2025 Energy Targets? Modern Motors & Variable Speed Drives on Pump Systems Can Help You Achieve Them

The conversation around energy efficiency is shifting. Just a few years ago, sustainability initiatives were on the agenda but were often pushed back when budgets got tight. Today, with energy costs soaring and environmental regulations tightening, building and facility managers face a stark reality: adapt now or risk being left behind with inefficient systems that drain both finances and corporate credibility.

This shift isn't just about compliance or cost savings anymore. It's about maintaining competitiveness in a market where tenants, clients, shareholders, and employees increasingly demand environmental responsibility. In our experience working with facilities across the UK, we're seeing a clear divide emerging: those who embrace new technologies and those who react only when forced by regulation or crisis.

Here's how you can get ahead with two simple upgrades - that don't require a completely new install.

IE4 and IE5 Motors: Are They Worth the Investment?

The past decade we've seen remarkable advancements in pump technology, driven by global sustainability initiatives and the pressing need for energy efficiency.

Recent EU regulations have raised the bar by mandating IE4-level motors (75kW-200kW), classified as "super premium efficiency" solutions. These motors not only consume less energy, but also deliver significant operational cost savings compared to their predecessors. Electric motors are responsible for consuming nearly half of the world's electricity. Within the industrial sector, motor-driven systems account for 64% of electrical energy use, while the commercial sector contributes 20% and the residential sector 13%.

Benefits of modern motors:

IE4s and later will cut energy losses by up to 40% vs IE3...
...and up to 50% savings vs IE2 motors
Run at lower temperatures (reduced carbon footprint and improved durability)
Easy to install and deliver lower maintenance requirements

We can install these modern motors in new systems or retrofit them to your existing pumps, based on your business needs, building requirements, and budget.

How Variable Speed Drives (VSDs) Transform Energy Efficiency

💡 Did you know that fans, pumps, cooling towers, and humidification systems typically account for 40% of energy costs in buildings?

Traditional pump systems operate at constant speeds regardless of demand. Modern variable speed drives:

Adjust pump speeds based on real-time demand fluctuations
Reduce energy consumption during low-demand periods
Extend equipment lifespan by minimising wear and tear
Lower maintenance costs through optimised operation

...and the good news is that we can retrofit VSDs to your existing system (providing that the pump and motor are compatible). Speak to an account manager to find out more (email: info@deckpro.uk.com)

Want to continue reading about VSDs? Check out our blog:

Variable Speed Drives: Why aren’t we unlocking their full potential in modern pump systems?

The Numbers That Matter

Consider these compelling statistics:

A standard 7.5 kW pump operating continuously at full speed consumes 65,700 kWh annually
VSD can achieve up to 80% reduction in energy consumption compared to fixed-speed pumps
Upgrading to an IE4 or IE5 motor can return immediate energy cost savings of around 20%
Energy consumption represents up to 90% of total pump ownership costs
A mere 10% reduction in pump speed can yield 34% energy savings

Looking at the Future of Pump Technology

As we move toward a more sustainable future, several trends are shaping the industry:

Increasing focus on net-zero emissions targets
Growing adoption of electric solutions
Enhanced integration of smart technologies
Rising importance of energy efficiency in budget decisions

Joe Smith, Operations Manager at deckpro pumps, says:

"We are thrilled to offer cutting-edge solutions that not only drive down operational costs but also contribute to a more sustainable environment. Our team provides guidance and support that helps clients achieve unprecedented savings while enhancing overall system performance."

Success in Action: The Robinson Pool Case Study

Want to see these principles in action? Our project at Robinson Pool in Bedfordshire demonstrates the real-world impact of modern pump technology. Read the full case study here.

By upgrading three outdated pumps, we achieved:

82% reduction in energy consumption
Improved water quality
Enhanced system reliability
Significant cost savings