Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about Algi, from how it works to what it costs.
Getting started
Do I need to upload anything to start?
No. Enter your building address to preview a report from available public records. Create a free account to unlock the full report, save it and access the PDF. No bills or payment are needed to start. You can add bills later for more building-specific evidence.
What data sources does Algi use?
The public report checks for an address-matched non-domestic EPC and regional climate and grid context. Outdoor-air data appears when a licensed source is configured. Missing data is labelled. Your details and uploaded bills add building-specific evidence. No hardware is needed to start.
How does the automated bill analysis work?
Upload a PDF or photo of your gas or electricity bill. Algi's AI extracts recorded figures and prepares a report with source references, limitations and practical actions. Missing evidence is labelled; estimated savings require a supporting calculation.
Compliance and reporting
What does SECR compliance actually require?
SECR requires qualifying organisations to disclose energy use, greenhouse gas emissions and related information in their annual reporting. The scope depends on the organisation and reporting year. Building bills provide part of the evidence; transport, group boundaries, emissions calculations and management review may also be needed.
Can Algi generate my SECR report?
Algi can organise recorded energy consumption and costs to support SECR preparation. A complete disclosure also needs the correct organisational boundary, relevant transport data, emissions calculations and required narrative. Confirm the reporting scope and available outputs with us before relying on an export for filing.
What is ESOS Phase 4 and do I need it?
ESOS Phase 4 has a qualification date of 31 December 2026 and a compliance deadline of 5 December 2027. A UK undertaking qualifies with 250 or more employees, or both turnover above GBP 44 million and a balance sheet total above GBP 38 million. Group rules also apply. Check the Environment Agency guidance and confirm the assessment route with a registered Lead Assessor.
How much does a typical company spend on energy compliance without Algi?
Costs depend on organisational scope, sites, data quality and the work commissioned. Our comparison is an illustrative combination of services, not a fee every building incurs or a guaranteed saving with Algi. Ask for a scope-specific quote and include any external assessment or sign-off fees.
What does Comply include that Essentials does not?
Comply focuses on reporting preparation and organising evidence for obligations such as SECR, ESOS and Carbon Reduction Plans. Confirm the required outputs and delivery scope in your quote. A building energy report alone is not a complete organisational disclosure, audit or accredited sign-off.
What is the advisor network?
Where specialist assessment is needed, discuss the scope with Algi and a suitably qualified adviser. ESOS assessments generally need a registered Lead Assessor; EPCs and DECs require the appropriate energy assessor. Availability, fees, site visits and sign-off responsibilities must be agreed separately.
Does Algi replace my energy consultant?
Algi helps you organise evidence and investigate building costs. It does not replace a technical survey or legally required accredited assessor. Use the report to prepare a more informed conversation with your adviser.
Packages and pricing
How is pricing structured?
Packages are quoted per property according to the agreed scope; Enterprise is quoted per portfolio. Start with a free public-data report, then discuss the services you need. Your quote should confirm included outputs, hardware, adviser fees and contract terms before you commit.
Can I start with one package and add more later?
Yes. Most companies start with Essentials or Comply and add Monitor or Advisory when they are ready. The platform is the same underneath every package, so upgrading is adding capabilities, not migrating data.
Do I need hardware to use the software?
No. Essentials and Comply are software only. They work from your energy bills and public data sources. Monitor, Housing, and Complete add Algi Sense hardware for real-time environmental monitoring, but the software works without it.
Housing and monitoring
What does Algi monitor in each home?
Algi Sense units measure temperature, relative humidity, and CO2 continuously. Particulate matter (PM2.5) is also tracked. Readings are logged at one-minute intervals, timestamped, and stored on the Algi platform.
Does Algi guarantee compliance with Awaab's Law?
No. Monitoring can help record indoor conditions, but readings alone do not prove a hazard was investigated or resolved on time. Providers must keep response, repair and resident communication records and meet their duties. Algi does not guarantee compliance, prevent mould or replace inspections.
Can Algi detect damp and mould?
Algi monitors conditions that correlate with damp and mould risk, specifically sustained high humidity and inadequate ventilation. It does not directly detect mould growth. Humidity spikes that may indicate possible leaks are surfaced for investigation.
How does the evidence trail work?
Every sensor reading is timestamped and stored. When a condition triggers an alert, the response and any maintenance action is logged against the same timeline. The full record is exportable as PDF or CSV for case files, complaints, or regulatory review.
What is the hardware and how is it installed?
Algi Sense is a compact wireless sensor that measures temperature, humidity, CO2, and PM2.5. It is battery powered, requires no wiring, and installs in minutes. The sensor connects to the Algi platform via WiFi or the Algi Hub gateway. Hardware is leased, not purchased.
Is there volume pricing for large portfolios?
Yes. Housing associations and local authorities with portfolios of 50 or more units are eligible for volume pricing. Book a call to discuss your stock and requirements.
Hardware
What does the Bio Wall actually do?
The Bio Wall is a living Spirulina panel that processes airborne particulates and CO2 as part of the building's air handling system. It complements HVAC rather than replacing it, and has shown load reductions of 25-30%* per room in controlled testing.
How is the hardware installed?
Algi Sense is wireless and battery powered. It installs in minutes with no wiring. The Algi Hub connects to your network via ethernet or WiFi. The Bio Wall requires connection to the building's fresh air supply, which is handled by our installation team.
What happens if hardware fails?
Contact Algi to investigate a failed device or missing readings. Replacement, maintenance and support arrangements are set out in your hardware agreement. Confirm these terms and the handling of data gaps before deployment.
Is the Bio Wall patented?
Patent application GB2404515.5 is pending. The Bio Wall is an Enterprise-tier product available after the software platform has established the building's baseline performance.
Can I buy the hardware outright?
Algi offers hardware through a leasing model. Confirm installation, maintenance, replacement and collection terms in your agreement. Accounting treatment depends on the contract and the accounting rules that apply to your organisation.
About Algi
Who is behind Algi?
Algi is built by Oxyvias Limited (company number 16560131), a UK company. The platform was developed through the Innovate at UWL programme at the University of West London.
Is Algi an algae company?
Algi started with algae-based air quality research, and the Bio Wall remains part of the product. But the core platform is software: energy bill analysis, compliance reporting, and building monitoring. The name reflects the origin, not the boundary.
How is Algi different from an energy consultant?
Algi helps organise building records and uploaded bill evidence so you can investigate costs and prepare questions. An adviser provides professional judgement, site assessment and regulated sign-off where required. The platform supports that work; it does not guarantee lower adviser fees.
Where can I try the platform?
Enter your UK commercial building address at algi.uk to preview a report from public data. Create a free account to unlock the full report and save it in the app. No payment required. Book a call if you would like a walkthrough.
For detailed technical explanations, see our explanations page.
Start with your free building report
Preview your building report from public data. Create a free account to unlock the full report and save it in Algi. No payment required.
No bills or payment needed. Preview first, then create a free account for the full report and PDF.