Environment

At Sustainability reducing environmental impact is a top priority and is considered through all stages of the project to deliver innovative workspaces that are energy efficient, have low operating costs and use sustainable materials and recyclable products wherever possible.

Lighting

The most sustainable source of lighting is natural daylight.  It is a free renewable resource, so why not make the most of it?  Careful architectural design can maximise the natural light that enters a building.  There are, of course, limitations – not least, uniformity issues – but if buildings are designed to maximise use of daylight (ie, shallow depths, atria, lightwells, etc) then with the introduction of daylight linking, huge energy savings and corresponding carbon reductions are possible.

Efficient design - The first step to reduce energy consumption due to lighting is to ensure that the physical luminaires used are efficient, suitable for the application, installed in the right numbers and in the right places to give the correct illumination levels. LED or florescent lights can be installed in the place of incandescent and halogen down lights.  These are more energy efficient and cost effective and require less maintenance.

Switching -  A building relying on manual switching alone could result in unacceptable energy wastage.

Centralised switching – Experiments have proved that if lights are switched off automatically at certain times of the day, then only a certain percentage of occupants bother to turn them on again. This implies that the occupant is comfortable enough using either natural light or task lighting; in which case the main lighting is superfluous. Obviously if the room is empty then the lights remain off anyway. Such a system works well when centralised controls provide the timed switching function.

Local movement detection – By providing the means to sense when the room is in use and linking it to the lighting switching, it is possible to design a scheme that is used only when occupants are present. Passive infra red (PIR) detection is used in this application. A sensor connected to a luminaire or group of luminaires switches the group on when activated. Normally the sensor will switch off after an adjustable period. PIR detectors can be independent or linked to a more extensive lighting control system.

Dimming - Correctly specified, modern, dimmable control gear (known as “regulating” ballasts) enables lamp output to be varied easily between typically 10-100%. Within reason, as output is reduced, so the input power also reduces roughly proportionately, subject to “base” control gear and lamp losses. Hence, if the light output of a luminaire is varied downwards, then energy is saved.

Daylight linking - In a room with a large window, a lot of natural light may be available. If the occupant is able to comfortably work under natural light then there is little need for electric lighting. However, if the total luminous flux on a surface due to daylight is not adequate, it is possible to dim the lighting to meet the exact output needed to provide the design luminance (Lux) on the working plane.

For the ultimate in control, a combination of presence detection and daylight linking offers very efficient operation and should really be the goal for the vast majority of buildings.
         

Flooring

There are a number of ways to make flooring more sustainable.  Using naturally sourced materials such as linoleum or timber, which are both durable and cost effective.

Carpet tiles are easy to install, remove and replace and produce minimal waste.  Also carpets with a high level of recycled content are commonly available. 

To avoid using solvents that are harmful to the environment, ceramic tiles that clip together can be used. Carpets can often be recycled and reused.
         

Furniture

When choosing furniture, the most effective way of reducing the environmental impact is by choosing furniture that is made from high quality sustainable materials, manufactured to a high standard, therefore maximising their useful lifespan. 

Natural fabrics, such as wool, or materials with a high-recycled content can also be used.  
         

Energy Efficiency

Thermal insulation should be promoted during building upgrades to improve the overall energy performance of the building.

Natural ventilation and inverter driven technology should be utilized where possible to minimize energy use and the environmental impact.

Air conditioning installations need to achieve minimum Coefficient Of Performance & Energy Efficiency Ratio in excess of 3 to 1 and heating systems should be designed on condensing technology where feasible.

Direct Digital Control (DDC) methods are an essential part of mechanical services in achieving energy efficient operation.      

Water

Simply installing water efficient appliances will help keep environmental impact to a minimum.


         

Waste Management

During the construction phase there are three main stages to consider:

Minimisation, removal and recycling of waste from construction work.  Sustainability audit against waste created and removed from site. At one time we can inform our customer how much waste is produced, collected and what proportion is being recycled.

Recycling

The ongoing waste when the building is occupied needs to be monitored.  Having labelled bins in offices and kitchens etc. will make it easier for people to recycle and will encourage them to do so.

Timber

Timber is a sustainable resource that can be reused, recycled or recovered.  Using this where possible will, in the long-term, reduce impact on the environment. Careful selection at the beginning of your project will ensure there are no cost or programme implications for your refurbishment. Timber certified as being FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) or PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) is considered the most suitable available on the market.