Campus Estate Management Magazine Autumn 2021

Autumn 2021

Making a masterplan What are the current design challenges for education estates?

8 Industry News The latest news and views on campus

26 Smooth move Servicing moveable walls in schools

38 From little acorns Europe’s largest access control

42 Illuminated learning A energy efficient, learning environment

CAMPUS | Autumn 2021 | 1

Create a sustainable, high-performance university campus.

Discover how to maximize efficiency, safety, and productivity with an integrated university infrastructure.

Make the most of your energy 2 | Autumn 2021 | CAMPUS

SM

22 Editor Chris Hewett editorial@mebmedia.co.uk Accounts Jay Kempisty accounts@mebmedia.co.uk Publisher Wayne Banks +44 (0)1622 201207 wayne.banks@mebmedia.co.uk

30

Website and Circulation Manager Kevin Villa website@mebmedia.co.uk Design and Production Charles David production@mebmedia.co.uk Campus Estate Management Magazine is published 4 times a year

by MEB Media Publishing Ltd 13 Princes Street Maidstone Kent ME14 1UR United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0)1622 201207, info@mebmedia.co.uk www.mebmedia.co.uk Articles and art may not be reproduced or reprinted without the express written permission of the publisher.

Exclusion of Liability Although every effort will be made to ensure the accuracy of all materials published, the publisher takes no responsibility for errors or omissions.

Copyright © MEB Media Publishing Ltd 2021, all rights reserved.

Contents

42

4 Cover Story Making a masterplan What are the current design challenges for estates?

30 Taking no chances with winter readiness OUTCO explains that now is the time to prepare for winter

8 Product & Industry News The latest news and views on campus

34 Towards zero carbon A quarter of universities are unprepared for a zero-carbon future

22 Energy savings through machine learning Impact investment reduces carbon and cost footprints 26 Smooth move Servicing moveable walls in schools

38 From little acorns Aalborg University, Europe’s largest access control 42 Illuminated learning A modern, energy efficient, learning environment CAMPUS | Autumn 2021 | 3

COVER STORY

Making a masterplan What are the current design challenges for education estates? Written by Jason Geen Studio Leader and Architect at Apt

H

ow we long for ‘precedented times’ when we could at least see a few yards ahead of ourselves even if we could not see around the corner.

This article will offer some views on how Universities can negotiate the post covid landscape to improve the

4 | Autumn 2021 | CAMPUS

performance and appearance of their estates.

The first three most important aspects are data, data, and …erm… data. Without it we are guessing, many institutions have little more than an infrequent and superficial building condition survey upon which to base decisions. The cost of

the estate is second only to salary costs for most universities, it is only through a detailed understanding of the physical condition and potential opportunities for the estate that future demands can be met.

This data is of little use, other than for maintaining the existing estate and maintaining the status

quo, unless there is a clear estate strategy that supports the academic and institutional plans. The big questions have become more difficult, here we consider a few of them: • Income is static, costs rise every year, the universities do not want to, or cannot, borrow any more cash. Do they earn more, spend less, or both?

• How much, and what type of space do they really need, and where can we save space?

• Can we generate income from the contraction of our estate or wider use of the facilities we have?

• What will the balance of the blended learning model between on-site and on-campus be, and does this change the facilities we need?

• Is the current cost of HE education sustainable, will programmes be shorter, blended with work and education and how much do the facilities need to change to support this?

• Expectations and competition are increasing, what is going to make us more appealing than the others?

• How can we meet the carbon reduction targets given the existing university estates and the limited money available to spend?

• How can university staff think differently and respond positively to the changes required given often entrenched views?

• The biggest question of all is what do students want, are we sure we understand, and how do we deliver?

The pandemic has forced a need for change. Initially, these have been reactive changes to accommodate the health issues of social distancing, blended working, and remote learning against a backdrop, in the last 18 months of changing attitudes.

Whilst these were enforced changes, the future shift must now move towards a revised consideration of pro-active change to address the need for an estate campus to adopt to a new way of working. The ‘genie is out of the bottle’ as far as partial homeworking and online working is concerned, we will likely never return to a time pre-pandemic of all turning up to the same place to work every day, 5 days per week. This is not a

bad thing, but change is always a challenge and enforced change for big business such as the university system will always be difficult.

How do you masterplan for an uncertain future?

The problem with some of the larger masterplans is that that they are often expensive to create, unaffordable to implement and out-of-date before the ink is dry on the final version. Any masterplan must have a vision for the ‘big picture’ of where it wants to be when complete. It must be prioritised to achieve the academic strategy and take account of the need of the estate specifically regarding its’ worst buildings. It should be phased into project clusters with clear start and stop points without further project interdependencies. Implementation of the plan must be flexible in timing and adaptable in content to respond to changing needs and the available finance.

Our experience would guide us to: • Make data driven decisions upon the condition of the building, its cost to maintain into the future and the capacity of the building to accommodate alteration and/ or refurbishment to meet the requirements of the universities future planning.

• Consider whether there are wider strategic decisions to be made on the locations of the

buildings to generate income from sale, facilitating the creation of strategic partnerships with other organisations and businesses to be brought onto the campus.

• Be clear about how methods of working and study will change for staff and students, what amount, and type of spaces are required.

It is likely that physical teaching space and office space will reduce in response to the blend of online and on-campus learning.

It is generally accepted that: • The campus will have to reduce in size and deliver its programmes differently.

• There will always be the desire for the traditional university experience but there will need to be an alternative that blends work, education, and home to make the offer more financially sustainable.

All of this requires a smaller, more agile, more flexible campus, enabled by great technology to be capable of rapid reconfiguration for a variety of uses.

What do the surveys tell us?

(Quote sources of HEDQF - Higher Education Design Quality Forum and AUDE – Association of University Directors of Estates) Finding: Students have missed enormously the shared social experience of the University life they expected for the 19/20 academic CAMPUS | Autumn 2021 | 5

year. They do though like the choice of lectures online.

Lesson: If it is a didactic style of teaching and does not offer any real social or learning community benefit it should go online. This will free up resources for other uses.

Finding: Student’s value social contact with their peers and value academic contact time with their lecturers.

Lesson: Spend time on campus for high value activities in great spaces. Where specialist activities and contact with staff can be unencumbered by a high lecture physical presence.

Finding: Social distancing has driven the need for meeting outdoors and people have enjoyed this. There is a very strong desire for a variety of wi-fi enabled external spaces, connected to nature where people can work, relax, and meet. Careful design can extend the months in which we can use such facilities and spaces.

Lesson: The spaces between the buildings need be improved, this must be part of the cost of reducing the size of the estates and improving poor-quality external spaces.

Finding: Sustainability is ever higher on the student agenda, and they wish to see leadership from universities and expect to be given information 6 | Autumn 2021 | CAMPUS

that is both factual useful in regards to the sustainability initiatives being employed.

Lesson: Plan, promote, and engage with students. Furnish them with the right information so that they are able to understand the universities stance on significant issues.

What is the Apt Approach?

Apt is a London based architectural studio working across a variety of diverse project sectors, with extensive experience of purpose-built student housing (PBSH) with both the providers and universities themselves.

We have spent considerable time over the last 18 months researching and listening to the changing requirements of students, from the accommodation itself, through to the wider campus and the overall student experience. Our role as architects is to assist in the provision of good design, whilst using our skills to reconsider the role of the masterplan and the need for building efficiencies. Within university estates a recognised challenge will be to reinforce the connections between the internal environments and nature, to make space more adaptive, allowing for social interaction within an environmentally comfortable ‘wrapper’.

At Apt, we believe that good design can only emerge from effective briefings that address

difficult decisions related to the future of existing buildings. There has been a lot of recent ‘noise’ related to a sustainable building agenda, ‘giving an old building a new lease of life’ and that the repurposing of existing buildings should always be the first design consideration. There is a strong logic to this, but it also needs to be recognised that repurposing existing buildings can pose significant challenges, as refurbishment does not always lend itself to the highest sustainable assessments. The role of the architect and wider design team most of all, will be to collectively navigate these obstacles to find solutions that best suit our client and the building’s needs for now and into the future.

Ending on a positive note, the good news for universities is that the students still believe that there is a significant benefit to campus education, but that change is required, and the institutions will need to listen and adapt.

It is crucial for universities to think creatively in how to invest in their estates but to also reconsider the planning principles of these, the architects role in helping with this will be more important now than ever before.

For further information please visit https://apt.london

The Sony Solution When it comes to professional AV technology, Sony provides much more than just great products. We create solutions that make visual communications and knowledge sharing even smarter and more efficient.

We empower organisations of every industry, sector and size with advanced audio-visual tools that help them go further. From schools to universities, small business to big business, retail to automotive and more, we have the perfect solution.

Our comprehensive suite of TEOS solutions intelligently manage all of your connected devices, while our powerful collaboration tools enable real-time knowledge sharing. Discover new levels of detail with our class-leading BRAVIA Professional Displays, and take your presentations further with our bright, captivating range of Projectors.

Support is at the heart of everything we do. With our PrimeSupport packages, you’ll always get the best service for your business. With specialist advice and a host of support features included as standard, we’ve got you covered.

For full product features and specifications please visit pro.sony

PRODUCT & INDUSTRY NEWS

University of Birmingham partners with Siemens to create the smartest university campus in the world The University of Birmingham, in partnership with Siemens, is combining digital sensor and analytics technologies, artificial intelligence, decentralized energy generation and storage, renewable energy and concepts that help change users’ behaviour to transform the university’s Edgbaston and Dubai campuses into the world’s smartest global campus, creating a ‘Living Lab’ where research, teaching and learning all benefit from access to new data and connectivity.

The ‘Living Lab’ will capture data from the university’s building technologies, estates infrastructure and energy plants and use it for innovation, R&D activities, as well as teaching. Scrutinizing energy demand and production – from systems to individual consumers/ producers (prosumers) – with live data from across the sites provides a unique opportunity for applied learning for students and creates a platform for cutting-edge research.

This year, the University of Birmingham will become the first university in the world to roll out Internet of Things (IoT) technology at scale. Starting in autumn 2021, the first phase of this major energy efficiency project will include the roll out of 23,000 Enlighted IoT sensors across the university estate.

“As one of the largest universities in the UK – with a global community of more than 38,000 students – the university is already an energy prosumer and these technologies will be further optimized in the system we are now working on together,” said Matthias Rebellius, managing board member of Siemens AG and CEO of Smart Infrastructure. “Partnerships like this are extremely important for gathering new insights, testing and developing new technologies and creating efficient and sustainable energy infrastructure. The university’s campus in Dubai will be a global example of sustainability at the rescheduled Dubai Expo 2020.”

Professor Tim Jones, Provost and Vice-Principal of the University of Birmingham, explained the university’s

8 | Autumn 2021 | CAMPUS

ambitious vision: “Our goal is to deliver the campus of the future, using cutting-edge technologies to make our campuses in Edgbaston and Dubai the smartest globally. This will enhance our student experience, create new research and innovation opportunities, whilst significantly reducing our carbon footprint. As we approach COP26 in Glasgow this autumn, it is clear we are into the ‘decade of delivery’ for NetZero targets.

University-industry strategic partnerships, such as ours with Siemens, are important for helping to identify pathways for turning targets into reality.”

In addition, Siemens will deliver a 10-year bureau for Energy and IoT services to ensure that the university reaps the full potential of both the technology and industry expertise. The university has already made significant progress in making its operations more sustainable, including achieving its 2020 target of reducing carbon emissions by 20 percent.

It is constantly looking to improve the environmental performance of its buildings including a reduction of 2,856 tons of CO 2 annually, equivalent to five percent of the university’s current emissions.

Earlier this year, the University of Birmingham signed up to the United Nations Global Compact – the world's largest corporate responsibility initiative – as part of its commitment to reducing its environmental footprint and maximizing the impact of its research. The University of Birmingham is also a participant in the COP26 Universities Network and will have a presence at the COP26 conference, in Glasgow, in November.

The University of Birmingham is ranked amongst the world’s top 100 institutions, and its work brings people from across the world to Birmingham, including researchers and teachers and more than 6,500 international students from nearly 150 countries.

Further information at www.siemens.com

Three Greater Manchester universities pioneer UK’s first city-wide safety and response initiative using innovative digital technology with CriticalArc’s SafeZone

Game-changing collaboration between universities will speed incident response A pioneering alliance between three Greater Manchester universities using SafeZone® technology from CriticalArc, enables security teams to provide faster response and assistance to their students and staff.

The University of Manchester, the University of Salford and Manchester Metropolitan University, working with CriticalArc, have created the Manchester SafeZone Alliance. A global first, the initiative enables the three security control rooms to extend the footprint of 24/7 support beyond their campus boundaries.

The partnership builds on Manchester’s and Salford’s reputations as safe and welcoming cities for students from across the UK and a favourite destination for international students.

The three universities have each deployed SafeZone, CriticalArc’s unified safety, security and emergency management solution that provides Safety Everywhere™, wherever an organization has duty of care. Now, with the formation of the Manchester SafeZone Alliance, security staff from each campus will provide reciprocal support to each other’s staff and students.

In the event of an emergency - including an accident, crime, or medical incident - help is available to SafeZone users at the press of a button. Using the SafeZone app on their phone, students and staff are directly connected to the appropriate safety and security team or first responder.

For example, if a University of Manchester student is walking home alone late at night through the Manchester Metropolitan University campus, that individual will have the peace of mind that dedicated university first responder teams are instantly accessible at the tap of a button via SafeZone, confirming who

needs assistance, their precise location, and the type of incident. The nearest first responders will be notified and dispatched to the scene to provide an efficient response. Only when an individual calls for help is the identity and location of that person shared with the university’s security team.

“Student and staff wellbeing is always the top priority for all three universities, and we are pleased to put in place a technology solution that furthers this shared aim. Manchester and Salford have a longstanding reputation for being inclusive and welcoming destinations for students from around the world,” said Dr Sam Grogan, Pro-Vice Chancellor for Student Experience at University of Salford on behalf of the universities with the Manchester SafeZone Alliance group. “This pioneering cross-city initiative serves to enhance the safety and wellbeing of our university community.”

Darren Chalmers-Stevens, Managing Director of CriticalArc, said the introduction of the first SafeZone AllianceTM furthered CriticalArc’s strategic objective to help customers extend safety and security across their wider communities to enhance the protection of millions of SafeZone users.

“We are delighted to be working with the University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University and University of Salford on this ground-breaking project to give added reassurance for thousands of students and staff. The SafeZone Alliance sets these Greater Manchester universities apart and demonstrates their commitment to the wellbeing of students and staff, beyond traditional campus boundaries. We believe this alliance will prove to be a catalyst for game-changing cooperation between universities around the world.”

For more information on CriticalArc and SafeZone go to www.criticalarc.com CAMPUS | Autumn 2021 | 9

Somerset’s new £18 Million SEN school completes construction Construction has now completed on Polden Bower SEN (special educational needs) School in Bridgwater, Somerset – creating additional much-needed school places for SEN students across the region.

The £18 million project, which started on site in June 2018, comprised the design and build of a brand-new purpose-built school for students aged 4 to 16 who require custom support and facilities.

The scheme features fully accessible classrooms equipped with the latest teaching technology, a warm water pool for physiotherapy, a sports hall and external spaces – as well as a café to help students develop vocational skills and encourage engagement.

Property, construction and infrastructure consultancy Perfect Circle – a company jointly owned

by Pick Everard, Gleeds and AECOM – was appointed by Somerset County Council to complete the project as part of the local authority’s wider initiative to increase SEN school provisions throughout the district.

Perfect Circle provided project and cost management, design, technical advice, architecture, mechanical and electrical engineering design, planning consultancy, fire consultancy and acoustic consultancy services for the project, which was accelerated by SCAPE Consultancy, a direct award framework that drives collaboration, efficiency, time and cost savings.

Victoria Brambini, managing director of Perfect Circle, said: “We’re very proud to be part of Somerset County Council’s plan to create additional SEN school places throughout the region, improving educational infrastructure for young people across the county and allowing students to have access to high-quality academic and vocational opportunities.

“Leaving a lasting legacy in the communities we work within is at the core of Perfect Circle’s ethos, and this project will enable us to do just that by enhancing the lives of present and future generations.”

10 | Autumn 2021 | CAMPUS

Completing the scheme successfully has required high levels of collaborative working to overcome significant issues; from the site location in the Somerset Levels next to the M5 motorway, to encompassing the wide range of educational and support needs of the school population within a tight budget and during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Stuart Francis, principal regional lead for the South West at Perfect Circle, said: “The project was successfully completed after navigating several challenges. The team had to undertake a major value engineering process, which led to a substantial redesign to bring the project in to budget, as well as building on a site with significant drainage issues.

“We also designed a bund to provide acoustic protection for the school from the neighbouring motorway, all while maintaining strong and collaborative working relationships between all parties.

“However, our teams are experts in navigating complex and challenging builds, finding solutions and making sure the works carried out meet expected requirements, so we were able to successfully deliver the project to a high standard. We have a great relationship with Somerset County Council having previously been appointed to a number of its infrastructure projects, and we look forward to working with the team again in the future.”

Mark Robinson, group chief executive at SCAPE, said: “By creating a collaborative relationship and shared vision, Perfect Circle has helped Somerset County Council provide a high-quality educational facility for children and young people with special educational needs.

For more information on Perfect Circle, please visit www.perfectcircle.co.uk

500

DO YOUR BEST WORK One of the most versatile work utility vehicles on the market, the Carryall 500 has the power to replace pickup trucks at a fraction of the cost.

With a rustproof, aircraft-grade aluminum frame, and cargo box, along with best-in-class ergonomics, the Carryall 500 is the perfect solution for your industrial and commercial jobs.

www.clubcar.com info@clubcar.com

Students move into brand new UPP scheme at the University of Exeter Residents have moved into 578 new high-quality rooms completed as part of the final phase of the East Park project developed by University Partnerships Programme (UPP), the UK’s leading provider of on-campus residential and academic accommodation infrastructure, for long-standing partner the University of Exeter.

Phase one of the East Park project, located on the University’s Streatham Campus, was completed last year, with students occupying 604 new rooms in September 2020.

With the second phase now complete, the overall project has delivered 1,182 rooms, comprising a mixture of standard, en-suite and enhanced accessible bedrooms, as well as study and social spaces and outdoor areas with views of the Campus and the City of Exeter beyond.

UPP designed, built and financed the project, which it will now operate through a full facilities management service. The scheme has a BREEAM rating of excellent and was delivered by contractor VINCI Construction UK Limited.

Mark Swindlehurst, Managing Director of UPP Asset Management, said: “The completion and occupation of the second phase of the project on time and on budget means that we now operate over 4,100 rooms on the University’s campus.

“The project increases the on-campus accommodation available to students in Exeter and is 12 | Autumn 2021 | CAMPUS

testament to the strength of our bespoke, long-term partnership with the University, first formed in 2009. As a strategic partner, UPP is supporting the University’s growth strategy by providing affordable on-campus accommodation, underpinning the very best student experience.”

Registrar and Secretary for the University of Exeter, Mike Shore-Nye, said: “Following three and a half years of planning and construction, we are really pleased to see undergraduate students move in to the newly completed stage two of East Park student residences this month.

“Only a short walk from the centre of our Streatham Campus, the modern rooms and facilities are in high demand, particularly for first year students leaving home for the first time who want the benefit of an enhanced social experience and well-being support.

“East Park provides a range of room types and rent options alongside our other new student residences Moberly and Spreytonway, also managed by UPP, and forms part of the University’s commitment to ease the pressure on accommodation in Exeter city.”

East Park boosts UPP’s portfolio to over 36,000 rooms in operation or under construction through long-term, bespoke partnerships with 15 world-leading universities. UPP has invested over £300million at the University of Exeter since 2009.

For further information visit www.upp-ltd.com

New Altro Tegulis offers stylish and hygienic grout-free alternative to tiles

New Altro Tegulis™ innovative wall system offers the ideal alternative to traditional tiles for wet rooms, bathrooms, kitchens, and retail spaces. With a range of tile-effect patterns offering a grout-free alternative to tiles, Altro Tegulis offers a more familiar feeling than traditional wall panel sheets.

Available in an extensive colour and design palette, Altro Tegulis has the look and feel of tiles, but has custom-etched grout lines that eliminate the cleaning, repair and hygiene issues often associated with traditional ceramic tile installations using porous grout.

Altro Tegulis draws on 40 years of Altro wall panel experience to create stunning looks with numerous colour and tile-effect combinations; from natural stone effects to smooth neutral satin finishes, featuring on-trend chevrons, hexagons and timeless metro tiles.

Altro Tegulis is perfect for end-users looking to create a stylish, flexible look for walls. With innovative etched designs, wall panels are adaptable to numerous décor choices, rooms, and environments.

Altro Tegulis is faster to install than ceramic tiles, is low in VOC emissions, easy to clean, and stain resistant.

It is easy to install using one of Altro’s unique jointing methods, with minimum disruption and significant cost savings compared to traditional ceramic tile installations.

Altro Tegulis uses a proven hygienic system as the basis for its panels. Completely grout-free, the etched grout line proves there is nowhere for dirt and germs

to hide. Unlike ceramic tiles, Altro Tegulis will not discolour in any way, and with no grout lines to harbour mould, walls will continue to look fresh for years.

Panels are easy to clean with a mild alkaline detergent, meaning hassle-free maintenance and a safe hygienic environment for all users.

As you would expect from Altro, the Altro Tegulis wall system is durable and built to last, with an impressive 10-year guarantee. Resistant to everyday knocks and bangs, unlike tiles, wall panels are not easily chipped or cracked, keeping walls that look like new for longer, and reducing renovation costs over time.

With a choice of installation methods, an area clad in Altro Tegulis wall panels is healthier and more hygienic, protecting people and keeping them safer.

Using the half-lap installation method combined with Altro sanitary sealant, the Altro Tegulis wall system prevents water and bacteria from penetrating below the surface, ideal for use in wet rooms and spaces with high levels of humidity. Altro’s interlock installation method works for installations where excess moisture and water are unlikely to impact the walls.

With a multitude of design options in a range of colours and tile patterns, Altro Tegulis is an innovative and functional wall system, perfect for end-users looking to create a stylish, flexible look for walls without any of the drawbacks of tiles.

Find out more at www.altro.co.uk/Altro-Tegulis CAMPUS | Autumn 2021 | 13

Too cool for school: Sustainable design for education Construction within the education sector is set to face a number of challenges in the next decade as schools look to reach net zero and utilise renewable technology and techniques. Matt Wrate, director at international M&E consultancy CPW, looks at how to keep schools cool yet sustainable when developing heating solutions.

One of the biggest issues we face when designing schools is overheating, due to increased occupancy density and equipment gains. Keeping schools cool, especially with the ever-looming threat of climate change, has been an issue since Tony Blair’s ‘education education education’ promise that pledged to put schools at the top of the agenda.

It’s easy to draw parallels to Boris Johnson’s ‘build build build’ but this time the focus is on the property and construction industry with an emphasis on helping both new and existing buildings become carbon neutral.

I recently took part in a Stride Treglown Climate Action Relay panel, which looked at the challenges of delivering a carbon net zero school and considered the implementation of modern methods of construction (MMC) in schools, the impact of changing regulations and behavioural changes in reaching net zero.

The consensus was that there is no one answer for reaching net zero but rather that we need a wider solution that incorporates a transparent supply chain, renewable technology, MMC and a simple way to measure operational and embodied carbon on projects.

In short, we need to work together to reach the government’s 2050 target.

This is where clever solutions come in In 2000, when renewable technology first gained popularity, the cost was astronomical. However, in 14 | Autumn 2021 | CAMPUS

the decades since then the price of materials has significantly reduced and so has the overall cost.

Photovoltaic panels already cover the roofs of schools across the country and a number of passive solutions have been installed to keep spaces cool before resorting to energy-hungry air conditioning. But we need to take the next step.

New technology is in the research and development pipeline, so we need to begin weighing up the benefits of implementing sustainable techniques while keeping inside the budget. Even with the best intentions, if the proposed solutions aren’t economically viable, the most financially suitable option will win out every time.

I believe closing the ‘performance gap’ is essential if schools are to operate as zero carbon. Engaging the client’s facilities management team, who will actually operate the building, is ideal but not always feasible at design stage. We therefore need to design systems that are simple to use without training to ensure energy is not wasted.

However, the biggest difference we can make when designing schools is allowing flexibility. School buildings are used in different ways, at different times, by different groups of people and the design must facilitate this as much as possible without adding significant cost.

Technology is also constantly evolving so we must consider the entire lifespan of a school – typically 25 years – and allow space to incorporate different solutions as they become available. Yes, we need to consciously design with sustainability in mind, utilising the most up to date methods and technology, but flexibility is key when reaching for carbon net zero.

For further information visit www.cpwp.com

NEXT GENERATION KEYLESS ACCESS CONTROL Smart access control technology platform designed to give users ultimate freedom of choice regarding system layout, type and number of access points as well as level of security.

TOTALLY WIRE-FREE: Stand-alone, virtually networked, wired and wireless smart locks, all working within a single access control technology platform.

BUILT TO COVER EVERY ACCESS POINT: Extensive range of electronic locks, cylinders and readers to cover all the needs of any type of building.

EASY TO INSTALL: Designed to be installed in doors with existing locks, with no need for additional modifications or wiring.

SECURE KEYLESS ACCESS: Complete mobilecompatible electronic locking platform, increase in security, control and convenience.

SALTO Systems LTD - United Kingdom +44 01926 811979 I info.uk@saltosystems.com I www.saltosystems.co.uk

Zunoma highlights the benefits of digital certification to save administration time in the education sector The recent pandemic prompted a major shift to public services moving online with the education sector seeing one of the biggest changes as 1.2 billion[1] children were forced to study online. Digital security firm, Zunoma, is leading the change in digitalising examination certificates in the education sector.

Due to Covid-19, there has been a global increase in online education over the last 18 months, with online learning provider edX seeing an increase of 161% in the number of people registering to learn online[2].

With education becoming more digitally accessible, there is an increasing need for a digital certification and validation.

Furthermore, locating education records and transcripts is a manual and time-consuming process for administration staff. Digital certification requires minimal admin and is easier to manage and share between parties, be it the universities or students.

Dinah Ouzman, Director of Strategy & Product Development at Zunoma, said: “There has been a huge shift to digital across many sectors since the start of the pandemic and the education sector is no different.”

16 | Autumn 2021 | CAMPUS

“Zunoma’s digital transformation experts have already successfully begun the process of guiding many of our customers through the transition to digital certification, with the vast majority of our clients saying they recognise this shift.”

Many universities across the country have already begun the move to include a hybrid of print and digital certification. With some examining bodies charging up to £50[3] for a replacement certificate, digital alternatives are a much more appealing and cost-effective alternative.

Due to an increasing demand from employers to verify qualifications, Zunoma has developed verification apps to simplify the process and remove the middleman. Zunoma offers a complete design, print and personalisation service of multiple education documents and is trusted by examination and awarding bodies in the UK and internationally.

To find out more about Zunoma please visit www.zunoma.com/security-print-software/certificateseducation

Marshalls Landscape Protection commits to using FSC®-certified wood

Moving forward, Marshalls Landscape Protection has pledged to use FSC®-certified wood exclusively on newly launched Marshalls branded products from now on, as it seeks to make its product ranges more sustainable than ever.

Marshalls Landscape Protection, a division of Marshalls Group, manufacture and supply protective street furniture for a variety of locations including highstreets, stadiums and public buildings. Many of its products, such as its protective benches and planters, are produced with hardwood and softwood, which is why the company is committing itself to using FSC®-certified wood.

The Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) is an internationally recognised organisation that promotes the responsible use of the world’s forests. As part of its work, the FSC runs a global forest certification system with two key components: Forest Management and Chain of custody. The purpose of the FSC system is to allow businesses and consumers to easily identify timber products that have been produced using wellmanaged forests or recycled sources.

The environmental challenges that face us today pose an immediate threat that must be overcome. The work conducted by the FSC aims to tackle the climate crisis by protecting the world’s forests from conversion to other land uses, introducing management practices that maintain the integrity of the forests, and restoring

damaged and degraded forests. By opting to use FSC®-certified wood, Marshalls Landscape Protection is ensuring that it is making a positive contribution to the environment.

Chris Griffiths, Head of Product Sustainability at Marshalls PLC, discussed this environmentally beneficial decision, saying: “Making the move to FSC®certified timber was an obvious step for us - we’ve been working with them for years, so now is the right time to make the arrangement permanent. We understand that sustainability is about people and communities just as much as it’s about the environment, and so does the FSC. It’s a great partnership.

“The Marshalls Way is to do the right things, for the right reasons, in the right way. That’s why sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. It’s in our DNA and we’ve been on this journey for two decades. We want to create better spaces for everyone, by working with internationally recognised organisations and taking action to make a meaningful difference.”

This step could be the first of many for Marshalls Landscape Protection, with a detailed review currently underway that will seek to replace any lumber with FSC®-certified wood wherever possible.

For more information on Marshalls Landscape Protection please visit www.marshalls.co.uk/ commercial/landscape-protection?news CAMPUS | Autumn 2021 | 17

ABB launches industry-first medium voltage UPS that delivers 98 percent efficiency¹

• HiPerGuard delivers 98 percent efficiency at voltages up to 24 kV, providing a more reliable grid connection while eliminating power outages and reducing carbon emissions • The only medium voltage (MV) uninterruptable power supply (UPS) solution for data centers and other mission critical facilities that can interact easily with the grid and onsite renewable technologies • Excess energy can be sold back to the grid to provide extended or new revenue streams ABB has launched an industry-first MV UPS that provides a continuous and reliable power supply of up to 24 kV for data centers and other mission critical facilities to protect servers and mechanical loads, whilst reducing downtime. HiPerGuard supports sustainability with the highest levels of efficiency available on the market, at 98 percent – translating to a potential carbon emission reduction of 1,245 tons over a typical 15-year lifespan2.

HiPerGuard delivers the positive benefits of a classic dynamic rotary UPS, including low TCO, high performance and resilience against major grid events, while incorporating the flexibility and capabilities of a modern static converter system. The result is a unique MV UPS system that can offer increased grid support capabilities, including UPS demand response whilst minimizing costly downtime and power outages.

It tackles key power quality issues, preventing data processing errors, circuit board failures and overheating by protecting against voltage sags, swells, spikes, and power interruptions.

Dave Sterlace, Head of Technology for ABB Global Data Center Solutions, comments: “With data center downtime estimated to cost between $100,000 and 1 million USD dollars per year3, there is an increasing call for clean, continuous, energy efficient and reliable power that minimizes major losses. In response, we are proud

to innovate UPS technology to provide the right quality of power which eliminates interruptions to prevent significant performance and financial losses. At the same time, as part of ABB’s 2030 Sustainability Strategy commitments, HiPerGuard helps to reduce harmful CO2 emissions by increasing efficiency compared to traditional rotary systems.”

As well as outstanding load protection performance, through its innovative, ABB-patented, Impedance Isolated Static Converter (ZISC) architecture, which delivers reliable and efficient separation of the energy source, HiPerGuard brings the power protection closer to the grid than other solutions. This improves demand response and supply reliability.

In addition to efficiency and protection benefits, ABB’s HiPerGuard has advanced integration capabilities with a wide range of backup power systems including diesel generators, slow paced gas generators and turbines. HiPerGuard also ensures flexibility of system design and future energy source implementation, for alternative energy sources such as hydrogen.

As with all ABB Power Protection products, HiPerGuard is designed with long term system availability in mind and only requires intrusive maintenance in ten-year intervals, delivering time and cost savings for maintenance teams.

1. Assuming 25% of the time at 25% load, 50% of the time at 50% load and 25% of the time at 75% load, with no time spent at 100%, the average efficiency is 97.5%, rounded up to 98% 2. Using the reference value of 295.8 gCO2e per kWh 3. https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252486928/Costsincurred-by-major-datacentre-outages-continue-to-rise-UptimeInstitute-research-shows

More information on the ABB HiPerGuard is available: https://new.abb.com/ups/systems/medium-voltageups/zisc

CAMPUS | Autumn 2021 | 19

Vehicle branding firm teams up with University of Hull to kit out eco transport A new bike hire hub ready to loan out more than 60 refurbished bikes to University of Hull students has opened on campus The eye-catching fleet has been branded in bright purple by Hull-based vehicle livery and decal firm Brandfixx, who spent just a day-and-a-half kitting out the bikes to make sure they look the part while being ridden around the city, as well as ensuring they are easy to spot during the dark winter nights.

The new scheme, run in a collaboration between local charity R-evolution and the University of Hull, is designed to encourage students to use pedal power while commuting to the Cottingham Road campus, providing both physical and mental health benefits during their stay at university. It will also generate a lesser reliance on cars as users will be able to make use of the city’s upgraded cycle lane network.

Greg Saunderson, Brandfixx managing director, said: “Since we launched Brandfixx, we have been lucky enough to work with a range of businesses to translate our innovative approach onto vehicles of all shapes and sizes. What is special about our service is that, not only is it quicker and more time-efficient than traditional wrap alternatives, we can also fit our decals accurately to within a millimetre. This means that any vehicle – regardless of how may wheels it has – can get the Brandfixx treatment.

“Brandfixx exists to solve problems, whatever size and shape they may come in. Our fitters loved working on the R-evolution project at the University of Hull and being given the opportunity to bring about real change for the many students who descend on the city every year.”

John Marshall, CEO of Cottingham-based charity R-evolution, said: “Brandfixx has given our newlyrefurbished fleet of University of Hull loan bikes a fresh 20 | Autumn 2021 | CAMPUS

lease of life in addition to making them eye catching, easily recognisable and brighter at night.

“The branded decals look very professional and not only look great, but also provide an important safety feature for the upcoming winter months. The team worked tirelessly over a day and a half to wrap over 60 bikes and we can’t thank them enough for their hard work to bring the wonderful final touches to the Bike Hub.” Phoebe Bastiani, President of the Hull University Students’ Union, said: “The Hull University Students’ Union worked with R-evolution back in 2019, providing low-cost bikes for students.

“We are so pleased to see that this partnership with the University has developed further. The new bike hire hub will enable students to travel to and from campus in a sustainable way, as well as explore Hull and see everything this wonderful city has to offer.

“In 2019, we formally recognised and declared that we are living in a climate emergency. Since then, we have been taking the necessary steps to act, and as part of my manifesto as President, I have been working on securing more biodiversity on campus, tackling food waste and improving recycling.”

Brandfixx’s process uses a modular technique, designed, manufactured and fitted to suit every type of vehicle. The firm, based in Hull’s Rotterdam Road, offers a transformative approach to the vehicle branding sector which includes carbon-saving benefits, as well as savings in time and cost when compared to traditional vehicle wraps.

Their radical approach to issues around vehicle branding has already seen them win significant clients across the UK, in the LGV, HGV and plant sectors.

For more information visit www.brandfixx.com

The New Standard in Academic Integrity Turnitin Originality rises above similarity checking, addresses new and emerging trends in misconduct, and keeps integrity at the core of all student work.

Learn more:

turnitin.com/products/originality

ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN

Energy savings through machine learning

Impact investment reduces carbon and cost footprints by George Catto, Client Services Director at AMR DNA, an Energy Assets service

I

t’s hard to imagine that just five years ago the suggestion that energy managers develop efficiency goals based on clearly identified and quantified opportunities would at best have been considered naïve.

The technology to analyse the huge volumes of energy consumption data needed to spot efficiency opportunities in multi-building portfolios, such as a university or FE campuses, simply wasn’t mature enough to reach firm future-focused

22 | Autumn 2021 | CAMPUS

conclusions. Any such attempt would almost inevitably have been based on opinion and subjectivity.

The dimensions of the challenge are clear and one solution might be to recruit a team of ‘all-knowing’, ‘hard-working’, imaginative, smart assistants to make any spreadsheet ‘sit up and beg’. However, the volume of data is such that it would take an army of experts to make sense of it … not to mention a near-infinite budget.

This challenging environment for energy managers was illustrated in a

survey conducted during an Energy Assets webinar event which showed that fewer than one in 10 energy managers have capacity to review consumption data more than once a week. At the same time, six in 10 believed that artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, could transform the way they analyse and interpret data to improve efficiency.

So, what has changed over the last few years?

One of the most powerful tools

emerging in the armoury of energy managers in the HE and FE sectors is the application of machine learning, informed by AI, to recommend changes to enhance performance based on half-hourly data from automated meter reading (AMR) systems.

With machine learning, it is possible to interrogate years’ worth of historic half-hourly data in seconds. Examining this as a reference point, the AI system can spot tell-tale signs of energy waste unique to each building through pattern recognition – such as equipment running needlessly, heating controls incorrectly set - and then provide a checklist of priority actions to drive up efficiency and reduce energy costs.

This innovative approach has been adopted by The Energy Consortium (TEC), a Contracting Authority, owned by its members, which delivers a wide range of services in energy procurement, data reporting, risk management and cost reduction on a not-for-profit basis for its predominantly university sector membership. TEC, which currently risk manages 11TWh of gas and power across 10,500 meters, is partnering with Energy Assets AMR DNA energy data service, powered by kWIQly, to apply machine learning

across a number of HE campuses Pinning down energy waste and improvement opportunities over an estate of complex, multi-faceted buildings, requires rock-solid benchmarks to compare like-withlike.

Energy waste So, what types of energy waste are we talking about? Waste comes in many forms: • Precedent waste - when a building does not perform as well as it has in the past (and noting that operational contexts and use-cases of a building will change and must be re-learned).

• Routine waste - when a building can be shown to systematically use energy that cannot be necessary or comfortable (e.g. if heating is maximised at +5°C , since colder weather requires more heating; a combination of discomfort or waste exists at all temperatures between -5°C and +5°C).

• Peer or benchmarked waste when a building does not comply with its peers (for example sets of comparable buildings are expected to have similar balance temperatures, night-setback loads and apparent occupancy patterns).

The chart below shows the TEC portfolio with each site showing their percentage reduction when at low load. This sort of graphic enables the energy manager to easily identify sites that do not conform with its peers and priorities them for investigation. The two profiles show a site which has a high percentage turndown and is at its low state for a reasonable period of time versus one that does not.

A key point is that some waste is additive, while some is not - so even if you can save ‘X’ if you switch off in summer, and ‘Y’ if you switch off at-night - you still cannot save ‘X+Y’ - because of those famous ‘hot-summer-nights’!

The value of machine learning Machine learning, informed by AI, is very good at doing the heavy lifting when it comes to data interrogation, consumption pattern recognition and constructing peer-groups of buildings.

When primed with meter data, weather data and occupancy forecasts, the AMR DNA service enables energy managers to fulfil their core role of optimising energy performance across their entire estate by implementing data-led energy waste and carbon reduction strategies. This can be particularly

CAMPUS | Autumn 2021 | 23

valuable in a COVID world where building occupancy (both in halls of residence and in teaching environments) and function can vary enormously.

By assimilating and analysing consumption data, machine learning can continuously refine the list of priorities and actions that will optimise overall performance.

It works by: • Spotting tell-tale ‘fingerprints’ of energy waste, • Identifying patterns of waste unique to each building, • Providing a checklist of priority actions to drive efficiency and reduce energy costs, • Modelling multiple building occupation/ operations scenarios to enable rapid energy system reconfiguration.

• One thing is clear, the more feedback the machines can absorb, the better and more accurate their results become and the fewer the missed or incorrect recommendations.

There is also a need to forecast well, based on day-of-week, context and weather sensitive forecast models, 24 | Autumn 2021 | CAMPUS

to identify where noise is present in automatic meter readings and filter results, to plan for scenario changes etc.

Campus estate benefits In the case of HE and FE sectors, The Energy Consortium is applying the AMR DNA system across multisite campuses and has achieved significant improvements in energy efficiency.

Stephen Creighton, Head of Member Services at TEC, says that the application of machine learning has enabled its members to achieve significant improvements in energy efficiency.

“Diving this deep into the volume of metered data that is now available simply would not be possible through manual intervention. Now though, we have a system that can not only spot areas of concern, but also progressively learn the optimal performance for each building and provide a corresponding list of priority actions to deliver the best outcomes.

“The role of energy managers is changing and without machine learning it’s impossible to analyse data on a daily basis. Saving money

and reducing carbon is absolutely the number one priority for our members and is the major benefit of this system.”

A study of the full TEC portfolio showed that an annual saving potential of £6,000,000 could be achieved if all buildings that do not turn consumption down to 50% overnight were to do so. Obviously in the case of TEC there are a number of buildings that are not able to do this, however the software allows the addition of any number of markers to support necessary filtering.

Machine learning technology is also perfectly aligned to Net Zero planning and in tune with Environmental, Social & Governance strategies that are becoming increasingly important to consumers and stakeholders. Universities are leaders in innovation and many are now at the forefront in the implementation of digital tools to make sense of their energy data, to ‘map’ consumption profiles and become contributors to a lower carbon economy.

For further information please visit www.energyassets.co.uk/service/ amr-dna

PARTITIONS

Smooth move

R

Servicing moveable walls in schools

ecognising the advantages of adaptable space within schools, colleges and universities, many education facilities now benefit from multiple moveable wall systems. Aside from helping deliver socially distanced learning, modern moveable walls allow staff to respond to daily demands, quickly creating break-out rooms for small

26 | Autumn 2021 | CAMPUS

group study or to open-up an area for teaching of larger classes. This flexibility encourages more creative teaching solutions, delivering an enhanced learning environment.

However, as the majority of moveable wall installed today are either fully or semi-automatic, it is more important than ever to safeguard your capital investment with regular servicing of the

system. Carried out by a suitably trained service engineer, routine maintenance not only protects the acoustic performance and smooth operation of the wall but also ensures it is functioning within health and safety regulations.

UK market leader and partitioning experts Style, has recently undertaken service and maintenance work in a number of education

establishments across Scotland, quickly rectifying small areas of wear and tear that could otherwise have led to larger repair costs in the long term.

Schools prioritise maintenance The management of Scotland’s school estate has never been more important. Style’s aftercare team provides maintenance and repairs across multiple sites with annual service contracts. Recently Style secured the contact to look after the movable walls in three schools.

Two were existing Style installations the third was an older product from another manufacturer.

During the first visit at the third school, Style’s technical team noticed that the moveable wall’s pass door had dropped, putting pressure on the operating mechanism and negatively impacting acoustic integrity.

Having spotted the issue as part of a detailed audit, Style’s technicians were able to resolve it quickly and efficiently while on site, preventing further damage.

“Planned maintenance through routine servicing and repair is a crucial part of managing moveable wall assets,” said Angela McGowan, Style Scotland’s sales and service manager.

“The small gap and slight misalignment of this pass door had gone unnoticed by school staff but was picked up immediately by our

technicians. It’s one of those minor things that doesn’t hinder daily use of the system but can result in far greater costs if left unresolved.

“It’s for this reason we are seeing demand for service contracts grow dramatically within the education sector which relies heavily on flexible space, particularly in areas where social distancing measures may be required.”

University maintains acoustics integrity In 2016, Style installed four DORMA Hüppe Variflex moveable walls and a Skyfold, vertically rising, fully automatic moveable wall at The University of Strathclyde.

All five walls offer outstanding acoustic integrity making them integral to the effective functioning of

CAMPUS | Autumn 2021 | 27

the building, ensuring spaces can be quickly sub-divided to meet teaching/ lecturing needs.

Since their installation, Style has provided routine servicing of the walls as part of a service agreement.

During a recent visit it was clear that the rubber gasket on one of the Dorma walls had been damaged.

While not especially hindering the use of the wall, over time damage to a seal like this would certainly reduce acoustic performance, interfering with privacy between divided areas.

“This is another example of the sort of small, yet important repair that our technicians can carry out while on site for a service visit,” comments McGowan.

“A nominal investment in scheduled visits to carry out operational, health and safety, and acoustic checks can save thousands in the long run and in some cases, moveable walls can last in excess of 25 years if properly maintained.”

Tips for choosing an aftercare provider It is important to check that whoever 28 | Autumn 2021 | CAMPUS

is servicing your moveable walls has the authority to maintain your system and is competent to do so. Style, for example, is the sole UK supplier for both Dorma Hüppe and Skyfold moveable walls and our engineers are the only ones in the UK currently qualified to maintain these systems.

Check for an appropriate level of competence, with in-house training being CITB approved for example.

Ideally engineers will hold an NVQ level two Operable wall installer certificate and have all the necessary training for access equipment such as PASMA and IPAF. Engineers who are directly employed, rather than sub-contract engineers, helps maintain quality management systems, ensuring continuity of care over a period of years.

Geographic location of the service team will obviously determine how quickly you can expect a response to a breakdown and an engineer who arrives promptly, in a well-stocked vehicle, will cut down-time and expense. If the moveable wall is integral to smooth operations, then

an emergency call-out arrangement is essential.

Contracts offering a ‘due diligence’ visual inspection may not satisfy PUWER health and safety obligations. A comprehensive examination should include checking all seals are intact and fully operational, cleaning and lubrication of track and fixings, alignment of panels and tracking system as well as a full check of any electrical components including motor and key switches, push buttons, panel contacts and controls.

“We are very proud of our UK-wide network of in-house trained engineers,” said McGowan, “and have just introduced Engineer ID cards. Offering reassurance that the technician is of the highest calibre, the cards detail all relevant personal information as well as qualifications held including current DBS status and health and safety training.

For further information please visit www.style-partitions.co.uk

Touchless Access Control Solutions.

Protect your people. And their people.

We’re seeing our world a little differently now. The decisions you make affect more people than ever before. And HID Global is leading the industry with touchless security solutions that protect your workforce–and their families–holistically. From no-contact secure entries and over-the-air credentialing to occupancy control and social distance monitoring, our comprehensive solutions allow you to reassure your employees and ensure a safe, secure, successful return to work.

For a limited time, HID Global is offering new customers

50% OFF

TOUCHLESS ENTRY

MOBILE ACCESS

VISITOR MANAGEMENT

REAL-TIME LOCATION SERVICES

mobile IDs for one full-year subscription.

Learn more at hidglobal.com/touchless

WEATHER PLANNING

Taking no chances with winter readiness Whether it’s proactive maintenance of drains and grounds, or readying your plan for snow and ice clearance, Brendan Aherne, Winter Services Director at OUTCO explains that now is the time to prepare for winter

E

states management is ultimately all about risk.

Wear and tear on assets risks reducing their value.

Leaving small problems unresolved risks greater costs down the line that may have a material impact on an organisation’s bottom line. Beyond the risks to the fabric of buildings or car parks, there is of course the human dimension: Hazardous conditions such as

30 | Autumn 2021 | CAMPUS

slippery surfaces or broken paving onsite risk injury to site users, which in these litigious times carries the heavy risk of legal action, liability claims and even imprisonment for breaches of the Health & Safety at Work Act, which fall under criminal rather than civil law.

Perhaps more than any other time in the year, winter is when these multiple overlapping risk factors coincide: On the one hand,

extreme weather conditions such as storms, flooding, snowy or icy conditions present direct hazards, while on the other, limited daylight hours or access to sites caused by weather conditions conspire to make it more challenging to resolve issues. As a result, it’s vital to take a comprehensive and early approach to assess and plan for the winter months that encompasses areas such as grounds maintenance, drainage,

and - naturally - snow and ice clearance.

Grounds maintenance priorities Many organisations significantly reduce grounds maintenance with the onset of winter, for example by reducing the number of site visits after the main growing season ends.

However, even when lawns aren’t in need of regular cutting this can be a false economy: some of the most beneficial care is carried out in the coldest months to help lawns grow healthily and free of moss during the summer, and this is true for grounds maintenance as a whole: In any given season, the work you’ve done in the preceding period is often the key to success.

A key activity in the approach to winter is leaf clearing, which is generally required between September and December. Beyond the aesthetic considerations, wet leaves on pavements can present a slipping hazard that can present just as much legal risk to site owners as the snows and ice of winter. Leaf collection is also an important way to prevent more costly works further down the line. For example, leaves and debris that build up can destroy lawns which will require grounds teams to undertake more costly work later to bring these areas back up to standard. Similarly, decaying leaves on lawns or hard standings can also form a substrate that allows weeds to germinate. This then requires more weed control as well as unnecessary and costly chemical treatments during the growing season.

Autumn provides a great time to schedule landscaping works such as planting and arboriculture activity.

August through to November is also an important period to focus on landscaping activities like hedge trimming. This is not just to keep things tidy but also to ensure safe access around paths and to preserve sight lines for vehicle traffic in car parks and for security cameras.

Similarly, another important area to consider is the safety of trees onsite and it’s important to ensure that any wooded areas near buildings or paths have been recently inspected for dead wood that may need removing to ensure safety during winter storms. As with any area of health and safety, acting proactively regarding tree safety and effectively documenting this action is the key to mitigating legal hazards should the worse happen.

Getting ready for the rains One of the defining features of the British climate is rainfall, which is why it’s vital to ensure that drainage systems are working as they should ahead of winter. Again, this is an area where planned maintenance is important to ensure drains can handle the expected conditions. The Met Office has warned that the UK will see an increase in the number of “high impact heavy rainfall” days, with intense and prolonged rainfall seeing a rise in flooding. While drainage systems are not designed for flash flooding, proactive measures such as CCTV drainage surveys and high-pressure water jetting will ensure that they can operate at their optimal level.

The needs of sites will vary, but inspections and cleaning of drains should be undertaken at least once a year. A recommendation is that this is done around September time to remove leaves and debris that have been washed into drains and to ensure the drainage system can run at full capacity over winter. Ideally, that process should be repeated in March to cope with build up over winter. As well as camera surveys of drains, inspections should also look for obvious issues on site like ponding in car parks, - an obvious sign that water can’t get away, depressions that could indicate a collapsed drain, or to identify and clear vegetation in drainage gullies that would impact their effectiveness.

Obviously, prevention is cheaper than the cure and this is certainly the case with drainage, where expensive CAMPUS | Autumn 2021 | 31

excavation and drain repairs can be prevented with effective planned maintenance. Hence, regular planned drain cleansing and site surveys can ensure any potential issues can be identified and dealt with before becoming an expensive problem. For example, techniques and methods such as no dig and pipe relining repairs, can ensure that drainage issues can be rectified with minimal disruption and without the need for expensive excavations. In other words, scheduling inspections to help with winter readiness can also help manage costs over the long term.

It’s also worth keeping in mind that organisations have a duty of care to maintain drainage and failures to do so - for example in the case of spills on site - could result in fines from the water authority.

Plan properly for snow and ice clearance Clearly, many of winter’s greatest risks come in the form of snow and ice. Over one of the harshest winters of recent years, 2017/18, Hospital Episode Statistics for England recorded over 7,200 people requiring hospital treatment after slipping on snow or ice. These are figures that organisations can’t afford to ignore: Litigation follows hot on the heels of cold weather accidents and ‘slipping on ice’ accidents have the potential for the highest value claims and compensation.

Planning for winter should be 32 | Autumn 2021 | CAMPUS

well under way months in advance.

Yet worryingly, many organisations approach winter in a poor state of readiness: Every year, our winter maintenance team receives multiple desperate calls from businesses finding their arrangements for snow and ice clearing falling short – whether its emergency cover needed when a contractor fails to show, or even requests for quotes arriving as the snow starts falling. This ad hoc approach that treats cold conditions as an afterthought can even be seen in otherwise highly professional FM operations. A striking example we encountered was a state-of-the-art fulfilment centre brought to a halt due to compacted snow that had turned the loading areas into ice rinks. In that case, leaving the task of clearing ice to poorly trained staff caused a just-in-time supply chain to grind to a halt.

Hence, taking a proactive and fully managed approach to winter maintenance is key to business continuity, preventing accidents and mitigating potential liability claims.

Whether outsourcing to expert contractors or carrying out work in house, your adverse weather policy should clearly communicate how your organisation will manage/take action in extreme weather situations.

Key aspects of any effective plan include: • Use of a recognised health and safety management system (e.g

• •

•

•

•

OHSAS18001) to ensure the plan is fit for purpose.

Clearly defined and communicated responsibilities for teams on the ground and within management.

A process for documenting proactive actions, incidents and investigations undertaken with records kept for three years minimum.

Ensuring the plan is based on detailed surveys to identify hazard areas and that action is undertaken according to real time accurate weather data and agreed action triggers for service.

Adequate resourcing with either professional contractors or a dedicated trained in-house team, sufficient and well-maintained equipment.

Clearly defined KPIs to measure performance against and a process to review the plan and any KPIs on a regular basis (at least bi-annually)

Underpinning all of this is a proactive, professional mindset that looks to anticipate and pre-empt seasonal risks. Estates management is about managing risk but it’s also about priorities and understanding where best to invest the energies of your organisation and when to bring in the right skills to take on the breadth of challenges.

For further information please visit www.outco.co.uk

N

EW

REQUEST A VIDEO CONSULTATION

REQUEST AN ON-SITE SURVEY

POWER MANAGEMENT

Towards zero carbon A quarter of universities are unprepared for a zero-carbon future

W

orking towards zero carbon and creating more sustainable estates are the long-term changes that many university estates teams are progressing – but almost a quarter (23 per cent) revealed their institution has barely started preparing for a zero-carbon future and need assistance, according to new research from global engineering consultancy Buro Happold.

In conjunction with Association of University Directors of Estates (AUDE), the research surveyed 148 estates representatives to learn more about the current challenges, long-term changes and considerations for the future.

Almost two-thirds of respondents said that they saw changes to

34 | Autumn 2021 | CAMPUS

teaching and learning spaces as the main long-term change to university estates and more than half (59 per cent) saw the increased use of data and smart campus techniques as a key route to improving institutional performance, with key areas being efficient use of buildings and improvement of student experience.

This was followed by a greater emphasis on refurbishment and reuse (42 per cent).

However, while data was recognised as being important to improving performance; almost a quarter said their institution was struggling to prepare for a data driven and smart-enabled future, and none felt they are well-equipped.

The biggest barrier to successfully implement positive change is seen as finance, followed

by stakeholder resistance and uncertain market conditions. Student experience and satisfaction was voted as the main challenge with restarting for the new academic year.

More than 80 per cent of respondents revealed that transformation of energy provision away from gas was the biggest step that could contribute towards a net zero carbon university, followed by changes in behaviour and the reduction in size of the physical estate.

Dr Mike Entwisle, Project Principal at Buro Happold, said: “Like many sectors, Higher Education has had to adapt extremely quickly to issues raised by the Covid-19 pandemic. Much has already been written about what the future of learning may look like, but there

has been little evidence gathered from students and staff as to how they see the future challenges and how the physical environment can enable this. The results from this authoritative study, with respondents from across the spectrum of UK universities, have been fascinating and paint an exciting future for those institutions who are prepared to embrace change and rise to the challenge.

“However, there are many that still need support. Reusing existing assets and intensifying their use can play an important part in the

commitments many universities have made to zero carbon operation and can also reduce embodied carbon – improving buildings and campuses can benefit everyone and often provide exceptional value.

We are also turning our attention to emissions beyond the built environment, with staff and student travel being key issues in many institutions.

“With universities reassessing how they use space and evaluating opportunities to improve both efficiency and effectiveness, now is the time to look to a different

future, where the physical estate is used to bring people together to discuss, debate, socialise, learn, and simply ’be’ together – as well as being prepared for a net zero and data-driven future. This survey has provided invaluable evidence as to how estates teams are responding to the challenges of the coming years; those that rise to these challenges will have a bright future.”

Jane White, AUDE Executive Director, said: “Around half of university estates’ carbon emissions come from natural gas usage – it’s no surprise that 80%

CAMPUS | Autumn 2021 | 35

of survey respondents identified a change to energy provision as the single biggest step they could take in moving to a net zero future.

Investment in alternative low carbon heat sources such as air, ground or water source heat pumps, as well as biomass/biogas solutions and potentially hydrogen are firmly on the radar amongst university estates leaders. Great work in this area is going on at Keele, Nottingham and many more universities. But there are clear barriers too, including a lack of technical, political and economic certainty; general budget restraints mixed with a lack of clarity over the extent of investment needed; conflicting organisational priorities and organisational inertia, amongst

Dr Mike Entwisle

others. Finding the affordable path to net zero remains a huge challenge but it is one that our university estates teams are actively and urgently engaged upon.”

About the research In conjunction with AUDE, Buro Happold undertook a series of surveys in December 2020 and March 2021, which together asked 148 estates representatives a series of questions regarding their key opportunities and challenges for the coming years.

About AUDE AUDE works in collaboration with estates and facilities

Jane White

management professionals at universities throughout the UK and overseas. Our service is diverse, providing the opportunity for members to share knowledge and access the support they need to address industry issues, and meet the individual and universal objectives which are specific to the higher education sector. With a membership network spanning every UK university and an emerging presence overseas, AUDE’s is a unique voice for the professional estates and facilities community.

About Buro Happold Buro Happold is an international, integrated consultancy of engineers, consultants and advisers. Operating in 26 locations worldwide, with 72 partners and over 1,900 employees; for over 40 years we have built a world-class reputation for delivering creative, value led solutions for an ever challenging world.

For further information please visit www.burohappold.com

36 | Autumn 2021 | CAMPUS

Bosch Commercial and Industrial Heating Solutions for education facilities

SECURITY

From little acorns Aalborg University, Europe’s largest access control system

W

ith 4,500 card readers across 55 university buildings, Aalborg University in Denmark is G4S’s biggest integrated access control implementation in Europe.

What started out as a simple security contract, providing a handful of officers at two university buildings

38 | Autumn 2021 | CAMPUS

25 years ago, has grown into G4S’s biggest integrated access control implementation in Europe.

Aalborg University founded in 1974 is Denmark’s fourth largest higher education institution and is organised across three campus cities; Aalborg, Copenhagen and Esbjerg.

It provides Bachelors and Masters degree programmes in a range of

subject areas including engineering natural sciences, social sciences, humanities and health sciences.

With 4,500 card readers on different doors to classrooms, laboratories, offices and libraries, more than 100 external cameras and intrusion alarms, the G4S solution at Aalborg University is a large-scale, integrated access control, alarm and

video-monitoring system. All of the readers are linked to G4S’s access control management software, covering 55 buildings with 20,000 access card users every year. And the university continues to add more buildings.

“It's a big operation and we have an excellent relationship of trust with our customer built over many years,” said Jens Ryberg, Key Account Manager for G4S in Denmark. “Our contract started from fairly humble beginnings, where we provided a

small number of security officers to two or so buildings and we built the contract from there adding firstly burglar alarms and later access control as the university’s requirements evolved.”

Large-scales Access Control As it has increased in size - in terms of the number of students and premises - security has become increasingly complex and challenging. The university team wanted an intelligent system which

automated manual processes and allowed thousands of students to be enrolled every semester and given the correct security passes. The University manages the creation of new access cards and it stores the protected data on its own servers.

Each access card is programmed with the relevant levels of access for each individual, student or university employee.

“University staff, who may have previously carried 30 separate keys for different buildings and restricted

CAMPUS | Autumn 2021 | 39

zones, now only need one card for all their specific access requirements.

This automation is what the university wanted,” said Jens.

The installed system uses intrusion alarms, video monitoring systems and access software across all its buildings. Managed from a central G4S control facility in Aarhus, the technology monitors all video footage and alarm activations and security professionals in the control room are able to react quickly when issues arise.

Central Monitoring Technology installed by G4S also has environmental benefits, with sensors fitted to hundreds of smart windows.

The system receives signals from the windows to keep different buildings comfortable and energy efficient, opening and closing windows as Alan Macklin required.

G4S provides patrolling security 40 | Autumn 2021 | CAMPUS

professionals, who ensure the buildings are secure, around the clock but particularly at night when the campuses are largely empty, between 4pm and 8am. Security across the four campuses is discreet and all are open plan with no perimeter fencing. Each security professional carries a tablet device that will alert them, should an alarm be sounded, allowing a prompt response at the correct location.

During the Pandemic, the team has made some changes to increase the level of security, with additional patrolling officers in different locations and times. Enhancements have also been made to the access controls to ensure the safety of students and employees alike.

“The security we provide is advanced, professional and most importantly reliable, allowing the educational and social aspects of university life to continue smoothly,”

said Jens. “We are here to manage the risks and enhance value for the university. We bring organised safety and security to the campuses, which is unobtrusive and reassuring.”

“G4S has been our long-standing partner in security and Aalborg University sees G4S as a very professional partner with extensive knowledge in security,” said Jens Gregersen of Aalborg University Campus Services. “G4S has been involved in solving complex challenges in the university’s current level of security. Aalborg University attaches great importance to trust and permanent staff and G4S staff have shown professionalism and provided good solutions for the university.”

For further information please visit www.g4s.com

LIGHTING

Illuminated learning Swansea University is looking to the future and is keen provide its students and staff with a modern, energy efficient, learning environment

H

aving just celebrated its centenary, Swansea University is looking to the future and is keen provide its students and staff with a modern, energy efficient, learning environment. Spread across two sites; Singleton Park and Bay Campus, the university's different colleges are housed in a range of old and new buildings. Amongst the

42 | Autumn 2021 | CAMPUS

older premises in need of refurbishment was the Singleton Campus Library.

Sean Elward, project manager at the university explained more: "Within the library are two large open study areas, each of which was lit with five continuous runs of T5 fluorescent lights that remained on 24/7. Not only was this extremely wasteful of energy, the harsh lighting

was not a conducive environment for learning and study." It became clear that an alternative solution was needed so the university turned to lighting designer, Geraint Morgan and luminaire design and manufacturer, Thorlux Lighting, for an alternative solution.

The library is open to students and staff all year round and the study area, with its large, picture windows,

required more sophisticated lighting to provide an optimum environment for the library users. It was agreed to install the Thorlux Flex system. which combines flexibility of design with high performance optics, and the award winning SmartScan system.

Key to this versatility are the Tridonic drivers; the LC 60W 24V lp SNC driver and the LCA 50W 350-1050mA one4all lp PRE driver, which are incorporated into the smart sensors that in turn monitor ambient light and presence, control light output to the correct level, dim and switch when there is sufficient daylight and illuminate areas only when occupied.

SmartScan is a revolutionary wireless lighting management system that allows users to monitor their energy performance data and complete operational information for all SmartScan standard and emergency luminaires.

SmartScan uses 868MHz secure radio communication chosen for its

excellent transmission distance and object penetration, especially useful within buildings. Each luminaire acts as a wireless node, repeating each command received on to the next luminaire, providing a robust system that will always find a communication path.

The University's facilities team are able to access all the information they require about each individual luminaire's status and performance via the SmartScan website which can be accessed from anywhere using a computer, laptop, tablet or smart-phone. Here, a clear, graphical user interface provides an overview of the whole site, right down to the performance and operation of an individual fitting.

The full installation was installed over a two-month period in the summer of 2019 and comprised: • 12 x Flexview - a recessed lay-in luminaire with a dual light engine

combining low power edge-lit technology for its picture window with separate sophisticated, highly efficient low glare optics for main space illumination.

• 15 x Flexline – a super narrow linear luminaire designed specifically for mounting to exposed T-Bar ceilings, with low glare optics this is a radically different solution to conventional 600x600 luminaires.

• 8 x Firefly emergencies - LED emergency luminaires for recessed mounting with SmartScan wireless communication which is built around Tridonic's EM powerLED 4W PRO NiMh SCREW-FIX. • Automatic emergency lighting test scheduling is configured on the SmartScan website to minimise disruption for those using the library and to ensure compliance with the latest regulations.

CAMPUS | Autumn 2021 | 43

This capability is just one of the benefits of upgrading to LED fittings.

Others include: • Energy efficiency – a traditional fluorescent fitting will either be on or off. By retrofitting the lighting system with luminaires that can detect movement, ambient light levels as well as providing the emergency lighting component, the university is certainly maximising on its investment and in addition the estate management team have access to valuable asset data.

• Connected - planned, predictive and preventative maintenance of all a building's systems is vital. Replacing outdated, wired, fluorescent light fittings with intelligent wireless luminaires provides a simple solution that automatically checks the installation at the prescribed intervals and records the condition of each individual luminaire in the wireless network in real time.

• Compliance - accurate record 44 | Autumn 2021 | CAMPUS

keeping is vital. The installation of Intelligent, luminaires that are connected and reporting on their own status alleviates the need for an engineer to move from building to building undertaking time consuming, manual checks.

In the case of the library it avoids disruption to staff and students, trying to study. Additionally, it eliminates human error in terms of misplaced or illegible reporting.

When it comes to emergency lighting there is no room for compromise; those lights need to work at the critical moment.

• Future proofing – not just lighting but the buildings of the future need to be future proofed. The rapid advances in technology of the past decade have enabled the collection and collation of quality of data and this should make the management of components and facilities far more effective. The next step is going to be far more collaboration between the various systems within a building and

the ubiquitous nature of lighting allows it to play a central role in true building management.

"We have worked with Tridonic for years and during that time have developed a strong partnership.

On this and other projects, their willingness to develop bespoke solutions helps us to ensure that we deliver the ideal solution for our clients;" said Philip Hill, Senior Product Manager, Lighting Control Systems at Thorlux.

Whilst the number of students using the library may have reduced over the past year, those that have been able to access the facilities are certainly relishing the improved environment. In addition, initial analysis of energy usage indicates an annual saving of 78 percent in comparison to the previous lighting solution.

For further information please visit www.tridonic.com

sales@pumpsmart.co.uk www.pumpsmart.co.uk 01206 851535 01223 785715

SPECIALIST PUMP SALES AND DISTRIBUTION

PUMPS EPDM BELLOWS EXPANSION VESSELS PRESSURISATION UNITS COLD WATER BOOSTER SETS MECHANICAL SEALS AND GASKETS SYSTEM AND CONTROL ACCESSORIES SERVICING

INSTALLATION

Unit D1, Colchester Business and Seedbed Centre, Wyncolls Road, Colchester CO4 9HT Unit 22, South Cambridge Business Park, Babraham Road, Sawston, Cambridge, CB22 3JH

COMMISSIONING

DIRECTORY

As Europe’s leading supplier, installer and integrator of digital television and audio visual equipment, Airwave can deliver your vision. With a presence in all key sectors including: healthcare, education, retail & leisure, stadia, prisons and transport, Airwave’s customer base is diverse. www.airwave.tv

As the UK’s market-leading provider of technology led compliance and risk management solutions, our purpose is to help organisations be safer, healthier, and stronger. Our guide explains a range of measures and safety commitments so that universities are fully prepared and to keep the spread of the virus under control. www.alcumusgroup.com

The ASSA ABLOY Group is the global leader in access solutions. Our offering covers products and services related to openings, such as locks, doors, gates and entrance automation solutions. This also includes expertise in controlling identities with keys, cards, tags, mobile and biometric identity verification systems.

Buildings today don’t only provide a safe, functional place for people to live and work. They can also cater for – and even respond to – their needs, while helping them work more efficiently and sustainably. At Bosch Building Technologies, we are at the forefront of these new developments. www.boschbuildingtechnologies.com

www.assaabloy.com

Club Car boasts nearly 60 years of industry-leading innovation and design, initially focused on golf cars and then expanding to commercial utility vehicles and personal-use transportation. www.clubcar.com

Our education solutions are developed from the ground up to increase campus security and safety while extending the capabilities of student, faculty and staff ID badges. Our solutions can be used for convenient access to buildings, computer login, cashless vending and campus activities. www.hidglobal.com

Hysopt is unique design software that helps building managers get the most out of their heating and cooling systems. In collaboration with installation companies and engineering firms, we can cut your annual energy bill by 10 to 50%. www.hysopt.com

LapSafe® created its first products to meet the needs of the education market and although we have since expanded into many other sectors, this remains our largest and most established area of expertise. Our products have been thoroughly tested by every type of education and academic institution www.lapsafe.com

46 | Autumn 2021 | CAMPUS

Originally founded in 1921, the company known today as Mitsubishi Electric has almost 100 years of experience in providing reliable, high quality products and support to installers, specifiers, corporate clients and general consumers all over the world. https://les.mitsubishielectric.co.uk

With more and more consideration being given to energy usage and the increasing implementation of green legislation, PumpSmart Limited is able to assist with the identification of areas where real energy savings can be made. New products, aimed at energy consumption reduction, are constantly entering the market with potential to improve existing installations. www.pumpsmart.co.uk

From its inception in 2001, SALTO was created with one objective: to devise a world-class access control system that was simple to use and extremely efficient, giving users the ability to control all their access needs and secure all their doors without complex and expensive wiring.

We drive digital transformation by integrating world-leading process and energy technologies to realize the full efficiency and sustainability opportunities for your establishment.

We provide end-point to cloud integration connecting products, controls, software and services.

www.saltosystems.com

https://www.se.com

As a trusted advisor and reliable partner, as a system integrator, service provider and a product vendor, Siemens offers energy-efficient, safe and secure buildings and infrastructure. With our people, our global footprint and our technical expertise, it's our passion helping you to create the perfect place – your perfect place.

Everything we do is about improving people’s daily lives. We believe healthy school meals make kids do better. That relaxed patients recover faster. And organizations with engaged employees perform better. With our unique wide range of integrated services, this is what we do every day. www.sodexo.com

www.siemens.com

Transforming teaching and learning with creative solutions to engage and inspire every student. Learning’s becoming more interactive. More immersive. More collaborative. At Sony we’re working with universities, colleges and schools to create richer, more rewarding educational experiences for today’s students and teaching staff.

Veolia Water Technologies UK (VWT UK) is a leading water treatment solutions and services provider with a unique global presence and 160 years of experience. VWT UK strives to provide innovative solutions such as the new PURELAB Quest compact water purification unit that can generate Type I, II and III water. www.veoliawatertechnologies.co.uk

https://pro.sony.com

CAMPUS | Autumn 2021 | 47

Desigo – the state-of-the-art building automation system One system for all requirements of an intelligent building

siemens.com/desigo