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by Steve McGregor, CEO, DMA Group
The senior leadership teams across schools, colleges and universities have shouldered immense, yet routine pressures in trying to reconcile the financial and operational challenges of delivering education in a cost-down environment. Compounded by the unprecedented cost-of-living and energy cost crisis, worrying indicators that suggest a looming recession, these establishments are scrambling by cutting costs wherever possible. Recent reports suggest that
hundreds of schools are cutting teaching hours to cope with an average 106% increase in their energy bills (Metro, 2022) . Furthermore, 37% of headteachers fear that they’ll have insufficient resources by the end of 2023, a tragic warning that a potential wave of redundancies could be on the horizon.
Ahead of those brutally tough realities, senior leadership teams will also be forced to reduce any non-essential and discretionary spend to alleviate some of that
inflationary pressure. But when it comes to cutting the costs of running and operating their buildings, there can be costly pitfalls, with potential legal implications, if undertaken without expert supervision. A little bit of knowledge in this area can be unintentionally dangerous, so it should be a cautionary note.
These harsh financial challenges understandably create an almost forensic attention to costs. We make buildings work better, so we are
routinely supporting educational establishments to keep their buildings safe, functioning and legally compliant. When repairs and replacements are needed its usual for us to provide everything that’s required, including labour, materials and equipment right through to completion, which comes with the added value of warranties which may last 12, 24 or even 36 months depending on what’s been done.
However, we’ve increasingly encountered some management teams wanting to source cheaper parts themselves off the internet. It’s an understandable tactic, because parts can often appear less expensive online, but that’s not the whole story. If the wrong parts turn up, or they’re late, it will cause delays and further costs.
In addition, if your service provider schedules their labour to coincide with the delivery dates of parts/equipment you’ve purchased, your supplier will levy abortive charges if they don’t turn up on time or they’re wrong. Not to mention the adverse impact on getting your building working as quickly as possible. You will become another critical link in the supply chain, so is this a risk you can afford? Trusting
your FM supplier to provide parts may seem a little more expensive, but it ensures there are clear accountabilities.
Obtaining and keeping records of guarantees and warranties for your parts is no easy a task either. It can be easily forgotten by your internal teams, who’s primary role is focussing on the day-to-day demands of operating your premises. Tracking long term warranties can save you money, but it isn’t easily achieved using spreadsheets and diaries, particularly if your own people leave. DMA uses its own unique digital technology, called BiO®, to inform and support our customers, our own teams and our service partners too. With the right service provider alongside you, we can keep track of all your guarantees and warranties and provide the expertise to know when parts are not working properly, to trigger warranty activation.
Equally, purchasing lesser standard of parts will save you initially, but the increases in running, maintenance and replacement costs over the longer term will be a false economy. These are tough dilemmas to reconcile, but buying the wrong or lesser quality kit will cost you more, or even worse damage
your premises, risk the health and wellness of your occupants, not to mention the reliability of your building.
When you need help with the costs of operating your buildings, then engage with your existing suppliers. We are all acutely aware of the challenges facing our customers, we’re wrestling with them every day. Retaining your business in the current climate is key to us all, so we will always try and help. Engaging your service partner(s) will bring their expertise into the conversation. They’ll help you avoid the potential pitfalls, tackle things in different ways and even consider temporary cost saving scenarios because they’ll know what matters to you.
Of course, you cannot expect a great service partner to come cheap, but good FM suppliers will tailor their offering to suit your budget and needs as far as they can and legislation will allow. Asking your suppliers what you could be doing more efficiently could make a big difference.
It’s clear your primary focus is
teaching your students, however some customers have created large and expensive internal manage-anddeliver estates and maintenance teams, which is counter-intuitive to the skills and capability that exists supply-side. We imagine this strategy will rightly come under closer scrutiny, as there are big savings to be made and added value from adopting optimised and proven outsourcing models.
Retaining a small intelligent senior team that knows how to reliably outsource building and estates maintenance will be far more cost efficient in the long-term. Having the right service provider under long term service contracts with the right experts by your side when it matters most will provide measurable added value.
Our customers are grateful for our contributions when crisis hits, because our additional resources, expertise and tech-enabled know-how comes to the fore to provide fast and effective support.
Making buildings work is often oversimplified, but it’s complex, with many moving parts and is shrouded in legislative compliance and dire personal consequences for getting it wrong.
Getting our people at the right place, at the right time, every time to fix things first time isn’t easy. Our engineers need the right location, contacts, information, instructions, tools, parts, equipment, access, and training. Making it run like a reliable Swiss watch demands clear processes. But how can we make that happen? The answer is through technology - it’s the only way to drive uber efficiency and great service quality at scale.
At DMA, we’ve used most off-theshelf computerised maintenance management systems (or CAFM) for over 20 years, but our experience is that they were expensive, overpromised and under-delivered. Market research over 15 years has confirmed that maintenance customers in the UK have been
unsatisfied with service, so we decided to fundamentally change things for the better by building our own digital platform and invested £1.5million over the last 5 years.
It’s called BiO® and we’ve automated all of our business processes to provide transparent real-time information so that our customers know what’s going on every moment of every day. And what’s more that performance data, documents and status information is available to everyone, anywhere, anytime, on any device at no cost. Our in-house teams have become 50% more efficient, and our engineers have become twice as productive. By automating the repetitive mundane tasks, we’ve allowed our engineers to spend their time doing the work that really matters, further enhanced with smart calls-to action to let our customers know what needs to be done when.
For further information please visit www.dma-group.co.uk
• New ‘Energy Bills Discount Scheme’ could cripple some UK businesses. Solar car parks offer low-cost, low-carbon alternative.
Long-term energy cost saving with no upfront capital investment.
• On-site renewable energy generation ensures reliable supply at a fixed price.
• Solar car parks provide a significant boost to customers’ net-zero journeys and provide a visible commitment to decarbonisation.
• Addition of solar-powered electric vehicle charge points will provide much needed low cost, low carbon, convenient destination charging infrastructure.
According to 3ti, the UK’s leading designer, installer, funder and operator of solar car parks (SCPs), organisations could save around £1,000 per parking space per annum on their electricity bills. Through a power purchase agreement (PPA), companies can take back control of long-term energy costs and secure a reliable supply of renewable energy with no upfront capital investment. The addition of electric vehicle (EV) charge points also provides much-needed low cost, low carbon destination charging infrastructure for the rapidly growing number of EV drivers on UK roads.
“Energy prices have risen steeply over the past 12 months, and with the Government announcing a twothirds cut to energy support for businesses this week, the future looks bleak and expensive,” says Tim Evans, 3ti founder and CEO. “We’re facing a perfect storm of rising energy prices, supply uncertainty and a need for accelerated roll-out of EV charging infrastructure. Whilst businesses are addressing these challenges, a thought for my grandchildren’s future and doing something to combat climate change might be a good idea too,” he says. “Solar car parks tackle all these issues simultaneously. The removal of the energy unit price cap at the end of March could prove disastrous for small- and medium-sized companies, and for many, it may be terminal. Cutting energy costs by generating electricity from the car park next to the factory could be
a lifeline for them,” he concludes.
“Figures from Bionic currently place the average business electricity price at between 36.1p and 44.9p per kWh* which is clearly unsustainable,” he continues. “With power supply from a solar car park, companies can save around £1,000 a year for every space covered with a solar array. For a company with a car park of 250 spaces, saving a quarter of a million pounds a year on energy costs could be the difference between survival or closure. The car park is already there - companies can secure electricity supply, reduce carbon emissions and provide EV charging infrastructure without any capital expenditure. What’s not to like about that?” says Evans.
A 3ti customer retains ownership and continues to use its car park as normal, with the added benefits of employees, customers and visitors being able to park under cover with reduced light pollution, improved safety and security. 3ti finances the infrastructure, selling the renewable energy generated to the customer through a multi-year PPA. This means that SCP customers are shielded from future price fluctuation and supply uncertainty, enabling them to manage on-site energy generation, carbon emissions and the provision of EV charging facilities.
“3ti manages the project from start to finish, dealing with everything from initial designs and planning applications to installation, grid connection and ongoing operation and maintenance,” Evans explains. “Solar car parks turn underutilised spaces into renewable energy power stations providing a much-needed solution to the growing challenge of energy cost inflation and carbon reduction. They provide long-term cost control and bypass concerns over potential supply volatility in the face of ongoing global unrest and creaking national infrastructure. SCPs are a striking, visible commitment to decarbonisation and help customers work towards net-zero targets. Finally, with the addition of EV charge points, SCPs can help roll out crucial, convenient and affordable destination charging infrastructure ahead of the 2030 ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles.”
When Bexhill College wanted to upgrade every campus classroom with a standardised display set-up, they knew that Strive AV would be the ideal partner for the job
This summer, Bexhill College underwent a classroom transformation, with new SMART boards in every teaching space on campus. Having worked together previously, Strive AV was appointed by the college to specify, source, and install equipment for this largescale upgrade before students returned for a new term in September.
The client brief was straightforward, but the timelines were tight with just two months to deliver the project. One of the key factors in winning the order was that Strive AV must ensure that all screens could be supplied and fully installed during the summer holidays. With discussions starting in July, the project needed to be actioned and progressed immediately. Committed to meeting this tight deadline, the team at Strive AV turned around the installation within 10 days of the screens being delivered.
Mike Dunne, eLearning and ILT co-ordinator at Bexhill College explained: “We had been dealing with 5- to 10-year-old projectors, the image clarity was poor, and the reliance on lamps meant they had limited life cycles, and constantly needed upkeep. All these factors were not conducive to providing a bright bold learning environment, which is central to the college ethos.”
The college required a consistent presentation eco-system that staff could easily use, no matter which classroom they were teaching in. Existing equipment included projectors, old interactive whiteboards, and some older style SMART boards. The college had liked working with SMART and this was the preferred option. SMART could also deliver within budget and on time, so the decision was taken to upgrade each classroom with a new SMART Board interactive display. The upgrade would provide the required standardisation, while still being a familiar technology for staff.
The solution included the installation of fifty-two 75” SMART Board MX Series interactive displays. Four of these were installed with mobile trolleys, while the remainder were wall-mounted in each classroom along with HDMI and USB cabling.
The SMART Board MX Series includes features, such as touch interaction, SMART Ink® desktop software, and personalisation, that make it a long-lasting investment. The displays work with UVC webcams, Zoom, Google Meet™, Microsoft Teams™, and more. Remote learners can also engage with content using screen sharing, digital ink, whiteboards, and lesson-delivery tools (like Spotlight).
“The solution Strive AV provided was ideal, it met all our needs to support our students with the latest technology whilst also using brands that our teachers could easily adapt to. Being able to lease was also a real advantage; spreading the cost over five years meant the college could easily handle the investment.” Continued Mike.
Due to the size of this AV upgrade, the college organised financing via its existing lease company to help spread the cost of the project. Leasing has become a more popular option in education in recent years, helping campuses to facilitate digital transformation strategies while managing budgets.
“The new SMART Board MX’s were exactly what was required for this college to start the new term afresh with connected classrooms and engaging learning. The displays are familiar to the staff at Bexhill College and are very easy to use anyway, so technical training and support is minimal. This means teachers can get on with what they do best from the get-go – teaching!” Concludes Matthew Dunne Sales and Marketing Director at Strive AV.
To find out more about Strive AV, visit www.striveav.com
SC Johnson Professional is launching a new washroom soap dispenser made from recovered coastal plastic. The SCJ Professional® Proline WAVE 1 litre washroom soap dispenser is made from 70% recovered coastal plastic, which is post-consumer recycled waste plastic collected on land within 31 miles of an ocean so that it does not reach oceans or landfills. Each SCJ Professional® Proline WAVE dispenser is the equivalent of 16 x 500ml waste plastic bottles that have been prevented from reaching the oceans or landfills in vulnerable coastal areas where there is little formal waste collection infrastructure.
Eight million metric tonnes of plastic reach the world’s oceans every year, equating to a rubbish truck full of plastic being dumped into the ocean every minute[1]. This is an issue around the world and SC Johnson Professional’s new soap dispenser is a further opportunity to reuse plastic waste that otherwise was bound for the ocean or landfills.
SC Johnson Professional CEO Katja von Raven said: “In the US and Europe, SC Johnson has already seen successful launches of bottles made from 100% recovered coastal plastic in Mr Muscle® and Windex® product ranges, thanks to the company’s global partnership with Plastic Bank™. At SC Johnson Professional we are now excited to be bringing this truly innovative approach to professional markets as
well, with our SCJ Professional® Proline WAVE soap dispenser.
“In our extensive market research with facility management professionals, we found that 91% of respondents believed that their choice of a skin care dispenser can contribute to meeting their business’s sustainability targets. So, by leading the way with our new dispenser made from 70% recovered coastal plastic, we are allowing our customers to act immediately on a topic they and their people care about.”
The SC Johnson partnership with Plastic Bank™ empowers collection communities in vulnerable coastal areas in Indonesia, Philippines and Brazil to stop plastic waste before it enters the oceans or landfills, whilst improving the lives of those who collect it by providing them with a new source of income.
SC Johnson Professional believes the new SCJ Professional® Proline WAVE soap dispenser will help organisations who choose it to achieve their own sustainability goals by demonstrating they are making a sustainable choice that helps stop plastic waste from reaching the oceans or landfills and supports the important work of Plastic Bank™.
Find out more about the SCJ Professional® Proline WAVE soap dispenser here
SC Johnson Professional launches new washroom soap dispenser made from 70% recovered coastal plastic
One of the most versatile work utility vehicles on the market, the Carryall 500 has the power to replace pickup trucks at a fraction of the cost. With a rustproof, aircraft-grade aluminum frame, and cargo box, along with best-in-class ergonomics, the Carryall 500 is the perfect solution for your industrial and commercial jobs.
The Cambridge University Lucy Cavendish College's mission is to attract, support and unlock the potential of students from non-traditional and underrepresented backgrounds who are driven by a desire to make a difference. The University is also dedicated to building in a radical way to reduce its carbon emissions.
The new student accommodation near Lady Margaret Road reflects this. The latest eco-friendly and accessible facility comprises 72 student rooms and social spaces.
The scheme, designed by RH Partnership Architects, is developed to the Passivhaus standard to significantly reduce energy use, and ensure comfort for students and carers, using modern methods of construction and sustainable, robust materials to reduce embodied carbon.
The scheme is centred around large quantiles of natural daylight, so the role of artificial lighting is to supplement, and substitute come nightfall. To meet the Passivhaus requirements, LEDs' low energy and low heat qualities were a natural choice. For a high-quality LED solution, electrical contractors Munro Building Services turned to its trusted lighting partner, TRILUX.
Many of Lucy Cavendish College's undergraduates will be living away from home for the first time. So, the lighting for the new building also had to help create a welcoming, inclusive environment to offer a sense of community where students can achieve the best
academic outcomes in their home away from home.
The bedrooms are designed to be comfortable, welcoming, and structured, enabling students to get to know each other in manageable groups. Here the wall mounted TRILUX LC60 aids the main aim. Its 3000K warm, welcoming light is easily dimmable and creates a cosy, inviting atmosphere for students to retire to after a long day.
A study café space on the ground floor includes a range of facilities, including study booths and intelligent screens, encouraging students to collaborate in the way that suits them best. TRILUX Limba pendants, in a gold and black finish, add striking appeal and help form the café setting. Its 3-D faceted reflector and opal acrylic ring offer exceptional glare control, ideal for hi-tech working aids.
Grant Rigg, Electrical Project Manager, Munro comments, "Trilux have been incredibly proactive from the early design stage, liaising directly with the client's team through to project delivery. Working with them on the scheme has been a pleasure, and they are always happy to help/ find a solution."
For more information on TRILUX’s education lighting solutions please visit us HERE
Edge Hill University has been given the green light to create a state-of-the-art Life Sciences building at its Ormskirk campus
Plans for the new facility have been approved by West Lancashire Council. Construction is planned to commence within the next few days, with the aim that the building will be fully operational by the end of this year.
Representing the first stage of a wider masterplan for the development of the central campus area, the University will be investing £17.4m into the project, including £5.8m of funding awarded by the Office for Students.
The Life Sciences building will support both research and teaching at the University. In particular, it will significantly advance the University’s capabilities in Biomedical research, with work being done in areas such as cancer, neurobiology, genetic skin conditions and ageing.
The new laboratory facilities will help undergraduate
Biosciences students by giving them the opportunity to use the latest technology, and further develop their skillset by working alongside experienced researchers.
The building will also be used by the University’s Medical School, which opened in 2020.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor Steve Igoe said: “This is a critical moment in Edge Hill University’s continued development. Life Sciences is an area which is constantly evolving, and is seen as a prime opportunity for growth in the country so we need to be proactive and create facilities which will serve the next generation of researchers and students.
“This is the first phase of a wider masterplan for the central campus. Subsequent stages will see the development of new residential student accommodation, a new Students’ Union and specialist clinically-led facilities for the Medical School.”
For further information please visit www.edgehill.ac.uk
Students at Bradford College are to benefit from state-of-the-art facilities after a multimillion-pound investment from the Higher Education Capital Fund.
The Office for Students today (8 December) announced Bradford College has been awarded £5.8 million for the Garden Mills project. This will see the building on the college campus grounds transformed into flexible higher education STEM training and educational facilities for digital, science, and allied health subjects.
Bradford College is one of a hundred colleges and universities that have been awarded a share of £432 million to invest over the next three years in state-ofthe-art facilities and equipment and help level up more opportunities for people to gain the skills they need to progress.
The maximum amount on offer per provider was £5.8 million – an allocation that only five colleges managed to secure, including Bradford College.
A further £57 million has been awarded to 20 higher education providers for 2022/23, who specialise in areas including science, agriculture, business as well as creative and performing arts.
Chris Webb, CEO & Principal of Bradford College, said: “The Bradford College Garden Mills project is an exciting development that will create cutting-edge facilities for higher-level STEM teaching in one impressive five-storey building. Digital, science, and allied health professions will gain a flexible training environment to accommodate expected growth in the industry.
“Aligned with our vision ‘to create a better future for all through education and training,’ the sustainable regeneration project will work with specialist employers such as Specsavers to enhance the student experience, create aspirational graduate opportunities, and counter regional skills shortages.
“Our strategic objectives include delivering
curriculum that meets the needs of students, employers, and our community, and providing an outstanding student experience. This ground-breaking opportunity to upskill Bradford in vital sector areas will support regional economic growth and goes hand-in-hand with our value of inspiring students.”
Garden Mills will enhance the College’s existing STEM science and digital facilities located in the David Hockney Building and Advanced Technology Centre (ATC). The plans incorporate two new flexible science laboratories, a prep-room, six higher education digital IT labs, an ophthalmic dispensing suite, clinical suite, a real-life work environment with consulting/testing booths, and a collaboration space alongside academic teaching spaces.
The Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, said: “Investing in education and skills will unlock future growth, boost productivity and help build the skilled workforce of the future. That’s why we’re spending £490 million to support high-quality teaching and world class facilities in universities and colleges right across the country. Whether it’s in aerospace engineering or green tech, this funding will provide young people with the support they need to build a great career.”
Education Secretary Gillian Keegan said: “This investment is about making sure students get the highest quality training in key subjects which are driving economic growth. That means access to top of the range facilities which prepare people for the workplace, filling skills gaps and levelling up the whole country. From Yeovil to Durham, we are backing the industries of the future and giving people the skills they need to succeed.”
Students benefitting from the funding will have access to high-quality training environments in vital subjects that will help get more people into jobs with higher wages, plug local skills gaps and support economic growth.
Smart access control technology platform designed to give users ultimate freedom of choice regarding system layout, type and number of access points as well as level of security.
TOTALLY WIRE-FREE: Stand-alone, virtually networked, wired and wireless smart locks, all working within a single access control technology platform.
BUILT TO COVER EVERY ACCESS POINT: Extensive range of electronic locks, cylinders and readers to cover all the needs of any type of building.
EASY TO INSTALL: Designed to be installed in doors with existing locks, with no need for additional modifications or wiring.
SECURE KEYLESS ACCESS: Complete mobilecompatible electronic locking platform, increase in security, control and convenience.
Imperial College London’s new School of Public Health building has officially topped out at its White City Campus in West London.
Designed by Allies and Morrison, the School of Public Health building will provide state-of-the-art facilities to support modern advances underpinning epidemiology and public health, especially data sciences and community engagement, as well as educational facilities.
In addition to leading the construction programme, GRAHAM is also fitting out almost 58,000 sq ft of space across the nine-storey building, providing a series of spaces to enhance teaching, learning, and research for academics, students, collaborators, and the local community.
Speaking at the event, Professor Deborah Ashby, Director of the School of Public Health said: "Imperial
College London’s School of Public Health is an integral part of one of the most collaborative, multidisciplinary, innovative universities in the world. Its new home at the White City Campus will amplify our collaborations, innovation and our teaching and research locally, nationally, and internationally.”
Pat O’Hare, Operations Director at GRAHAM Building, added: “This is a landmark moment for Imperial College London’s transformative White City Campus, the home of the new School of Public Health. We’re delighted to celebrate this milestone alongside representatives from Imperial College London, a renowned institution regarded for its approach to teaching, research, and inspiring innovation.”
For more information on GRAHAM, please visit www.graham.co.uk
A new digital tool created by Gerflor and Gradus aims to take the risk out of specifying products across the multiple areas that make up an education building.
David Collins-Lafferty, Marketing Manager at from Gerflor, comments: “When specifying interior solutions for education environments, there are multiple products to consider, as well as many factors driving the specification. So, the challenge is finding solutions that deliver a specification which balances performance, aesthetics and cost.”
“Our education specification tool simplifies the whole process. It reduces the time required to look through multiple products instead presenting a succinct range of recommended products per area. These products are perfectly tailored to deliver the desired performance and aesthetics based on the function of the area, and furthermore the products presented suit a range of budgets.”
By breaking down the building into digestible areas and functions – from corridors and stairs to classrooms and kitchens – the key considerations and most effective products for that area are presented for selection. With clear visualisations of each zone, the tool also makes it possible to ensure that the products you choose are not only right for your needs, but also complement each other visually.
In schools, the key areas to ensure safety and
performance, as well as aesthetics are corridors and stairs which are spaces where slips, trips and falls will commonly occur. The tool cleverly presents a selection of resilient flooring and carpet solutions for these crucial areas, including the high-performance Gerflor Mipolam Affinity vinyl flooring for heavy-duty traffic; Taralay Impression Control safety flooring; Gradus XT stair edgings, which provide the ultimate solution for reducing slips, trips and falls on stairs. Market-leading Gradus wall cladding solutions, including SureProtect Endure offer a durable, protective layer for vulnerable walls in high-traffic areas.
Gerflor and Gradus have a fusion of products including flooring, flooring accessories, barrier matting and wall protection solutions to successfully support education specification across all areas of the building and project. Now, with the launch of this new interactive specification tool, it’s never been quicker and easier to make the right choices for your needs.
If you’re refurbishing an education building, arrange an appointment with an education specialist, who will simplify your specification process in person using the new innovative tool.
For further information please visit www.gradus.com/ contact-us
KI has confirmed that Postura+ will begin a transition to a circular economy, with all one-piece chairs manufactured from December 2022 set to contain at least 30% recycled polypropylene.
Following over 3 years of trials and testing, this achievement sets an important milestone on KI’s journey towards taking a leading position in the circular economy. Over the coming years, KI will work towards increasing this percentage to future milestones 50, 80 and ultimately 100%, bringing all standard colours into line with the increasingly popular Jet Black chairs which are already made with 100% recycled content.
The unique, UK-based supply chain development will see 600 tonnes per year of waste plastic being fed into the standard production process, the equivalent of over 2,000,000 food containers per annum. These new mixed virgin/recycled polypropylene chairs have been rigorously tested and have achieved the same certifications and standards as the fully virgin plastic chairs, so the unparalleled, proven Postura+ 20-year warranty remains in place.
Jonathan Hindle, President, KI EMEA comments: “We manufacture approximately 400,000 one-piece Postura+ chairs alone each year, making it one of our most successful and high-volume product lines. Eliminating 600 tonnes of virgin polypropylene from this supply chain demonstrates our commitment to realistic, impactful steps towards sustainable practices, without compromising colour options, quality, durability and
warranties.”
Jeremy McWhinney, KI’s Finance & Operations Director adds: “Whilst other products in our lives have been able to utilise recycled polypropylene for years, they are routinely single or limited use items –Postura+ chairs must withstand the toughest learning environments for decades. The testing and production processes involved have been years in the making, and we look forward to continuing our journey towards our ambition of 100% recycled content in the future.”
This innovation in Postura+ chair production further enhances the product’s environmental performance, outlined in its independently verified Environmental Product Declaration (EPD). Manufactured in the UK, these chairs are transported in 100% recyclable packaging, and are themselves 100% recyclable at their end of life.
Alison Mallett, KI Europe’s Director of Education Furniture comments: “Our customers both in the UK and across Continental Europe are looking for ways to reduce the environmental impact of their procurement practices, without adding unrealistic cost or compromising quality. What we’ve managed to achieve with Postura+ chairs is a fantastic step in the right direction and we are confident that this exciting news will be met with great enthusiasm from our customers.”
For more information, visit: www.kieurope.com
Morgan Sindall Construction’s Southern Home Counties business celebrated the completion of Eastbourne’s new special educational needs (SEN) school, Summerdown, with an opening ceremony on the 22nd of November.
Procured through the Department for Education (DfE) framework, the event marked the final milestone of the new multi-faceted building which has been built for the Department of Education on behalf of East Sussex County Council (ESCC).
Several key stakeholders from Morgan Sindall Construction, ESCC and local government officials were in attendance, including Morgan Sindall Construction’s Southern Home Counties team, Eastbourne’s MP Caroline Ansell; the Lead Member for Education and Inclusion, Special Education Needs and Disability, Councillor Bob Stanley; Steven Hyland from the Department of Education; and Summerdown’s Headteacher, Penny Kershaw.
As part of Morgan Sindall Construction’s commitment to Intelligent Solutions, the new school includes a host of bespoke and specialist equipment, including a hydrotherapy pool, sensory rooms, food technology and state-of-the-art science laboratories as well as landscaped gardens to provide an enriching outdoor environment.
The school will create 135 much-needed local school places for children aged 5-16 with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), complex learning needs and medical difficulties.
During construction, Morgan Sindall Construction worked with the Eastbourne community as part of its commitment to delivering social value where it is most needed in the areas it operates in. Eastbourne Investment Group ensured minimal disruptions to the local area, as well as minimising the project’s carbon footprint by utilising modern methods of construction.
Caroline Ansell, MP for Eastbourne and Willingdon, said: “Five years ago, hope was planted for a purposebuilt special school in Eastbourne and here we are
today standing in this stunning new facility. I know first hand how special schools such as this can and will change the lives of children and their families. This is an important investment by the government in education in Eastbourne and I congratulate all involved in bringing this wonderful new school to fruition.”
Councillor Bob Stanley, Lead Member for Education and Inclusion, Special Education Needs and Disability at East Sussex County Council, said: “These magnificent facilities give confidence to parents that we are investing in their children to fulfil and explore their potential.”
Nick Beaumont, Morgan Sindall Construction’s Project Manager for Summerdown School, said: “I’ve thought about this day for a long time, and I can honestly say we as a team have put our heart and soul into delivering it. This is a long awaited and much needed, vital resource to the Eastbourne community. We saw the children on the very first day they entered the school and to see their beaming faces, you can’t ask for a better reward. Going forward, this must be the norm for SEND provision.
Penny Kershaw, Principal Designate at Summerdown School, said: “It is an absolute privilege and a pleasure to be Principal Designate here at Summerdown and to celebrate the opening of this fantastic new school. Everyone has gone above and beyond to ensure the successful delivery of the project; it’s an incredible responsibility to know how much schools such as Summerdown can change the lives of both children who attend and their families alike. Thank you to the Department for Education for providing support and funding.
“To Morgan Sindall Construction, what an amazing experience; the professionalism, enthusiasm and commitment of the whole team has been evident from day one. This wasn’t just perfect delivery, this was an uber perfect delivery!”
Education sector construction projects challenge contractors to ensure that they fit the desired build outcome as well as represent the organisation’s established values. Matthew James, preconstruction manager at complete construction partner Stepnell, believes that engaging as early as possible will ensure that the project outcomes can best align with the unique identity of primary schools through to universities and colleges.
With a rigid term schedule that forces the client’s hand in terms of build programmes, education is widely regarded as one of the toughest sectors to take on
construction projects in, but one that can be fruitful if you can create strong relationships. Combine this with tight briefs when building and designing construction projects for educational institutions, it is clear that early engagement must be prioritised to ensure project success further down the line.
First and foremost, one of the key areas of influence when it comes to determining the quality of educational building and design, is to understand the unique values, culture, drivers and strategy of the educational facility. Contractors can then align these values with the
design and build of any given scheme for it to be truly successful.
While all educational institutions have a reputation and identity to maintain, different types of facilities will require more of a bespoke approach. Public schools, for example, have centuries of history and traditions between their walls, so understanding this heritage is important when making design and build recommendations. The design and quality of the build resonates with parents who are buying into this exclusive learning opportunity for their children, and as a contractor, it is our job to help drive the construction decision-making in the right direction.
Therefore, when selecting a construction partner to work with, it is important to choose carefully to ensure that building works can be completed in keeping with the history of the institution. Increasingly, we are noticing that more educational facilities are choosing to work with contractors on a build-only basis, but these more traditional projects do not negate the role of the contractor’s experience and expertise in the design sector. From our experience, having both design and build - as well as a plethora of other building solutions - can elevate project collaboration and lead to a smoother project completion.
Contractors can work flexibly with schools to meet desired project outcomes - for instance, for refurbishment and new build works, these projects can often need a contractor to work seamlessly with their established design teams. In these scenarios, the design will mostly be set in stone before the contractor is appointed to the project. Contactors however may be requested to design the specialist trade elements, as part of the contractor’s design portion (CDP), for example; piling, mechanical and electrical elements, as well as
superstructure connections.
To gain the most from a contractor, school buildings will benefit from a contractor who is in a position to provide design consultancy where needed. In some instances, this will mean amending the design to best fit and help ensure a more durable and cost-effective build.
In contrast, universities are typically receptive to greater input on the design and as such request a full design and build service. For UK universities, this trend is being spearheaded by the desire to opt for more statement buildings with bold design choices and high social value. This is with an aim to sit alongside redbrick buildings and replace brutalist concrete structures built over the past half a century.
A complete design overhaul can help educators to drive intake from international students in search of the highest quality workspaces and environment, and to match what they perceive as a true experience of a British university.
No matter what level of design input is required, understanding when to collaborate on design choices for the best outcome is an important part of the client-contractor relationship.
This can be especially important for educational buildings that may be listed. For instance, a Grade I listed building with significant exposed brickwork and beams, can create heating, ventilation, and acoustic challenges. For heritage projects, functional challenges like this will need to be met while remaining sensitive to the existing design and specified permitted materials - to build in keeping with the existing stock.
With early collaboration, designs can be tweaked to help ensure project deadlines are met and that the right methods of construction are utlised. For example, it is now common for the education sector to work with contractors and their specialist teams to modify designs that can be built off-site instead. Building off-site will mean that the build can be completed quicker without disruption to the rest of the preliminary works on-site, which can also provide a cost-saving benefit for the client and combat slow and laborious on-site building.
Contractors face complex build challenges for more specialist facilities and therefore it is helpful to engage early and have a team that can spot these potential pitfalls in the design plan. For example, a project may bring about
unique environmental challenges governed by an organisation such as the Environment Agency. In these instances, contractors may have to more consciously support the specification of sustainable materials, or even how the project is delivered to allow for ecological experts to safeguard natural habitats and protected wildlife.
Clients across the board, not just in the education sector, are steadily becoming more open to alternative materials, prioritising availability rather than the lowest price materials to meet the required specification. Fundamentally, education projects are driven by strict term-oriented completion dates, with institutions wanting security that key milestone dates can be achieved and quality expectations are met.
With a typical handover date of six weeks pre-term to allow the client to familiarise themself with the build and to be able to prepare for the returning student cohort, it’s important to look at how you can adapt your procurement strategy and get early commitment to materials and costs to avoid problems later down the line.
To do this, it is important at the tender stage for the contractor to review and raise any concerns about aspects of the build, and test with a specialist supply chain, so the solution can be shared widely. In fact, we are seeing longer lead-in times to procure key materials and bring in sub-contractors that drive our project timeframes, particularly with universities. Therefore, it is important to be forward thinking and in regular dialogue with supply chains - whether sourcing in the UK or elsewhere - and communicate openly and honestly with the client on the availability of materials.
We are increasingly working with institutions to push the social value work that helps to leave a lasting legacy and involve pupils or students, along with the wider community, in construction projects. We are seeing that this type of work is becoming more important, and as a responsible construction partner Stepnell is able to build in social value early on. Alongside this, the sustainability of a build is becoming more of a public and government concern, so building in low-carbon heating and construction methods – to show how the project can meet or exceed
sustainability requirements - is key. Other influences on trends include fluctuating market conditions, which will almost certainly challenge budgets and project delivery. While we anticipate project costs will rise with inflation, we don’t see project timescales growing as bids from public schools and universities rarely slow down once set in motion. These projects are perceived in many ways as being ‘recession proof’ due to their continuous revenue stream and, if anything, we will see more interest from contractors to work with these clients.
Once you have accounted for certainty of handover, fixed price, availability of materials and programme restrictions, you realise that engagement with the client must be as early as possible to provide the most added value. By working with complete construction partners, such as Stepnell, educational institutions will be able to navigate any challenges in order to successfully achieve the right design and build, which will importantly reflect the right identity and values of the educator.
To find out more about Stepnell visit: www.stepnell.co.uk
There is no denying that energy management will continue to prove indispensable for campuses looking to alleviate ongoing financial pressures this year. Fortunately, there are numerous ways that campuses can take advantage of better energy management techniques to help reduce energy consumption from the National Grid and lower bills in the process. Investing in on-site electricity generation is one key method of enabling this, as well as unleashing the potential that voltage optimisation holds for campuses and preparing the site for
the continued evolution of EVs will also be crucial.
With many campuses establishing net-zero roadmaps to action their ambitions, it is clear that having this framework in place allows campuses to best make savings on energy and reduce CO2 emissions in the process. External pressure on campuses to be environmentally aware and manage their carbon footprint has never been greater; in fact a recent survey revealed that over half of UK universities did not meet their
target in reducing emissions by 43% between 2005/6 and 2020/21. As a result, we will certainly continue to see a huge uptake in demand from campuses wanting to address their Scope 1, 2 and Scope 3 emissions. On-site generation – through solar PV as well as onsite efficiency through LED lighting – holds the answer for these campuses. Given that energy sourced from the grid is not currently environmentally friendly due to the bulk origin of its generation, campuses looking to offset their emissions will be enthused by green-minded onsite generation which decreases grid consumption
through onsite efficiency. This has become profoundly more affordable through enhancements in technology and optimisation of manufacturing and supply chain processes over the past decades. As a result, the typical return on investment for many technologies is just 1 to 5 years. When operations and maintenance contracts and embodied carbon have been factored in, onsite generation is largely low-cost and produces significantly less carbon dioxide.
Voltage optimisation provides a golden opportunity to campuses who are looking to reduce electrical spend across their estate. The technology requires no operation changes whilst cutting the electrical spend between six and twelve percent, making the technology incredibly attractive at this crucial time for campuses across the UK. The savings are made possible through matching a campus’ electricity supply to the supply voltage of their equipment, meaning energy consumption costs are lowered through a reduction in the voltage required to supply equipment. As a result of turbulent energy prices over the past 18 months, voltage optimisation also
offers campuses additional security, allowing them to make indefinite gains simply through using enhanced technology.
Though the energy price cap alleviated some pressure off of campuses during the winter, campuses are now attempting to make efficiency savings given that government support is coming to an end. Voltage optimisation is therefore an excellent way to reduce the amount of voltage coming in from the national grid, which in turn lowers costs to campuses - as well as their carbon footprint. Additionally, optimising voltage to equipment across a campus can protect valuable electrical equipment which is often exposed to voltage spikes which have a devastating effect. And the cost of not having voltage optimisation equipment on site can be significant. Electrical equipment including motors, HVAC and LED lighting are all far less efficient when exposed to excessive voltage and/or poor power quality. For instance, if a 230V lamp is run at the incorrect voltage of 240V, it will fail after 550 hours instead of 1000 hours, meaning additional and unnecessary costs for your campus. Not only this, but it will draw nine percent more energy in the process which can be especially
costly when magnified across every piece of electrical equipment across a site.
Aligning your energy and environmental strategies through preparing your estate for the future: the rise of electric vehicles It is now possible for campuses to align their energy and environmental strategies through effective energy management such as reducing energy consumption via voltage optimisation. However, it also remains important for campuses to ensure their sites are prepared for the future, especially with fast-moving innovations in private transport. Last year, we witnessed the number of pure-electric cars on the UK’s roads increase to over 620,000, up from about 390,000 in 2021. Progress has been so swift that it was projected that electric cars would outsell diesel and mild hybrid diesel cars by the end of 2022.
As the government has announced a ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030, EVs will eventually replace traditional combustion engine vehicles completely. This is why it is crucial for any campus to look at how prepared their site is, with EV charge points increasingly becoming
as necessary as providing parking. With a report by Deloitte estimating that there will be around seven million EVs on the UK’s roads by 2030, campuses do have an excellent opportunity at their fingertips.
Many campus estates including those at Liverpool John Moores University, the University of St. Andrews and University of Winchester have publicised their adoption of EV technology, with 17, 17 and 15 EVs charging point installed on campus grounds respectively. For those that are still considering installing EV charge points, it’s worth considering the following benefits:
Installing an EV charger on your premises will result in your campus being included on websites and apps which indicate charging facilities near to users. This exposure will be crucial in the years to come, so getting ahead and providing this technology today will allow your campus to gain a competitive advantage through an increase in the awareness of your site’s green credentials. Websites that indicate
EV charge points also allow users to leave reviews which would also allow your campus to excel through forward-thinking technology and positive reviews.
Each time somebody uses an EV charge point on your site, they can pay through a variety of methods including smartphone apps, bank cards, or on a ‘pay as you go’ basis. This would not only help recoup the initial cost of installing the charge points but will also provide you with an additional revenue stream going forward.
Momentum around installing EV charge points has remained steady over the past few years. In 2019 England became the first country in the world to introduce mandatory electric car charging points for new-build homes and businesses – the rules state that there must be at least one charge point in nonresidential buildings with more than 20 parking spaces. Additionally, the UK government offers the Workplace
Charging Scheme which covers up to 75% of the total costs of the purchase and installation of EV charge points, capped at a maximum of £350 per socket. This demonstrates the seriousness and pertinence of these technological developments, and the super-deduction tax allowance only makes the investment even more cost-effective.
It is evident that net-zero planning is crucial when it comes to efficient energy management on campus estates. Acting on the guidance above would not only result in significant environmental benefits but would also encourage progress towards net-zero and reduce energy costs overall in the process. By exploring on-site generation, voltage optimisation and providing EV charge points, campuses can confidently minimise their energy losses, maximise their green credentials and have peace of mind that they are best prepared for the future.
Tim Rossis the Commercial Director at Advantage Utilities
The importance of cleaning and sanitation made a pivotal turn during the pandemic when the cleaning industry was suddenly thrown into the spotlight. This placed higher expectations on cleaning and hygiene operatives to provide cleaner, safer and more hygienic public spaces.
Helping the industry navigate the emerging challenges and opportunities in the months ahead, Europe’s cleaning and hygiene professionals will come together this March at the UK’s leading event for the cleaning and hygiene industry, The Cleaning Show 2023, which returns to the ExCeL, London from 14-16 March 2023.
Organised by the British Cleaning Council and Quartz Business Media, the show is set to exceed previous expectations, with more than 100
of the most influential cleaning suppliers and manufacturers confirmed to exhibit. This includes Jangro, Numatic, Makita UK, Karcher UK, Kimberly-Clark Professional, Nilfisk and SC Johnson Professional. Also in attendance, 7,000 senior cleaning professionals from across the contract cleaning, facilities management (FM), healthcare, hospitality, retail and public services sectors will search for the latest solutions at the UK’s largest and longest running exhibition solely dedicated to cleaning, hygiene and facilities management (FM).
The Cleaning Show Conference will also return, with this year’s theme focusing on ‘The Cleaning Sector in 2023 – Driving Change’. A packed line-up of the industry’s leading experts will be welcomed onto the stage to tackle the issues and opportunities facing the modern
cleaning and hygiene sector, buoyed by the greater public and political recognition earned during the COVID crisis.
With sustainable cleaning solutions dominating the sector, attendees at The Cleaning Show will be filled with confidence after walking the show floor, embarking upon an array of exhibitors who will demonstrate how they are putting environmental concerns at the fore.
Representing the importance of sustainability and the environment within cleaning products, WEPA Professional (E23) will be bringing its team of Satino hygiene experts to the show for its second year. It will equip visitors with all there is to know about its sustainable eco products, comprehensive hygiene solutions, and why it’s vital to implement them
The
2023 to stage the
into cleaning environments.
Pioneering the migration to sustainable cleaning products for the past decade, Biovate Hygienics (D18) will demonstrate how it is working towards completely carbon neutral products using the latest biological actives, surfactants, fragrances, and packaging. In addition, Visitors to stand E10 will learn about the latest green cleaning innovations, including 2Pure Products’ new closed loop recycling scheme, LoopBox™, and its market-leading multi-purpose odour and cleaning product, OdorBac Tec4. The new OdorBac Tec4 rhubarb scent will also be launched at the event.
Elsewhere, Eco Removal Systems (E13) will showcase its Eco-Friendly Solution to Chewing Gum Removal with its safe, ultra-portable and easy to use chewing gum removers. Finally, Soap2o (D13) will bring its latest, most innovative product range of dispensers, Eco Hand Soaps, and biodegradable soap sachets, which reduce waste and embrace sustainability, all without increasing costs.
Revolutionising cleaning technology
Whilst sustainability is a clear priority for business owners across the industry, developments in cleaning equipment technology are helping to bolster the work done by hygiene professionals in a timely manner, driving efficiency in larger scale operations such as hospitals and football stadiums.
Paving the way forward with its range of advanced robotics, returning exhibitor Killis (F20 and F16) will be hosting live, interactive product demonstrations in the product theatre with its latest new cobot, The
Leobot. Visitors will also be able to interact with its R3 Scrub Battery Robotic Scrubber Dryer and see the latest Robot Vacuum’s in action.
Fellow exhibitor Makita (G26) will invite attendees to discover its latest range of new tools and vacuuming solutions, including the 40Vmax Brushless Backpack Vacuum Cleaner XGT which is lightweight and compact for a quiet operation. It has a 4-mode suction power selection with mode memory function, as well as an extensive run time. Attendees will be able to test Makita’s latest range of reliable commercial carpet and hard-floor vacuuming solutions at the show.
Meanwhile, returning exhibitor Jangro (B25) will give visitors a preview of its new, sustainable, brown cardboard boxes, which mark a change for Jangro branded outer cartons, as well as unveiling its new Cleaning & Hygiene Supplies Catalogue 2023/24. Also confirmed to exhibit, Northwood Hygiene Products Ltd (F5) is set to draw visitors to the stand with its comprehensive Raphael collection – including two toilet tissue and four hand towel dispensers, plus a soap dispenser –which can comfortably cater for the most demanding washrooms, whilst also saving money and reducing waste.
The Cleaning Sector in 2023 –Driving Change
Whilst the list continues to grow of Europe’s leading cleaning suppliers who will showcase their latest technologies and innovations on the show floor, The Cleaning Show Conference will leave attendees feeling inspired with the industry’s
commitment to drive for change and advance alongside new trends, be it sustainable approaches to products, technological developments, cleaning and hygiene regulations, issues facing recruitment or developments to the Living Wage and rising costs.
Commencing day one of the show, Jim Melvin, Chairman of the British Cleaning Council (BCC), will review the BCC’s stated aims in his session ‘The Cleaning Sector Post-Pandemic - Progress, Obstacles and the Future’ (14 March, 11:00), considering progressions completed during the past 12 months whilst looking at what has not been progressed, and what the next steps are going forward.
Emphasising the soaring demand for cleaning and hygiene products since the pandemic, chair of the Cleaning & Hygiene Suppliers Association (CHSA)
Lorcan Mekitarian will address how unscrupulous actors are making the most out of spiralling price inflation and the rising cost of production. His session on ‘Buyer beware: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is’ (14 March, 14:30) will use examples of unscrupulous behaviour to help buyers understand the challenges and learn the questions they need to ask to make sure they get products that are fit for purpose.
Exploring the latest developments in technology on day two, Paul Ashton, chairman of the CSSA along with representatives from Birkin, Bunzl and OCS will delve into ‘The future of cleaning - How technology is creating career opportunities’ during a CSSA panel discussion (15 March, 12:00). Here, attendees at the conference theatre will be exposed to
the experts themselves, answering questions such as, why did they choose to work in the industry? How do they see the industry changing because of technology? What technology do the panellists feel will have the biggest impact? and more.
Meanwhile, Nina Wyers, marketing and brand director, The Floorbrite Group will address the issue of climate change and the role of the cleaning sector in reducing its impact during her session ‘Cleaning for climate change’ (15 March, 10:30).
New for this year, a panel discussion honouring ‘Hygiene innovation for the future’ (15 March, 14:00) will be moderated by Louisa Moore, communications and sustainability leader, Kimberly-Clark Professional EMEA. The session will debate the trends - good and badthat have emerged, along with the biggest challenges and major shifts now faced by the industry.
Elsewhere, Fiona Bowman, Managing Director for Dysart 57 Ltd. will return to the stage on day three following her hard-hitting 2022 session ‘Hidden in plain sight’ (16 March, 11:00). She will offer hints and tips on how businesses can better support staff experiencing domestic abuse.
The final CSSA panel session on ‘The future of cleaning – The CSSA in 2023 and beyond’ will see the Treasurer and HR chair of the CSSA, Michael Rutherford delve into the vision of the CSSA as it evolves in line with the natural progression of the cleaning industry. In his session, he will discuss the association’s membership drive, including
why and how the CSSA will help businesses grow and succeed as well as promoting the many career opportunities available within the cleaning sector.
Putting practice to the test Along with first-class networking, educational and sourcing opportunities, visitors are invited to enter the popular Window Cleaning World Cup, which makes its second London debut in March. The competition will be professionally judged by Guinness World Record qualified adjudicators, with a £1,000 cash prize awarded to the winner. Visitors can enter the competition for their chance to win by filling in this form.
Also returning after a successful debut in 2021, the Cleaning & Support Services Association will once again host the CSSA Innovation Showcase. The dedicated pavilion is designed to highlight and celebrate the industry’s most innovative cleaning products, services, and initiatives. Among the big trends anticipated to take the spotlight, the theme of sustainability will return to help operators minimise their impact on the planet. Cobotics and the evolution of robotic technology to support the cleaning process and tackle the ongoing resources challenge will also play a key role alongside healthy buildings, where the Internet of Things (IoT) enabled dynamic resource applications will transform operations.
Speaking about The Cleaning Show 2023 event, Jim Melvin, Chairman of the British Cleaning
Council, said: “The industry has experienced immense change since the last London event in 2021, and The Cleaning Show is the perfect place to discover the latest trends and developments that will affect the ways which businesses operate moving forward.
“With an even bigger focus on innovation, the sector continues to move at an unprecedented pace. We’re looking forward to being back at the ExCeL for three, exciting days of collaboration and education, ensuring that the industry is prepped for what the future of cleaning holds.”
Paul Sweeney, Event Director, The Cleaning Show, added: “We’re anticipating The Cleaning Show 2023 to be our biggest event yet, where visitors can reunite to discover the latest products and solutions that are revolutionising the ways we clean. We’re confident that attendees will leave the Conference Theatre feeling positive that the industry has the knowledge and tools to maintain cleaning and hygiene standards, using the latest, sustainable products and equipment that are not just better for the planet, but also enhancing the jobs performed by our cleaning professionals. We’re excited to see people reconnect, network with new and existing customers and make the most out of the amazing opportunities The Cleaning Show 2023 has to offer.”
Registration for The Cleaning Show 2023 is now open. To register for your free pass to attend and to find out more about this year’s event, visit https://cleaningshow.co.uk/london/
The slightest error on food safety in on-site campus catering operations could have dramatic human and financial consequences. Small but significant measures can greatly increase a campus’s ability to foresee and prevent a catering disaster. In a catering business,
contamination may occur due to inadequate and improper storage, chilling, defrosting, cooking, and reheating of food. Poor practices provide optimal conditions for harmful pathogens to grow and contaminate a kitchen.
All catering businesses will be inspected as part of the Food
Hygiene Rating Scheme (FHRS). If a caterer has poor food safety and hygiene standards, its food hygiene rating score is likely to be lower. According to an NFU Mutual Food Hygiene Report, 69 per cent of people check the food hygiene ratings of the establishments they use, and customers would turn away from a
3-star rated business. In a campus setting such as an elementary school, a low hygiene rating could mean a permanent loss of parental trust in the establishment, jeopardising the future of the school.
A common but dangerous mistake which risks harm is the overpacking of refrigeration units. This may initially seem like a viable option for a restaurant with several refrigeration units and which is looking to reduce its energy consumption by overpacking units and turning off others. However, there are dangers to this. Overfilling refrigerators and cool rooms with produce reduces the air flow and leads to hot spots, where bacteria can flourish even if you think you have the right temperature set on the dial. To combat this, caterers should keep an inventory of how much their stock needs to be refrigerated and use the latest technology to check temperature recordings every few hours.
Ensuring worker-hygiene is being kept to a high standard is a worthy point to reinstate. During the first six months of the Covid pandemic, the extra hygienic measures taken by
catering operations, led to stomach bug outbreaks being cut by half. Simple measures such as installing a hand-wash timer in your sinks could make the difference.
If workers are ill, it can compromise food safety. Business owners and employers have a legal responsibility to ensure that staff (including themselves) do not handle food if they have an infection. It also applies if they show any symptoms of food poisoning, e.g. vomiting and diarrhoea, and have any infected wounds, skin infections or sores. Any cuts and sores should be covered with brightly coloured waterproof plasters or dressings, even if they are not infected.
Another hazard is chemical cross-contamination. In a catering business, mistakes such as storing or spraying cleaning products near food and preparing food on surfaces where chemicals have been could lead to immediate and consequential hazard to customers. Staff who have access to these chemicals should be trained adequately on the dangers of cross-contamination.
It is crucial that campuses remain cautious of the pathogens that cause
foodborne illnesses. These are sensitive to temperature. A typical commercial refrigerator uses 70 kWh per day, which amounts to 41 per cent of electricity consumption across all key appliances within a catering service. The prospect of reducing energy costs via refrigeration may seem an attractive option to some but cutting costs in this area could lead to severe consequences. Foods kept a few degrees above the safe threshold, can allow for the proliferation of harmful bacteria and parasites. A professor of Epidemiology at Tufts University has even linked global warming to increased food-related illnesses, illustrating how small variations can make big differences.
It is a legal requirement for businesses in England, Wales and Northern Ireland to store cold foods at 8˚C or below. The UK’s Food Standards Agency recommends that fridges are set at 5˚C. Your refrigeration units must be kept at this temperature unless all food is removed. Keeping foods at higher temperatures accelerates the build-up of harmful bacteria, such as e-coli and listeria, which can make people sick or even cause death in extreme cases.
Some catering businesses may provide chilled food for self-serving, e.g. buffets, or deliver it to events. Before putting any food into chilled units, they must be at the correct temperature before use, i.e. set at 5°C or below. The temperature should be checked at least once a day (using a clean probe between chilled food). When delivering chilled foods, it is best to use a cool box with a thermometer inside to monitor the temperature. Cold foods should be held below 8°C, but ideally between 0-5°C. They can be held above 8°C for up to four hours, but only once.
Catering organisations should introduce proactive steps to keep people safe and their locations free from health & safety dangers. If your food travels long distances, the risk of it spoiling can be mitigated
by leveraging real-time solutions such as wireless data loggers, which track your product's temperature throughout the delivery process. These loggers can be set up to send alerts when the food reaches dangerous temperatures, allowing for preventative measures to be taken. This logger data can also serve as reliable evidence if your delivery was mishandled by your supplier. Using a temperature logger means keeping a finger on the pulse of your food’s safety.
Monitoring both air and core temperature in refrigeration units allows organisations to install early alert systems that ensures you stay one step ahead. What’s more, overfilled fridges consume more energy. To counter against this strain, caterers should utilise technological devices to measure and record temperature readings on a regular
basis.
Managing cost efficiencies through foreseeing demand fluctuations and adapting stock accordingly should be prioritised, as opposed to reducing the cost of refrigeration. The consequences of mismanaged refrigeration can be severe, with instances of food poisoning and hygiene standards violations well-documented in the hyper-connected era we live in.
Cutting corners on refrigeration may seem tempting, but it can cost you time, as well as negatively impact your reputation and your overall fiscal performance. However, simple proactive measures to keep a finger on the pulse of your catering operation’s health and safety means staying ahead of potential dangers.
For further information please visit https://thermometer.co.uk/
78-79 Alscot Road in Southwark, designed by Greenaway Architecture, is a dynamic new high density sevenstorey student housing scheme bordering the verdant Bermondsey Spa Gardens. The scheme, which included public realm works, creates a new active frontage, a wide
pedestrianised public open space and a positive relationship with the park opposite.
This unusually sophisticated student accommodation development was built by HG Construction for Alumno Group to provide 143 high-quality bed spaces with a mix
of studios and ensuite bedrooms set around cluster apartments featuring shared park-facing social dining and kitchen facilities; with an emphasis on social interaction and integration throughout. A homely naturally-lit south-facing communal social and study space acts as a hub
for students and is complimented by a verdant courtyard garden, roof terrace and balconies overlooking the park providing a variety of external amenity spaces.
The distinctive architectural language of the building is a response to the diverse fabric of Bermondsey, breathing new life and vitality into the Alscot Road frontage and public realm. There is no predominant building form, detailing or material in the vicinity of the site, therefore the only common thread is differentiation, which Greenaway Architecture have sought to reinforce Bermondsey Spa Gardens with a bold intervention.
A carefully considered complimentary palette of robust urban materials is employed in this striking design that features a subtle concertina brick facade, broken up by full height / floor-to-ceiling windows that sit between sharply
defined, straight-edged, cast concrete (thermally broken) floor slabs to create a strong horizontal emphasis. The clearly expressed in-situ cast concrete slabs, along with the raised plinth, are a subtle nod to Le Corbusier's Dom-Ino House, a modular structure that the modernist architect designed in 1914–1915 which became the foundation for much of his work, and which Greenaway Architecture so much admire.
Set backs and subtle changes in brick tone are utilised at ground, fifth and sixth floors to create a tripartite hierarchy and the transition to the set-back upper floors is expressed with an exposed (thermally-broken) concrete frame. A light grey brick at ground, fifth and sixth floors distinguishing the base and top of the building and the first and fourth floor façade in a darker-grey brick to differentiate the main body of the
building, whilst all details are in crisp black metal. The corners incorporate large, dramatic dual-aspect glazing to give wide views of the park landscape and London's skyline beyond, as well as maximising natural light and the feeling of space within. These principles combine to create a contemporary yet timeless design.
The building incorporates sustainable design as a founding principle to create energy efficient accommodation and to contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions. The scheme includes passive measures including orientation and greenery throughout with a plethora of new trees, planting, grasses and sedum covering every roofscape in synergy with the abundant green park opposite. The building achieves a BREAAM sustainability rating of ‘Excellent' with solar energy sources, high levels of insulation,
efficient building management control systems as well as excellent access to amenities and public transport links. Furthermore, the scheme is inclusive and wheelchair friendly with a number of dedicated accessible units and a high level of adaptability for disabled residents. The construction utilised non-combustible / non-flammable materials throughout for safety.
experience. This was our first student housing scheme, so this dynamic building is not only a beginning for the students but for Greenaway Architecture too. We hope that many great ideas for the future are hatched and great friendships made in this building for years to come.’
offer the best student experience possible.’
Duncan Greenaway Director of Greenaway Architecture commented: ‘We wanted to deliver a building with an edge to celebrate, motivate and compliment the bright and forward looking individuals that will occupy this building, whilst creating a place of calm, flooded with light and surrounded by greenery, to inspire their study and social interaction. It was vital that we challenged the typical market offering, with a building centred around the student
Alan MacklinRon Plunz, Director at Alumno Group said: ‘Whenever I visit the building I find it enormously satisfying. Even more impressive was how Greenaway Architecture’s vision for our student accommodation brought a real positive change to the neighbourhood and mastered every challenge along the way. It was a particular joy to work with such an enthusiastic and resourceful young architecture practice who engage with great passion to create not only a well-considered fit for the local context but also to ensure the exteriors as well as all the interiors
Greenaway Architecture is a design-led practice focused on sustainable contemporary design. Whether building on existing or new and challenging sites in sensitive locations, the practice takes a rigorous, responsive, and innovative approach; to achieve an architecture of quiet intelligence. Greenaway Architecture has a diverse and expanding clientele across residential, commercial, retrofit, and student housing and prides themselves on being a commercially aware studio, understanding a client’s needs and combining pragmatism with creativity to deliver them.
For further information please visit www.greenawayarchitecture.co.uk
More than ever, educational institutions are under pressure to keep students safe - but those responsible for campus security are subject to the same strains on budgets seen across departments. Yet by embracing open platform technology, campus security systems can easily provide added levels of security, while offering valuable new campus management functions - delivering greater insights into how facilities are used and revealing operational efficiencies –often using legacy equipment.
Security is a must-have, not a nice-to-have
Educational institutions exist to help students fulfil their potential. This task is impossible if they don’t feel secure on campus, so effective campus security is as important to the learning experience as the teaching and faculty. It’s also an increasing concern for students, parents, teachers and support staff, alike.
A simple Google search for campus safety brings up rankings of the best and worst places to live as a student, based on crime rates and a university’s investment
in security infrastructure. These considerations are becoming more of a deciding factor when students (and their parents) are choosing where to invest in their higher education, for good reason: across 16 UK campuses, 133,920 crimes were reported between May 2021 and April 2022, ranging from 44,322 violent and sexual offences, to 25,701 antisocial incidents.
This reveals the challenge for campus security teams: while they are grappling with higher student expectations and combatting a range of different crimes, they are doing so with often aging infrastructure and
limited budgets.
Relying on legacy security system infrastructure doesn’t have to limit the options available to those responsible for their campuses, however, if they have an open platform video management system (VMS).
VMS technology was originally developed to control all the cameras on a security network and to allow operators to capture, review and search video footage. A VMS can provide a single view of all the devices on campus (or even across multiple campuses) so security teams can be more effective, their situational awareness improved and their ability to manage incidents enhanced.
While its roots lie in video, a VMS now integrates with other security systems such as access control and intrusion detection. And, as the Internet of Things (IoT) establishes itself further across the workplace,
devices that control lighting, heating and ventilation and other building functions can be managed from a VMS.
What’s more, the emergence of AI (artificial intelligence) ‘at the edge’ in video cameras, or built into a VMS, means security systems are now intelligent. A system using AI-powered ‘video analytics’ is able to notify operators if a defined event is detected on camera, for example, such as an individual spotted in a restricted area, or a lecture theatre that has become overcrowded.
Of course, adding intelligence to a campus security system is particularly useful at a time when budgets are being squeezed yet security expectations keep rising, because video analytics allow stretched resources to be deployed to meet real, not imagined needs.
Analytics allow operators to understand precisely where and when anti-social behaviour on their
campuses occurs, meaning guards can be deployed to those areas in particular, instead of undertaking broader routes. With AI working in the background to monitor for suspicious behaviour or events, operators can focus on more valuable tasks, knowing that anything important will be picked up by the system and alerted to.
To gain this functionality, however, and to avoid ending up down a technology dead end, an open platform VMS is essential. An open platform VMS like Milestone’s XProtect solution is guaranteed to operate with a vast range of devices from different manufacturers. XProtect is constantly revised as new cameras and other devices are brought to market, so it not only ensures backwards compatibility with legacy equipment, but allows new devices that bring added functionality to be added to the same system with ease. This allows educational establishments to
modernise and standardise their systems over time while meeting budget constraints.
By using an open platform VMS, managers are free to choose whatever devices and functionality best suits their campuses’ needs. Compare this with a so-called ‘closed system’ that locks users into choosing from a limited list of equipment from only certain manufacturers, limiting access to many new and innovative technologies.
For Paul Greenlees, [deputy head of security] at Manchester University, open platform technology was important for this precise reason. “Manchester University invested in Milestone XProtect, an open system that supports multiple integrations. This allows us to futureproof to emerging needs as well as add devices and functionality as we go along”, says Paul.
One of the trends in video technology that campus managers are increasingly embracing is the ability to leverage the added value that their security system can provide. By effectively treating a video camera
as another IoT sensor, analytics can be focused on the data that cameras generate to reveal deep insights into how an estate is used, when, and by whom. This means the security system is no longer just keeping people, property and assets safe, but helping operators understand better how they interact.
Such a transformation is underway at Sheffield Hallam University (SHU), one of the largest universities in the UK with around 31,000 students based in two campuses across Sheffield. One campus is based in the city centre while another is 1.5 miles away in southwest Sheffield.
The team decided to upgrade to a new Internet Protocol (IP) security system and consolidate the many signals coming in from alarms, cameras, and intercoms, into an open platform system. This enabled SHU to still use its existing cameras, applications, and fibre network, but gave additional functionality, plus the flexibility to experiment with new devices and integrations.
One such integration was a new LPR (license plate recognition) module that has automated a barrier along a service road. Recognised vehicles are automatically granted
access, so operators are not constantly interrupted by requests for access. Further integrations being explored include incorporating access control functions to allow automated and scheduled door locking and building alarm activation, functions that currently manual tasks.
At a time when budgets and being squeezed but expectations are growing, adopting an open platform for security technology allows those responsible for their campuses to not only give new life to their systems, but plan for the future.
For, as new technological innovations are made available and added into a system with ease, so the whole campus estate is upgraded, with new insights unearthed and greater efficiencies made possible.
In doing so, smart campuses based around an open platform security system are moving beyond security alone, to gain a bigger picture of their operations – revealing aspects that were previously hidden from view.
For further information please visit www.milestonesys.com
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