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Campus Estate Management
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Getting a university campus ready for electric vehicles
38 Creating a net-zero campus
Lessons from the University of Leeds' leading approach
42 The dust doctor
Small changes create a healthier workforce
Strategise, digitise, decarbonise
The roadmap to reduce university campus emissions
by Kas Mohammed, Vice President, Digital Energy, Schneider Electric UK and Ireland
University campuses are some of the most challenging sites to create and implement effective sustainability strategies. With buildings of different ages, physical conditions, and uses, and the extra constraints of dealing with listed buildings added into the mix, this makes tackling sustainability a complex task for facility managers.
However, this complexity must not hinder progress. In 2021, UK institutions emitted more than 18 million tonnes of CO2e, representing around 2.3% of the UK’s overall carbon footprint. Unfortunately, 2024 reports show that not much progress has been made by the higher education sector in recent years. This year, UK universities’ carbon emissions have fallen by just
1%, barely scratching the surface of potential emissions and energy reductions.
As hubs of innovation, education, and R&D, universities are prime locations for new sustainability developments and technologies. So, how do estate managers go about decarbonising campuses and where should they direct their investment and efforts? The secret is to
strategise, digitise, and decarbonise to soar towards net-zero targets.
Step 1: Strategise
Delivering a smart, sustainable campus for students should be top of the agenda for building managers. The key to creating effective net-zero strategies on campus is finding innovative ways to reduce energy consumption and improve efficiency. Not only is this essential for hitting environmental, social and governance (ESG) targets, but also for driving down costs in a time when university budgets are tighter than ever.
First, plotting a clear mission for campus sustainability is crucial. Factors such as digital transformation of operations, transforming buildings into fully connected, smart sites, and using data and technology to bring together people, processes, and services are core to success. Whether it is retrofitting existing buildings to cut construction greenhouse gases, reduce embodied carbon, and minimise costs, or ensuring that the technology is installed at the time of construction for new builds, a robust strategy at this stage will
act as a roadmap for campus-wide innovation and sustainability gains. It is imperative that building managers get this step right. And with many UK campuses categorised by such a diverse portfolio of buildings, creating a solid foundation for digitisation and decarbonisation means that sustainability works can happen faster.
However, facility managers must also keep the user front of mind in their strategies. Whether it is staff, students, or visitors, their comfort and experience must remain a priority. Flexible lighting, heating and cooling is an integral part of a smart campus strategy. Especially post-Covid, students are accustomed to working in an environment that suits their needs. Facility managers must look to create the ultimate learning, working, or studying experience - whether that be through darker or lighter, warmer or colder, or noisier and quieter spaces. This strategy stage lays the groundwork for meeting both user needs and sustainability goals.
Step 2: Digitise
Ultimately, sustainability strategy and digital transformation should
go hand-in-hand. Digitising campus energy relies on smart sensors, IoT technologies and cloud-based analytics to create a fully-connected network. By integrating with systems such as BEMS (Building Energy Management System), NFC (Near Field Communication), Computer-Aided Facility Management (CAFM), and Integrated Workplace Management Systems (IWMS), building managers can reap the most rewards from their digital investments.
For instance, by using smart sensors and an integrated, datadriven BEMS, facility managers can monitor occupancy, air quality, CO2 emissions and ambient factors, and implement automated room control. With dynamic monitoring of building conditions and automated management, students, staff, and visitors can enjoy the comfort benefits of a smart campus environment. This estate management software grants universities insight into energy usage and power quality in real time. This powers more informed decisions that improve building performance and drive campuses towards sustainability goals.
Facility managers can also use this data to proactively identify areas for increased building performance and reliability. For instance, digitisation gives facilities managers the tools to avoid unplanned downtime. Thanks to the evolved connectivity of smart campuses with 24/7 remote monitoring, experts can remotely monitor, troubleshoot and analyse connected assets to help maximise uptime, improve maintenance and reduce energy usage and costs.
Step 3: Decarbonise
The final step is to use this strategy and digitisation to power a data-led approach to decarbonisation. Working smarter to reduce energy consumption and therefore minimise carbon emissions is one of the quickest and most effective ways to reach net-zero targets. What’s more, these data-backed insights could even lead to new ways of producing energy on-campus, or the creation of a prosumer hub. The ability to effectively pinpoint where innovations could be made is invaluable, such as the electrification of campus buildings, and introduction of renewable on-site energy sources.
For example, leading the way in sustainable, smart campus design is the University of Birmingham. Its new, ultramodern School of Engineering monitors over 200 building assets across more than 1,200 connected points, enabling the University to quickly analyse building performance across comfort, energy, and maintenance metrics. With the technology and support of the Schneider Electric team, the University of Birmingham achieved a 20% reduction in CO2 four years ahead of target, now generating 75% of its own energy via on-site combined heat and power plants, and continues to reduce its carbon footprint by 3,000 tonnes per year on average. This project highlights what can be achieved thanks to a proactive, data-led approach to facilities management.
Empowering the next generation As we look to the future of smart, sustainable buildings, this data can be used to teach the next generation of facility managers and energy innovators. For example, campus energy data should become a key part of teaching and learning for
engineering students, enabling them to access real-time data to study building management and sustainable solutions. And when sustainability and net-zero commitments are now a factor affecting student applications, it is not just the environment that will benefit from this sustainability roadmap – it is university’s bottom line too. In fact, 87% of students agree they want their chosen institution to take sustainability seriously, so the time to act is now. From admissions to emissions, sustainability action is vital. Datadriven, smart strategies enable proactive energy management, and these advanced technologies deliver enriched, personalised experiences, whilst achieving net-zero carbon emissions. This innovation will create a roadmap to sustainability that can be replicated across a university’s entire estate, and even give the next generation of engineers the experience, insights, and tools they need to develop sustainability strategies for the future.
www.se.com
about decarbonising your campus
Decarbonising university estates is now more achievable than ever with Mitsubishi Electric’s renewable heat pump and chiller technology. We’ve partnered with universities like Durham and Salford to implement low-carbon HVAC solutions that utilise lower-GWP refrigerants and reduce embodied carbon. Our offerings include commercial heating systems for hot water and space heating and modular high performance chillers for scalable heating and cooling. Backed by our robust MELServe aftersales service, our solutions ensure continuous optimal performance and longevity.
Discover our full product range at: les.mitsubishielectric.co.uk
Bedford Academy gets green light for £12m extension
Plans for a twelve-million-pound extension at Bedford Academy have been approved, marking a significant step forward in its ambitious expansion strategy.
The extension on Mile Road will see 16 state-of-theart classrooms alongside changing rooms, a dining area, and community café added to the school's facilities.
The new classrooms will have a bright, safe and simple design, with whiteboards and ICT facilities, catering for an additional 300 students.
Following the extension, Bedford Academy is set to be one of the largest secondary schools in Bedford Borough, with ambitious plans to reach a total of 1,800 pupils by 2029.
The two-storey extension will operate to high energy efficiency levels with ‘U Values’ that ensure minimal heat loss through the facade of the building, as well as designed to achieve Net Zero Carbon in Operation.
Multi-disciplinary firm Pick Everard, operating through Perfect Circle and accelerated under the SCAPE Consultancy framework, has been appointed by Bedford Borough Council to project manage the scheme, alongside GSSArchitecture and Ashe Construction.
Sean Conneely, director of project management at Pick Everard, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to provide much-needed additional pupil places and facilities for the children of Bedford and the local community.
“Working collaboratively with the design and construction team, we have engaged with user groups to influence the design, and we will deliver a ‘Net Zero Carbon in Operation’ sustainable building ready for use in September 2025.”
The versatility and flexibility of the space will allow Bedford Academy to function as a community hub outside of school learning hours for football, basketball, badminton, faith groups and dance schools.
The multi-use space will also include a kitchen, dining hall and community cafe with Wi-Fi and will be open to parents and visitors during evening and weekend activities, with space for up to 300 people in one sitting.
Chris Chapman, partner at GSS, said: “The building and materials have been carefully chosen to provide a modern and contemporary addition to Bedford Academy.
“We have listened to students, staff and local community groups to ensure that we have designed a modern sustainable building set in the heart of the local community, and we are looking forward to seeing it progress in the future.”
A silent study area and office spaces for staff to work will be also included and 300 student lockers will be installed.
20 new car parking spaces, disabled parking and four electric vehicle spaces will be created. The school will also add 77 new cycle spaces to encourage sustainable travel to school.
The project is expected to be completed for the 25/26 school year.
Bedford Academy, which is part of the HEART Academies Trust, has a reputation for promoting high standards and good relationships with all members of the local community to ensure that everyone can reach their full potential.
In addition to the educational work, the relationship between Pick Everard and Bedford Borough Council has also seen it undertake cross-sector operations in the region, with healthcare centres, heritage works, residential, and commercial projects amongst its portfolio, alongside the new railway station in Wixams.
For more information on Pick Everard and the services it provides, visit www.pickeverard.co.uk.
Dust Control Environmental help schools stay compliant with LEV (Local Exhaust Ventilation) testing
Whether it is woodworking, metal working, Science or Art, these activities, which take place in schools, colleges and universities around the country, can release into the atmosphere, dust, chippings and fumes, which when inhaled can cause serious health problems.
Education facilities are legally obligated to follow guidelines set by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) to provide an efficient dust extraction (LEV) system specifically designed to control and extract harmful substances at source, protecting staff, students and the surrounding environment.
Once in place the system will need to be sufficiently maintained and regularly tested to ensure efficient and compliant operation.
What are your LEV Testing Requirements?
The Health & Safety at Work Act mandates regular Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) testing to maintain safe working conditions.
The standard interval for LEV testing is every 14 months. However this can vary based on factors such as the process, machinery age, and risk level associated so more frequent testing may be required.
It is advisable to use the services of a reputable LEV testing company where the test inspectors hold the BOHS P601 certification validating their knowledge and skills in thorough examination and testing (TExT) of dust extraction systems aligning with HSE HSG258 guidance.
After LEV testing a competent company will provide transparent results. Areas needing improvement or repair/replacement will be highlighted and this work will need to be carried out to maintain compliance.
Choosing DCE (Dust Control Environmental) for your LEV testing will give you the following benefits: 1. Expertise: Our P601 qualified engineers are experts
in their field, ensuring your LEV systems are tested to the highest standards.
2. Detailed Reporting: Receive full comprehensive reports that give you insights and clarity on your system’s performance, this also includes an ATEX survey ensuring the equipment is safe to be operated in areas where there is a risk of explosive dust.
3. Actionable Recommendations: Should any issues arise, we provide clear recommendations for failure corrections and can carry out repairs and part replacements.
4. Exclusive Access: Become a member of the DCE onehub, granting you 24/7 access to your LEV test reports, alongside a wealth of useful information, product updates, and service offers.
5. Cost Savings: Take advantage of our early bird offer—book next year’s LEV test now and secure this year’s pricing.
• Convenient Reminders: Never miss a test with our handy SMS text reminder service.
• One Stop Shop: All your LEV parts, maintenance and testing requirements will come under one umbrella.
Ready to Book Your LEV Test? Contact us today to schedule your LEV test and take advantage of these benefits.
What Efficient Dust Extraction means to your Establishment
Efficient dust extraction in educational facilities shows a commitment to the health, safety and welfare of staff and students, maintaining compliance whilst minimizing the environmental impact with energy efficient systems and the reduction in expensive repair and replacement of equipment and hardware.
www.dustcontrolenvironmental.com
Schneider Electric named the world’s most sustainable company by Time magazine and Statista
Schneider Electric, the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, has topped the "World's Most Sustainable Companies for 2024" list by Time magazine and Statista. This recognition reflects Schneider Electric's ambitious goals to reduce its own emissions, but also the company’s commitment to helping its customers to become more energy efficient and reduce their emissions.
Time and Statista used a transparent, multi-stage methodology to identify the world's most sustainable companies for 2024. The process began with a pool of over 5,000 of the world's largest and most influential companies. Following a rigorous four-stage assessment, the final ranking excluded unsustainable industries and considered factors like external sustainability ratings and commitments, corporate reporting practices, and environmental and social performance indicators. This comprehensive approach produced a ranking of 500 companies from over 30 countries.
Both Time and Statista highlighted Schneider Electric's technological expertise and the Schneider Sustainability Impact (SSI)program. This transformative program drives and measures the company’s progress toward global sustainability 2021–2025 targets contributing to six long-term commitments that cover all environmental, social, and governance (ESG) dimensions. Among this progress, the company helped
customers reduce their carbon emissions, with 553 million tonnes of CO2 saved and avoided since 2018. The company has also made significant progress in transforming its own supply chain. Carbon emissions from Schneider Electric's top 1,000 suppliers fell by 27% since the beginning of the program — and 21% of the company's most strategic supply chain partners have met Schneider Electric's decent work standards.
"We are incredibly honoured to be recognized as the world's most sustainable company," said Peter Herweck, CEO of Schneider Electric. “This achievement is a testament to our unwavering commitment to sustainability, which is embedded in everything we do. We consider the environment, society, and good governance in our decisions and daily operations. That's why we're pushing hard to make even more progress on our sustainability goals and ensure everyone contributes to creating a positive and enduring impact”.
Schneider Electric was also recently included in the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index for the 13th consecutive year, ranked #1 in its industry and secured its place in the Europe index. This achievement reflects its strong environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance, with sustainability at the core of its strategy.
www.se.com
New student accommodation scheme in Bristol receives funding
£5.38 million facility from development finance lender Atelier will see a Grade II listed building converted into a 26-bed PBSA scheme
Specialist development finance lender Atelier has today announced it has completed a new finance facility for a new purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme in Bristol.
The £5.38 million facility will allow Rengen Developments to refurbish and convert Hanover House – a Grade II office building in Bristol city centre – into a 26-bed PBSA scheme, which includes a flat and 25 self-contained studios.
The purpose-built scheme will provide much-needed
student accommodation in the heart of Bristol, which is home to several leading universities and has one of the greatest shortages of student accommodation in the country. This project is scheduled for completion in time for the academic intake of September 2024.
Matt Measures, Senior Investment Manager at Atelier, commented: “We are delighted to be funding this conversion of a fantastic Grade II Listed building into purpose-built student accommodation in Bristol. This is the seventh scheme we have worked on with our client, Rengen and we are equally pleased to continue to support this well-established PBSA developer in the South West.”
Invisible door automation opens historic Oxford college entrance
The Grade II listed dining hall at Pembroke College, Oxford University has undergone a significant upgrade. Architects Walters & Cohen, in collaboration with Glasstec, has addressed the issue of draughts from the hall’s heavy timber doors by installing an elegant yet highly functional, self-opening glazed entrance door.
This creative solution incorporates a TORMAX iMotion 1401 concealed door drive, providing invisible automation for the swing door. The result is a warm, draught-free environment that enhances thermal comfort and energy efficiency without compromising the hall’s historic charm.
The new entrance door is a testament to the seamless integration of modern technology within a historic setting. The TORMAX iMotion 1401, located discreetly in a steel casing beneath the door, ensures that the aesthetic integrity of the Victorian stonework remains intact.
"We are delighted with the successful installation of the new entrance door, which cleverly balances functionality and heritage conservation," said Vanessa Gouws, Operations Bursar of Pembroke College. "This intervention has helped improve the energy efficiency of the dining hall, the second biggest fuel consumer in Pembroke’s estate, not to mention helping keep diners and dinners warm."
TORMAX is a global leader in door automation systems, renowned for their innovative designs and commitment to quality.
Designed in-house at the TORMAX headquarters in Switzerland, the iMotion range of automatic door operators incorporate a motor with none of the elements that generally wear out, such as gears
and brushes. This ensures exceptional longevity and demands only minimal ongoing maintenance, making it entirely feasible to situate the drive in a concealed location.
“In addition to the iMotion 1401 underfloor door drive, we offer the iMotion 1302.KI which is concealed within the door lintel,” comments Simon Roberts, MD for TORMAX UK. “Together, these options can deliver practical access solutions for almost any location where the traditional appearance of an entrance must be preserved.”
www.tormax.co.uk
ASSA ABLOY Door Group highlights fire door safety issues in Educational environments
Door Group, a unit of ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions UK & Ireland, is highlighting the lack of fire safety in education environments, calling for urgent action to improve fire door standards, after new Home Office figures show an alarming lack of fire safety systems.
Between the financial year 2022/23, 673 educational buildings in the United Kingdom were affected by blazes[1]. Additionally, these statistics also reveal that 627 of these establishments did not have a fire safety system in place.
Fire doors are one of the most important safety features in a building, and regular product specifications or dedicated fire door inspections are essential to fully ensure health and safety measures are met.
Doors in nurseries, schools, colleges and universities are subject to extremely high levels of traffic, and subsequently a higher level of misuse and abuse, which can then lead to functional problems resulting in non-compliance.
As a leading provider of compliant fire doors, Door Group emphasises the urgent need for enhanced fire door standards to safeguard the lives of students, educators, and staff members.
Robust fire door systems play a pivotal role in containing fires, limiting their spread, and facilitating safe evacuations in emergency scenarios. By advocating for stricter regulations, promoting advanced fire door technologies, and offering comprehensive inspections, Door Group strives to mitigate the risk of fire-related incidents in educational settings.
Fire Rescue Services attended over 622,000 incidents in the year ending March 2023, marking a significant 7.8% increase compared to the previous year[2].
Alarmingly, just over 1,000 school buildings are believed to contain combustible materials similar to those used in Grenfell, encompassing 923 school buildings and 80 university buildings.
Brian Sofley, Managing Director at Door Group states: “Through our fire door inspections service, our BRE qualified engineers have found the level of compliancy in schools to be extremely low. In one school, for example, we inspected 164 fire doors and reported that 163 were not fire compliant.
“The concerning presence of fires in schools stresses the necessity for comprehensive fire safety measures with a holistic approach. It’s not just about specifying compliant solutions, they need to be managed correctly with regular inspections and maintenance. This information should be accurately recorded, in line with the ‘Golden Thread’ approach outlined in the Building Safety Act.”
Door Group is committed to raising the standard of fire door safety in schools, providing a fully comprehensive inspection which can be carried out every three, four, six or 12 months to suit specific requirements.
Following inspections, Door Group then offer detailed reports containing advice and recommendations on necessary improvements, with the knowledge that identifying any potential issues that could impact safety and product performance can be lifesaving.
If any issues do occur, a tailored repair proposal is issued to include anything from replacement doors to a regular maintenance program. Door Group inspectors are BRE-certified and will ensure that all fire doors inspected meet all necessary standards and regulations.
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Hochiki ESP’s range boosting life safety at new Livingstone Academy, Bournemouth
400 devices from Hochiki’s ESP range were installed at the Livingstone Academy, led by the team at Southern Fire Alarms in this next gen fire safety installation project.
Livingstone Academy Bournemouth is a brand-new all-through school that combines excellent education with an innovative skills development programme, ensuring students from the ages of four to 18 have the skills and qualifications they need to succeed in modern life.
The school has over 1800 occupants including students and staff and covers four stories of brand-new purpose-built facilities alongside historical buildings. This unique setting also includes a magistrates and coroners court, which will be preserved as part of the school site and used by the students for lectures and staging parliament style debates.
Preserving this incredible educational facility as well as ensuring the safety of the next generation was of the upmost importance to the facilities management team. With a proven track record of over 40 years in design and build contracting, J&B Hopkins Ltd were the M&E contractor who engaged with Southern Fire Alarms as the fire installation team.
With the opening of the school imminent, there were strict deadlines to be met so the team at Southern Fire Alarms wanted to install a system that was quick and easy to fit, as well as simple to maintain. They opted for Hochiki Europe’s ESP range of products, and in fact over 400 devices were installed at this state-of-the-art educational facility.
Hochiki Europe's ESP product range offers many benefits that ensure optimal protection and peace of mind, particular in school settings. Its cutting-edge technology guarantees swift and precise detection of potential threats, enhancing response times and
minimising damage. The ESP range boasts unparalleled reliability, reducing false alarms and ensuring accurate alerts in critical situations. Moreover, these products are intelligently designed for easy integration with existing systems, making upgrades seamless and cost-effective – something which appealed to the project managers for this install.
We caught up with Naomi Fell, the contract manager at Southern Fire Alarms to find out more “We’ve worked with Hochiki products for several years across multiple projects and industries. We chose Hochiki almost every time because they know how to design and manufacture reliable and easy to fit devices.
At Livingstone, as well as standard smoke detectors we also fitted multi-sensors. We needed to ensure the risk of false alarms was completely reduced; with almost 2000 people here you can imagine at full capacity what chaos a false alarm might cause. We chose the ACD Multi-Sensors from the ESP range because they are fully EN54 accredited and work across three sensing elements, heat, smoke and CO – all vital in a school environment. These were fitted across areas that had a high risk of false alarm, areas such as food technology and science laboratories.
Our fit-out team also really liked the fact that there’s a common mounting base for all the ESP devices, when compared to the rest of the market, Hochiki devices really are some of the simplest to fit, but they aren't comprised on quality.
Despite an industry-wide shortage in components, our contact, Cathy at Hochiki, was invaluable in helping us to solve any supply chain issues, she was on the ball and her communication was brilliant.”
Learn how the world leading ESP range might be able to help your next project.
Fellowes highlights array of indoor air quality solutions to limit the effects of asthma and allergies in K-12 Education
Fellowes, a global leader and trusted partner that provides product solutions to fulfill a broad range of WorkLife needs, is proud to highlight the Fellowes® Array™ Air Quality management system, the state-ofthe-art solution designed to ensure superior protection against asthma and allergies in K-12 schools. Poor indoor air quality (IAQ) affects students and staff, especially those more vulnerable to allergens and asthma triggers, across the wide range of school environments.
According to the CDC, indoor air quality is an unaddressed problem in half of our nation’s schools. [1] Complicating that, a study in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that, “among children, exposure to higher average coarse PM levels is associated with increased asthma prevalence and morbidity.”[2] This relationship between indoor air pollutants and instances of asthma indicates that children in schools are especially vulnerable to poor IAQ. Poor IAQ has also been proven to affect student and staff concentration and productivity.[3] With asthma impacting 1 out of every 10 children and 25.7% of U.S. adults negatively impacted by airborne seasonal allergies, indoor pollutants can dramatically impact schools.[4]
Fellowes’ innovative Array system, equipped with a unique and powerful fan design, works alongside HVAC to help spaces achieve additional equivalent air exchanges per hour (eACH). At the heart of the system is the H13 True HEPA filtration technology, which removes 99.95% of airborne particles as small as 0.1 microns. This includes dangerous contaminants such as PM2.5, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), ensuring powerful protection against particles often too small to see but perilous to health.
Networked Array units feature Fellowes’ patented
EnviroSmart+™ Technology that continuously monitors the environment for changes in occupancy density and conditions of the space and automatically adjusts units to ramp up or down to address changes in contaminants while reducing stress on HVAC systems. Array’s connected units can leverage their Sense & React Technology in a coordinated response, making it an ideal solution for shared education spaces as occupancy and contamination rates fluctuate significantly throughout the school day.
A recent survey of 2,682 K-12 educators in the U.S. conducted by We Are Teachers in partnership with Fellowes, revealed a significant disparity between educators and school authorities regarding the prioritization of air quality. Despite 96% of teachers acknowledging the link between air quality and student performance, only 26% rated their school's Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) as good or excellent. Notably, 40% reported the absence of air purification units in their schools, even with federal funding that was made available post-pandemic.
Array’s monitoring and data sharing capabilities make trusting air quality levels easy for facility managers and community members. Viewpoint integrates data from Array’s air purifiers, UV-C sterilization machines and indoor air quality sensors to provide complete visibility of the space's air quality. Viewpoint allows decision makers to take control by scheduling maintenance needs, tracking air quality over time, and seeing how energy usage is correlated. Additionally, the Viewpoint Community Dashboard can be shared with occupants to present high-level summary of the quality of their air and promotes an organization’s commitment to ensuring safe air.
The Array system's design is perfect for retrofitting in all types of existing buildings as it does not require any ductwork connections. Its scalability means additional units can be added as needs change, seamlessly integrating into any decor and blending with the aesthetic of the space.
By investing in the Fellowes Array system, schools not only safeguard the health and well-being of their students, staff, and guests from harmful allergens and asthma triggers, but also contribute to creating environments that promote productivity and overall wellness. For more information on how Fellowes is pioneering a new chapter in indoor air quality management with Array, visit fellowes.com/air
Stepnell breaks ground at Itchen Sixth Form College
A ground-breaking ceremony has taken place to mark the beginning of construction works at Itchen Sixth Form College.
The project, delivered by complete construction partner Stepnell on behalf of Itchen, will enable the college to replace six temporary classrooms that were in very poor condition, nearing end of life and inefficient in terms of their energy use. The new twostorey teaching block will provide students with seven much-needed new classrooms and an extra sports hall. Preparatory works at the Middle Road site started in May, before building works began in July.
The scheme is jointly funded by the college and the Department for Education’s post-16 capacity fund.
Rob Speirs, regional director at Stepnell, said: “This is a fantastic project for Stepnell to be involved in and we look forward to the construction progressing. As part of our social value strategy, we will have apprentices and work experience trainees on the project and will utilise local suppliers and specialist subcontractors.”
Alex Scott, principal at Itchen Sixth Form College, said: “We are delighted to see work underway, on time for delivery early in 2025. The new building will enable
us to further enhance the experience of our staff and students, replacing tired accommodation with purpose built, state of the art facilities. We are pleased to work with Stepnell and Clifton Projects to achieve this aim.”
The construction works are being managed by Cliftons Projects. Malcolm Wright, director at Cliftons Projects, said: “We are thrilled to announce the commencement of our third project for Itchen Sixth Form College, featuring the construction of seven new classrooms and a multi-purpose sports hall. This new build two storey 1,100m2 facility will be adjacent to the existing college buildings, enhancing the learning environment for students and staff.
“We are excited to support Itchen Sixth Form College in improving its facilities. This development reflects our commitment to creating inspiring and functional educational spaces.”
The project also includes upgrading the college car park and removing the outdated modular classrooms, making way for permanent and modern educational spaces.
To find out more please visit www.stepnell.co.uk
Custom Consoles MDesk-Technical HA Desks selected for new security facility at Staffordshire University
Accompanying CAD rendering shows the Custom Consoles MDesk-Technical HA desks in Staffordshire University’s newly completed security facility.
Custom Consoles reports the completion of control room desks for a newly completed security facility on Staffordshire University’s main campus at Shelton, Stoke-on-Trent. The new installation comprises two latest-generation MDesk-Technical HA desks in sideby-side configuration. Equipped for independent use by two operators, the desks include support for a total of five video display screens mounted on Ergotron monitor arms. An equipment frame accommodating an enterprise-grade computer is located behind each desk.
MDesk-Technical HA is a heavy-duty workstation providing the features needed for the security and broadcast markets. A distinguishing feature is a motorised desktop which can be adjusted in height from 66 cm to 125 cm above floor level. This allows individual operators to choose between working while seated or standing and to set the desktop height at their exact preference.
“The university’s security team visited us during The Security Event trade show which was held at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham from April 30th through May 2nd,” says Neil Reed, Custom Consoles’ Managing Director. “They were aware of the benefits of height adjustability from ergonomic as well as health perspectives and recognised that dual desks would give the operators freedom to select their preferred settings rather than having to compromise on the height of a single desk. The adjustability of the
Ergotron monitor support arms is a further advantage as each monitor screen can be repositioned in terms of lateral and vertical viewing angle as well as display height.”
“MDesk-Technical HA conforms to our high standard of engineering and robust construction, ensuring a long working lifetime,” adds Gary Fuller, Sales Manager.
“The latest version of M-Desk Technical HA builds on the success of the original and offers additional options such as a desktop power socket and twin fast-charge USB ports which were included in the desks produced for the university. Also available if requested is a desktop induction pad to charge mobile devices. Retained features from the previous version include a massive 400 kg total lifting capacity.”
MDesk-Technical and MDesk-Technical HA are designed to meet ISO 9241 part 5, ISO 11064 parts 3 and 4 as well as EN 527. Desks in both series are constructed from CDF carcasses with Marmoleum or laminate work surfaces. Each base section incorporates two 5U-high 19 inch racking sections behind access panels.
Like standard versions of MDesk-Technical, latest generation versions are available with side panels as well as wider pedestals capable of accommodating PCs or integral key-lockable storage cabinets. Free-standing 19 inch desktop pods can be specified at the time of order or added later. Multiple monitor mounting points are provided along the rear of the work surface. Cables are routed to the desktop cable trays via two energy chains and fed to the work surface through cable ports.
Fire safety in education
Learning from the past, investing for the future: by Robert Yates, Head of Building Products Fire Safety UK, Siemens
Most countries have policies in place which make it a legal requirement that educational facilities have fire detection systems fitted to protect not only the pupils and staff, but also a site’s buildings and contents. The majority of such systems are automated, particularly in the construction of new facilities but also when retro-fitting and extending of existing sites is undertaken. However, there are some older sites that continue to rely on systems which while they may meet the basic legislative requirements, are not conducive to contributing to an effective and robust fire safety strategy.
Addressing out-dated systems
As with any building which accommodates often significant
numbers of people, a fire safety risk assessment (FSRA) offers the means to match the requirements with the approach. In the UK, all schools are legally required to have a FSRA, with the Department for Education (DfE) setting standards for how new schools should be designed. In the past schools tended to be heavily populated only during their hours of operation - the typical school day - with the premises therefore often originally fitted with basic systems that are reliant on detection and alarm initiation from the occupants themselves. This is understandable in terms of a life safety focus given that staff and pupils were considered to be most at risk when the site was busy and the potential for fire was greater because of the activities and numbers of people present. However, it makes no allowance for protecting school buildings and their assets
when a site is unoccupied.
The basic systems still seen in many older educational premises were often fitted at a time when there was generally a lack of awareness of the potential consequences of a fire, in addition to there being a perceived lack of a real threat. Many were also installed by local councils suffering from budgetary constraints, with schools usually closed at the end of the academic day and seldom used much for anything other than daytime education of the children, hence there was a tendency to focus on the escape routes rather than protecting the whole site. While the budgetary pressures remain for local authorities, what has changed is the proliferation of schools that now look after their own budgets, increasingly with other educational establishments under the umbrella of a MAT (Multi Academy Trust) and
directly funded by the DfE rather than the local authority. There has also been an increase in the use of school premises in general. No longer limited to daytime education, schools often now see a significant extension of their operating hours through initiatives such as breakfast clubs for children dropped off by parents early in the morning and classes for those picked up some time after school has finished. In addition, many schools are the location for clubs, societies, team games and group practices that are increasingly provided for pupils. Adult education classes further extend the opening hours into the night and other multi-community uses can see schools open at weekends.
Some of the older fire systems have often only been maintained to the basic minimum relevant legal requirements. However, many government authorities, both national and local, have placed a greater emphasis on the value of schooling and, as a result, education has seen significant investment in building stock, equipment and facilities.
Increased use means increased risk
The increasing value of assets contained within schools comes at a time when there is also a greater focus on protecting pupils and staff. This is not only relating to fire but also to address a number of growing physical threats to their safety. Various events and incidents around the world - some accidental and some deliberate - have raised the perception of possible physical threats to children, teachers and administrative staff. The extended use and wider hours of opening come about as schools are also often witnessing more disruptive behaviour from some pupils. The deliberate triggering of false alarms by the wanton operating of manual call points is not an uncommon occurrence and while products are available to mitigate this issue, it still poses a problem, particularly given the disruption that an evacuation causes to the day-to-day running of a school.
In essence, the fire safety challenges presented by a school have changed. While life safety has, quite rightly, continued to be a constant, there is an increased
focus on protecting the buildings and their contents when unoccupied. An audible-only system, for example, is largely pointless if a fire occurs when there is nobody present to hear the alarm. This requires a re-evaluation of some of the now out-dated systems that are still in use, recognising the benefits that the advances in technology can bring to the education environment.
Meeting challenges with AFD Automatic fire detection (AFD) systems are much more in keeping with the needs of today’s educational facilities. Importantly, they do not rely on an alarm being manually activated and therefore protect schools not only during the increasing number of hours in which they are in use but also when they are empty. In addition, they offer several key features. These include fast and reliable smoke detection throughout all of the school premises; programmable alarming concepts to suit different site conditions; automatic connection to local fire services and alarm receiving centres (ARCs); and false alarm rejection. The different alarm concepts can offer delays to manual call point activation to overcome the irritation of unruly students misusing the devices, coverage can be varied to reflect occupancy levels and EN54-23 approved visual alarming is available for staff, pupils and visitors who might be deaf or hard of hearing. Most of today’s automated fire detection systems are therefore much safer and infinitely more flexible than the basic, manually operated systems.
AFD systems are, however, not without potential issues. False alarms continue to be a problem. Though not specific to the education sector, the official figures highlight the extent of the challenge. The Fire and Rescue Service in England attended 577,053 incidents in the year ending March 2022, with 229,844 turning out to be false alarms, some 69 percent of which were due to apparatus.[1] Over the same period there were 52,646 false alarms in Scotland, an increase of 10.5% on the previous year. [2]
This has led to various initiatives by the fire service and by manufacturers of fire detection
systems to address the seemingly perennial problem. This includes schemes such as that introduced in 2013 when the London Fire Brigade became the first fire service in the country to levy charges against those responsible for buildings where firefighters were called out to false alarms ten times or more over a twelve-month period. The latest initiative saw the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) introduce a scheme from 1 July 2023 whereby they will no longer attend automatic fire alarm call outs to commercial business and workplace premises unless confirmation of a fire has been provided. Although there will be an exemption for premises with sleeping accommodation, this will affect thousands of sites, including schools.
False alarms are also a significant disruption in schools - potentially dangerous if an evacuation is required. There is also the issue of repeated false alarms creating a culture of apathy: if fire systems are regularly generating false alarms, it can breed a complacency and a lack of response, a significant danger in the event that an actual fire is in progress.
This is why it is so important that education facilities look to fire system manufacturers who are actively addressing the issue of false alarms in their technologies. Some actually offer guarantees against false alarms, employing technologies that ensure the highest degree of safety by quickly and reliably detecting smoke, heat, and carbon monoxide, without being affected by deceptive phenomena.
The Fire & Rescue Service clearly has a responsibility to protect not only the lives but also the properties that are fundamental to a community, schools being a prime example. Automatic fire detection systems are crucial in helping to achieve this but the Service needs to have faith in the systems, hence the need to continue to address the issue of false alarms.
The digital age
The development of IOT-enabled systems also offers potential for further improving the protection of educational facilities from fire. The cloud connectivity now available offers significant advantages. In terms of programming of a fire
safety system, this can be done off-site. Device, zone section and area information can all be programmed from a remote location, as can evacuation and control zones. Beyond the initial system set-up, it also enables a proactive rather than a reactive approach to maintenance, continuously and automatically measuring and evaluating performance and thereby anticipating failures and the need for maintenance checks.
Digitalisation means these checks can be undertaken off-site, with flexible remote access 24/7 minimising time-consuming and potentially disruptive on-site visits. Detectors with a self-testing capability enable daily testing, significantly reducing downtime compared to a conventional site-based interval testing regime. They operate in the background, autonomously, silently and intelligently, with the back-up of skilled engineers to provide the necessary remote maintenance and support. These smart systems have been designed with ease of operation in mind through user-friendly interfaces.
Integrated solutions
Returning to the issue of potential physical threats, the new technologies, with their open communication protocols, are bringing about the integration of fire systems with other security and building solutions. In recent years, the increased risk of attacks within schools and other places of education
has highlighted the vulnerability of pupils and staff. The integration of the fire protection system with other security systems (video surveillance, intruder alarm, access control etc.) and building automation systems (lighting, HVAC, elevators etc.) can provide greater safety, security, comfort and efficiency for the people and assets. Effective mass notification in the case of a possible incident within the school is possible via screens placed in classrooms and other strategic points. Alerts can also be transmitted automatically to the personal devices (phones, watches tablets, laptops etc.) used by pupils and staff alike. In the event of a fire, equipment using electrical power can be immediately shut down and emergency lighting switched on to illuminate exits and escape routes. Air dampers are shut and fans can be deactivated in order to slow the spread of the flames, but when thick smoke is threatening the building’s occupants and hampering their escape, the dampers can be opened and fans switched on to assist the extraction of the smoke.
Hard-hitting consequences
The very real threat to every school if fire destroys all or part of the buildings is the loss of its ability to carry out the education of its pupils. Even if the school is out of action only temporarily, the inconvenience and problems caused to the parents and staff in their everyday lives is significant enough, but the unsettling and distracting changes to the children’s routines may well have a
detrimental effect on their education. In the case of private schools, the impact on revenues caused by the upheaval to fee-paying parents and the damage to the school’s image and reputation could be far-reaching.
The emotional impact of fire damage too should not be underestimated. Many schools, particularly traditional public schools, often have buildings of historical interest or architectural merit. If destroyed by fire, such iconic buildings are irreplaceable. Even in the most ordinary schools, the resulting impact on students following a fire can be quite considerable. Course work, study notes, exercise books and artwork in which they have often invested days or even months of hard study and effort can literally go up in flames. These consequences need to be considered in the ongoing development of fire service response initiatives: the costs of not responding to an AFD in the event of a fire can be considerable.
Fire detection technology has moved on exponentially from the days of systems based on the simple activation of manual call points. Minimising the number of fire related incidents and the way in which a response is managed in the event of an incident is an important priority in educational facilities and one to which AFD systems can make a significant contribution.
[1] ‘Fire & Rescue Incident Statistics: England, year ending March 2022’. Gov.uk, Home Office
[2] ‘Fire and Rescue Incident Statistics (Scotland), 2021-22’. Scottish Fire and Rescue Service
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Empowering decarbonisation
Campus decarbonisation creates new challenges for estates managers - could energy storage help solve them?
Lumsden,
EMatthew
CEO of Connected Energy, explains
fforts to improve energy efficiency and reduce energy bills have naturally had a positive impact on campus carbon emissions. However, with the low-hanging fruit now all picked, how can estates managers continue to deliver decarbonisation
One technology increasingly being deployed on education estates is battery energy storage systems (BESS), as they can be used to solve several challenges at once. These include accessing cheaper
and greener energy from the grid, optimising solar installations, and supporting vehicle electrification strategies.
Flexibility
A BESS is essentially multiple battery packs combined within a shipping container and controlled by an intelligent management system. It acts as a reservoir, storing energy during times of low demand and providing it during peak periods. This can provide a great deal of flexibility
when it comes to both energy management and decarbonisation.
In isolation, a BESS can help in two ways. The intelligent management system can be programmed to buy energy from the grid when it is at its cheapest – such as off-peak tariffs –or at its greenest, for later use. This means you can use a BESS to reduce your carbon emissions from energy and also cut your electricity bills.
Furthermore, for those sites which have rooftop solar, a BESS can also add significant value. Solar
providers are experts at right-sizing a PV installation to meet your energy requirements – but demand fluctuations can make this tricky, particularly as you start adding more high load infrastructure such as EV chargers or heat pumps. This can leave you with an excess of energy you can’t use, and ending up with a solar surplus extends the payback period for PV.
At Connected Energy we worked with one client on a multi-building site who was having to give 15% of their solar energy back to the grid. After installing an energy storage system, they were able to capture that surplus and use it to power their building and charge their electric vans overnight.
Generating your own energy on site reduces reliance on the grid while also addressing a growing problem when it comes to fleet electrification: grid constraints.
Capacity challenge
A key pillar in decarbonisation strategies is electrification – but as this gathers pace, it could actually see energy usage start to rise again on your sites. The reason for this is that the next phase of electrification requires the installation of high load infrastructure.
The main culprit here is electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. A standard 7kW charger has the equivalent energy consumption of 30-40 desktop computers per
hour – and you can more than treble this for a 22kW EV charger. However, another example would be if you are looking at heat pumps – great for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but they require a substantial amount of electricity.
With an increase in site energy consumption, three little letters are starting to give estates managers headaches: MIC. This stands for Maximum Import Capacity, which is the cap on how much energy your premises can draw down from the grid. Essentially, MICs exist because a lot of locations are on a shared connection; these limits ensure that you don’t leave your neighbours short by drawing down too much electricity.
If you start installing a significant number of EV chargers, you’re likely to breach your MIC. This will result in substantial surcharges on your energy bills. In some instances, your local grid connection might have sufficient headroom for you to pay to increase your MIC and avoid these fees. But more often it is not possible because our grid was simply not designed to support EV charging. In this instance, you’re looking at paying a hefty cost to your distribution network operator (DNO) to upgrade your grid connection. Along with being expensive, there are often long waiting lists as lots of public and commercial premises are trying to tackle the same issue at once.
The business case for grid
capacity constraints is one of the most compelling uses for BESS: If your DNO is quoting costs of more than £250,000 to upgrade your grid connection, then a BESS is a much more cost-effective option. Equally, if you are facing high fees in surcharges for breaching your MIC then consider a BESS as an alternative.
Managing microgrids
With more infrastructure both generating and drawing down power, on campus, things can get complex quite quickly. In these instances, the intelligent management system on a BESS can be used as part of your microgrid, integrating those energy assets with your infrastructure. And ultimately, microgrids help secure your site’s energy resilience by removing or reducing reliance on the grid.
Case study: A microgrid for new Bristol campus
Transforming a former coal shed and headquarters of a gas company into an example of smart sustainability is a truly fitting metaphor for decarbonisation.
The redevelopment of The Sheds in Bristol is part of a collaboration between the University of Bristol and its partners to breathe new life into the city’s Temple Quarter. The university is creating the Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus, which will be home to 4,600 students
and 650 university staff. The first occupant of the campus is Bristol Digital Futures Institute (BDFI) in the 200-year-old Coal Shed and Retort House. Located behind Temple Meads Station, the site is being reimagined to include unique specialist digital research facilities, workspaces, collaboration areas and a substantial data centre.
As part of the development, BDFI received a £2.5 million Net Zero grant from Research England’s UK Research Partnership Investment Fund to reduce carbon emissions from the site. The grant will also provide a research testbed and enable BDFI and researchers from across the university and sustainability teams to explore how research facilities can incorporate and optimise such measures to deliver their ambitious net zero targets.
Matthew Lumsden, CEO of Connected Energy, said: “Our brief was to support BDFI in their vision to power the building using the greenest energy available. As the site is home to a large data centre, which is operating 24/7, the ability to store energy was critical in helping to meet this vision.”
Intelligent microgrid
The solution was two E-STOR systems from Connected Energy, a leading provider of battery energy storage systems (BESS). Each E-STOR has a 360kWh capacity and an intelligent management system that is designed to provide the
fulcrum between the grid, on-site renewables, and the premises. This enables BDFI to power the building using the greenest available energy. Connected Energy’s management system controls the storage and discharge of energy at the most optimum times of the day.
“The addition of battery energy storage enables BDFI to reduce the carbon intensity of its energy consumption to its lowest possible point,” added Matthew. “E-STOR stores greener power throughout the day – either from the solar array or the grid - to be used at times when renewable generation is low and the energy available from the grid is not at its cleanest.”
Dr Jenny Knapp, Director Programmes & Operations at Bristol Digital Futures Institute, said: “The University hopes that the microgrid and its battery energy storage will help us to maximise our use of clean power. The project is not only driven by these net zero ambitions but also the opportunity to use our site and the microgrid system as a research facility and share our learning with other data centres and research facilities more widely.”
Second life benefits
Connected Energy was chosen for the project because of its unique approach to energy storage systems. Rather than use new batteries in its E-STOR units, the company repurposes batteries from end-oflife electric vehicles (EVs). These batteries can still have up to 80%
of their original energy storage capacity, making E-STOR an ideal way to give them a second life. In this way, E-STOR is much less carbon intensive than systems that use new batteries.
As part of the project, Connected Energy is working closely with the university to ensure that its systems support ongoing research and software modelling of microgrids. The company’s data team is working with PhD students to evaluate the systems. Furthermore, Connected Energy has also provided a second life battery to the University’s Energy Futures Lab which will be involved in simulations of different scenarios relating to optimising battery performance.
“The use of second life batteries in the Connected Energy systems was integral to our overall goals by immediately demonstrating carbon savings when compared to a system which uses new batteries,” added Dr Knapp. “Connected Energy also understood the importance of the research element of this project and have been open with their contributions and support towards this.”
Next steps
Connected Energy has produced a free white paper on energy storage for facilities and estates managers, which can be downloaded here: https://connected-energy.co.uk/ whitepapers/battery-energy-storagefor-facilities-management/.
Matthew Lumsden
Pitch perfect surfaces for a summer of sport by Stuart Chamberlain, Executive Director at O’Brien Contractors Perfect pitches
This summer, people from all over the world will come together to watch and participate in a range of sporting events. From Wimbledon to the Euros, the Ashes to the Olympics, the one consideration that crosses every event is that of ground conditions. At the Euros, both UEFA and the German Football Association came under fire for poor pitch conditions at this year’s competition, following multiple incidents of turf being ripped up, being pitted, and unlevel.
However, it’s not just multimillion-pound stadiums that need to keep an eye on their pitches. As the 2024 academic year approaches quickly, now is the time for campus estate managers to start preparing for the new term.
The summer holiday offers the perfect opportunity to make much needed renovations to existing sports pitches, to commence a full design and build project or to start planning for next summer's construction to create pitch perfect grounds. However, the planning stage for any renovation of works can be time critical, meaning education institutions should begin now to hit next summer’s deadline.
To kickstart the pitch project, colleges, universities and other sports clubs will need to have an agreed starting point that reflects their needs and those of their pupils or students. For example, this could be a plan to renovate three full-size football pitches with synthetic turf, or for the installation of a Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) pitch.
Different types of sports pitches such as hockey and football pitches or tennis and basketball courts, require different materials, design and construction requirements. For contractors to have a full understanding of the materials, labour and equipment required, the project management teams therefore need to ensure they have clearly defined objectives, consistent with an agreed timeframe and budget.
For university campus managers, for example, making decisions about the construction of sports fields can be daunting due to the sheer number of considerations they must contend with. To combat this, universities should consider collaborating with contracting ahead of the planning stage. Having the right people in place prior to project inception
ensures that the final goal is properly understood, and that expert advice is easily accessible, ensuring informed decisions are made right through to completion.
By opting to work with an experienced firm, costs are likely to remain steady throughout the project as risks or surprises are accounted for and mitigated. This means a smoother process that is not at risk of being derailed due to unpredictable situations such as lack of labour due to illness, undelivered materials or other delays.
But it’s not just these considerations that must be accommodated when planning a sports pitch renovation, particularly over the summer holidays. While universities have much longer academic breaks than schools, for example, getting the timing right is still essential. For big projects, where multiple areas will be out of use for extended periods of time, running
to time is imperative, otherwise universities may find themselves facing a cohort of unhappy sporting societies come September. Factors such as adverse weather conditions, planning around employee annual leave, bank holidays or unforeseen issues with machinery can cause havoc for contractors trying to deliver a project on time. However, early planning can help tackle the risk of an overrunning project, resulting in an earlier kick-off for the project and on-time delivery.
One of the most important factors to consider during a renovation or development of sports facilities is the difference between how each pitch is built. For example, the process of building an outdoor netball or basketball court might use materials such as concrete, asphalt tarmacadam or Ethylene Polypropylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) rubber sports surfacing – with the latter two both having
anti-slip properties that are ideal for outdoor sporting use. On the other hand, pitches used for football and rugby are typically made from natural or artificial turf.
A popular artificial turf choice for football pitches is third generation, or 3G. Using synthetic surface technology, its practicality and easy maintenance makes it a popular choice for both universities and sports clubs all over the world. 3G pitches are designed significantly differently to what is expected from a domestic artificial lawn. Project Teams should bear this in mind when considering their direction. The 3G surface is made up of several layers that are designed to simulate the look and feel of a real pitch, whilst minimising the impact of game play and prolonging the life of the product.
For sports such as hockey, water-based pitches are a popular choice for professional and semiprofessional play. Water-based
pitches reduce friction on the surface, which results in smooth and much faster ball roll. It has also been found that hockey sticks last much longer when played on wet surfaces as they aren't being worn out by sand infill, which is a common feature on dry pitches. This longevity of both pitch and equipment is what makes a water-based hockey pitch a popular choice for consideration by educational institutions, particularly colleges or universities.
Once the pitch has been selected, it’s important to understand the level of maintenance and upkeep required. University playing fields, just like schools, are subject to high levels of footfall, making maintenance and upkeep a necessity to ensure the longevity of a pitch. For sports such as football and rugby, the ground faces considerable stud damage, often with minimal time between games to naturally recover. To ensure pitches are kept at a high standard, it’s therefore essential for universities to employ
groundskeepers, and gain a thorough understanding of the maintenance required at the earliest possible stage, as this could influence the type of pitch that is ultimately selected. Being pitch perfect will not only benefit pupils and students, but it can also bring financial rewards for those that opt to rent out pitches and facilities to the local community. Foundations such as Sports England work closely with schools and universities to ensure that facilities can be accessed by the local community during the evenings and holidays. However, to utilise this, playing fields must be of a good standard and adhere to Football Association (FA) regulations.
Furthermore, the Sports and Play Construction Association (SAPCA), is the trusted industry body that represents and regulates contractors, suppliers and consultants that deliver high quality sports and play facilities throughout the United Kingdom. Appointing a SAPCA member provides clients with full
assurance that their sports projects will be delivered by fully competent, pioneering professionals to the latest industry standards. SAPCA’s thorough formal auditing process and rigorous membership criteria also ensures that sports and play facilities are carefully maintained to enhance durability, performance and longevity.
With so many different sports pitches and materials available, picking the one that will benefit an establishment and stand the course of time can feel overwhelming. Working closely with innovative construction leaders can help to alleviate confusion and secure the right solution. For universities that are looking to make changes to their existing or develop new sports facilities, now is the right time to begin planning for September 2025.
For further information please visit O’Brien Contractors.
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Installing EV charge points on campus
Getting a university campus ready for electric vehicles (EVs) involves a number of challenges to overcome
Zo Hoida, partner specialising in regeneration projects at UK and Ireland law firm Browne Jacobson, gives an overview of the legal nuts and bolts of installing and maintaining the necessary charging infrastructure.
Electric vehicles are increasing in numbers and the availability of charge points needs to improve. There are en route charging stations, charge points installed at people’s homes and, increasingly, charge
points at places of work and other destination parking spots. Car parks at university campuses also need them, but decision-makers often feel somewhat in the dark as to how to go about getting the systems installed and maintained.
Options for EV installation and maintenance
• Aggregated structures - An aggregated structure involves the university landowner appointing one contractor to do everything:
acquiring the charge points, installing them, operating them, maintaining them and dealing with the billing.
• Disaggregated structuresDisaggregated structures involve multiple different contractors. This can lead to greater competition between contractors and potentially more attractive pricing. However, you will need to consider the risks in choosing this option. For example, if there is a problem with the charging kit and the
operator can’t use the charging point to generate revenue, then who is responsible for this?
• Directive approach - This is the best approach if you already know exactly what you want: how many charge points you need, the technology you want to use, the charging speed and the pricing. All you need is one person to set it all up for you.
• Concession agreements - A concession agreement can be used to grant an operator or multiple operators rights to use your land to develop, construct and operate the EV charging infrastructure. In return, the university landowner charges a fee for the space used or takes a rebate based on revenue profits.
Electricity supply
As a landowner, university managers should consider whether the charge point operator will take their own
power supply directly from the distribution network operator (DNO) or whether they will be relying on the university’s electricity supply.
The distribution grid infrastructure will need to be able to adequately support the increased load. This will depend on factors such as the type of charge point (i.e. slow or rapid), the existing connection capacity at the site and DNO consent. It is worth considering whether to build in excess capacity to prevent future shortage issues, considering that the UK is on track for EVs to account for around half of all road transport by 2035.
Landlord and tenant issues
• If any of the university’s land is held on a leasehold rather than freehold tenure, then the landlord’s consent for installation is likely to be required. Furthermore, the DNOs will require the freeholder to be a
party to any easements required to bring in power infrastructure.
• If car parks or land to be developed for charging (whether held freehold or leasehold) are already subject to leases, licences or indeed other third-party rights and interests, then those tenants and rights-holders will need to be consulted, as well as consent and/ or join into the legal documents.
• DNOs and charge point operators may be granted a lease of space for their equipment – heads of terms will need to be clear on issues such as ownership of equipment at the end of the term, responsibility for repair and upkeep of spaces, as well as equipment, insurance, rights to ‘lift and shift’, sub-letting and exclusivity.
Who is responsible for regulatory compliance?
Whichever structure you choose for
your installation project, there will need to be sufficient due diligence on the land to ensure the development can happen safely and practically. Fire safety risk, underground hazards and other ground conditions will need to be considered to ensure the proposed area is suitable.
It is important to consider early on who will be responsible during construction for any issues between the landowner, the charge point operator and any other third parties or contractors. There may be risks around the assembling of cables, connecting into sub-stations and installing infrastructure. If something goes wrong, who will be to blame? You should ensure you have protective cover by way of insurance.
Once built, the ‘infrastructure operator’ responsible for operating the charge point (whether the owner or a person operating it on behalf of someone else) is the person responsible for compliance under the Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Regulations 2017.
Note that according to these regulations, car parks for consumers of goods and services – such as retail car parks – count as ‘public’, unlike collective residential car parks and workplace car parks. This is important because ‘public’
charge point operators must provide a ‘pay-as-you-go’ option to ensure all charge points accessible to the public are usable without a preexisting contract, including annual subscriptions.
So, depending on where a campus is situated and the current parking strategy, this could be another aspect the university needs to consider.
Challenges of installing EV charging on campus
In addition to finding suitable areas with the appropriate ground conditions for electric infrastructure to be installed and the availability of power, there are additional challenges around shortages of skills.
The UK currently does not have enough skilled people either for the installation or ongoing maintenance of charging infrastructure.
This is a relatively new technology, and we don’t have the required numbers of trained electricians (for high voltage in particular) and other specialists who can work on charge point infrastructure.
This is something the university sector is well-placed to aid in developing solutions but, in the short and medium terms, estates managers may still find frustrations
in taking forward bold plans for sustainably developing their estates to include provision for EV charging.
All over the country and in many different sectors, organisations are starting to think about and ramp up their EV provision. In case it becomes a race, it is important to be at the start line now.
Collaboration
Don’t forget that your campus is not an island. Consider whether there are other landowners or stakeholders who may be interested in partnering with you on an EV charge point project.
For example, the University of Worcester has installed 100 charge points into a car park that also provides 200 other community parking spaces, and so has been able to benefit from local enterprise partnership investment.
Keele University has partnered with Siemens on its ‘living laboratory’ campus and now has 38 charge points that are free to use for both staff and students, and Loughborough University developed a number of its charge points with a tech industry tenant at Loughborough University Science & Enterprise Park
Creating a net-zero campus
Lessons from the University of Leeds’ industry-leading approach by Jason Gardner, Project Director at Buro Happold
The need for universities to decarbonise their estate and the lessons others can learn from University of Leeds.
The move towards net zero in the UK is well underway. Across major industrial sectors including energy generation, construction, transport and manufacturing, changes are being made to how we build, operate and make things to create a more sustainable economy.
All of this is absolutely necessary. With the Government committing to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050, there are new opportunities for economic growth, new investment, and a desire from all industries to future proof by going green.
But doing this is no small feat. Reaching these targets means the UK must reduce its collective carbon emissions by over 300 million tonnes, entirely rewiring our economy and much of how we live our lives. The
scale of what needs to be achieved can be daunting, and it’s difficult to know where to start amid other competing pressures.
What needs to happen
The move towards net zero must happen across the board if the UK is to achieve the target, with all sectors empowered to build and operate buildings in a greener way.
Like many other sectors, universities within the higher
education sector are increasingly setting challenging net zero targets to be delivered during coming decades. This has been driven not only by a collective ambition within the sector to lead on climate issues, but also an expectation from students who want their institutions to reflect their personal support for and concern about the climate crisis.
There’s no lack of ambition. Indeed, targets for universities have been getting more, not less, ambitious, with universities including Leeds, Durham and Edinburgh all setting net zero targets by 2030, 2035 and 2040 respectively.
However, the route to a lower carbon future is different for every sector in the built environment. The higher education sector faces its own challenges and very real constraints on capital.
Once these targets are in place, the next stage is to take action and
create a tangible delivery plan. It’s often at this stage that universities turn to experts to transform targets into deliverable plans. Buro Happold has been working with several universities across the country, including University of Leeds, to help decarbonise their estates.
Getting the right approach for Leeds In September 2019, University of Leeds announced its ambition to reach net zero by 2030. This is one of the most ambitious targets within the higher education sector.
The University set out how it was going to achieve this in its Pathway to Net Zero Carbon Emissions for bold action on climate. Developed with collaboration between the University’s estates team, academics, researchers and students, it sets out seven principles to guide the University’s actions.
Buro Happold worked with
University of Leeds to create a detailed pathway to net zero, carrying out a careful evaluation of possible options to determine the best actions for the university to take.
To achieve these aims, the University is investing over £150 million during the next decade.
When looking at how to decarbonise, any organisation that owns and manages a large amount of building stock should focus on two things. This includes switching energy supplies from fossil fuels to electric, and decreasing energy consumption by retrofitting existing buildings to make them more energy efficient.
In establishing how best to meet University of Leeds’ net zero objective, Buro Happold’s energy reduction specialists undertook a techno-economic study of the university estate and operations. After careful consideration of all
approaches, it identified the solution should focus on light retrofit of buildings and full electrification of heat, transitioning away from fossil fuel usage. The exceptions to this rule were those buildings that were identified to have particularly poor energy performance. Tackling these buildings’ energy efficiency issues became a joint immediate priority along with the electrification of heat.
This approach provides Leeds University with a realistic route to net zero carbon and beyond, in a way that minimises disruption, limits expenditure and is ultimately deliverable.
Electrifying heat is key to decarbonisation, as it takes advantage of the on-going reductions in the carbon intensity of grid electricity, and can credibly be offset by creating new renewable energy generating installations.
This marks a significant move away from the conventional fabric first approach that has been applied to the development of new buildings for many years. The important difference being decarbonising the heat source of an existing building is a different challenge to reducing the energy consumption of a new building, and therefore commands a different response. Pragmatism is also key. With many universities occupying hundreds of buildings,
Alan Macklin
going into each building and retrofitting new fabric and services is not a realistic approach in terms of cost, disruption or programme.
We also find that groups of buildings can often best be tackled together using a district network fed from a centralised energy centre. Tackling groups of buildings together can be a hugely beneficial and efficient approach in terms of cost and minimising disruption.
A final but very important early consideration when embarking on an estate decarbonisation programme is understanding current and future electrical demands, and how this may affect the electrical infrastructure supplying the estate.
Transitioning to electric heating will significantly increase the need for electricity, which may well in turn necessitate infrastructure upgrades. One of the biggest challenges with this is the timescales required to upgrade the electrical supply to a university estate, which will often run into years. Therefore, addressing any shortfalls in the electrical infrastructure supplies early in the decarbonisation programme is essential.
To summarise, our recommendation to universities when approaching the decarbonisation of their existing estate is to pursue a technology first approach unless
specific buildings are suffering from particularly poor energy efficiency. Where these buildings are identified, their poor performance needs to be addressed in tandem with the technology approach. This means decarbonising the heat as the first priority. Fabric improvement should then be considered as part of a building’s natural retrofit cycle over a longer timeframe.
Findings from the University of Leeds
The University of Leeds is acting on its targets to help achieve its ambition of reaching net zero by 2030. The result is a solution that not only lowers carbon emissions, allowing the University to reach net zero, but also brings down fuel consumption.
The University of Leeds is now progressing well to meet its targets and tackle the net zero challenge head-on.
Every university estate is different but there are lessons everyone can learn from Leeds’ approach. Creating a clear, considered and achievable plan is the first step towards decarbonising an estate. This can then attract investment and enable moving towards delivery with real confidence.
Inspirational learning environments
• Constructor (modular building supply) and main contractor (as required) that offers a full turnkey solution approach.
• Architecturally designed & inspirational learning environments. Our buildings can be visually indistinguishable from traditionally built schools.
• Utilising SEISMIC platform design and achieving a high level of PMV.
• Customised to client specifications and needs. From glazing to wall cladding finishes; even teaching spaces can be configured.
• Repeatable classroom designs, creating efficiency through standardisation. Standardisation is key to driving greater efficiency throughout all aspects of the project and delivery.
• We are recognised by a number of key frameworks, which are the DfE MMC1 LOT 1, CCS, NHS-SBS and the LHC.
The dust doctor
Small changes that can help create a happier and healthier workforce
by Phil Haskins,
Construction Industry Specialist at Dustcontrol UK
The Dust Doctor: In an industry where dust is unavoidable, the health and safety of campus estate management workers can be at significant risk. At Dustcontrol UK, we understand the critical importance of mitigating these risks, which is why we run the ‘Dust Doctor’ programme. This initiative sends experienced safety experts, including myself, to educational estates around the country to educate them on the dangers of dust and how to effectively combat them.
The future of today's workers: a grim outlook
Imagine a world 30 years from now where today's campus estate management workers have not been adequately protected from the prevalent dust in their work environments. The prognosis is alarming. Long-term exposure to dust can lead to chronic respiratory diseases, cardiovascular problems, and even cancer. Workers might suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, or silicosis, a severe lung disease caused by inhaling fine silica
dust. The quality of life for these individuals would be severely diminished, and the burden on the healthcare system would be immense.
Construction dust is a general term used to describe what may be found on a construction site, encompassing three main types: asbestos dust, silica dust, and wood dust. Asbestos dust, found in home insulation and other building materials produced before 1990, still kills around 5,000 workers each year. Silica dust, a natural mineral present in stone, sandstone, and granite,
also known as Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS), is particularly hazardous. Wood dust, generated from sanding and cutting, includes particles from hard and softwoods, as well as MDF, which are known to cause nasal cancer.
According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), there are approximately 500 silica dust-related deaths every year, making it crucial to limit its spread. It is estimated that 10 to 20% of all lung cancer cases may have a background in the working environment, with 7,000 people in the EU diagnosed with lung cancer each year due to quartz dust exposure.
The British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS), the leading scientific charity on the protection of health in the workplace, is calling for immediate action to help prevent further cases of silicosis, now being reported in the UK for the first time. This incurable lung disease has been known for thousands of years, but in recent years, younger workers are severely affected when working with the cutting and finishing of engineered stone worktops. The disease is caused when tiny crystalline particles of silica are inhaled during cutting, breaking, and grinding. Modern stone surfaces often have high silica
content, creating a risk when dust is not controlled during manufacture, fitting, and demolition.
Cleaning machinery and equipment: best practices
One of the most effective ways to control dust on educational estates is by ensuring that machinery and equipment are properly cleaned after use. Here are some best practices for achieving this:
1. Regular maintenance: Regularly scheduled maintenance of machinery can help prevent the build-up of dust. This includes checking and replacing filters, seals, and other components that may wear out over time.
2. Use of vacuum systems: Instead of dry sweeping, which can stir up dust, use vacuum systems specifically designed for industrial settings. These systems can capture dust particles at the source, reducing the amount of airborne dust.
3. Wet cleaning methods: For certain types of machinery, wet cleaning methods can be highly effective. Using water or other liquids can help to suppress dust and prevent it from becoming airborne.
4. Personal protective equipment (PPE): Workers should be provided with appropriate PPE, such as
respirators and dust masks, when cleaning machinery. This adds an extra layer of protection against inhaling harmful dust particles.
5. Training and awareness: Ensuring that campus estate workers are trained in the correct cleaning techniques and understand the importance of these practices is essential. Regular training sessions and updates can keep everyone informed and vigilant.
Small changes, big impact: healthier work practices
Creating a happier and healthier workforce doesn't always require sweeping changes. Sometimes, small adjustments to daily practices can have a significant impact. Here are some simple yet effective changes that educational estates can implement:
1. Improving ventilation: Ensure that workspaces are well-ventilated. This can help to disperse dust and reduce the concentration of airborne particles. Installing local exhaust ventilation (LEV) systems can be particularly effective in areas where dust is generated.
2. Routine health checks: Implementing regular health checks for estate workers can help to identify any early signs of dust-related health issues.
Early detection and intervention can prevent more serious health problems from developing.
3. Creating dust-free zones: Designate specific areas where dust-generating activities are not allowed. These dust-free zones can provide workers with a safe space to take breaks and reduce their overall exposure.
4. Promoting good hygiene: Encouraging workers to follow good hygiene practices, such as washing hands and face regularly, can reduce the risk of ingesting dust particles.
5. Regular training: Continuous education on the importance of dust control and proper work practices can keep the campus management workforce informed and engaged in maintaining a safe work environment.
Effective dust control: methods and machinery
When working in an environment where dust is created, it is vital to remember to pay attention to surroundings and ensure equipment is functioning correctly. If something feels wrong, stop work immediately. Wear PPE adequate for the amount and type of dust and work as far away from the dust source as possible.
Source extraction, the process of capturing dust as it’s created, is the most efficient method of dust
prevention and can be achieved through the use of industrial standard mobile vacuum units. The three main classes of these units are L, M, and H, and while the HSE recommends using the minimum of M class, H class is considered best practice. H class extraction filters dust to a higher degree with a filter leakage of less than 0.005%. This makes it more effective at targeting respirable dusts with carcinogenic properties.
As well as using source extraction methods to prevent dust being released into the atmosphere, background air cleaners can also be used as a complementary way to further combat ambient dust issues.
Standalone units with HEPA-13 filters, for instance, can circulate clean air back into an area used for dust-creating activities, providing even greater extraction efficiency. These filtered air cleaners have been tested to capture at least 99.95% of particles between 0.15 to 0.3 micrometres, being specifically built to reduce the risk of respiratory problems by filtering air of harmful particles.
Regulatory compliance and testing
The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002, specifically Regulation 9, require employers to maintain control measures in efficient working order and in good repair, with thorough
examination and testing of LEV systems generally every 14 months. For other controls, testing should occur "at suitable intervals". Further information is available on the HSE website, particularly in HSE Document CIS69. HAE, working with the HSE, recommends that testing for machines used in construction is done at a period not exceeding six months when in use.
At Dustcontrol UK, we are committed to helping educational estates create safer, healthier workplaces. Through our ‘Dust Doctor’ programme, we aim to provide the necessary education and tools to protect campus management workers from the harmful effects of dust. By implementing these best practices and small changes, educational estates can significantly improve the health and well-being of their workforce, ensuring a brighter and healthier future for all.
Phil Haskins is a construction industry specialist at Dustcontrol UK, which has over 50 years’ experience in developing dust extraction solutions and centralised vacuum systems to fit client requirements across a range of industries, including education. They are experts in problem solving with a high technical capability of capturing dust at its source, then containing and transporting it to a convenient discharge solution.
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