How a UK space startup plans to use satellites to measure energy wastage

With the built environment accounting for around a third of the planet’s greenhouse gas emissions, innovation around energy efficient and sustainable buildings has never been more welcome. According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), energy consumption in buildings can be reduced by up to 80 per cent using proven technologies.

Satellite Vu, founded by Anthony Baker in 2016, is a tech start-up on a mission to make waves — infrared waves, specifically — in the area of monitoring the built environment, and the way that humans are using it. Equipped with infrared sensors capable of detecting the heat emissions from buildings all across the world, the company’s satellites will be able to gather real-time information several times a day. This data can provide valuable insights into energy efficiency, helping businesses to assess their carbon footprint and some of the key areas where energy is being wasted.

“The resolution we’re operating at is building-level resolution,” Baker told The Engineer. “The science agencies like ESA and NASA have 100m resolution, so one pixel equivalent to 100m. That’s good for farming, agriculture and counting trees, large features.