New research from leading business energy consultancy Inenco has provided insight into how the role of the energy manager will change by 2030, and has highlighted the level of investment needed if businesses are to future-proof their operations.
The role of the energy manager is predicted to become even more critical in reducing carbon emissions and managing operational costs, but with gaps in skills and technology being identified, businesses must start investing in the tools and training required.
The research revealed that by 2030, today’s energy manager will have evolved into the future utilities manager – a senior-level, digitally savvy data scientist who will be responsible for making key strategic business decisions.
With non-domestic energy still making up around 75 per cent of the UK’s energy consumption, the utilities managers of the future will play a pivotal role in delivering the UK’s low carbon agenda.
In line with this, by 2030, the energy manager will have a broader remit covering all business areas, including transport – one third of energy managers have already gained responsibility for transport during the last five years – and will need to be a digital expert.
A fifth of respondents commented on a substantial increase in the role of data during the past five years, with unanimous agreement that this trend is set to continue. In readiness for this data-driven future, 14 per cent of today’s energy managers are already investing in better data systems.
While predicting a significant expansion in the scope of the energy manager’s responsibilities, Inenco’s report also highlights a skills and technology gap that must be addressed.
Jon Bauer, chief technology officer of Inenco, said: “In the future, energy will be a decision point in all business investment choices.
Changes in technology and evolved social behaviours mean the future utilities manger will have access to real-time data and artificial intelligence, allowing them to make strategic decisions that will optimise a business’ own demand, instantly.
They will ultimately be responsible for ensuring that the business they work for is aiding the UK’s transition to a low carbon economy.”
“However, unless businesses are effectively supported and are able to embrace best practice and innovation, meeting the UK’s energy targets could be under threat.”
In response to the challenges outlined, Inenco is launching an Innovation Hub.
The hub will bring people from academic institutes and industries together, and will focus on developing solutions through a series of hackathons.
Following the hackathons, a panel of industry experts will judge the solutions, with prizes for winning students. Inenco will then look to invest in developing the ideas further.
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