Preparing for a Sustainable Future: How Low Code Helps Utilities Achieve Net-Zero Goals

From managing renewable energy sources to tracking carbon output, the technical demands of achieving net-zero goals can overwhelm utility companies’ existing systems. Although most companies have ambitious net-zero targets, their aging technology can make it difficult to track and reduce emissions while keeping costs low.

Low code platforms offer a practical solution by making it simpler to build applications that automate sustainability initiatives and optimize resource usage. Let’s explore how this technology helps utility companies speed up their transition to clean energy operations.

Short on Time? Here’s a Brief Overview

• Traditional utility systems lack the flexibility to integrate renewable energy sources and track emissions effectively.

• Low code platforms significantly speed up the development of sustainability applications compared to traditional coding.

• Built-in automation tools help utilities optimize grid management and resource allocation.

• Visual interfaces make it simple to create custom carbon tracking and reporting solutions.

• Pre-built components enable quick deployment of renewable energy management systems.

  
  

The Challenges Utilities Face on the Road to Net-Zero

Look at a typical utility company’s infrastructure, and you’ll find systems designed decades ago for one-way power distribution from large fossil fuel plants. Now, these same systems must handle a completely different world—one with solar panels sending power back to the grid, wind farms that generate varying amounts of electricity throughout the day, and regulators demanding detailed emissions data.

Renewable energy adds new complications to grid management. Unlike coal or gas plants, which produce steady power output, solar and wind generation changes with the weather. Grid operators need sophisticated tools to balance these fluctuating sources with customer demand. Meanwhile, information about emissions and energy usage often remains trapped in disconnected computer systems.

New environmental regulations raise the stakes even higher. Agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the US, the European Environment Agency (EEA) in the EU, and similar national environmental regulators elsewhere mandate detailed tracking and regular reports on emissions. Meeting these requirements with outdated systems forces utilities to spend countless hours on paperwork instead of progress.

The Role of Low Code Platforms in Overcoming Challenges

Low code platforms give energy and utility companies visual tools for building custom applications without extensive programming. That means you can quickly assemble solutions by combining pre-made components and see numerous benefits:

• Rapid application development: Instead of spending 6-12 months coding a new application from scratch, utility teams can create working solutions in weeks. This speed helps companies respond faster when they spot opportunities to reduce emissions or improve efficiency.

• System integration: Low code excels at connecting different systems through built-in connectors and APIs. By bringing together previously isolated data, utilities get a clear view of their emissions, resource usage, and grid performance across all operations.

• Cost-effective solutions: Visual development means existing staff can build and maintain sustainability applications with minimal training. You’ll no longer rely on hard-to-find programming specialists, which means less development time and lower ongoing costs.

• Flexible architecture: As environmental requirements evolve, low code applications can adapt quickly. Their modular design makes it simple to add new features or modify existing ones without disrupting core operations.

  
  

Practical Applications of Low Code for Net-Zero Goals

For energy and utility companies aiming to meet their net-zero goals, there are several clear applications for low code platforms:

Carbon tracking and reporting

Custom carbon monitoring tools built with low code pull data automatically from multiple sources, eliminating manual data entry while ensuring consistent tracking. The Dutch Emissions Authority, for example, achieved 100% compliance using the Mendix low code platform to monitor industrial emissions.

A low code platform’s visual interface can also automatically generate regulatory reports in required formats. Built-in validation catches potential errors before submission to stakeholders and regulators, reducing compliance headaches.

Renewable energy management

Low code enables utilities to build sophisticated monitoring and control systems for renewable energy integration. Instead of coding, the visual tools simplify the creation of dashboards that track generation, demand, and grid stability in real time.

Applications can also be used to automatically adjust power distribution based on renewable availability and usage patterns. For example, when solar output drops, the system can smoothly transition to alternative sources while maintaining service quality.

Grid resilience and modernization

Low code applications analyze operating data to find ways to improve efficiency. By monitoring equipment performance, power flow, and usage patterns, these tools help utilities cut waste and make better use of renewable resources.

The Benefits of Low Code for Utilities

Energy companies that put low code development into practice benefit from:

• Accelerated innovation: The quick development cycle helps utilities rapidly test and implement new sustainability ideas. Teams can try solutions, get feedback, and make improvements without long delays.

• Improved efficiency: Low code platforms include powerful automation that streamlines sustainability processes. From gathering data to creating reports, automated workflows reduce tedious manual tasks while improving accuracy.

• Enhanced decision-making: By connecting previously separate systems, low code applications give users a complete view of operations. This fuller picture leads to better choices about resource use and emissions reduction strategies.

• Future-proof solutions: The flexible nature of low code applications helps utilities adapt to changing environmental requirements. When new regulations or better technologies emerge, companies can quickly update solutions to stay effective.

  
  

The Path Forward: Steps Utilities Can Take

Energy companies can follow these steps to get started with low code development:

1. Identify specific sustainability challenges where low code could make the biggest impact. Evaluate areas like emissions tracking, renewable energy management, and environmental reporting automation.

2. Map out your existing systems and data sources. Understanding what you currently have helps you plan better integrations and spot opportunities for improvement.

3. Build a team that combines operations expertise with basic technical skills. While low code reduces the need for programmers, you still need people who understand both utility operations and basic software concepts.

4. Create a focused pilot project to demonstrate value. Choose something contained but meaningful that can serve as a model for future work.

5. Invest in appropriate training for your team. Though low code tools are intuitive, training ensures teams can use advanced features effectively for sustainability projects.

6. Set clear metrics to measure success. Define the expected improvements in areas like emissions reduction, reporting time, or resource efficiency.

7. Start small and iterate based on feedback. Regular assessment helps identify ways to expand or enhance solutions as your sustainability program grows.

8. Document everything you learn. Create guides and best practices to help future projects succeed faster.

   
   

CLEVR’s Commitment to Driving Utility Sustainability

CLEVR helps utility companies accelerate their net-zero journey through the strategic use of low code technology. As a certified Mendix support partner, CLEVR brings expertise in both low code implementation and utility-specific challenges.

Let’s take look at two case studies:

Eneco

The partnership with Eneco, one of the Netherlands’ leading sustainable energy companies, demonstrates CLEVR’s impact. Eneco’s 200 in-house technicians and partners visit over 250,000 customers annually to service and install central heating boilers, district heating systems, and sustainable solutions like heat pumps and solar panels. 

CLEVR developed Splash, a scheduling system that reduced failed visits from 40% to just 2-5%, significantly cutting unnecessary travel and associated emissions. 

Building on this success, CLEVR is now developing a second application that connects with Eneco’s Internet of Things (IoT) platform to optimize district heating service and maintenance.

Unica

CLEVR’s work with Unica, the Netherlands’ largest independent technical service provider, showcases the power of workflow automation. CLEVR created a centralized system that manages hundreds of daily customer reports across 14 branches, integrating data from multiple channels, including IoT sensors. The solution streamlined operations for over 2,000 employees while enabling better resource tracking and optimization.

For utilities pursuing net-zero goals, CLEVR offers comprehensive support, including integration capabilities with enterprise systems like SAP and Salesforce, along with 24/7 global support to ensure continuous operations.

Final Thoughts

Low code platforms give utility companies practical tools to achieve their net-zero goals through better efficiency, automation, and innovation. By making it easier to create custom sustainability solutions, these tools help utilities overcome technical barriers to environmental progress.

To learn more about accelerating your sustainability initiatives, explore our guides on low code development and digital transformation for energy companies.

Research Methodology

This analysis draws on documented case studies, industry research, and direct experience with utility digital transformation projects. The recommendations incorporate insights from successful low code implementations across the energy sector, focusing on practical applications for sustainability goals.

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