BFM February Issue

FEBRUARY 2021 www.bfmmagazine.co.uk building & facilities facilities management management

FIRE & HAZARD PROTECTION | RECYCLING | SUSTAINABILITY

Is ‘COVID-safe’ guidance enough?

see pages 16-17

INSIDE:

Bywaters tackling the 2.5bn disposable coffee cup issue

see page 6

Protect What Matters Most Your Employees For complete virus protection*, add air purification to hand and surface hygiene practices

*The AeraMax Professional Air Purifier was demonstrated to be effective in reducing airborne concentrations of influenza A aerosol in a test chamber, reaching 99.9% airborne virus reduction within the first 35 min of operation.

For further details, email Tim Browning: tbrowning@fellowes.com or visit aeramax.com/uk

On the cover: Is ‘COVID-safe’ guidance enough?

see pages 16-17

February 2021

BFM Team Business Development Director

James Scrivens james@abbeypublishing.co.uk Production

Contents News

4

Is your Cooling Tower Healthy?

Sarah Daviner sarah@abbeypublishing.co.uk Account Manager

Katie Brehm accounts@abbeypublishing.co.uk

Fire & Hazard Protection

18

ROCKWOOL® develops CPD in response to flat roof fire risk challenges

Sustainability

20 BFM is published digitally 10 times a year b ­ y Abbey Publishing Ltd. To receive a copy free of charge, contact our offices.

Tel: 01933 316931 Email: bfm@abbeypublishing.co.uk www.bfmmagazine.co.uk www.abbeypublishing.co.uk www.twitter.com/ BFM_Magazine

Subscriptions are available via www.bfmmagazine.co.uk/subscribe

How are businesses measuring up when it comes to sustainability?

Recycling & Waste Management

24

Innovate UK awards £500,000 to Greyparrot, Middlesex University and Paper Round to fund trials for AI robotics to sort plastics

Security & Access Control

26

Top ten security tips to protect vacant and minimally occupied buildings

Special Feature

28

Join the PSSA today

No part of this publication may be reproduced by any means without prior permission from the publishers. The publishers do not accept any responsibility for, or necessarily agree with, any views expressed in articles, letters or supplied advertisements.

Some manufacturers and suppliers have made a contribution toward the cost of reproducing some photographs in this magazine.

All contents © Abbey Publishing Ltd 2017 ISSN: 1470-5281

Building & Facilities Management – February 2021

3

News

Is your Cooling Tower Healthy?

Whilst the pandemic has led to a temporary downturn in industrial activity, it provides a good opportunity to review and update your cooling tower treatment in the context of the UN’s Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs). Evoqua is responding to these evolving water treatment demands with an ever-expanding portfolio of more sustainable solutions including electrochlorination and UV disinfection.

Biocides are, of course, effective against most bacteria and viruses that are found in cooling towers, but these chemicals have drawbacks.

Storing and handling chemicals like sodium hypochlorite occupies a good deal of space and they can degrade in storage losing their efficacy, and spillages or high concentrations in blowdown can be an environmental hazard. Evoqua’s OSEC® L electrochlorinator produces safe, low strength sodium hypochlorite solution from sodium chloride, the same salt that you use to regenerate the cooling tower make-up water softener. Salt is not only

4

News

safer and easier to handle; you save on transportation associated with bulk chemical supply, reducing your carbon footprint. The only other input is electricity which, if sourced from renewables, helps to deliver on your SDG commitments.

With increasing concern about the possible presence of harmful chemicals in facility discharges, more and more cooling tower operators are aiming to reduce chemical use and turning to chemical-free ultraviolet disinfection. UV has commonly been applied in markets as diverse as potable water supply, aquaculture, food & beverage, to swimming pools. It inactivates a wide range of microorganisms and bacteria, including chlorine-resistant microbes like Cryptosporidium and has been shown to be effective

against many viruses. UV disinfection eliminates chemical handling hazards and reduces the environmental Impact associated with biocide use.

Self-sufficiency and resilience are of increasing importance to facility managers, and the option to use safer products to operate in a sustainable way is increasingly attractive.

Evoqua’s combined chemical and non-chemical disinfection solutions reduce energy usage, minimise chemical consumption and extend the life of your water treatment process equipment. Evoqua also offer solutions to support water reduction, reuse, or recycling of cooling water which contributes to a stronger and more sustainable circular economy. https://www.evoqua.com/en/ info@evoqua.com

Building & Facilities Management – February 2021

News

EarthSense Collaborates with WSP to Investigate Air Pollution Around London Schools EarthSense, the air quality expert, is collaborating with professional services and consulting firm, WSP to assess the air quality around a consortium of schools in London.

EarthSense Zephyr® air quality sensors have been deployed throughout a group of schools in the City of London due to the growing concern of parents and teachers about the impact of high levels of air pollution on pupils’ long-term health. Zephyr® sensors are situated in the main reception and outdoor areas of each site to help identify and mitigate sources generating spikes in air pollution.

WSP_A school building in London, England.jpg The project sees Zephyr® air quality sensors recording concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter (PM2.5) in and around each location to establish the exposure levels pupils and staff experience during school times.

Using an active sampling mechanism which takes ambient air pollution measurements every 10 seconds via an inlet, followed by releasing the sample through a separate air outlet, Zephyr® air quality sensors provide WSP project managers with real-time NO2 and PM2.5 measurements which are viewed via the EarthSense web app, MyAir®.

The web app provides users with quantified information about measured air pollutant concentrations, which can be viewed in an interactive www.twitter.com/BFM_Magazine

map, downloaded, and analysed. Using this data, those involved in the project can easily identify spikes and trends in air pollution levels.

Once dangerous NO2 levels are detected, air quality data from the sensors will be used to determine the requirement for, and gauge the success of, measures to reduce pollution.

Once determined, informed pollution interventions can be implemented and supporting data can be used to keep parents of pupils and staff notified about pollution levels. Schools will now be able to advise parents and pupils on actions to take to reduce their exposure to poor air quality on their journeys to and from school.

Dr Peter Walsh, Technical Director at WSP stated: “The Zephyr® sensors have proven to be the optimal device for our clients’ needs as they are unobtrusive, relatively silent monitoring devices, and require minimal manual intervention. They have provided our client with a continuous feed of both ambient and indoor

air quality data, and an instantaneous data download, via MyAir®, from within a classroom environment with no disruption to the pupils or class activities.”

Commenting on the project, Managing Director at EarthSense, Tom Hall adds: “We initially started working with WSP to carry out a study on a traffic management system in the Midlands and it’s great to see our partners using our products and services across a variety of other industries impacted by air pollution.”

Tom continues: “It’s important that we continue to work on projects like these as London experiences higher levels of pollution than anywhere else in the UK. With almost nine million people residing in the city, in conjunction with the lack of open green spaces available, emissions from the increased number of vehicles and underground transport get trapped in built-up areas and can enter the respiratory system of those nearby.”

News

5

News

Bywaters tackling the 2.5bn disposable coffee cup issue Approximately 2.5 billion coffee cups are used and thrown away each year in the UK, and Bywaters - a leading London based waste management company aims to recycle as many as possible through their coffee cup recycling scheme. That’s a ‘latte’ coffee cups!

Coffee cups are a hidden villain in the recycling world due to their notorious makeup.

Although predominantly made from paper, most coffee cups contain a polyethylene lining to build resistance against heat, allowing the cup to hold hot liquid and users to handle without any discomfort.

Unfortunately, coffee cups containing the fused materials cannot be recycled at standard recycling plants.

Many people are unaware of the materials that make coffee cups and regularly dispose of them in the wrong waste stream. This causes recycling contamination, with most coffee cups ending up in landfill or incineration. As recently as 2018, 99.75% of coffee cups in the UK were not being recycled, producing potentially harmful side effects and increasing disposal costs.

To convert coffee cups into recyclable material the coffee cups need to go through a specific process to remove the plastic lining from the virgin paper.

Firstly, the coffee cups are collected by Bywaters’ electric vans and bailed at their recycling facility, powered by 4000 solar panels. Once bailed the cups are transported to one of Bywaters partner mills which separates the paper from the plastic using a pulper. The materials are then sent to their own recycling stream where they are recycled into high quality products.

Tackling the issue head on, in 2019 Bywaters partnered with ‘The Cup Fund’, a grant funded 6

News

by charity Hubbub and Starbucks, to implement a coffee cup recycling scheme at three of London’s prestigious universities.

To change perceptions and re-establish the waste segregation process, Bywaters implemented a variety of innovative recycling equipment, including: • State-ofthe-art reverse vending machines • Bespoke coffee cup shaped recycling bins for each site • Custom-printed recyclable coffee cups • Discounts on hot drinks for those recycling their cups • Prize competitions featuring sustainable alternatives to coffee cups and gift vouchers The reverse vending machines provide users with discounts on hot drinks when they recycle cups, also entering them into prize draws. By providing cash incentives, students are far more likely to recycle their cups. Helping to reduce the 152,000 tonnes of CO2 produced by coffee cup disposal in the UK annually.

Similar to what 33,300 cars produce in a year.

‘As part of our ‘Plastic Free LSE’ campaign, we promote reusable coffee cups on campus. The introduction of the Cup Fund initiative on the LSE campus provides students and staff with a way to recycle single-use cups as a complement to this. Working together with Bywaters and the Cup Fund enabled us to install eye-catching cup bins and a reverse vending machine in our Student Union,

as well as engaging visuals and communications.’

Elena Rivilla Lutterkort, Sustainability Projects Officer, LSE The Cup Fund infrastructure established by Bywaters has successfully educated university attendees on coffee cup recycling and consequently increased recycling rates in the education sector.

The solution maximises the value of the coffee cups, creating a circular economy that allows paper cups to be reprocessed multiple times into high quality paper, notebooks and cards. The polyethylene extracted has been used to make plastic products such as reusable bottles and containers.

This has reduced recycling contamination and prevented coffee cups from generating additional CO2 emissions during incineration. If this model was replicated in other institutions, it could further reduce global carbon emissions and play a part in the worldwide effort to halt climate change.

Get in contact now www.bywaters.co.uk enquiries@bywaters.co.uk 020 7001 6000

Building & Facilities Management – February 2021

BEFORE ROOFTOP DEVELOPMENT

Langley Structures Ltd is helping social housing providers optimise their housing stock by transforming and redefining the roofscape by providing new dwellings on top of existing roofs through Rooftop Development (RTD).

Langley can provide a complete end-to-end package from conceptual design, planning and building control approval, through to the monitoring of the installation on site. Langley’s Rooftop Development solution can support clients exploit the space above their buildings and help with the chronic shortage of both affordable housing and the lack of new house buildings.

Contact us to book the Rooftop Development webinar on:

AFTER

Benefits of utilising Rooftop Development include: • No land acquisition.

• Quicker to build compared to traditional methods of construction.

Different method options available to suit site constraints.

• Minimal disruption to residents and cost to the building owner.

• Creates social and community benefits.

• Opportunity to improve external and internal fabric, target zero carbon, rainwater harvesting, storm-water management and aesthetics.

For more details on feasibility including design considerations, services available and case examples, book our CPD webinar today.

T: 01327 704778

E: CPD@langley.co.uk

W:www.langleystructures.co.uk

News

Extending Up To Meet Housing Demand Upward Extensions have the potential to provide a quicker and more cost-effective way of creating new affordable homes – and could be key to meeting current housing demands. Here, David Gatehouse, Head of Langley Structures Ltd explains more about extending upwards and its feasibility.

In 2017, the Government set private housebuilders, housing associations and councils a target of building 300,000 new homes per year by 2025 to meet the demand for housing in the UK. As part of that pledge, it is important that the right type of new housing is delivered, including affordable homes and those for social rent in the areas where they are most needed. The on-going shortage of suitable housing means the number of people in temporary accommodation remains a serious issue for local authorities. Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) statistics show that at the end of March 2020 there were 93,000 households living in temporary accommodation in England, an

8

News

increase of 9.4% compared with the previous year. The figures also show that 65% of these are in London alone. The cost of temporary accommodation to local authorities is also substantial with councils across England spending £997 million on temporary accommodation in 2017-18.

One of the key challenges for meeting housing demand is the availability of land, especially with the need to protect valuable green areas in and around towns and cities. In 2017/18 549,342 m2 of green land was built on to ease the demand for housing, however this solution is not sustainable in the long term and therefore new approaches are a necessity. For example, London needs 66,000 new homes a year, yet more than one-fifth

(22%) of the land within the capital is designated Green Belt.

One possible solution is extending upwards and utilising the airspace above existing buildings to create new dwellings. Estimates of the number of homes that could be created in this way in UK towns and cities vary.

However, a study conducted

by Knight Frank suggests that in London Zones 1 and 2 alone, as many as 40,000 new homes could be built on top of existing buildings. Although not all of these sites will be suitable, it does demonstrate the potential that exists at the rooftop level.

The concept of upward extension has repeatedly received support from the Government. Since July 2018 the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) has stated that planning decisions should support the use of the ‘airspace’ above buildings especially if “the development would be consistent with the prevailing height and form of neighbouring properties and the overall street scene”.

Building & Facilities Management – February 2021

News Furthermore, the Government’s revision of the Permitted Development rules makes it easier to utilise rooftops. The updated rules allow the construction of up to two additional storeys on purposebuilt, detached blocks of flats, subject to certain conditions.

This approach to the creation of new homes is particularly suited to social housing providers as they already own the building and extending upwards allows them to make the most of an existing asset. In addition to solving the challenges of land acquisition, extending upwards can also offer a more costeffective approach to housing delivery compared to newbuild or in-fill development.

With no need for ground- or infrastructure enabling-works, new homes can be created at a much lower cost per unit. These cost benefits may be particularly important for local authorities and housing associations for whom optimising the use of limited capital is essential.

Another key advantage of upward extension is the speed of delivery, especially when the selected solution makes use of modern methods of construction (MMC). For example, Langley Structure’s RTD system features a lightweight, robust steel frame, which can be built into modular cassettes off-site. These can then be delivered to site as required, lifted to the roof and positioned.

The insulation and external cladding can then be installed, and the new flats connected to the building’s services.

This approach also means minimal disruption for residents as typically they can remain in their homes throughout the build. This also has a benefit for housing providers as it eliminates the need to find suitable alternative accommodation for the residents during the build.

A further benefit of extending existing purpose-built residential buildings is that local amenities and transport links are already www.twitter.com/BFM_Magazine

present. It is also important that the design and construction of the extension provides high quality homes that are safe and comfortable for residents.

Finally, extending upwards provides the option of integrating renewable energy technology and other features to help reduce household energy consumption and improve the sustainability of the building. For example, photovoltaic panels and ground source heat pumps can be added to lower energy costs as well as sun tubes that can introduce more natural light. Green, biodiverse and blue roofs are also an option to increase biodiversity and improve rainwater management.

When the upward extension is carried out as part of a wider refurbishment, energy efficiency upgrades can be applied to the whole building to deliver benefits for all residents.

The scale of projected demand for new homes in the coming years means the green-field first strategy that has dominated housing delivery in previous decades is no longer viable.

Local councils and social housing providers are ideally placed to lead on the implementation of new approaches to delivering the high-quality homes that our towns and cities need.

Extending upwards and utilising solutions such as Langley’s Rooftop Development, offers a cost-effective way of creating these homes and the widespread adoption will help address the issues we face.

To view Enfield’s Lytchet Way estate, a case example of a social housing provider utilising Rooftop Development as part of a large regeneration project, visit: www.langleystructures.co.uk/ case-studies/lytchet-way-estate News

9

News

Plug and play CO2 monitor keeps your workplace safe As offices begin to open up in the next few weeks, and safety comes to the fore, companies are being encouraged to install CO2 Monitors in the workplace.

Ventilation, in the current pandemic, is one of the most important factors in helping reduce the relative risk of the airborne transmission of COVID-19.

A report produced by Sage’s Environmental and Modelling Group (EMG), and endorsed by the Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE), suggests that fresh air plays a significant role in keeping the virus at bay indoors, and that poor air quality could be highlighted with the use of a CO2 monitor.

In response, a UK manufactured, USB powered ‘plug and play’ CO2 monitor has been launched in 2021 to provide a cost-effective solution. The Vision CO2 Monitor helps determine if further ventilation is required by providing a clear digital readout and focuses on a bold traffic light display to indicate that further ventilation is required when it matters.

‘This CO2 monitor is particularly appropriate for offices, site cabins, and schools

10

News

where there are installation constraints, facilitating a fast but reliable method of monitoring the risk of COVID transmission,’ commented Andy Green, who developed the unit.

Elevated CO2 levels not only provide an indication that airborne contaminants may be present, but they also reduce cognitive function, productivity and can have long term adverse effects on health and general wellbeing.

‘Most buildings are naturally ventilated and rely on opening windows for fresh air, or use air recirculation systems that have been switched off, so without a CO2 monitor there is no way of knowing if spaces such as offices and classrooms are adequately ventilated,’ commented Andy Green.

‘There are a number of ‘cheap’ units available online, however these focus on gimmick displays rather than the required traffic light

indication. We also offer UK support with a guaranteed supply chain if larger quantities are required.’

‘The Vision CO2 Monitor removes any uncertainty and provides an immediate indication that further ventilation is needed,’ he added. ‘If risk reduction for COVID is an issue in your workplace or school I strongly recommend getting in touch,’ Andy concluded.

For more information visit www.vision-co2monitor.co.uk or email vision@flamefast.co.uk

Building & Facilities Management – February 2021

CRITICAL POWER SPECIALISTS Ensuring business continuity by supplying the right power solution for you.

• Generators

• Hire & Rental

• UPS Systems

• Service & Maintenance

• Control Systems • Bespoke Design • Installation & Commissioning • Project Management

• Fuel Management • Batteries • Load Banks • 24 Hour Call Out

Get in touch with us today to see how we can support your business...

023 9278 3450 info@pandigroup.co.uk pandigroup.co.uk

News

CES Holdings Expands Portfolio with Four Major Project Wins for Interational Schools Manchesterheadquartered CES Holdings, the UK’s largest exporter of education and learning resources to international schools, is celebrating a successful start to 2021 after landing four new projects worth up to £2.5m.

The business, which works with global suppliers and publishers delivering educational resources to more than 90 countries worldwide, secured the prestigious contracts thanks to its exceptional reputation and strong, longstanding relationships with existing customers

12

News

and suppliers worldwide.

The four projects will be undertaken on separate sites across Europe, South East Asia, and the Middle East, spanning a diverse range of learning environments, including science laboratories, design and technology (DT), performing arts, early years, libraries, and general classroom resources.

Work will include: The consolidation of three campuses into one for a school in Amsterdam, which will accommodate 1,200 pupils. CES will provide furniture for new early years and primary settings, in addition to dining areas.

Provision of a wide range of education resources and library books for a school in Indonesia.

The design and installation of classroom environments for two newbuild schools in Qatar, including DT and science laboratories, fixed furniture, and structural works.

Several North West manufacturers and suppliers will collaborate with CES on the provision of equipment and furnishings, including S+B UK Ltd, commercial laboratory furniture manufacturer, and Flamefast Education, a supplier of workshop solutions. Spaceright Europe Ltd – headquartered in Cumbernauld, Scotland - will provide world-class nursery

Building & Facilities Management – February 2021

News furniture for the Amsterdam project via its subsidiary company, Millhouse.

Works are scheduled to begin in spring and anticipated to conclude in late 2022.

Matt Palmer, International Director at KCS Group and Director at CES Holdings, said: “After a challenging year for the education sector globally, these project wins mark a significant step forward both for CES and the wider sector.

“We have worked closely with schools during this time, creating COVID-safe learning environments and ensuring they have all they need for the delivery of the English curriculum to pupils overseas. This investment in new equipment and facilities demonstrates the confidence in the marketplace during what

has been a tumultuous period.

“Our UK based supply partners represent the best of the best in the global education landscape. We look forward to working together to deliver these inspirational learning environments that will be enjoyed by pupils for many years to come.”

With a focus on primary and secondary education, CES’ comprehensive procurement package is tailored to meet the individual needs of schools; sourcing and exporting items to international schools with an English curriculum, including books, furniture, and classroom equipment.

Established over 40 years ago, the company employs 70 staff at its headquarters in Manchester. In 2020, it was acquired by KCS – a

subsidiary of Kent County Council and one of the largest local-authority owned trading organisations in the UK. In addition to its latest project wins, CES is looking to the future, enhancing its credentials with a new online trading platform targeting international schools around the world.

Past projects include the design of an innovation centre, mathematics classrooms and extensive collaboration spaces at The Bermuda High School in Hamilton, Bermuda, and the installation of DT labs and provision of a broad range of education resources to The Oryx International School in Doha, Qatar; operated by Stockportbased international schools’ group, Orbital Education.

Bringing your places to life

A F L E X I B L E A P P R OA C H TO TOTA L FA C I L I T I E S M A N A G E M E N T

We offer

the full package or a tailored selection of services that suit your business.

A stand out company who excel in facilities management Derwent fm offer an holistic and completely flexible approach to facilities management: one that delivers outstanding service and professional expertise in all areas. We have all your needs covered, no matter what service you require, and keep all project costings transparent throughout. Our experience and portfolio allow us to really understand the needs of our clients, provide expert advice and deliver a professional service with consistent results.

Speak to us today to find out more.

0113 531 1000

www.twitter.com/BFM_Magazine

enquiries@derwentfm.com

www.derwentfm.com

News

13

News

More than two-thirds of FM leaders resistant to digital progress Outdated attitudes towards technology amongst senior facilities management business leaders are at risk of jeopardising future business survival, new research has found.

The Connected Enterprise report, produced by digital transformation specialists Sigma Dynamics, in partnership with applied futurist Tom Cheesewright, reveals that 71% of C-suite executives, directors and senior managers are sceptical about the benefits of implementing new business technology.

Exploring this scepticism, the research shows that 64% are doubtful that it improves efficiency, 71% cynical about its ability to improve productivity, and 79% question its positive impact on customer relationships.

Interestingly, 13% think technology can cause problems if not implemented carefully, while 8% worry that the cost often outweighs the benefits, and another 8% believe the traditional way of operating is more effective.

Colin Crow, managing director of Sigma Dynamics, commented: “From these

14

News

statistics we can infer that many senior businesspeople in the facilities management industry that have been burned by previous digital transformation efforts. It is unfortunately quite common for businesses to choose the wrong technologies, or roll them out without enough support for employees, which can be very costly mistakes.

“Some of these misconceptions are therefore understandable, but as the twin threats of Brexit and the COVID-19 have shown us over the past year, the business landscape can change with incredible speed.

“Organisations must be agile and open-minded in order to cope with the impact of these, and other, national and global challenges that we will all inevitably face, and it will soon become almost impossible for businesses to thrive without the help of strategically planned and implemented technological innovations.

“However, from our research it’s frustratingly clear that these events still have not served as a wake-up call for complacent business leaders.”

The report found that more than two-thirds (71%) of those surveyed believe that Brexit will have an impact on their customers’ demands and expectations over the next five years, while 59% think that the pandemic will, suggesting that the vast majority are conscious of some of the difficulties that potentially lie ahead.

However, 40% said that they don’t believe that changes in customer demands and expectations will require the adoption of more business technology, and only half think that events such as Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic have made business technology more essential to success.

Worryingly, just a fifth (21%) said that they believe they will have to implement more technology in order to remain competitive.

Applied futurist, Tom Cheesewright, added: “COVID-19 catalysed investment in technology, but that investment was often overdue. If we are to avoid playing catch-up when the next challenge hits – or the next opportunity appears – then we should be thinking now about what changes to our technology, processes, culture and models can best prepare us for the future.

“Making the right investments in technology, and skills, is a critical part of futureproofing any business, adding resilience and agility.”

Building & Facilities Management – February 2021

ISION

USB POWERED HIGH-QUALITY UK MANUFACTURED CO2 TEMPERATURE & RELATIVE HUMIDITY MONITOR

CO2 MONITOR

The Vision CO2 Monitor is a high-quality UK Manufactured CO2, Temperature & Relative Humidity Monitor. This USB powered device provides a cost effective ‘plug and play’ solution to help determine if further ventilation is required by providing a clear digital readout with a simple to understand traffic light backlit display.

ISION

HELP PROTECT AGAINST

COVID-19

Key Features USB powered Non-dispersive Infra-red (NDIR) CO2 sensor Clear digital readout Bold Traffic Light Indication Typical 10 year life expectancy Self-calibrating CO2 sensor Optional Wall Mount Bracket UK MANUFACTURED

www.vision-co2monitor.co.uk vision@flamefast.co.uk Green:

under 800ppm

Amber:

800 - 999ppm

Red:

over 1,000ppm

01925 281 230

On The Cover

Is ‘COVID-safe’ guidance enough?

It is clear that the Coronavirus pandemic will continue into 2021, with restrictions and guidelines still in place for Covid-secure work environments.

But, in order for employees to resume work back at the physical office without worrying about spreading the virus, companies need to consider introducing additional protocols to ensure that the workplace is, in fact, safe.

The HSE has outlined guidelines for ‘Covid-safe’ workplaces, including simple solutions such as social distancing and hand washing, but do they go far enough to sufficiently protect employees?

Technology can support businesses to go beyond the basic requirements in order to further prevent the spread of the virus and business closures associated with it.

We all hope with the roll out of the vaccine program, things will get back to normal (whatever normal will be) sometime in the Autumn – with far fewer (if any) restrictions in place at all. By then, it is forecasted that the whole of the UK adult population will have some immunity against the virus so you would expect normal things to resume.

However, it would be prudent for businesses and employees not to drop their guard completely, as there is always the ongoing threat of mutated strains of the virus – ones that the current vaccines provide less protection against. Of course, vaccines will be updated to combat new strains but there will be a period between discovery and immunity, where the virus can spread more easily and we can all be at greater risk.

No one wants to go back to full lockdowns or even a tiered system where so many businesses are shut and office staff are forced to work from home. Which means implementing new procedures and perhaps new technology to help reduce the rate of transmission in order to keep it contained.

16

On The Cover

Temperature Monitoring

Test and Trace

Temperature monitoring provides one solution that could aid businesses looking to implement safer practices which go beyond Covid-safe government recommendations.

This solution works by enabling companies to have a clearer picture of whether or not an employee or customer has a raised temperature, helping them to avoid potentially unwell people entering the establishment and spreading the disease.

Temperature checks and monitoring offer early detection of Covid-19 which is essential to preventing the spread of the virus. Thermal imaging can be used to regularly measure temperature, while also being discreet where needed. Those with high temperatures can then take the proactive steps to use the government’s testing system and self-isolate if deemed necessary to avoid any potential escalation.

For locations where multiple temperatures need to be checked at one time, cameras can be calibrated in order to achieve this. Screening terminals are plug and play and can be quickly and easily installed, even without the need for third-party installation on site – providing instant reassurance for those attending the facility and limiting further outside contact. Systems can also offer facemask detection and can even be expanded to allow remote camera viewing for those entrances that cannot be manned all the time, resulting in a more Covid-secure workplace.

With many organisations remain open throughout lockdown, social distancing measures are an important barrier against spreading infection, companies need to ensure that they have the mechanisms in place to protect their workers. It is essential for companies to have more visibility in order to remain open and secure in the knowledge they are doing everything they can to safeguard their staff and business. Warehouses and factories for example cannot afford to shut down the whole system because one or two members have tested positive for the virus.

Unfortunately, the NHS test and trace app, has reportedly had a ‘marginal impact’ and has not been very successful in identifying and preventing the spread, but a more specific and nuanced approach could play an incredibly helpful role in keeping these businesses open.

A private test and trace system installed by a business offers a way of narrowing the outbreak identified in the workplace and containing it. By wearing tags that connect with each other and automatically identify when they come near, contact tracing records the history of these contacts in a database. The tags relay their contacts to cloud software platforms over existing wireless networks, meaning if someone has Coronavirus, they can easily identify who they have been near.

Additionally they help maintain six feet of separation through alerting the wearer if they get too close to another tag.

Building & Facilities Management – February 2021

On The Cover This type of solution allows companies to control an outbreak rather than the situation spiraling out of control because they cannot identify who could have the virus, thus having little choice but to temporarily close the entire organisation down resulting in potentially huge revenue loss.

Practicing social distancing safely For staff that are currently working in factories and warehouses, it may be at a limited capacity in order to promote Covid-safe workplaces.

This means that there will be an increased likelihood of lone workers and companies need to consider ways to protect these workers as they may have no longer have colleagues around them to raise alarms, should something happen. Secondly, due to social distancing measure, workers are less likely to converse face-to-face, so companies need to look at alternative ways to help teams collaborate.

Ideally, businesses need a way to tackle both factors together to aid safe working conditions. Companies are able to add this into one multifunctional device which enables workers to communicate with their team and raise alarms in the event of an emergency if they are working alone.

Combining these functions into one streamlined device further means that workers don’t need to worry about having different devices on them throughout the working day. Panic buttons, tilt and nomotion sensors, push to talk (PTT) technology and other comprehensive communication and lone worker protection functions can be integrated into one tailored device. Based on Digital Radio or smartphone technology, devices can be compact and robust, capable of reliably transmitting communications and alerts www.twitter.com/BFM_Magazine

over private radio or 2G, 3G, 4G and Wi-Fi networks.

These communications methods available on the one device can safeguard staff working alone due to social distancing requirements and can be fine-tuned to suit a business’ requirements. This is essential to ensure that the solution focuses on the individual requirements of a company, especially during a time when everyone is adapting to the new-norm.

Conclusion These solutions are not only beneficial to businesses for going above and beyond government recommendations

to promote a more Covidsafe workplace, but to protect employees. Workers will feel more secure with regular temperature checks using thermal imaging devices and by adopting a private test and trace system employees will have confidence knowing that the spread of the virus is being carefully monitored at their workplace. Furthermore lone worker solutions will promote safer practices for those who can no longer work closely with colleagues due to social distancing. It’s clear that technology can provide an effective barrier against the spread of the virus, and support businesses from a commercial angle too.

On The Cover

17

Fire & Hazard Protection

ROCKWOOL® develops CPD in response to flat roof fire risk challenges CPD advises on improving fire performance in the fifth façade ROCKWOOL has launched a new CPD (Continuing Professional Development) module to help roofing contractors and specifiers mitigate fire risk in flat roofs. The new module, available at rockwool.co.uk, has been developed by the stone wool insulation manufacturer to enhance industry understanding following regulation changes and provide guidance on determining relevant noncombustible classifications in flat roofing systems.

Following the release of its whitepaper ‘Flat roofs: Managing fire risk in the fifth façade’, ROCKWOOL has developed a complementary CPD module that explores the major risks and causes of roof fires and how these can be alleviated 18

Fire & Hazard Protection

using non-combustible insulation solutions.

“Understandably there’s been a lot of focus on the combustibility of insulation products within façade systems, but despite roofs often being responsible for the development of a fire, the role of insulation in this elevation has been side-lined,” explains Will Wigfield, Product Manager – Flat Roofs at ROCKWOOL. “When you also add that flat roofs are fast becoming a more prominent feature in building design often with multiple uses, it’s essential that we upskill roofing contractors and specifiers to make sure the correct, non-combustible insulation is being used.”

The ‘Fifth Façade’ CPD explores the role of the roof in the spread of fire and the

potential risks when noncombustible roof insulation is not carefully considered, especially when flat roofs are complex and multi-purpose in their function. The learning module also advises on current standards including BS EN 13501-5 ‘BROOF (t4) and how to futureproof current designs to meet future policy, as well as give greater protection to buildings and their users now.

The final section of the CPD outlines ROCKWOOL’s range of fire-resistant stone wool insulation products that are compatible with a variety of modern flat roof systems.

Learn more about managing fire risk in flat roofs, register to attend the ROCKWOOL CPD session at rockwool. co.uk/fifthfacade.

Building & Facilities Management – January 2020

Looking forward to welcoming you back Call for papers Healthcare Estates is a unique event that consists of the prestigious IHEEM Annual Conference, Awards Dinner and the UK’s largest trade exhibition for the sector.

N G I S DE D N U F D L I U B E G A N MA N I A T N I MA

We are now inviting submissions (and yourselves), to the IHEEM Conference at Healthcare Estates 2021.

Deadline for conference submissions: 2 February 2021.

Submit your paper at www.healthcare-estates.com

19-20 October 2021 Manchester Central Principal Media Partner health estate journal

Main Event Sponsors

JOURNAL OF THE INSTITUTE OF HEALTHCARE

ENGINEERING AND ESTATE MANAGEMENT

IHEEM

Registration Sponsor

VIP Sponsor

Supported by

Sustainability

How are businesses measuring up when it comes to sustainability?

As part of our recent ‘Sustainability in the C-Suite’ report, we asked 80 financial directors to tell us about their business’ approach to sustainability. While we found differing levels of commitment, our report revealed that most organisations are making efforts to reduce carbon emissions.

Plan to make an impact Despite most respondents stating that they were trying to cut emissions, less than half (49%) have a corporate sustainability plan in place that they are actively working towards. Around 16% said they have a plan in place that they are yet to implement, and over a third (34%) of businesses have no sustainability plan at all.

Data - the measure of success When asked about how they measure the success of carbon reduction methods, almost half (43%) say they can accurately measure their energy consumption throughout their organisation.

Almost 38% of FDs said that they aren’t able to precisely measure their usage and almost 20% said they weren’t sure whether they can or not.

We’ve found that the availability of data is a common stumbling block for businesses wanting to reduce their carbon impact. While your organisation may have ambitious targets in place, without a solid understanding of current consumption, it’s almost impossible to determine the effectiveness of your actions.

Scope 3 emissions Among those who have a carbon reduction plan in place, our report found that 55% are focusing on Scope 1 & 2 emissions. Slightly fewer companies are including Scope 3 emissions in their carbon 20

Sustainability

reduction plans, with 47% measuring the emissions created from sources they don’t directly control.

The term Scope 3 relates to indirect emissions and covers both upstream and downstream activities. Upstream activities include purchased goods and services and business travel by means not owned or controlled by an organisation, while an example of a downstream activity is the end-of-life treatment of sold products.

While measuring Scope 1 and 2 may be straightforward for many organisations, especially if they are required to comply with SECR, getting to grips with Scope 3 may prove to be a little trickier. However, Scope 3 emissions can make up a significant proportion of a company’s overall emissions (upwards of 90% for some companies), so companies who are serious about sustainability will need to include these if they want to give an accurate picture of their carbon footprint.

Getting invested It’s widely understood that investment is needed across all sectors if we’re to reach net zero. Most of the businesses we questioned were planning to invest more in energy efficiency during

2020, although the ongoing effects of the pandemic have undoubtedly halted plans for some – one respondent told us that “COVID-19 is going to place huge restrictions on discretionary investments.”

When discussing barriers to investment, 53% of FDs said that there are too many competing priorities for capital investment, and that this is only likely to increase due to the impact of COVID-19.

Others (40%) shared that it is difficult to demonstrate a tangible return on investment, and 31% said that they were unsure of the best technologies and measures to invest in.

Sustainability success Understandably the challenges of 2020 have meant that businesses have been left to juggle competing priorities. However, the climate crisis remains a priority for government, and business leaders must remain committed to driving down emissions and putting in place their own rigorous sustainability programmes. For information on how to develop your roadmap to sustainability success, download the ‘Sustainability in the C-Suite’ report here - https://inspiredenergy. co.uk/landing/report/

Building & Facilities Management – February 2021

Sustainability

4 things most people don’t know about their energy contract The last 12 months have been turbulent. Many organisations have faced unprecedented uncertainty, with a return to business as usual still out of sight.

The past year of rolling lockdowns - local, regional, and national - has bled into a new year, where we face both economic uncertainty and continued restrictions.

Saving money and staying afloat will be the top priorities.

All businesses will have outgoings at a time when income is not guaranteed.

Your energy contract is unlikely to be front of mind, but over the course of the pandemic we’ve seen businesses renewing their contracts, rather than shopping around or falling into rollover rates.

Businesses are looking for certainty and stability at a time when it’s been hard to find. Depending on the exact terms of your energy contract, there may still be

www.twitter.com/BFM_Magazine

room for uncertainty.

Now is the right time to familiarise yourself with your energy contract and to look for those charges or elements that could have an impact on your business.

Increases in Third Party Costs The total cost of energy comprises lots of various charges. Only around half of the final cost of your bill comes from electricity. The rest comes from third party costs (TPCs).

These costs - also called non-energy or non-commodity costs – include the costs of energy distribution and transmission, grid balancing, and environmental charges like the Climate Change Levy.

These charges are paid for by energy suppliers, who then charge end users.

Customers on passthrough contracts will have these costs charged directly.

Customers on fixed contracts should look closely to see

which of the costs are fixed; some may not be.

Haven Power expect thirdparty costs to rise this year due to COVID-19. The pandemic created difficult circumstances for the energy network, making it more expensive to manage the grid. You can find out more about the impact of COVID-19 on the energy network here.

The additional costs incurred as a result will be passed through to suppliers.

Charges will increase to cover this cost. Some organisations that used less electricity during the pandemic may find their bills have fallen by less than expected, while customers who worked throughout the pandemic may find their bills are higher than usual.

To find out more about how third-party costs might impact you over the coming year, download Haven Power’s latest TPC guide.

Sustainability

21

Sustainability

Harnessing digital for successful energy management Covid-19 has forced everyone to rethink their relationship with technology.

As organisations have found themselves forced into accelerating their plans for digital transformation to enable remote working and continue operating effectively, if you haven’t already, now is the time to consider how digital can support your energy management.

There are numerous benefits to digitising your energy management. Consolidating vast amounts of data into one place will simplify the complexities of managing energy across your portfolio as well as helping to cut carbon emissions, streamline resources, reduce overheads and implement new processes and policies. All positive steps when it comes to staying ahead of the game and differentiating yourself from key competitors.

As the UK Government looks to harnesses a green recovery to rebuild the country post the pandemic,

22

Sustainability

recognising the positive impact digital technology can have on your own energy management will be invaluable.

Choosing the right energy management solution Before you rush into choosing a software solution for your energy management, it is important to understand what you want to achieve. Knowing your long-term goals will help you to create a plan and set objectives before configuring your software, ensuring it becomes an integral part of running your organisation.

You will want to consider how your organisation operates and

how your energy management software can help you to achieve internal targets. It is important to keep in mind the type of consumption you’re tracking and the data you would like to be seeing through target setting and monitoring.

Ensuring a smooth transition is essential when implementing any digital solution into your organisation. The importance of seamless onboarding of an energy management system will ensure your operations can continue without disruption.

The system should be monitoring your operating hours to ensure no data is lost.

Building & Facilities Management – February 2021

Sustainability One of the key drivers for implementing an energy management solution is to ensure your organisation has the data needed to comply with legislation and regulatory requirements. A good digital solution will help you aggregate your data, and fill in missing gaps so you can produce accurate environmental reports to achieve successful compliance. With increasing public pressure on organisations to take climate action and with the Government’s target to reach net-zero by 2050, managing carbon emissions with complete transparency has never been so important.

You should also consider your organisation’s communication and engagement needs. With all your organisation’s data in one place, an energy management solution will have the capability to provide compelling consumption insights for all areas of your business.

Dashboards and reporting tools can give you the ability to share and publish energy and utility related information with stakeholders and colleagues.

Engaging the right people through sharing information in a simplified format, giving you the ability to present statistics and usage to a diverse audience.

Investing in the future Despite the initial cost of moving to a digital approach, investing in technology to support your organisation’s plans for the future can ensure payback. Helping you to save money in the long term as you use your energy more efficiently, maximising your cost recovery opportunities and saving staff administration time.

To futureproof your investment, you want to look for a provider that is demonstrating a commitment to develop and grow their system, enabling you to continue to benefit from advancements in the technology. TEAM Energy’s commitment to evolve and improve their solutions is written into their mission and values as a business. The www.twitter.com/BFM_Magazine

company’s suite of Sigma solutions is continually adapting to meet changing industry needs, and incorporates customer feedback into the development pipeline.

Digital and technology are not only becoming more affordable but also easier to implement and with greater accessibility, meaning organisations can monitor and manage energy remotely. A feature which is becoming increasingly important as working from home continues to be the new normal for many. The flexibility of a digital energy management solution means that you can identify anomalies in utility bills and generate cost recoveries from wherever you’re based, increasing the level of visibility and accessibility you have to your energy data.

Initiating change within an organisation can come with challenges. As an energy management solutions provider, TEAM still regularly see organisations with many years of consumption data tracked in spreadsheets, so recognise that the move to using one solution for managing, monitoring and reporting is a big change to an organisation’s processes and team function.

To help make sure your move to digital is successful, it is important to ensure buy-in from not only top-level management but also employees who will be working on the system. Gaining confidence and support in a digital strategy can take time, and it is important to provide a greater understanding of the benefits of the systems and invest in training for those who will be using the software. Using customer service support, software trainers and Key Account Managers, you can also ensure your employees remain up to date with the system, including any new updates and features. This will ensure you will always be getting the very best out of the software.

As organisation’s look to the future, the importance

of digitising operations will become increasingly important. As the pressure builds on organisations to more proactively reduce their carbon emissions, many will need to adapt their current operations to ensure they can keep up.

Through taking advantage of the digital technologies that are available, such as energy and sustainability management solutions, you can work towards meeting your internal sustainability goals and the wider target of net zero before further regulatory changes are imposed.

Starting off on the right foot is key to be able to utilise future technologies, by starting to prepare now, laying the foundations and investing in digital solutions early on, will ensure you are prepared for the future of energy and carbon management.

What’s next for your digital transformation plan?

In the current climate, we are seeing the UK Government increase funding around climate action as they aim to build back better and greener. The expectation is that we will also see further regulations surrounding climate action to be introduced. With this in mind, now is the perfect time to transform your energy management and invest in a monitoring and targeting solution, that can help you to meet the demands of your organisation, manage your energy usage and cut costs in the long term. Laying the foundations for a future in which your organisation’s operations are run digitally.

Business leaders must start to consider how they are managing their energy and how they can harness digital to become more energy efficient. Making the necessary reflections and changes to their structures; incorporating the right people, processes and technologies to ensure they can continue to grow in an ever-changing landscape.

Sustainability

23

Recycling & Waste Management

Innovate UK awards £500,000 to Greyparrot, Middlesex University and Paper Round to fund trials for AI robotics to sort plastics Novel AI robotics will be installed at Paper Round’s Materials Recovery Facility to trial automation technology to improve the efficiency of plastics sorting.

In a joint bid, London-based recycling company Paper Round with leading AI startup Greyparrot and Middlesex University have been awarded £500,000 by Innovate UK, the UK’s innovation agency to develop an AI driven lowcost robotic solution to detect and recover plastics from mixed waste streams. The technology will be retrofitted at Paper Round’s existing Materials Recovery Facility in Purfleet, Essex in summer 2021 for trials after lab tests.

The £500,000 grant will accelerate research on the

24

Recycling & Waste Management

integration of AI visual capability into third-party robotics.

Working with Greyparrot and Middlesex University, Paper Round will give feedback on captured images of plastics, as well as provide the waste data to train the AI vision system. They will also provide a testing site, to optimise the robotics and allow for greater accuracy of sorting.

The AI waste recognition software created by Greyparrot will be integrated into a thirdparty hardware system and will use deep learning technologies to solve complex visual problems to ensure robots can ‘see’ the waste with the same or better accuracy than humans. The software uses embedded prediction models that allow remote continuous monitoring and improvement.

Just under 60% of plastic bottles and 33% of pots, tubs and trays are recycled in the UK and current automated processing solutions are unable to fully sort the wideranging variety of plastic types effectively at low cost. Rapidly developing AI identification technology coupled with low-cost robotics offers the opportunity to help boost the recycling figure.

The project will serve innovators in the industry who seek intelligent software to power waste sorting machines.

Bill Swan, Managing Director of Paper Round said: ‘We are excited to be part of these trials. We see many different types of plastics on our sorting facility, and we welcome the opportunity to be able to more efficiently identify and sort these for recycling.’

Mikela Druckman, Co-founder & CEO of Greyparrot: “We are thrilled to be working with Paper Round on this innovative project. This grant also opens up collaborative opportunities to embed our waste recognition software with machinery providers to ensure products at the end of life are captured for recycling efficiently.”

Mehmet Karamanoglu, Middlesex University: “We welcome this fantastic opportunity to collaborate with our partners in tackling such an important issue. Being able to use our robotics and AI research expertise that will lead to tangible and practical outcomes is great to see.

We are looking forward to helping make a significant contribution in tackling the challenges with rapid plastics identification and recycling.”

Building & Facilities Management – February 2021

Recycling & Waste Management

For more information on advertising within BFM Magazine, please visit our website or get in touch using the details below: www.bfmmagazine.co.uk bfm@abbeypublishing.co.uk 01933 316931

www.twitter.com/BFM_Magazine

Recycling & Waste Management

25

Security & Access Control

Top ten security tips to protect vacant and minimally occupied buildings With many employees working from home as the impact of the pandemic continues to be felt, security experts are alerting businesses and facilities managers to ensure that vacant or minimally occupied buildings are kept safe and secure in the wake of increased security threats.

Tim Isaac, security advisor at 14forty, which provides integrated facilities management services, said: “The pandemic has brought the business-critical issue of premises security to the fore. While we have seen a renewed community spirit in many aspects of society, criminals, such as thieves, are taking advantage of this national crisis, targeting lockedup properties or those where occupancy levels are lower than usual. Implementing

26

Security & Access Control

robust security measures to protect premises is therefore more critical than ever.”

Here are 14forty’s top ten tips for businesses looking to bolster their security as the coronavirus pandemic continues: Identify and adapt: Conduct, continually review and update risk assessments based on new and evolving security threats, such as the likelihood of crime as restrictions are eased.

Update operating procedures

and action plans to suit.

Update incident response procedures: Ensure procedures reflect the changing working landscape and remote working. Test command, control and communications capabilities to make sure they are fit for purpose.

Regularly review security provisions: This will help benchmark contract performance in the case of facilities management providers, as well as ensure

Building & Facilities Management – February 2021

Security & Access Control

technology is up to date and secure against current threats.

Implement phased return to work procedures and staffing: As the government eases lockdown restrictions, some staff may need retraining in aspects of their work or navigating security protocols.

Bring staff back gradually.

Train security staff: Significant developments in global threats mean training requirements are different to five years ago.

Ensure security staff complete the Protect Duty and Action Counters Terrorism (ACT) Awareness training packages to stay up to date and relevant.

Audit and review access control systems: This will ensure both physical and electronic security provisions are both up to date and conform to any current legislation ensuring the site is safe and secure.

Penetration testing and table top www.twitter.com/BFM_Magazine

security exercises as part of the site training program are also advisable especially after long absences of staff from site.

Protect building perimeters: This is critical to limiting and managing access points, where criminals could enter properties. Lighting and CCTV can be utilised more efficiently within a protected perimeter.

Embrace CCTV: Technological advancements means companies can use CCTV for much more than just evidence gathering. CCTV can monitor capacity in areas and allow operators to judge Covid-19 safety measures, control access into buildings for individuals or vehicles, as well as check building temperatures and alert fire safety systems if there are any dangerous fluctuations.

Employ security officers: Still the most robust and vital

tool in keeping people and premises safe and secure.

Use them to regularly patrol buildings, inform and educate employees on Covid-19 safety measures, conduct temperature checks to reduce the risk of transmission and manage occupancy levels.

Ensure that security measures are highly visible: Visible and vocal security teams, cameras and signage is an additional deterrent factor and will help to reassure returning employees.

14forty is the integrated facilities management division of Compass Group UK & Ireland. It provides services such as security, cleaning, front of house and catering across a wide range of industry sectors.

To learn more about 14forty, please visit 14forty.co.uk.

Security & Access Control

27

Join the PSSA - Launching the Public Sector Sustainability Association The Public Sector Sustainability Association (PSSA) provides a professional association and network for all those working in the Public Sector who have a common interest in sustainability. The aim of the association is to bring together a wide group of people working across all areas of the Public Sector – to help educate, train, support and connect as we work towards a more sustainable future.

Never has there been a more pressing need and indeed, requirement for individuals and organisations to turn their attention to sustainability and take stock of their environmental impact on our world.

An increasing number of UK local authorities have declared a climate emergency. But having made this important step, what happens next? Well for many sustainability professionals working within these authorities, they simply do not know. Logically, the first step that can be taken is to develop a strategy to address

the challenge of the emergency they have declared. However there are a number of pitfalls and issues which can arise when doing so and there is a need for the individuals tasked with creating such a plan to be given the knowledge and support they need to do so.

Similar issues are faced by professionals working in the NHS (the health and care system in England is responsible for an estimated 4-5% of the country’s carbon footprint), Universities, Schools and of course central Government.

Through the PSSA we hope to

provide these individuals with the support, guidance and knowledge that will assist them and by extension, the entire country in tackling the climate emergency and recuding their organisations carbon footprint. The assocation will provide the latest news and developments, best practice, case studies, white papers, reports and guides to this aim.

There is no charge for membership to those working within the Public Sector and we are now open to new members.

If you are interested in joining, please visit our website where you will find more detailed information about the association and also a membership form to join. www.pssa.info

PSSAWARDS Public Sector Sustainability Awards Highlight your commitment to sustainability - become an environmental leader.

The purpose of the Public Sector Sustainability Awards is simple - to promote environmental leadership, to innovate and to inspire all those working in the Public Sector committed to reducing the carbon footprint of their organisation.

HOW TO ENTER: There is no qualifying criteria that needs to be satisfied in order to enter the awards. All we ask is that entrants send us up to 2000 words detailing the activities undertaken by them to reduce, by any means, the impact of their organisation on our environment. Please feel free to attach any images, graphs, charts etc to support your entry.

You can focus your entry on just one project or multiple schemes. You can enter as an individual or on behalf of your organisation, or both, as there are awards for both categories.

There is no charge for entry.

If you wish to enter, please complete the registration form at www.pssa.info/pssawards or download the form from the website, complete it and email it back to us. Your completed entry needs to be submitted by the 31st January 2020 and should include images and/or logos.

Please send your entries through to submissions@pssa.info.

If that is not possible, you can mail them to: PSS Awards, 42 Wymington Park, Rushden NN10 9JP

WILL YOU BE AMONG THE WINNERS IN 2020?

PSSA

Public Sector Sustainability Association

BECOME A CORPORATE MEMBER The Public Sector Sustainability Association (PSSA) provides a professional association and network for all those working in the Public Sector who have a common interest in sustainability. The aim of the association is to bring together a wide group of people working across all areas of the Public Sector – to help educate, train, support and connect as we work towards a more sustainable future.

Corporate membership of the Public Sector Sustainability Association is available to any private sector organisation wishing to reach committed and influencial sustainability professionals in Government, Local Authorities, NHS, Education and Housing Associations.

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS • • • • • • • •

Comprehensive listing in Suppliers Directory Unlimited opportunity to supply press releases, articles & news to feature on PSSA website One release for inclusion in monthly Newsletter.

Logo on PSSA homepage Introductory email sent to our members as the latest Corporate Member to join the PSSA Logo - ‘Member of the PSSA’ to use on your own websites/materials 25% off Website/Newsletter banner advertising 25% off Newsletter sponsorship

WHAT DOES IT COST The annual membership fee is £495+VAT.

Interested in becoming a Corporate Member of the PSSA? Get in touch today - call us on 01933 316931 or email us at info@pssa.info

www.ps s a.in fo