Links Industrial Estate – Net Zero Audit

Neual carried out a full net‑zero alignment audit of Links Industrial Estate, a nine‑unit light‑industrial site in Hanworth with a mix of warehouse, fabrication, storage and office uses. The estate currently operates with inconsistent EPC performance, partial reliance on gas heating and a lack of metering and controls. Lack of annual energy data and limited system controls restricts its ability to demonstrate progress toward Aviva’s Net Zero Pathway.

Neaul's audit combined an on‑site engineering review with analysis of EPCs, available energy data, tenant operations and building services. Fabric condition, HVAC systems, lighting, ventilation and electrical infrastructure were assessed against Aviva standards, REEB benchmarks and CRREM decarbonisation trajectories. Roof areas were evaluated for solar PV potential, and opportunities for electrification and system simplification were explored across all units.

The analysis highlighted high energy intensity in the units with available data, continued use of gas boilers, widespread manual control of heating and cooling, inconsistent lighting quality and the absence of on‑site renewables. The recommended pathway focuses on improving operational control through enhanced sub‑metering and BMS‑style management, rationalising multiple split ASHPs into more efficient VRF systems, replacing remaining gas systems with electric heating, and installing a substantial PV array capable of supplying 20–30% of annual electricity demand. Targeted fabric measures, such as external shading and selective insulation upgrades, further support demand reduction.

The proposed strategy included £1.8 to £2.7m of retrofitting measures, high priority measures £600k – 850k which would reduce operational carbon, improve EPC ratings and strengthen long‑term compliance with MEES and CRREM‑aligned decarbonisation expectations.