Comment by Leslie Addo, Product Sales Lead at Energy Systems Catapult.

National Sceptics Day (hands up if you knew that was a real day) is fast approaching and so it feels like the right time to address a question I hear almost daily – can data really help make sense of what we need to do to get to Net Zero? Data is more than a buzzword, the right data, used at the right time, can help you make boots-on-the-ground progress.

As much as the idea of using data might sound like yet another box to tick, it can be the ultimate tool for saving time, effort, and money while making measurable strides toward a greener future. So, yes, we’re addressing the sceptics. And by the end of this, we hope you’ll see how Net Zero Data can be your ace card.

Please, no more data

Do you know everything there is to know about your local community (and no, I don’t mean what time the shop shuts)? Do you know where infrastructure should be sited to maximise ROI, which areas are most suited to renewable energy technologies, and which homes could play host to a solar panel? If you answered no to these questions, Net Zero Data can help fill in the gaps in your knowledge.

The beauty of this data? It’s not just raw numbers. It’s ready-to-use, meaning you can access insights about renewable potential, building energy demands, or transport needs at the click of a button. And it’s regularly updated – no waiting for the latest batch of information while you sit with outdated assumptions. This means you can focus on action, not admin.

I’ll make a believer out of you

Net Zero Data can instil you with the confidence needed to make decisions without delay.

1. Identify potential locations

Our data covers a range of technologies including solar PV, heat pumps, EV charge points, and more. Take the guesswork out of where to install these technologies. With our data, the hard work has been done for you. We pinpoint the locations with the most promise and network capacity so you can get started immediately.

2. Data that works for you

We provide datasets by local authority region or even down to postcode level and use the UPRN standard for ease of integration. Whether you’re looking to overlay our data with your own, or use it as a standalone tool, it’s ready to plug into your workflow with minimal fuss.

3. Cost-effective

Data doesn’t have to be costly. Net Zero Data is available as a one-off purchase or through a subscription model, meaning you only pay for the regions or datasets you need. No more paying for overly complicated licensing, expensive one-off reports, or subscriptions that aren’t tailored.

4. A holistic view

We cover a wide range of themes – renewables, heat, transport, and building energy demands – so you can get a whole systems picture of your area’s energy landscape. Whether you need to model energy demands for a community retrofit project or find the best locations for large-scale wind installations, we’ve got you covered.

Still sceptical? Follow me for a moment

You may very well be about to embark on this journey, so go with me here. Imagine you’re a local authority planning to increase the number of electric vehicle charge points in your area. Without the right data, you might base your decision on anecdotal evidence or outdated information, leading to charge points being installed where they’re underutilised, while demand skyrockets in areas you overlooked.

With Net Zero Data, you’d have access to the latest insights on existing charge point locations, potential hubs, and off-street parking options. You’d know exactly where the demand is and where to focus your resources – no guesswork, no wasted budget. This kind of precision doesn’t just save money; it accelerates the transition to a cleaner, more efficient energy system.

Sceptics to believers

‘Data’ doesn’t always inspire excitement, but it should. Access to the right data can kickstart energy and infrastructure projects across your community. As National Sceptics Day rolls around, we challenge you to embrace the possibilities that data offers in the fight for Net Zero. It’s not just numbers; it’s the foundation of smart, efficient, and actionable energy planning.

So, to the sceptics: Let us show you how data can be your ally. Whether you’re just starting your Net Zero journey or looking to optimise existing projects, Net Zero Data is the tool that can help you get there – faster and more cost-effectively.

Ready to see what’s possible? Browse our packages or get in touch to learn more. We promise, once you see the power of data in action, you’ll be a sceptic no more.