multiple European sites.
Improved Operational Efficiency: Identified and addressed areas of high energy usage, leading to optimised operations.
Reduced Carbon Footprint: Implemented targeted energy management strategies, resulting in a measurable decrease in environmental impact.

Why the SPC Pro2 Was the Right Fit:

Low total cost of ownership
High usability for non-technical staff
Scalable across multiple sites and countries
Reliable and accurate performance across diverse electrical loads

20th May 202520th May 2025

Case Study: Commercial Property Company achieves 50% Energy Savings with Sub-Metering System

Project Requirements

A family-owned commercial property company operating across the South West of England required a comprehensive energy management solution to reduce its carbon footprint and utility costs across its property portfolio. The client’s goal was to pass energy savings on to its tenants, enhancing the value and sustainability of its properties.

Their business philosophy focuses on delivering “property as a service,” supporting the success of tenant organisations while prioritising environmental responsibility. To achieve measurable improvements, the client sought a modern, automated metering system capable of delivering reliable, real-time utility data.

Challenge

The company faced the challenge of identifying inefficiencies across a diverse portfolio, including office buildings with varying utility demands (electricity, gas, water, and oil-fired heating). Their legacy systems lacked the functionality and insight required to effectively monitor usage or implement targeted efficiency strategies.

They needed a scalable, centralised solution to:

Continuously monitor multiple utility types across sites
Reduce carbon emissions and utility costs
Support long-term sustainability and water-saving initiatives
Provide actionable data to support energy efficiency upgrades

Our Solution

Elcomponent was selected to deliver a full energy management sub-metering system, tailored to the client’s mixed-use portfolio.

The project scope included:

Site assessments for three main properties
Deployment of advanced sub-metering equipment for electricity, gas, oil heating, and water
Integration with a remote monitoring system providing centralised data access from the client’s offices

The implemented system offers real-time insights, enabling the client to pinpoint inefficiencies and track improvements over time.

Implementation Process

Elcomponent delivered a complete turnkey solution, including:

Design and configuration of metering infrastructure
Installation of multi-utility metering equipment across three locations
Centralised system commissioning and data integration

The system was deployed with minimal disruption to tenants and site operations. It enables long-term energy tracking, providing transparency across all monitored buildings.

Business Impact

The impact of the system was immediate and measurable:

50% Reduction in Carbon Emissions: Over five years, the client successfully halved carbon emissions across monitored properties.
£50,000 Annual Energy Savings: Achieved through targeted efficiency improvements and continuous performance monitoring.
54% Water Usage Reduction: One office complex saw a dramatic decrease in water consumption, resulting in £2,500 savings per year.
Tenant Benefits: Energy savings were passed directly to tenants, enhancing satisfaction and the company’s reputation as a sustainability-focused landlord.

The commercial property company now benefits from a robust, automated metering system that underpins its sustainability strategy. The project demonstrates how accurate data and proactive management can drive significant financial and environmental results across a diverse commercial portfolio.

20th May 202520th May 2025

Case Study: Energy Monitoring System Installation for Heating and Drainage Product Manufacturer

Introduction

The Client is the UK’s leading supplier of plumbing, heating, and drainage systems, serving the construction and utilities markets. With multiple manufacturing locations across the UK and Ireland, the company operates several energy-intensive manufacturing processes, including plastic extrusion and clay firing, both of which are critical to its operations. As part of their commitment to improving operational efficiency and reducing energy consumption, the client sought a comprehensive energy monitoring solution to optimise energy usage and minimise costs across its facilities.

Challenges

Managing energy consumption across multiple sites:

Energy Management: Ensuring efficient energy use across multiple sites with diverse, energy-intensive operations.
Cost Reduction: Identifying opportunities to reduce energy expenditure while maintaining high-quality production standards.
Real-time Monitoring: Gaining access to real-time data on energy usage to enable more proactive energy management and decision-making.

Solution

The client partnered with Elcomponent to implement an energy monitoring system that provided comprehensive data collection and analysis. The solution included:

140+ Meters: Installation and commissioning of over 140 meters across four manufacturing sites, allowing detailed monitoring of energy consumption at each location.
Real-time Data: The meters provided real-time data through half-hourly readings, enabling the client to monitor energy usage continuously.
Cloud Platform: Data from all meters was sent to a central cloud-based platform, providing access to comprehensive insights from any location.
Seamless Integration: The system was integrated into the client’s existing LAN network, ensuring effective communication between the meters and data collection hardware.

Elcomponent worked closely with the client’s site teams, supplying, and installing the necessary hardware and software, while ensuring smooth commissioning and integration across all four sites.

Implementation Process

The installation followed a structured and collaborative approach:

- Assessment and Planning: Initial site assessments were conducted to determine optimal metering points and plan the installation process.
- Meter Installation and Commissioning: Accuracy and reliability were combined with a cost-effective and efficient installation process, which was achieved with the minimum of disruption to the sites manufacturing processes. The installation involved meters for all three utilities and was achieved jointly between Elcomponent’s installers and the client’s in-house teams, followed by system commissioning to ensure the accurate collection of data.
- Training and Integration: The client’s team received training on using the monitoring system effectively, ensuring smooth integration with the existing operational management systems.

The Business Impact

The installation of the energy monitoring system delivered immediate and measurable business benefits:

Targeted Reductions: The system enabled the identification of key areas for energy savings, particularly focusing on overhead and ancillary demand.
Waste Elimination: By monitoring energy consumption in real-time, the company was able to reduce wastage in non-core operations, driving significant operational efficiencies.
Improved Energy Efficiency: The system provided the insights needed to target inefficiencies and implement corrective actions, leading to ongoing energy savings.

Customer Feedback

The Engineering Manager at the client’s site shared the following feedback:

“Elcomponent’s building-block approach to specifying the hardware and software has enabled us to realise and install a complete system that is perfectly tailored to our needs. This has been delivered with outstanding quality and professionalism and has enabled us to move to ‘aggressive targeting and monitoring’ techniques, with particular focus on overhead and ancillary demand.”

20th May 202520th May 2025

Leading London Museum – Stand-Alone Metering System for Energy and Water Monitoring

Project Requirements

A prestigious museum in London required a reliable and independent metering system to monitor utilities across five main substations and other key supply points. The system needed to focus primarily on electricity and water monitoring.

Previous efforts to collect data via the existing Building Management System (BMS) proved to be unreliable and lacked the necessary flexibility and performance needed for comprehensive utility monitoring. The client sought a specialist with a proven track record in delivering complex metering solutions within similarly challenging environments.

Challenge

With a complex building layout and multiple substations, the client required a stand-alone, scalable metering system that could deliver accurate data across electricity and water supplies—without disrupting the museum’s operations or historic infrastructure.

Our Solution

Elcomponent was appointed to deliver a full turnkey solution, including:

Site surveys
System design
Installation
Commissioning

The metering system communicates over the site’s engineering LAN and transmits data to Elcomponent’s MW2 energy platform. This cloud-based platform supports multiple user profiles and provides tailored dashboards via secure weblinks, accessible from both desktop and mobile devices, allowing real-time insights into energy and water consumption.

Key Features

Integration with existing, serviceable meters (where applicable)
Replacement of legacy or ‘end-of-life’ meters
Use of Elcomponent’s meter-agnostic approach, resulting in reuse of approximately 60% of existing infrastructure
Significant cost and time savings due to selective hardware upgrades

Installation and Delivery

The project was delivered on time and within the agreed schedule, with careful planning to respect the museum’s listed status and public access requirements. Elcomponent’s team worked with sensitivity to the building fabric and public environment, ensuring zero disruption during installation.

Outcomes and Benefits

This metering system positions the museum to benefit from:

Accurate carbon reporting
Enhanced cost allocation and budget control
Early detection of wastage or unusual consumption patterns
Performance verification of plant and equipment, including BMS-controlled systems
Support for energy efficiency initiatives and net zero targets

As the museum progresses towards decarbonisation and de-gasification, the system plays a crucial role in monitoring energy performance, verifying efficiency upgrades, and tracking sustainability metrics.

16th May 202516th May 2025

Case Study – Elcomponent Metering System Saves +5% at Fine Foods Factory

The client is a manufacturer of luxury foods.

The solution

This isn’t easy – many of the manufacturing processes such as ‘open pan’ cooking represent an energy management challenge, but it’s one that the site Process Manager is ready for…

“Ultimately we need to know the exact energy content of all our products, but right now we’re making significant savings by taking control of unnecessary usage” he says. The tool that has allowed this to take place is a fully integrated multi-utility sub-metering system installed by Elcomponent. “It has provided invaluable information on the various processes, right from day one.”

The system provides half-hourly data on electricity, water and gas usage, and has enabled the food manufacturing client to get a grip on their utility usage in a way that is simply not possible without automatic sub-metering. Significant savings on gas & electricity have been realised by ensuring that plant and equipment runs only when needed, and better control of water usage has already reduced consumption by 5%. Overall savings of about £34,000.00 p.a. have been realised.

The Elcomponent system also provides wireless radio-based automatic temperature monitoring to 26 points including warehouse storage areas, freezers and blast chillers. The chilled areas must be managed efficiently to minimise energy usage and the Elcomponent MW2 cloud software offers temperature measurement as an integral function.

Client’s Feedback

The client is clear about the advantages of the Elcomponent approach…

“Being able to monitor and graph temperature on the same desktop as energy and utility usage is a massive advantage”. “So much so, we’re scoping out the installation of the system in our other manufacturing sites.”

16th May 202516th May 2025

Case Study – Transforming Energy Management, Upgrading to the Elcomponent Cloud Energy Management Platform MW2

Introduction

In today’s rapidly changing energy landscape, organisations across the UK are increasingly looking for efficient and sustainable ways to manage their energy consumption. Legacy energy management systems often struggle to keep pace with the evolving technology and regulatory requirements. This case study highlights the journey of a UK client, upgrading their outdated energy management system to the cutting-edge Elcomponent Cloud Energy Management Platform MW2.

The Challenge

The client’s energy manager was grappling with a legacy energy management system that lacked site wide visibility, was inefficient in identifying energy waste, and didn’t align with their sustainability goals and need to reduce site energy wastage. The client needed a solution that could provide them with comprehensive energy data analysis, automation, and the ability to make informed decisions for energy conservation.

The Solution: Elcomponent Cloud Energy Management Platform MW2

The client decided to partner with Elcomponent, a UK-based energy management solutions provider, to upgrade their energy management system.

Elcomponent’s MW2 was chosen for its comprehensive set of features and benefits:

Real-time Data Analytics: MW2 allowed the users to monitor and analyse their energy consumption in real time. The platform provided instant insights into energy usage patterns, making it easier to identify areas for improvement.
Automated Reporting: MW2 offered automated reporting features that streamlined the generation of energy usage reports. This saved the client significant time and effort while ensuring accurate and timely reporting to regulatory bodies.
Sustainability Metrics: The platform enabled users across the organisation to track their sustainability metrics, aligning with their commitment to reduce carbon emissions and energy waste.
User-Friendly Interface: The user-friendly interface of MW2 made it easy for the client’s energy management team to navigate and make the most of the system’s capabilities.
Dashboards and the ability for unlimited number of users allowed the organisation to engage a wide range of stakeholders across the whole company
Scalability: Elcomponent’s MW2 was scalable, ensuring it could grow with the client’s energy management needs.

The Implementation Process

The upgrade process commenced in January 2022 with an initial assessment of existing infrastructure and energy management goals. Elcomponent’s team worked closely with the client to customise the MW2 platform to meet their specific requirements. The implementation process involved:

- Hardware Integration: Updating hardware components and ensuring compatibility with the MW2 platform.
- Data Migration: Migrating existing data from the legacy system to MW2 to maintain historical records.
- User Training: Conducting training sessions for the energy management team to ensure they could effectively use the new system.
- Testing: Rigorous testing and validation checks were performed to ensure the system’s reliability and accuracy.
- Go-Live: The new system went live in less than 6 weeks, and the client’s energy management team began using the MW2 platform for day-to-day operations.

Results and Benefits

The implementation of Elcomponent’s MW2 platform brought numerous benefits to the client

Real-time Monitoring: The client now has immediate access to energy data, allowing them to proactively manage consumption and identify anomalies.
Cost Reduction: Improved energy management has led to a significant reduction in energy costs.
Sustainability Goals: The platform has helped the client align its sustainability goals by reducing carbon emissions and minimising energy waste.
Scalability: The system’s scalability ensures it can adapt to the client’s changing energy management needs.

Conclusion

Upgrading from a legacy energy management system to the Elcomponent Cloud Energy Management Platform MW2 has been a transformative journey. The new system has not only improved their energy efficiency and cost savings but has also aligned them with their sustainability goals. This case study serves as a testament to the importance of embracing modern energy management solutions to thrive in a rapidly evolving energy landscape.

16th May 202516th May 2025

Case Study: Leading UK University Partners with Elcomponent to Install Advanced Energy Monitoring System

Client

A prestigious, large UK university with multiple campuses and a strong commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency.

Challenges

The university recognised the importance of reducing its carbon footprint and operating costs by efficiently managing its energy consumption across various buildings and facilities. To achieve these goals, the university sought a reliable and comprehensive energy monitoring system that would enable real-time data analysis, reporting, and optimisation of energy usage.

Solution

After conducting extensive research and evaluating various energy monitoring system providers, the university decided to partner with Elcomponent, a leading UK-based company specialising in energy monitoring and sub-metering solutions. Elcomponent offered a tailored solution that addressed the university’s unique needs, including the integration of existing infrastructure, remote access, and data analytics.

Key Features of the Solution

Smart Meters and Sub-metering: Elcomponent’s system included the installation of a range of smart meters and sub-meters across the university’s campuses. These meters collected detailed data on energy consumption for various types of equipment, buildings, and utilities.
Data Aggregation and Centralised Management: The data from the smart meters was aggregated and centralised into a user-friendly platform, providing a holistic view of energy consumption. The system allowed for real-time monitoring and analysis.
Remote Access: University staff and energy managers could access the data remotely, allowing them to monitor and adjust energy consumption in real-time, regardless of their location.
Custom Reporting: The system provided customisable reporting tools, enabling the university to generate reports on energy usage, trends, and efficiency. These reports and dashboards were essential for making data-driven decisions and for demonstrating progress towards sustainability goals.
Energy Optimisation: The system included features for identifying areas of energy inefficiency. This allowed the university to take proactive steps in reducing energy waste.
Integration with Existing Infrastructure: Elcomponent worked closely with the university to seamlessly integrate the energy monitoring system with their existing utilities infrastructure. Utilising existing meters were possible and ensuring the system uses open protocols for new and future metering. Also allowing the University to share data with many location, users and software tools, mean the University has the flexibility to react to future changes and requirements.

Implementation:

The installation of the energy monitoring system took place over several months, with minimal disruption to the university’s operations. Elcomponent’s team of expert engineers worked collaboratively with the university’s facilities management team to ensure a smooth and efficient installation process.

Results

The implementation of Elcomponent’s energy monitoring system had a significant impact on the university’s energy efficiency and sustainability efforts:

Energy Cost Reduction: By identifying areas of inefficiency and implementing recommended improvements, the university saw a noticeable reduction in its energy costs.
Reduced Carbon Emissions: The university’s carbon footprint decreased, aligning with its sustainability goals and contributing to its commitment to combat climate change.
Data-Driven Decision-Making: The availability of real-time data and customisable reports empowered the university to make informed decisions about energy consumption and sustainability initiatives.
Improved Operational Efficiency: The ability to remotely monitor and adjust energy usage allowed the university to optimise its operations and ensure the comfort and safety of its occupants.

Conclusion

By partnering with Elcomponent and implementing a comprehensive energy monitoring system, the large UK university was able to enhance its commitment to sustainability, reduce energy costs, and make data-driven decisions to improve operational efficiency. The success of this project serves as an example of how advanced energy monitoring systems can benefit large institutions in their efforts to become more energy-efficient and environmentally responsible.

16th May 202516th May 2025

Case Study – Energy Efficiency in a UK Cold Store and Transport Company

Introduction

In the United Kingdom, cold storage and transportation companies play a vital role in ensuring the integrity of perishable goods while maintaining the highest standards of energy efficiency. This case study explores the implementation of an Elcomponent Energy Monitoring System in a leading UK-based cold store and transport company to enhance energy management and reduce operational costs. The company’s name has been anonymised for confidentiality reasons

Challenges

The client faced several challenges:

Rising energy costs and a need to reduce operational expenses.
Limited insight into energy consumption and areas of inefficiency.
Ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and sustainability goals.
Maintaining the quality and safety of stored goods.
A desire to optimise energy consumption without compromising operational efficiency.

Solution

The client opted to implement the Elcomponent Energy Monitoring System, a comprehensive energy management solution tailored to the unique needs of the cold storage and transportation industry.

System Installation

The Elcomponent team of experts installed a range of energy monitoring equipment within the client’s cold storage facilities. This included meters, data loggers, and real-time monitoring software.
Data Collection and Analysis
The Elcomponent system gathered real-time data on energy consumption across the client’s operations.
Key metrics included:
- Energy consumption of refrigeration units
- Electricity, Gas and Water
- Reporting and Dashboards
  
  The Elcomponent software (MW2) provided the client with detailed reports and recommendations. These insights allowed the company to identify areas of energy wastage, optimise equipment usage, and develop energy-efficient protocols.

Results

The implementation of the Elcomponent Energy Monitoring System yielded significant results:

Energy Savings: The client achieved a substantial reduction in energy consumption and costs, resulting in an estimated annual saving of £120,000. This saving was due to optimising the performance of refrigeration units and adopting more energy-efficient practices.
Environmental Benefits: By reducing energy consumption, the client decreased its carbon footprint. This aligns with the UK’s environmental regulations and sustainability goals, improving the company’s reputation as an environmentally responsible business.
Improved Product Quality: With accurate temperature and humidity monitoring, the client experienced fewer incidents of temperature deviations. This led to a decrease in product spoilage and improved overall product quality.
Operational Efficiency: The company’s operations became more streamlined and efficient. Real-time data allowed for better route planning, load management, and vehicle maintenance, reducing operational downtime and costs.

16th May 202516th May 2025

Case Study: Energy Monitoring System Installation at a Leading Property Management Company

Introduction

The Client is a leading property management company with multiple sites across the UK and worldwide. They offer managed services to commercial, rural, and residential properties. To improve their operational efficiency and tenant billing accuracy, the company decided to implement a comprehensive energy monitoring system in ten multi-storey, multi-tenanted buildings in the heart of London.

Challenges

The Client faced several significant challenges:

Complex Utility Distribution: Managing the distribution of electricity, gas, water, and heat in a complex, multi-storey building environment.

Reliable Data Collection: Ensuring the collection of reliable and accurate data, compliant with the Measuring Instruments Directive (MID) for tenant billing and energy management.

Oversight and Management: Providing robust data collection for effective energy distribution oversight.

Solution

To address these challenges, Elcomponent was selected to provide the data collection system, along with installation and commissioning services. The solution involved the use of both existing and new meters integrated via the client’s LAN, delivering real-time data to multiple recipients, including:

Tenant billing consultants
Energy optimisation consultants
Building managers
Maintenance teams

Key components of the solution included:

600+ Meters: Installation and integration of more than 600 electricity, water, gas, and heat meters.
Existing & New Meters: Comprehensive installation and commissioning of meters.
Real-time Data: Provision of real-time data to an unlimited number of users, ensuring up-to-date information.
Shared Data: Data shared with multiple third-party users for diverse applications.

Implementation Process

The implementation of the Energy Monitoring System followed a structured process:

Assessment and Planning: Initial assessment to determine the metering requirements and planning the installation process.
Installation and Commissioning: Installing new meters and integrating existing ones, ensuring all meters were connected to the client’s LAN for real-time data collection.
Training and Integration: Training personnel to use the system and integrating it with existing property management systems.
Real-time Monitoring: Enabling real-time monitoring and data access for all stakeholders.

Business Impact

The implementation of the Energy Monitoring System brought significant benefits to the Client:

Automated Data Collection: Reduced the need for manual meter readings, saving time and reducing errors.
Improved Tenant Billing: Automated and granular data feeds improved the accuracy of tenant billing and apportionment.
Energy Savings: Enabled the identification of energy wastage and opportunities for savings through detailed data analysis.
Cost Reduction: Lowered operational costs associated with manual data collection and billing errors.

Conclusion

The installation of the Energy Monitoring System by Elcomponent has proven to be a valuable investment for the Client. The system has enhanced operational efficiency, improved tenant billing accuracy, and provided the necessary tools for effective energy management and optimisation. By embracing advanced data collection and real-time monitoring, the Client has positioned itself for sustained operational success and improved energy management across its property portfolio.