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Did you know we’re sewage pump experts, too? Many people don’t!
Well, from installation to ensuring your system flows freely without disruption, your local Metro Rod team offer complete top-tier drainage and sewage pump solutions, backed with over 40 years’ experience and technical know-how.
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New EU legislation tightens sustainability reporting and clamps down on greenwashing
New CHSA Fact Sheet provides the information businesses need
New EU legislation – the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the EU Green Claims Directive – is to tighten sustainability reporting and combat greenwashing. The purpose of the legislation is to enhance transparency, accountability and sustainability in business practices.
All UK businesses with operations or a market presence in the EU are affected.
The Cleaning & Hygiene Suppliers Association’s (CHSA) has published a Fact Sheet, explaining the legislation and its implications for manufacturers and distributors in the cleaning and hygiene industry.
The CSRD increases transparency, mandating detailed reporting on sustainability risks, opportunities and impacts using a double materials approach. This means it considers the impact on the company and its external effects on society and the environment. The CSRD is to
be implemented in phases, the final group - listed small and medium-sized enterprises – needing to comply from 1 January 2026. The penalties for non-compliance, which will vary by member state, will include fines, reputationallydamaging public disclosure and civil liability for damages.
The EU Green Claims Directive is aimed at ensuring environmental claims made by businesses are accurate, verifiable and transparent. To be compliant, companies must use clear, evidence-based criteria to substantiate their environmental claims. Environmental claims must be verified by independent, accredited thirdparty organisations before they can be made public. There must be transparency in labelling and new rules to ensure both public and private environmental labelling schemes are solid transparent and reliable.
For more information, review the CHSA’s new Fact Sheet on its website.
The CHSA
Every member of the CHSA has signed its rigorous Code of Practice, which demands members trade ethically. Amongst other stipulations, it requires members to:
Conduct business dealings in an open, honest, fair and proper manner and in accordance with the laws, rules and regulations of the UK and EU.
Ensure all public statements made by and on behalf of the Member are decent, honest and truthful.
Ensure no false or exaggerated claims are made verbally, in literature, electronically or in any other way.
Hold and provide evidence on request for product and service claims, particularly with reference to legislation, certifications and accreditations.
The CHSA Code of Practice also includes the Competition & Market’s Authority’s Green Claims Code. Its principles are summarised as:
• Claims must be truthful and accurate.
• Claims must be clear and unambiguous.
• Claims must not omit or hide important relevant information.
• Comparisons must be fair and meaningful.
• Claims must consider the full life cycle of the product or service.
• Claims must be substantiated.
Acquisition Announcement: Premier Technical Services Group Ltd Acquires White Testing (UK) Ltd
Premier Technical Services Group Limited (PTSG) is delighted to announce the acquisition of White Testing (UK) Ltd (Whites) – one of Scotland’s leading electrical testing companies. Whites’ core service offering includes portable appliance testing (PAT), fixed wire testing and emergency light testing.
Nikhil Varty, PTSG’s Group CEO, said: “We are delighted to welcome White Testing (UK) Ltd as our latest addition to the Group. This acquisition extends our geographical coverage in these services and will be incorporated into Guardian Electrical Compliance Ltd, a PTSG company. We are fully committed to the continuation of a successful strategy of achieving market leadership across the sectors in which we operate. This acquisition strengthens PTSG’s capability within our Electrical Services division and ensures our clients will be better served.”
PTSG Electrical Services Ltd now includes electrical
testing services by Guardian Electrical Compliance Ltd, PTSG Electrical Testing, Electrical Compliance and Safety Ltd as well as the UK’s market leading lightning protection business.
Nikhil concluded: “We will retain the Whites management
team, who will continue to grow and expand the business as it is integrated into Guardian’s electrical division. We are really pleased to have Whites on board, and we offer the whole team a very warm welcome to PTSG and our highly successful niche specialist group of companies.”
events of falling masonry per year in the UK*
HOUSE OF HORRORS PRESENTS WARNING!
After years of looking the other way, Janet’s façade finally cracked and what lurked beneath was a waking nightmare…
Is your building safe? Are you sure?
With a growing backlog of maintenance and repairs, with increasing incidents of injuries from falling masonry, can you afford the financial and reputational hit from a damaged façade?
There are an estimated 14,400 events of falling masonry and debris annually in the UK*, with at least 5 instances of death or serious injury per year**. Could your building be at risk?
In the last 24 months, Thomann-Hanry® has removed over 750kg of loose masonry during façade surveys With storms predicted to become more frequent and intense, cracked masonry could pose a serious liability.
How Thomann-Hanry® can help you!
With decades of experience in surveying, maintaining, and cleaning commercial façades, Thomann-Hanry® helps prevent potential hazards. We conduct surveys from MEWPs (Mobile Elevating Work Platforms), allowing for close-up inspections and immediate removal of loose masonry, meaning that you don’t have to shroud your building in unsightly scaffolding which also saves you time and money.
Our detailed façade surveys identify hidden issues and key concerns, enabling you to make informed repair or replacement decisions before problems escalate.
A York Stone copingstone which has delaminated and fractured. Just one of the many significant façade issues which Thomann-Hanry has encountered during a commercial façade survey.
Franchise Brands promotes Peter Molloy Group CEO to accelerate growth ambitions
Franchise Brands announces that it has promoted Peter Molloy to Group CEO, a new role, and to the Group’s Board, with immediate effect.
Peter initially joined Metro Rod over 20 years ago and has been an integral part of the Franchise Brands team since it acquired Metro Rod in 2017. He was previously CEO of the Group’s Water & Waste Services division which includes Metro Rod, Metro Plumb, Willow Pumps, Filta UK and Kemac. The division provides drainage, plumbing, pump maintenance and installation and services to a wide range of commercial customers.
Having started his career as an apprentice, Peter’s commitment, drive and passion for customer service have seen him rise through successive sales and leadership roles, making him a natural choice for Franchise Brands to appoint its first Group CEO from within the business.
Franchise Brands has grown rapidly over the past two years following the acquisitions of Filta and Pirtek, with annualised system sales now of approximately £400m and businesses in ten countries across the UK, North America and Europe. As Group CEO, Peter will take a customercentric approach to driving the implementation of the growth strategy, business performance and accelerating integration.
With responsibility for the day-to-day leadership of the Group across its four principal divisions and shared central functions, Peter will play a key role in accelerating the company’s growth ambitions, as it also considers a move from AIM to the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange.
Stephen Hemsley will remain Executive Chairman and focus on the strategic and corporate
development of the Company, including future acquisitions.
Peter Molloy, Group CEO, said:
“I am honoured to be chosen as the first Group CEO. Since joining Metro Rod over 20 years ago and having worked closely with Stephen and the Franchise Brands team since 2017, I am so proud of what we have achieved together.
“We have created a strong business, yet there remains so much untapped potential. Our principal franchise brands have significant growth potential through increasing their small shares of large, fragmented markets, expanding their range of services and geographical penetration, and cross-selling to our large customer base.
my responsibilities and provide greater focus on the strategic and commercial development of the business to support our ambitious growth plans.
“I am truly passionate about the business, our people and ensuring we provide our customers with a first-class experience, as we help franchisees to grow their business, such that “as they grow, we grow”.
“I am excited to lead the further development of the business and to realise our strategic ambitions. This will be achieved in part by accelerating the pace of integration of the Group’s businesses into “One Franchise Brands” and by supporting the entrepreneurial spirit of our franchisees, who are the backbone of our business together with our dedicated Support Centre teams.”
Stephen Hemsley, Executive Chairman, said:
“The Group has reached a scale where the timing is right for the appointment of a Group CEO at Board level, to separate
“Peter Molloy has been a key part of the Franchise Brands team since 2017 and has made an exceptional contribution in leading the significant growth of Metro Rod to become a leader in commercial drainage and in the successful formation and integration of the Water & Waste Services division.
“Peter has strong commercial acumen, and the Board is confident that he will successfully drive the implementation of our strategic priorities, which includes an increased focus on digitally-enabled integration, enabling the Group to realise its significant growth potential.
“Peter is a natural leader whose values are closely aligned with the Franchise Brands culture. It is a testament to the quality of the senior leadership team that our first Group CEO comes from within the business.
“I am very much looking forward to working with Peter in his new role on the next stage of Franchise Brands’ development.”
Energy with AKCP Sensors
Contact us for a FREE site survey or online demo to learn more about our industry leading environmental monitoring solutions and how they can help to reduce your energy costs. Scalable, with Ethernet and WiFi connectivity, over 20 sensor options for temperature, humidity, water leakage, airflow, AC and DC power, a 5 year warranty and automated email and SMS text alerts.
New 10-point guide to humidity control in cleanrooms
Condair has released a new 10-Point Guide to Humidity Control in Cleanrooms. This informative document provides an easy-to-follow overview for managing humidity in closely controlled environments.
The guide has been produced by experts in the field with experience spanning thousands of cleanroom humidity projects across research, manufacturing and preservation sectors. Using this knowledge, Condair has compiled the ten most pertinent topics that need to be considered by cleanroom designers, consultants, production and facility managers, when dealing with humidification
or dehumidification.
Dave Marshall-George, UK & Ireland Sales Director at Condair, comments, “Presented in an easy-to-understand Q&A format, this guide is a great resource for anyone working in or with a cleanroom facility. It walks the reader through the initial design stages, product selection and sizing, energy considerations and maintenance requirements, across both humidifiers and dehumidifiers. Detailed information is given on humidity’s relationship with temperature and electrostatic, as well as how the very specific humidity levels cleanrooms so often need can be consistently achieved.”
Condair’s 10-point guide to humidity control in cleanrooms is free to downloaded from www.condair.co.uk/cleanroom.
The Condair Group is the world’s leading specialist in humidity control and evaporative cooling, with energy efficient, hygienic and innovative technologies for commercial, industrial and heritage applications. Condair is represented in the UK by Condair Ltd, which offers system design, manufacture, supply, installation, commissioning, maintenance and spares.
You can find out more by visiting the company’s website at www.condair.co.uk.
No one does more to support Britain’s buildings
PTSG Fire Solutions Ltd offers an unrivalled breadth and depth of fire safety and security services.
With five independent business divisions delivering the full range of specialist services, PTSG ensures buildings of all kinds are safe, clean and compliant – in all sectors.
New Public Realm celebrated for Rainham’s community, workforce and visitors
Business owners, Councillors and the Mayor today celebrated the opening of two new public realm amenities which will much improve the use and enjoyment of the Rainham Riverside at Ferry Lane, whilst protecting and enhancing the natural habitats and rich biodiversity that exist in this unusual corner of Rainham.
‘The Belvedere’, a new covered seating area, is designed for the local community to enjoy the views over the river Thames, and the Museum of Garden Escapes provides a welcoming environment and place of interest for all visitors, whether on a lunch break from work, dog walking, or cycling/walking the RSPB Rainham Marshes route between Rainham and Purfleet.
These new amenities have been designed by the London Riverside BID to meet local demand from the area’s workforce for usable outdoor spaces. They take
their design influence from the rich history of the area, which has seen multiple uses, from pilgrimage hub, to farming, a spot for Victorian pleasureseekers and eventually the industry we know today.
The Museum of Garden Escapes is located on the historic footprint of the Three Crowns Inn site that dates back to the middle of the 20th century. Before this, the Ferry Inn stood here from as early as 1556 and was the landing point for the first ferry across the Thames from Rainham, dating back to 1199 AD and which was used by the Monks of Lesnes Abbey in Erith to transport pilgrims to and from Canterbury Cathedral.
Havering Council, working in partnership with the London Riverside Business Improvement District, secured the funds from the Greater London Authority (GLA), as part of the Rainham Strategic Industrial Location Good
Growth Fund these funds were complemented by Community Infrastructure Levy that has delivered a number of complementary public realm initiatives around the Rainham Riverside area.
Eric Mollison Chairman of the LRBID said:
“These public realm improvements are a welcome asset to the Rainham employment zone, the businesses and the 1000-strong workforce that operate from here. We’ve worked hard over several years to secure the funding and commitment needed to make this happen and this demonstrates what can be achieved by working in partnership with the Council and stakeholders such as the GLA”
Jonathan Moreland, Managing Director of the local business MJF Records said:
“We’re delighted to see these two new spaces, which will provide our staff and visitors
with somewhere to sit during lunch and tea breaks. We’re remote here from any amenities, shops or public transport and I know these facilities will be very well used and appreciated.”
Deputy Mayor for Planning and Regeneration, Jules Pipe CBE, said:
“I welcome the opening of the Museum of Garden Escapes and the Belvedere, delivered as part of the Rainham SIL project in Havering. The Mayor’s Good Growth funding has been a catalyst for a wider programme of public realm improvements that address the needs of local businesses and their workforce at the same time as protecting and enhancing the green spaces and biodiversity in London’s industrial areas, contributing to building a greener, fairer, and more prosperous city for all.”
Councillor Graham Williamson, Cabinet
Member for Regeneration and Development, said:
“Significant work has taken place to improve this part of the BID area along Ferry Lane which is remote from shops, residences and transport and will enhance the environment for all of the people that work in the area or visit it.
“We are committed to supporting local communities and this is a further example of how we can access external funding and work together to achieve our goals to improve our borough, as well as demonstrating how we can make these areas more attractive and safer places to live, work, visit and invest.”
Multi-million redevelopment works progressing well for Sutton on Sea Colonnade
Midlands contractor, G F Tomlinson, is on schedule with works for construction of a new multifunctional building and grounds at Sutton on Sea’s former Colonnade and Pleasure Gardens site.
Working alongside their design team CPMG and Alan Wood Associates, in close collaboration with client East Lindsey District Council, through the Pagabo Medium Works framework - the enhancements will provide local residents and visitors with a new state-of-the-art building, with lettable space for retail, sea view café and restaurant, along with transformative facilities including toilets and new exhibition space.
Additional seating areas and recreational space will also be created in the former Pleasure Gardens alongside a large sea view deck, new beach huts and dedicated artisan studio spaces for pop up events and markets.
Improved promenade access will connect the promenade via a link bridge to the new building and there will be planting and community gardens together with the creation
of additional walkways.
Popular nearby existing features will be retained, which include the paddling pool, tennis court and the anchor water feature.
Works are progressing well on site with the steelwork and main drainage complete, alongside the ground and first floors installed. The blockwork has been completed and the installation of the structural steel frame is now underway.
The scheme is part of the Mablethorpe Connected Coast Town Deal which has been approved by the Government to receive £4.2m of Town Deal funding, with the remaining costs match funded directly by East Lindsey District Council.
The revitalisation of the area will provide new inward investment to the town, and residents alongside the Lincolnshire coast.
Adrian Grocock, Group Managing Director at G F Tomlinson, said: “We are proud to be involved in the significant redevelopment of this landmark cultural tourist
attraction for Sutton-on-Sea, encouraging further investment into the Eastern coastline.
“Our team have worked closely with all sub-contractor partners to carefully manage the enhancement of the existing structure with transformative elements that will deliver tangible benefits to the local residents and visitors to the town. We are moving forward at good pace and we are in a good position to deliver on schedule.”
Councillor Martin Foster, the Council’s champion for the project, said: “We are delighted with the continued positive progress on the colonnade site, and seeing G F Tomlinson leading the construction process that will ensure the new facilities will be delivered to the highest quality of workmanship and suitable for its unique, scenic coastal surroundings.
“When completed it will bring new tourism and income for the town, create new jobs and opportunities, and provide residents and visitors with a place to enjoy our stunning Eastern coastline from.”
Building & Facilities Management editorial content covers all the major FM areas of interest within the workplace and the built environment.
This includes industry developments, company news, case studies and application stories, product news as well as articles from leading authorities within the marketplace.
To find out more information about BFM Magazine or to subscribe, please visit www.bfmmagazine.co.uk
Churchill Support Services Expands Security
Reach With Sonitech Systems Acquisition
Churchill Support Services, a leader in security solutions, has acquired Sonitech Systems Limited, boosting its capabilities with cutting-edge electronic security. This strategic move adds to Churchill’s comprehensive security services while marking its second acquisition in two years.
Based in Sandbach, Sonitech Systems complements Churchill’s trusted security presence with advanced electronic expertise. “This acquisition transforms how we deliver security, blending Churchill’s strengths with Sonitech’s innovation,” said Churchill CEO John Melling.
With nearly 60 years of combined experience and a shared commitment to excellence, Churchill and Sonitech are poised to offer an even stronger, more seamless security experience for clients nationwide.
That’s particularly true of the people involved, and their ongoing professional development. It’s a point of commonality across both Sonitech and Churchill Support Services and closely aligns with the firm foundations of Churchill’s acquisitive process.
Churchill CEO John Melling spoke more about that unique attitude to acquisitions. “With
every acquisition, we approach it with people at the forefront. We don’t come in to strip out a company – we look to invest, to grow and to flourish in that sector. That’s why Sonitech is such an ideal fit – they’re a company with extremely solid foundations, and offer an ideal opportunity to truly build a company we believe in.”
The experts at Sonitech join an already robust team, adding an additional dimension to Churchill’s security complement, and pushing the boundaries of what consumers can expect from their security provider.
Learn more about Churchill’s acquisitive process here.
Clivet heat pumps: Today even more competitive and versatile with the hydrosplit solutions
Clivet expands its range of heat pumps, introducing split hydronic solutions with the new hydronic modules EASYTANK, EASYBOX, EASYIN and the super-compact EASYMINI
Clivet offers a very wide and articulated range of heat pumps for heating, cooling and domestic hot water production that meets the multiple needs of different types of dwellings (new constructions or older buildings, where it is not possible to intervene on the envelope), including:
* Refrigerant-Split heat pumps with ecological refrigerant R32, recognised as
* KlimaHaus QualitätsProdukte (KlimaHaus Quality Products) and available in cased,
* box, uncased versions.
* Packaged heat pumps with ecological refrigerant R32, Edge EVO 2.0.
* New packaged heat pumps
with the natural refrigerant R290 (propane), EDGE F
* and EDGE Pro, which combine excellent thermodynamic properties with a very low
* environmental impact index (GWP = 3).
This already extensive offer is now enriched with HydroSplit heat pumps, thanks to the introduction of the new hydronic modules EASYTANK, EASYBOX, EASYIN and the super-compact EASYMINI.
The combination with the monobloc heat pumps of the EDGE family, both in the R32 and R290 versions, allows the HydroSplit heat pumps to create water
split systems (HYDRO-SPLIT) that make their application in the residential sector even simpler, more flexible, safer and more ecological.
Here are all the details that characterise the new hydronic modules:
EASYTANK is a Hydronic module for basement installation, complete with 190 or 250 litre
DHW storage tank. It includes:
* 12-litre system expansion tank
* 15-litre inertial storage tank
* Magnetic deflector filter and safety valves
* Anti-burn mixer
* Electronic anode
EASYBOX is a compact hydronic unit for wall installation consisting of:
* 12-litre system expansion tank
* 15-litre inertial storage tank
* Magnetic deflector filter and safety valves
* 3-way valve for DHW production
EASYIN is the complete thermal power station built into the wall of the house with 150 litre DHW storage tank. It includes:
* 12-litre system expansion tank
* 15-litre inertial storage tank
* Magnetic deflector filter and safety valves
* 8-litre DHW expansion tank
* Anti-burn mixer
EASYMINI is a wall-mounted hydronic module complete with 50 litre DHW storage tank as well as:
* 8-litre system expansion tank
* 15-litre inertial storage tank
* Magnetic deflector filter and safety valves
* 3-litre DHW expansion tank
* Anti-burn mixer
* Hydraulic separator with booster pump
Clivet Product Manager Stefano De Boni said:
“The width of our range allows us to meet the needs of different
types of homes, and this new solution also has many pluses thanks to the combination of the EDGE family of packaged heat pumps (R32 and R290) and thenew indoor hydronic modules. This combination provides water-split systems that make application and maintenance even easier in the residential environment, guaranteeing maximum energy efficiency. The hydronic modules EASYTANK, EASYBOX, EASYIN and the super-compact EASYMINI enclose many of the components required to complete the system for both heating/cooling and domestic hot water production and management. This feature not only ensures an excellent plugand-play solution, but also makes the installation space-saving and tidy at the same time.”
www.clivet.com
Chiller Upgrade for Extraordinary London Venue
Carrier Commercial HVAC recently completed a chiller replacement project at one of London’s most extraordinary venues, the ArcelorMittal Orbit in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Stratford. Carrier Commercial HVAC is part of Carrier Global Corporation (NYSE: CARR), global leader in intelligent climate and energy solutions.
Designed by sculptor Sir Anish Kapoor and engineer Cecil Balmond, the ArcelorMittal Orbit is one of the most striking and enduring visual legacies of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. It is
the UK’s tallest sculpture and at the summit, offers a 360-degree view of London.
The project involved replacing an inefficient chiller that had come to the end of its life with a Carrier AquaSnap 30RB 160R aircooled liquid chiller, with scroll compressor, plus an added De-Superheater heat recovery option. The 30RB chiller also has refrigerant leak detector, compressor soft starter, super enviro-shield anticorrosion protection, and water exchanger frost protection.
Carrier was commissioned by ParkServe, on behalf of
London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC), to undertake the project, and enlisted the support of local contractor L&B Technical Services Ltd to complete the challenging installation. Given the height and location of the ArcelorMittal Orbit’s roof plant area, at the top of the 114-metre-tall structure, securing a crane permit was costly and complicated. However, the only access to the roof plant room was through a 1m x 1m hatch.
To overcome this challenge, Carrier’s service technicians recommended and performed a strip down and rebuild of the 30RB unit. The chiller was dismantled off-site, packed into a ‘kit-of-parts’, and then transported to the roof plant area through the narrow access hatch. The unit was then meticulously reassembled on-site, eliminating the need for a crane and significantly reducing the overall cost. This method was not only costeffective but also ensured that the chiller was installed without compromising the warranty, maintaining Carrier’s high standards of service.
“This was a great project to work on. Squeezing a chiller through a 1m x 1m hatch isn’t something we do all that often,” said Rob Moffat Contracts Manager, L&B Technical Services Ltd. “The crane option was quoted for but, the cost for a Carrier strip and rebuild service was a fraction of the price. We are proud of our partnership with Carrier and this project exemplifies our abilities to deliver complex and innovative HVAC solutions even under challenging circumstances.”
“The project presented several logistical challenges, particularly with the limited access to the roof plant area, but Carrier’s innovative strip down and rebuild was the
best approach,” said Hannah Barclay, Head of Contract Management, London Legacy Development Corporation.
“This new modern chiller not only helps meet the current climate control needs inside the ArcelorMittal Orbit but the addition of a heat recovery De-Superheater provides a sustainable solution for years to come.”
This project at the ArcelorMittal Orbit exemplifies Carrier’s ability to deliver
complex and innovative HVAC solutions even under challenging conditions. The combination of a high-quality product, a tailored approach to overcoming logistical challenges, and the strong partnerships with trusted contractors like L&B ensured the success of the project
For more information, visit www.carrier.com/ commercial/en/uk.
Hochiki Technology Safeguards Historic
Belfast Printworks
A blend of historic charm and modern functionality, the Printworks Belfast has undergone a significant renovation to meet the demands of contemporary office
spaces while preserving its Victorian heritage. Central to this transformation is a robust fire safety system powered by Hochiki devices, ensuring the protection of occupants and the
building’s architectural integrity.
The Printworks Belfast, a historic Victorian warehouse dating back to 1890, located in the heart of Belfast’s vibrant business district. Originally built for R Carswell & Son, a renowned printing and stationery firm, the building has undergone meticulous restoration. Angus Properties acquired the property in 2019 and has transformed it into a modern, open-plan office space while preserving its industrial character. Key features include a new atrium, cobbled courtyard, and additional floors with panoramic city views. The Printworks is now a soughtafter location, offering flexible office spaces and potential retail or hospitality opportunities on the ground floor.
The comprehensive modernisation of the Printworks Belfast across its five floors, necessitated the installation of a robust life safety system that would safeguard future occupants while integrating sympathetically with the building’s historical features.
365 Fire Security, a premier provider of life safety solutions, was entrusted with installing the fire safety systems at Printworks Belfast. This marked the company’s inaugural use of Hochiki equipment, renowned for its dependability, quality, and user-friendly installation. The decision was influenced by a recommendation from James Morrison, National Key Accounts Manager for Hochiki, who highlighted the advantages of Hochiki’s cutting-edge technology and streamlined installation process.
The installation at Printworks Belfast encompassed a
variety of standard heat and smoke detectors from Hochiki, interconnected to a central fire alarm control panel equipped with a selection of other Hochiki field devices. The heat and smoke sensors are engineered to deliver swift and precise fire detection, ensuring optimal safety for the building’s occupants.
Wesley Allan, Managing Director at 365 Fire Security explained how the Hochiki equipment proved to be an asset in the Printworks Belfast restoration project. “Its ease of installation was a significant advantage, given the complex nature of the building and the need to minimise disruptions during the upgrade works. Even though we installed over 500 devices, the process was remarkably smooth thanks to Hochiki’s consistent base design. This standardisation significantly simplified the installation process and reduced the overall project timeline.”
The detectors provide comprehensive fire protection across all five floors, offering
reliable and early detection of potential hazards. Moreover, the devices seamlessly integrate with the building’s architectural elements, preserving its historic charm while ensuring state-of-the-art fire safety.
The successful installation of Hochiki’s fire detection system by 365 Fire Security has fortified Printworks Belfast with a robust and reliable life safety infrastructure. This project exemplifies the effectiveness of Hochiki’s technology in a complex, mixed-use building, balancing historical preservation and modern safety standards.
“Despite having no prior experience with Hochiki devices, the Printworks Belfast project has convinced us of their exceptional quality and reliability. Unless specified otherwise, we’ll now make Hochiki our first choice for fire detection systems and devices.”
Consequently, Printworks Belfast is now primed for its modern office space role, equipped with a fire safety system that safeguards both the building’s heritage and
its occupants. The triumph of this installation marks a promising commencement for 365 Fire Security’s utilisation of Hochiki equipment, underscoring the systems’ user-friendliness, dependability, and effectiveness in intricate and demanding environments.
To find out more about the devices used at the Printworks head to the Hochiki website.
Building & Facilities Management editorial content covers all the major FM areas of interest within the workplace and the built environment. This includes industry developments, company news, case studies and application stories, product news as well as articles from leading authorities within the marketplace.
To find out more information about BFM Magazine or to subscribe, please visit www.bfmmagazine.co.uk
186 Million Workdays are Lost Annually Due to Sickness
Dettol Highlights the Need for Germ Protection for Employees and Customers This Winter
During the winter months of November to February, seasonal illnesses such as colds, flu, coughs and throat infections peak in the UK, Germany and across Europe. Germs spread rapidly and are easily transmitted between people and surfaces, making it a particularly challenging time for maintaining health. In the UK alone, research estimates that approximately 185 million working days, are lost annually due to sickness.
The Proliferation of Germs During Winter
In the Office and Facility
Management sectors, the spread of seasonal germs can be exacerbated by several factors, including:
• High Density of People: Crowded workspaces increase the likelihood of germ transmission.
• Shared Surfaces: Frequent use of common areas like door handles, desks, and communal equipment facilitates the spread of germs.
• Inadequate Ventilation: Poor air circulation can allow germs to linger in the air longer, increasing the risk
of airborne transmission.
• Presenteeism: Employees coming to work while sick can spread germs to their colleagues.
• Asymptomatic Carriers: Individuals who are infected but show no symptoms can unknowingly spread germs. Furthermore, research findings demonstrate that the spread of seasonal illnesses during winter is significantly intensified by the factors mentioned above.
A number of key insights to consider:
• Presenteeism: 50% of employees go to work even when they are unwell, and only 27% of facility managers send them home.
• Asymptomatic Spread: Approximately 75% of seasonal flu infections show no symptoms, allowing germs to spread unnoticed.
• Surface Contamination: A single infected employee can contaminate up to 50% of shared surfaces, and germs can transfer to the hands of 14 people from common touchpoints like door handles.
solutions for your business across three key pillars:
1. Efficacy:
• Airborne Transmission: Infected droplets from a sneeze can travel up to 27 feet.
• High Germ Density: Office desks can harbor 400 times more germs than a standard toilet seat. These insights highlight the critical need for effective, efficient and sustainable cleaning and hygiene protocols to mitigate the spread of germs in commercial settings and shared spaces. Businesses need to employ exceptional hygiene protocols to help elevate and strengthen their business.
Dettol, the World’s #1 Disinfection Brand Offers Germ Protection for Businesses This Winter
With 90+ years of brand heritage, Dettol is the #1 disinfection brand that provides proven germ protection for your employees, customers and guests this winter. Dettol offers a range of concentrates and ReadyTo-Use (RTUs) formulations that offer exceptional cleaning and hygiene
• Acts quickly to eliminate 99.9% of viruses and bacteria
• Proven to kill E. Coli, Salmonella, Listeria, MRSA and the flu virus.
• Dettol Disinfectant Aerosol Spray’s 24-hour anti-bacterial action keeps surfaces protected for longer
2. Efficiency:
• No-wipe formula reduces cleaning time and time spent disinfecting
• Select Dettol products can be used on up to 100 hard and soft surfaces
• Multipurpose products in the range both clean and disinfect, simplifying your hygiene routine
3. Sustainability:
• Select surface cleaning products leave behind no harsh residue
• Suitable for everyday cleaning staff usage
• Majority of products are readily recyclable
When asked about germ protection for employees and customers this winter, Jonathan
Weiss, General Manager at Reckitt Pro Solutions, remarked, “Every year, businesses face a decline in profitability due to employees and customers falling ill during the winter season. The transmission of germs is inevitable during this time, so the best strategy for businesses is to implement exceptional cleaning and hygiene solutions. By protecting their employees and customers, businesses can ultimately elevate and strengthen their operations.”
“Dettol products, when used with a targeted hygiene approach, effectively kills 99.9% of germs as well as help stop the spread of germs in shared spaces, ensuring exceptional hygiene for both employees and customers. At Reckitt Pro Solutions, we offer more than just cleaning and hygiene products. Our experienced, expert team provides free consultations to help businesses identify the most suitable cleaning and hygiene solutions, ultimately strengthening and elevating their operations.”
To find out more, visit Reckitt Pro Solutions to book your free consultation session!
Understanding Scope 4 Emissions and your Carbon Reduction Plan
The concept of Scope 4 emissions or ‘avoided emissions’ is gaining eminence alongside the traditional greenhouse gas emissions categories identified by the Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG Protocol).
TEAM Energy explains what Scope 4 is, how it fits to an organisation’s Carbon Reduction Plan and gives eight best practices of Scope 4 emissions reporting.
The World Resources Institute (WRI) introduced the concept of “Scope 4” in 2013. In 2019 they developed a framework for measuring and disclosing GHG emissions from products or services, including avoided emissions.
WRI recommends prioritising carbon reduction strategies by calculating and reporting Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions before considering Scope 4. Reporting Scope 4 emissions is currently voluntary and not officially recognised by the GHG Protocol. However, it can
provide a more comprehensive view of an organisation’s environmental impact and sustainability progress.
What are Scope 4 emissions?
Scope 4 emissions refer to the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that are prevented through the use of a product or service. Unlike Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, which focus on direct and indirect emissions from an organisation’s operations and supply chain, Scope 4 emissions highlight the positive impact of an organisation’s products or services in reducing overall emissions. They include:
• Avoided emissions, a key part of Scope 4 emissions, are calculated based on the environmental impact of a product or service across its lifecycle. For example, reusable water bottles, compared to single-use plastic bottles, which despite requiring more resources initially, can lead to fewer emissions over time
as they displace the need for producing and disposing of multiple single-use bottles.
• Facilitated emissions relate to avoided emissions and occur when professional services firms help manage their emissions. For instance, an engineering firm designing a new building can reduce operational and embodied emissions by using innovative low-carbon materials and optimising the design to lower emissions during production and transportation.
• Advised emissions refer to those generated by professional services firms when assisting clients with projects that impact their GHG footprint. For instance, law firms can influence emissions indirectly. Support that permits and litigates for fossil fuel projects increases advised emissions, while aiding regulatory compliance for renewable energy projects reduces them.
• Advertised emissions result from sales growth driven
by advertising campaigns. Advertising agencies can indirectly affect emissions by promoting consumer goods. A successful campaign for a high-emission product increases Scope 4 emissions due to higher production demands. Conversely, campaigns promoting low-emission products also fall under this category, as they influence consumer behaviour towards more sustainable choices.
What role should they play in your Carbon Reduction Strategy?
Avoided emissions should be reported separately and should not be used to adjust Scopes 1, 2 or 3 carbon reduction plans and emissions reporting. Reporting of avoided emissions is best used to inform product or policy design rather than as an indication of climate mitigation efforts. Avoided emissions should not count towards nearterm or long-term emission reduction targets, according to Science-Based Targets Initiative.
How to measure Scope 4 emissions
• Identify Relevant Products or Services: Determine which of your products or services contribute to emission reductions. This could include energy-efficient appliances, renewable energy solutions, or innovative technologies that reduce the need for fossil fuels.
• Calculate Avoided Emissions: Use standardised methodologies to calculate the emissions avoided by using your product or service compared to a baseline scenario. This often involves life cycle assessment (LCA) techniques.
• Verify and Report: Ensure that a third party verifies your calculations to enhance credibility. Report your findings transparently, including the methodologies used and the assumptions made.
Various frameworks, like the GHG Protocol and ISO 14069, define and calculate
avoided emissions. These emissions provide transparency and highlight an organisation’s contribution to lowcarbon products or projects. While the calculation methods are similar, the scope may vary between frameworks, with Scope 4 being specific to the GHG Protocol.
Challenges in reporting avoided emissions include measurement difficulties, high upfront costs, lack of standardisation, and the potential for greenwashing.
Avoided emissions versus reduced emissions
It is important to understand the difference between reduced emissions, which are the result of an actual reduction in an organisation’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions over a fixed period following the implementation of a carbon reduction plan to reduce its carbon footprint, and avoided emissions, determined by comparing a low-carbon product or service with a reference scenario.
Best practices on managing Scope 4 emissions
Organisations face unfamiliar terrain when reporting Scope 4 emissions, various best practices have surfaced to assist organisations in precisely calculating and disclosing these emissions. These methods guarantee transparency and precision and improve the integrity of the organisation’s environmental reporting and include:
1. Focus first on Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions
Establish a robust Carbon Reduction Strategy or Carbon Reduction Plan before deciding if Scope 4 emissions reporting is right for your organisation.
2. Setting a clear baseline for comparison
Establish a baseline for
emissions associated with your products or services. This helps in measuring the impact of avoided emissions accurately.
3. Conduct life cycle assessment (LCA)
Perform comprehensive LCAs to evaluate the total environmental impact of your products, including alternatives. This will help quantify avoided emissions effectively.
4. Market and consumer behaviour analysis
Understand how your product compares to alternatives in the market. This involves assessing consumer behaviour and market trends
5. Use advanced modelling methods
Employ modelling tools to predict the potential avoided emissions based on various scenarios and product usage.
6. Implement regular monitoring
Regularly track and update your emissions data to reflect changes in product usage and market conditions.
7. Engage stakeholders
Involve stakeholders in the reporting process to gather insights and improve the accuracy and automation of your emissions data.
8. Report transparently
Clearly communicate your methodology, assumptions, and results in your sustainability reporting. These builds trust with stakeholders.
www.teamenergy.com
Charge like a pro with Sync Energy’s new Pro Charger range
Sync Energy’s New Pro Charger range is an easy to install, easy to use solution for commercial EV charging.
Everything you need already included
The range includes twin bollard EV chargers, available with or without integrated lighting, as well as twin wallmounted chargers. Both the wall-mounted and bollard options come with PEN fault protection, touchscreen, RFID, 4G connectivity, and an MID meter as standard.
Designed by experts, the chargers are ergonomic and PAS 1899:2022 compliant, with upward-angled screens for easy reading and sideilluminated information areas for use in darker environments to ensure a seamless end-user experience.
The Pro Charger range provides end-users with flexible payment options designed for convenience. These include contactless card payments with a payment terminal option, as well as Monta QR code charging and Monta in-app charging solutions.
Easy
to install
The PEN fault protection eliminated the need for costly earth rods or other PEN fault devices upstream. The Loop in/Loop out input connections accommodate up to 35mm² cables, allowing installers to chain multiple EV chargers from a single supply cable, reducing installation time and costs while maintaining correct overcurrent protection
for each charge point.
Sync Energy compatibility
The New Pro Charger range can be used with other commercial Sync Energy products. This includes the full range of 7kw and 22kw single and dual outlets, and the Sync Energy Balancer that enables installers to link up to 16 charge points dynamically to the building supply, so circuits are never overloaded. All chargers can also be used publicly or privately to suit any installation requirements.
The range offers versatility and can be installed in a wide variety of locations, including educational, hospitality, and leisure facilities, businesses, and public council car parks. It also features socketed charging points, making them compatible with all electric
Sustainability
and plug-in hybrid vehicles.
The New Sync Energy Pro Charger range can be purchased from local wholesalers, and more information about the products is available at www. sync.energy/commercial.
The Luceco Group, which
includes Sync Energy, Luceco Lighting, BG Electrical, and Masterplug brands has over eighty years of industry experience and is internationally recognised as one of the market leaders across all key electrical products.
Enemies or new friends? Net Zero software and building engineers
By Aneysha Minocha, Founder and CEO of Quantaco
What happens when you’re in a very big hurry, and precision is vital? Tom Cruise’s Top Gun character Maverick would say: “I feel the need – the need for speed.” But what if we’re talking about building engineers and the urgent need to decarbonise huge numbers of commercial and public sector buildings in the face of our Climate Emergency?
No shade on energy assessors and building engineers, but they prefer to be seen as conservative and cautious, rather than as flying by the seat of their pants. And rightly so. We expect, and they deliver, reliability.
The problem is that when it comes to climate change, we must move faster. Much faster. 80% of the buildings that will be here in 2050 already exist, and nearly 25% of the UK built environment’s carbon footprint comes from heating, powering and operating non-domestic buildings.
So to meet our Net Zero targets, we should be
decarbonising well over 600 under-performing nondomestic buildings every week. (Spoiler alert: We’re not.)
The old-style piecemeal building-by-building approach is not working. Again, not a criticism of building engineers, they’re going as fast as they can.
We need a different approach, a digital solution to accelerate, simplify and cut the cost of decarbonising commercial and public sector property portfolios at scale. Happily the software already exists. It means that landlords and estate managers can receive in-depth and tailored decarbonising options for each building and whole portfolios in hours and days, rather than having to wait weeks and months.
Quicker decarbonisation sounds like great news for the future of humanity. So… all good then?
Well… Even the most unselfish building engineer might be wondering: “Where does that leave my job?”
Fair enough. A digital solution which speeds the process of assessing multiple technologies and decarbonisation options across whole estate portfolios is great news for the UK. But it might also feel like an existential threat to the roles of energy assessors, auditors and building engineers.
A bit like that meteorite which wiped out the dinosaurs. And nobody likes the thought of being the collateral damage in revolutionary change.
But in reality, it’s not like that at all.
The benefit of a digital solution is that it requires no initial site visits. That’s how it works so quickly and at scale. But it will still need building engineers on site at the next stage following funding to prepare the project delivery specifications.
I want to see the sector evolving to work together, rather than in competition.
If you’re an assessor or engineer taking a week or more to put together options analysis for each building, imagine how much more productive you could be if your service was digitally enhanced? You could do many more buildings in the same week you previously did one, with higher levels of service for your customers and an enhanced margin.
Think of yourself as Tony Stark and the digital solution as your Iron Man suit. A way to supercharge your already existing abilities.
Here’s how it could work better: As the building engineer or site manager, you input building information to a software platform like Quantaco,
which also ingests (with your permission) energy data directly from the utility company.
In short order – hours in many cases – a detailed investmentgrade decarbonisation options analysis is clearly presented. It benchmarks each building so you can target your attention where it’s most valuable.
It gives you the carbon, energy use, cost and regulatory stranding risk for installing multiple technologies – including Solar PV, Heat Pumps, Battery Storage, EV Charging, Solar Thermal and Thermal Storage. Then it gives you options to slash your carbon emissions and your operating costs.
You’ll get an overview of your whole estate, to help you assess economies of scale. It considers the lifespan of your existing technology, like gas boilers, so you can time your investment most efficiently. It ensures you don’t spend too much – installing too much Solar PV or too many heat pumps, for instance. And the software will suggest specific products to buy from a vendoragnostic database. No adverts. No back handers. Only the most appropriate technologies
– with information on embodied carbon and Scope 3 impacts included.
Then it’s up to you. All the options laid out before you – technical, financial and regulatory. But you or your C-suite make the investment decision. You install the technology. And the software helps you track your projects and validate your savings.
If your property portfolio sits within the NHS or elsewhere in the public sector, you’ll be feeling very tight for money. So here’s more good news. The sort of software I’m talking about can also help you win funding from the government’s Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme. And that’s not merely big talk. It has already been happening. So, no meteorite. No dinosaurs. Just some very significant help to do what you already do, but faster and more of it. A much quicker and cost-effective route to Net Zero for commercial and public sector property portfolios at
vast scale. Which is no less than we urgently need.
When it comes to how things could be and should be for decarbonisation software and building engineers, I’ll quote one more classic film. As Humphrey Bogart to Claud Rains at the end of Casablanca: “I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Aneysha Minocha is the Founder and CEO of Quantaco – the software platform empowering real estate owners, investors and managers to make strategic and technical decisions to achieve Net Zero at scale with confidence, through empirical, data-driven strategies and rapid cleantech investment options analysis.
Quantaco is government funded through Innovate UK, and is the only software platform on the NHS Sustainable Estates Framework.
www.quantaco.ai
BECOME A CORPORATE MEMBER OF THE PSSA
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.
Becoming a Corporate Member of the Public Sector Sustainability Association highlights your organisations commitment to sustainability and offers a unique platform to reach our membership of committed and influential sustainability professionals in Government, Local Authorities, NHS, Education and Housing Associations. The PSSA offers a single level of Corporate Membership, providing a fantastic opportunity to gain recognition and exposure with our Public Sector membership.
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
• Opportunity to promote your own events/webinars/training courses to PSSA members
• Logo on PSSA homepage as ‘Corporate Member’ of the PSSA
• Introductory email sent to our members as the latest Corporate Member of the PSSA
• Logo - ‘Corporate Member of the PSSA’ to use on your own websites/materials
• Potential to conduct research/surveys through the PSSA
• 3 x Full Page Advertisements within either Energy Manager magazine or Building & Facilities Management magazine
• 2 x Advertising Banners to appear on the PSSA Newsletter
WHAT DOES IT COST
The current rate to become a Corporate Member of the PSSA is £1,495+VAT per annum.
Interested in becoming a Corporate Member of the PSSA? Get in touch today - call us on 01933 316931 or email us at corporate@pssa.info