Stuart O'Brien, Author at Facilities Management Forum | Forum Events Ltd - Page 4 of 87
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Stuart O'Brien

Rye Memorial Hospital becomes first carbon neutral community hospital
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Rye, Winchelsea & District Memorial Hospital has become the UK’s first community hospital to achieve carbon neutrality. The installation of its new renewable systems was followed by confirmation from its electricity supplier that all power now comes from fully renewable sources such as solar panels and wind power.

This means that the hospital has reduced its carbon footprint by 100 per cent.

By the end of 2024, it is estimated that the overall energy consumption at Rye Memorial Hospital will have reduced by approximately 240,000 Kilowatt hours, a drop of 40 per cent from 2020 figures. The outcome is a total reduction of approximately 260 tonnes of carbon per annum, the equivalent of planting approximately 4,300 trees.

The project, commissioned in September 2021, has been designed and delivered by property maintenance specialists DMA Group and fully funded by the Rye Winchelsea and District Memorial Hospital charity.

Rye Memorial Hospital has replaced gas boilers with new electric flow boilers and calorifiers and replaced the kitchen gas fired equipment, eliminating the use of gas completely. The installation of internal and external LED lighting with automatic controls means energy is not wasted by leaving lights on. It is estimated that its solar roof panels will generate more than 70,000 kilowatt hours of electricity per annum.

The hospital has also installed nine Tesla Powerwall solar batteries (3 per phase of electricity) with a total storage capacity of 120 KW to capture all surplus electricity generated by the solar panels, reducing the demand for electricity from the external supply grid.

A full clean of the hospital’s heating system and the replacement of all radiator valves has ensured the heating system operates more efficiently. A Building Management System (BMS) used by the hospital’s inhouse FM team, and DMA Group ensures onsite and remote live operational monitoring of all plant and equipment, energy utilisation, building and water temperature.

This all ensures a better environment for patients and staff as each team can identify an issue before it becomes a problem.

Other projects have been completed as part of the Rye Memorial Hospital’s modernisation. These include:

  • The installation of solar blinds in the nurses’ station to help reduce glare and heat to create a more comfortable working environment
  • A new air-conditioning system in the nurses’ station
  • New air-conditioning units in the communications and medicine rooms reduce the risk of equipment failure and the overheating of medicines
  • Improvements to the hospital’s cold-water systems including the installation of a chemical dosing system and cold-water booster, increasing the water pressure in the hospital and reducing the risk of bacterial infections such as legionella

Barry Nealon, chairman at Rye, Winchelsea & District Memorial Hospital, said: “Our goal was always to become a fully functional net zero community hospital, but to have done it so quickly and as the UK’s first is beyond our expectations.  We had a mission to bring medical services closer to home for the benefit of our local community. To achieve this, we needed to reimagine our existing business models and aim for sustainable growth and a collaborative and experienced service partner like DMA Group to realise those goals, if we were to do our bit in curbing emissions and limiting global warming.”

The Project has been led by the Hospital’s former Chief Operating Officer (and now Trustee), Martyn Phillips, who has worked closely with DMA to ensure the best possible decarbonisation plan, and also to make sure that the replacement of life expired plant and equipment has ensured that the Hospital infrastructure will function effectively for the next 20 years.

Steve McGregor, managing director at DMA, said: “We are incredibly proud to have supported Barry and his team to help them achieve a national first — becoming a fully functional net zero community hospital. As has been the nature of this project in East Sussex, the net zero journey is one of continuous evolution and refinement and, equally, one that will lead to a more responsible and financially secure future.”

Understanding Waste Management Laws: A primer for UK-based organisations
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In the UK, the responsibility of waste management doesn’t end once you’ve disposed of your waste. Comprehensive legal frameworks exist to ensure that waste is managed in a way that protects both the environment and public health. As a business, understanding these regulations is essential not only for legal compliance but also for promoting sustainable practices. Here’s a concise guide to the laws and regulations governing waste management in the UK…

1. The Duty of Care for Waste (Environmental Protection Act 1990) Every business producing, transporting, or disposing of waste has a ‘duty of care’. This duty involves storing waste safely and securely, ensuring its correct disposal, and providing detailed descriptions of waste for those collecting it. Waste transfer notes, which describe and document the transfer of waste from one entity to another, must be kept for two years.

2. The Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2011 This regulation necessitates businesses to implement the waste hierarchy principle, prioritising waste management practices based on environmental impact. This hierarchy, listed from most to least preferred, is: prevention, preparation for re-use, recycling, other recovery (e.g., energy recovery), and disposal. By adhering to this, businesses can ensure they’re making environmentally conscious decisions regarding waste.

3. The Hazardous Waste Regulations (2005) If your business produces hazardous waste (like chemicals, batteries, or asbestos), these regulations apply to you. They dictate the need for proper identification, registration, and tracking of hazardous waste. It is also essential to ensure that such waste is only collected and handled by licensed and authorised entities.

4. The Landfill Regulations (2002) These regulations dictate the requirements for waste sent to landfill sites. It specifically addresses the pre-treatment of waste and restricts the disposal of certain materials to prevent environmental contamination. As a result, businesses must often segregate waste to ensure that non-compliant items aren’t sent to landfills.

5. The Packaging Waste Regulations (2007) Businesses that have a turnover of more than £2 million and handle more than 50 tonnes of packaging annually must comply with these regulations. It requires such businesses to recover and recycle packaging materials in specific proportions. They must also register and provide data about their packaging waste.

6. The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Regulations (2013) Any business that manufactures, imports, or sells electronic and electrical equipment must comply with the WEEE regulations. They necessitate the funding of the collection and recycling of electronic waste, ensuring that hazardous components don’t harm the environment.

There is significant emphasis on sustainable waste management practices, with stringent laws and regulations in place. As a business, ensuring compliance is not just about fulfilling a legal obligation but also about affirming your commitment to a greener and more sustainable future. Always stay updated with the latest regulations, considering the environment in all business operations.

Are you looking for waste management providers for you business? The FM Forum can help!

Image by Tom from Pixabay

WHITE PAPER: How IoT adoption significantly transforms facility management
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The significance of proper facility management cannot be understated, as people spend 87% of their time in buildings!

However managing buildings is no easy task due to the constant demands and uncertainties that arise. The good news is that with the advancements in technology, modern buildings can integrate more connected devices and older buildings can be retrofitted at a reduced cost.

IoT solutions have emerged as a game-changer, transforming the way facility managers handle resources, access data, streamline processes, and automate service requests. Some examples of smart building cases enabled by IoT include energy efficiency through smart thermostats, lighting control, and HVAC optimization and improved space utilization through occupancy sensors and meeting room booking.

IoT platforms such as akenza serve as the backbone for smart building applications. They give the possibility to easily integrate any device, with any connectivity integration, and to trigger actions based on real-time data, giving complete control over IoT solutions.

If you want to delve deeper into the challenges faced by facility managers and how IoT effectively addresses these issues, you can access our free white paper that provides some valuable insights.

Download your copy of the white paper here.

Get on top of your security needs with the FM Forum Recommended Supplier Directory
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If your building, venue, school or company needs security solutions, the FM Forum Recommended Supplier Directory is home to dozens of trusted partners ready to help make your project a reality!

Put simply, there’s something to suit every requirement.

Start Your Search Now

Are you an FM supplier? Get listed!

The FM Forum Recommended Supplier Directory is the perfect platform to raise your organisation’s profile and extend your reach.

Promoted via the FM Briefing newsletter, website and our renowned meet-the-buyer facilities events – this digital FM directory offers a comprehensive list of industry solution leaders.

Click Here To Get Listed!

Or, for more information, please contact Paige Aitken on 01992 374079 or p.aitken@forumevents.co.uk

 

Do you specialise in Asset Management? We want to hear from you!
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Each month on FM Briefing we’re shining the spotlight on a different part of the facilities management market – and in September we’ll be focussing on Asset Management.

It’s all part of our ‘Recommended’ editorial feature, designed to help FM industry buyers find the best products and services available today.

So, if you specialise in Asset Management and would like to be included as part of this exciting new shop window, we’d love to hear from you – for more info, contact Paige Aitken on p.aitken@forumevents.co.uk.

Here’s our full features list:

Sep – Asset Management
Oct – FM Software
Nov – Intruder & Alarm Systems
Dec – Fire & Safety Equipment
Jan 24 – Health & Safety
Feb 24 – Building Maintenance & Refurbishment
March 24 – Cleaning
Apr 24 – Total FM
May 24 – Energy Management
Jun 24 – Physical Security
July 24 – Air Conditioning
Aug 24 – Waste Management

Digital skills gap is challenging security of UK companies
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Nearly half of CISOs (48%) say that the skills shortage in their teams or organisations is the biggest people-related challenge their business is facing this year, closely followed by a lack of applicants for vacancies (36%).

That’s according to new research from cyber security solutions provider BSS that explores How CISOs can succeed in a challenging landscape.

The research, which surveyed 150 information security decision makers, further revealed that the most challenging areas to recruit and retain staff for are: cloud engineering (34%), third-party assessment (31%), and risk assessment and assurance (31%).

The research also revealed that staff attrition is another key people related challenge (19%) and not just at a team level, In fact, one in ten CISOs (13%) stated that they only stay in the role for less than a year.

To combat the shortage of internal experts and high churn rates, many are turning to external companies to bolster their security offering, with nearly all (97%) of those surveyed stating that they engage with partners and service providers for their security needs.

While use of external providers is a great way to deal with skills shortages in teams –with new offerings like the virtual CISO making it even easier to manage projects end to end with external companies– churn rates, budget for external help and even training to address the skills gap all rely on one thing: recognition of the importance of cyber security. Recognition that this new research reveals is sorely lacking.

In fact, less than a third of CISOs surveyed (28%) said that the value of their role is recognised by the board with less than a quarter (22%) stating that they are actively involved in wider business strategy and decision making. And half (49%) of those surveyed agreed that there is a lack of C-level buy-in to the role of information security.

BSS Director, Chris Wilkinson said: “In the midst of a relentless digital skills shortage sweeping across all industries, the urgent call for senior leaders is crystal clear: embrace the paramount significance of cyber security and, above all, recognise the immense value their information security teams bring.

“Moreover, with the critical skills crisis continuing, seeking external expertise is no longer just a nice to have but an absolute necessity to enable companies to fortify their cyber defences to the utmost level.”

BCIA publishes Technical Guide addressing Embodied Carbon
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The Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA)’s Technical Working Group has produced a new Technical Guide to add to its online portfolio of Guides available to download.

The new Guide is titled “Building Energy Management System (BEMS) Design and Embodied Carbon” and highlights how embodied carbon can be reduced in BEMS systems.

Embodied carbon is the equivalent carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions associated with materials and construction processes throughout the whole lifecycle of a building. With all new contracts, consideration for Embodied Carbon reduction must be included in the BEMS design.

BCIA President Graeme Rees said: “The BCIA Technical Guides are a vital tool designed to help members and anyone working in the building controls and BEMS industry work more effectively. This latest Guide details the importance placed on the reduction of carbon emissions by governments around the world and the steps consultants and specifiers can take to reduce Embodied Carbon, including early engagement with clients and ensuring the most up to date BEMS controls are installed.”

All Technical Guides can be downloaded from the “Technical Guides” section of the BCIA website.

Image by Frauke Riether from Pixabay

Streamlining Sustainability: Key considerations for FMs when procuring waste management solutions
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Responsible waste management is not only an environmental imperative, but a legal requirement. Choosing the right waste management supplier is crucial for businesses aiming to comply with regulations and foster sustainability. Here’s a primer on the key considerations when procuring waste management suppliers for your UK business…

1. Compliance with Regulations: Waste management in the UK is governed by strict regulations. Ensure that the supplier is fully compliant with all relevant laws, such as the Environmental Protection Act and Waste (England and Wales) Regulations.

2. Range of Services: Evaluate the range of services offered. Can the supplier handle all types of waste generated by your business, including hazardous, non-hazardous, recyclable, and general waste? Assessing this upfront ensures a comprehensive solution.

3. Recycling Capabilities: Look for suppliers that emphasise recycling and have the necessary facilities to process recyclable materials. This helps in reducing landfill waste and contributes to your company’s sustainability goals.

4. Waste Disposal Methods: Ask about the supplier’s waste disposal methods. They should align with best practices, focusing on environmentally friendly options like recycling, composting, or energy recovery.

5. Cost Structure: Understand the cost structure, including any hidden fees or charges. A transparent pricing model allows for better budgeting and prevents unexpected costs.

6. Customised Solutions: Every business has unique waste management needs. Opt for suppliers that offer tailored solutions to match your specific requirements.

7. Reporting and Transparency: Regular reporting is essential for tracking waste reduction and compliance with regulations. Ensure that the supplier offers detailed reports on waste collection, disposal, and recycling.

8. Credentials and Certification: Verify the supplier’s credentials and certifications. Look for accreditations such as ISO 14001, which indicates adherence to international environmental management standards.

9. Reputation and Reliability: Investigate the supplier’s reputation in the industry. Client testimonials, case studies, and references can provide insights into their reliability and quality of service.

10. Equipment and Technology: Assess the equipment and technology utilised by the supplier. Modern, well-maintained equipment ensures efficient waste collection and processing.

11. Customer Support: Responsive customer support is vital for addressing queries, resolving issues, and ensuring smooth operations. Look for suppliers that provide strong support through various channels.

12. Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Aligning with a supplier that shares your business’s values on sustainability and CSR can enhance your brand image. Ask about their environmental policies and contributions to community sustainability initiatives.

Procuring waste management suppliers involves careful evaluation of various factors that go beyond mere waste collection and disposal. By considering compliance, service range, sustainability practices, cost, customisation, transparency, credentials, reliability, technology, and support, you can partner with a supplier that truly aligns with your business’s environmental objectives.

Are you looking for waste management providers for you business? The FM Forum can help!

Here’s what your time at the FM Technology Forum could look like
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There’s a free place for you to attend the FM Technology Forum, which takes place on the 10th & 11th October 2023 at Radisson Hotel & Conference Centre, London Heathrow.

This two-day event is a great opportunity to discuss your upcoming projects with solution providers, learn from industry speakers and enjoy meals & refreshments. An overnight stay at the venue is also included, free of charge.

Click here to confirm your attendance (booking form takes less than two minutes to complete).

The Event Agenda:

Day One
08:00 – 08:45: Registration
08:45 – 09:30: Opening Presentation
09:45 – 10:30: Seminar
10:40 – 13:15: Face to Face Meetings
13:15 – 14:15: Networking Buffet Lunch
14:15 – 16:50: Face to Face Meetings
17:00 – 17:45: Seminar
19:30 – 20:00: Pre-dinner drinks
20:00 – 23:30: Networking Dinner with entertainment

Day Two
07:00 – 08:45: Breakfast
09:00 – 09:45: Seminar
09:55 – 13:00: Face to Face Meetings
13:00 – 14:00: Networking Buffet Lunch

To secure your complimentary place, please click here (virtual attendance options are also available).

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Redefining Workspaces: Top tips for your company’s office refurbishment
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A well-planned office refurbishment can significantly boost employee morale, improve productivity, and enhance your company’s image. However, transforming your workspace requires strategic planning and consideration. Here are some top tips to ensure your office refurbishment process runs smoothly and yields the desired results…

1. Set Clear Objectives

Before anything else, establish what you aim to achieve from the refurbishment. Are you trying to accommodate more staff, upgrade your facilities, create a more collaborative environment, or reinforce your brand image? Identifying your goals early in the planning stage will help guide your decisions throughout the process.

2. Consider Employee Needs

A great workspace is one that facilitates employees’ productivity and well-being. Conduct surveys or have discussions to understand their needs and preferences. Consider factors like ergonomic furniture, breakout spaces, quiet zones for focused work, and accessible facilities for people with disabilities. Remember, an office that meets employees’ needs can significantly improve their job satisfaction and productivity.

3. Stay Future-Focused

While it’s essential to consider current needs, also plan for the future. Consider your business’s growth trajectory and ensure the refurbished office can accommodate potential expansions. Flexibility should be a priority; choose designs and furniture that can be easily reconfigured as your business evolves.

4. Invest in Technology

An office refurbishment offers the perfect opportunity to upgrade your technology. Invest in reliable and fast internet, video conferencing tools, interactive whiteboards, and efficient climate control systems. Such technology not only improves the work environment but also supports new ways of working, such as remote collaboration.

5. Embrace Sustainability

Incorporate sustainable practices into your office design. Use energy-efficient appliances and lighting, install water-saving devices, choose sustainable materials for furnishings, and include plants to improve air quality. Not only will these practices reduce your carbon footprint, but they can also result in significant long-term cost savings.

6. Choose the Right Partners

The success of your refurbishment project largely depends on the team you hire. Research thoroughly and choose experienced designers and contractors who understand your vision. Look at their past projects and check client testimonials. Remember, the cheapest option may not always offer the best value.

7. Communicate Effectively

Clear and regular communication is key to ensuring minimal disruption to your business operations during refurbishment. Keep your employees informed about the project timeline and any temporary changes to their workspace. Regularly liaise with your design and construction team to avoid any misunderstandings and ensure the project stays on track.

8. Budget Wisely

Finally, establish a realistic budget. Office refurbishment can be a significant investment, so it’s essential to know what you can afford. Include a contingency fund for any unexpected costs. But remember, while staying within budget is important, the cheapest option may not always be the best. Think of your refurbishment as an investment in your business’s future.

An office refurbishment is a major project, but with clear objectives, careful planning, and the right team, it can be an exciting transformation that breathes new life into your business.

Embrace this opportunity to create a workspace that not only reflects your company’s ethos but also supports your most valuable assets – your people.

Are you on the hunt for suppliers for your office refurb project? The FM Forum can help!

Image by maximiliano estevez from Pixabay