Stuart O'Brien, Author at Facilities Management Forum | Forum Events Ltd - Page 41 of 87
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Stuart O'Brien

5 Minutes With… Sophie Sibley, Environment and Energy Data Analyst, SPIE UK
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In the latest instalment of our FM industry interview series, we sat down with Sophie Sibley, Environment and Energy Data Analyst at SPIE UK to talk about how the industry can encourage more women to move into STEM-based careers as International Women’s Day (March 8th) approaches…

Tell us about your current role.

Environment and Energy Data Analyst. I help advise businesses on how they need to adapt to adhere to new environmental and energy regulations. By monitoring clients’ energy use and assessing their buildings, I can advise them on how to reduce their energy consumption, specifically when assisting them with the completion of their ESOS reports.

How can we encourage more women into STEM careers?

Accessibility is a huge problem. We need to make it as easy as possible for women to follow a STEM career path and promote the opportunities available to women at a young age. Although engineering is known for being male–dominated, an effort should be made to integrate women amongst the male cohort. This helps to stop issues that may arise due to segregation while enabling different ideas to be shared.

What’s your advice to those looking into following a career in engineering?

I suggest joining a professional body and attending relevant events. Not only does this give you the opportunity to learn from others but helps you to start having conversations with the right people in the industry who might end up being a mentor further down the line.  

With the percentage of women in the industry dropping off over time, how can the sector retain more females

Female networks, such as SPIE’s So’SPIE Ladies network has inspired me to remain in engineering as you can seek council from others in a similar situation to yourself.  

Do you have a Net Zero strategy?
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The UK has become the first major economy to pass laws requiring all greenhouse gas emissions to be net zero by 2050.  The electricity grid is decarbonising (its carbon intensity has dropped by over 50% since 2011 to where it is today – 254 g CO2 per kWh) and is forecast to drop another 50% by 2030.  Grid costs are rising to pay for this transition.

A key lies in the word “NET” because whilst some businesses will struggle to reduce carbon, others could actually become POSITIVE – e.g. generating excess renewable power.  New business models and revenue streams could emerge though

So what does this mean for YOUR business ?  How do you develop a net zero strategy ?

  1. Significant changes will be needed to the way you do business and use energy.The changes could impact how your employees come to work, how you distribute your products, sell your products, procure your raw materials and use your facilities.  Processes may require to be redesigned and reengineered.  This will mean the ability to embrace change, challenge existing assumptions, innovate and understanding of alternative methods and costs

Businesses should be looking NOW at their own operations and looking for ways to BOTH reduce consumption AND generate their own low carbon power locally in a sustainable way.  Simply buying a green energy tariff is not sufficient. There are many very good long term business benefits by embracing this genuinely, which can become a source of competitive advantage.

For businesses that use a lot of gas, this is going to be particularly challenging. Gas is cheap (5-6 x cheaper than electricity), so changing away from gas will be expensive.

  1. Those changes will have financial costs that may not be affordable within conventional capex constraints.New business models such as energy as a service are increasingly available to help bridge the gap, and enable changes to happen.

NET ZERO WILL REQUIRE NOTHING SHORT OF AN INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION, with new business models and technology, and all within the next 30 years. 

These are the reasons Onsite Energy Projects exists – we help businesses innovate, reengineer their energy supply chain and implement the full potential of both energy efficiency and on-site generation measures.  We recognised the challenge of capex availability and can provide a no-capex, off-balance sheet, solution to make it all happen.

If you would like to know more email us at info@on-site.energy or call on 0161 444 9989.

Onsite Energy Projects provides energy savings and energy generation solutions to energy intensive businesses, without capex if required.

How to make machine interventions safer & more efficient at a large beverage company
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A large brewery with several sites needs a solution to neutralise machinery and to secure energy sources and pipe valves in the off-position for increased safety during maintenance. The customer requires this solution to be implemented at all sites for a large number of teams, including specialised employees and contractors.

Brady proposes a complete Lockout/Tagout solution leading with unique and innovative SafeKey padlocks that offer up to 700% more lock & key combinations than traditional safety padlocks.

In Lockout/Tagout the golden rule is …. (continue reading the application case & see the result).

INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT: Principled Storage
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Principled Storage are a Hertfordshire based company, that offers the ultimate solution to efficient and compliant physical document storage.

Following the implementation of new data protection legislation, companies are legally required to ensure the secure storage of their clients information, and with many businesses still reliant on paper documents, there is now an increasing requirement for document storage solutions.

Principled Storage offers a bespoke solution, which is fully compliant with data protection legislation. Principled are dedicated to ensuring a hassle free process for all clients, and are committed to offering the most competitive rates in the market. This is achieved by discussing various options with the client to ensure they are keeping costs down to a minimum. They also boast a team of trained specialists to help make clients archiving process as simple, efficient and secure as possible.

Thanks to their client-focused approach, Principled Storage is now the premier document storage company in the UK and provides the ultimate GDPR solution for safe and compliant document storage.

What makes them unique?

The Principled Storage box has been designed to hold 20% more documentation than any comparable product currently offered in the market. They are made from high-tensile plastic rather than cardboard and are therefore a more sustainable and cost-effective solution to storage. The boxes are robust and are sealed with a tamper proof security tag, hence offering the most complete GDPR product in the UK. Additionally, the boxes are also fitted with RFID tags and are fully trackable, point-to-point, through the whole process.

The RFID (radio frequency identification) tags enable them to use state-of-the-art technology to scan and locate boxes within a 20 ft radius, so they are able to recall boxes easily and efficiently.

Principled Storage is the only company in the UK to provide this solution, so this sets them apart from all other document storage providers.
It is this innovative solution, combined with the exceptional standard of client service that Principled Storage prides itself on that sets them apart from competitors.

Overall, following the incredible success of Principled Storage over the past three years, the team will be focusing on enhancing its already impressive brand recognition throughout the coming years.

Since their inception in 2017, Principled Storage are consistently looking for ways to provide a broader service to their clients and have therefore expanded the services they provide.

Many businesses are opting to switch to digital archiving, whether it is for immediate access to documents, or to be more environmentally conscious. By using document scanning as a way of archiving, it will cut down the time spent searching for documents and provides clients with the ability to share documentation quickly. All documents are scanned using state-of-the-art-equipment, and are processed in full compliance of the British Standard Institute BIP0008 – evidential weight and legal admissibility of information stored electronically, which is essential in ensuring the authenticity and content of the electronic images can never be questioned.

Principled Storage is also committed to ensure the safe and legal destruction of confidential paperwork and media. And whether material is sensitive or not, shredding paper records is a very eco-friendly method of disposal. They work to strict legislation to provide secure destruction, and then ensure that all waste is baled and recycled, meaning zero waste for landfill.

Principled Storage understands that archiving and records management can be a lengthy and time-consuming process. Offering a project management service enables businesses to offload the pressure to us. Principled Storage works closely with the client to discuss and achieve the right solution for their requirements. From the initial contact, right through to the indexing and destruction, Principled Storage are committed to providing an excellent comprehensive package.

https://principledstorage.com

Saving money using Artificial Intelligence
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By OnSite Energy Projects

We are used to BMS (building management systems) to control buildings, and spreadsheets to analyse data. Both of these require human input (and are prone to human error). So does Artificial Intelligence have any role to play, and could it save money? Firstly, what is AI?

  • “Artificial Intelligence” (“AI”) is software “able to perform tasks normally requiring human intelligence, such as visual perception, decision-making, and translation between languages”.
  • “Machine Learning” (“ML”) is the “application of artificial intelligence that provides systems the ability to automatically learn and improve from experience without being explicitly programmed”

At OEP, we are already using AI / ML in two very real building and energy management applications and seeing £££ financial benefits:

  • Energy Management. We can ingest half-hourly meter data daily, and the software will identify patterns that could indicate a fault or anomaly, so it can be investigated before it becomes a cost. The ML learns from human past action (or inaction) on the issues raised to know if it should raise the issue again in future, or simply log it.

We provide “Energy Management as a Service” for less than £10 per meter per month, which provides over-loaded energy managers with a proactive management tool, particularly across an estate of meters.  An example benefit we picked up within 24 hours, was a (human) BMS programming error that would have cost £60,000 had it gone undetected.

We have plans to extend this to monitoring sub-meter data as well.

  • Automated BMS. AI/ML can also be deployed directly to manage the BMS.  The software “learns” how the building reacts over time to different events and climate conditions (creating a “digital twin”) and can develop its own strategies for how to optimise the building to (1) deliver the climate goals consistently and (2) at least energy cost.   It can even re-commission the building regularly.  Saving are typically 25%-40% of HVAC load – the impact of running the equipment at the right times and loads, and turning off when not needed.

The benefits of using AI is the ability for it to react quickly to changing circumstances. Other applications we are engaged on using AI are compressed air management and refrigeration systems.

If you would like to know more email us at info@on-site.energy or call on 0161 444 9989.

Onsite Energy Projects provides energy savings and energy generation solutions to energy intensive businesses, without capex if required.

Application Case: Colour-coded maintenance safety in the food industry with Lockout/Tagout
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By Brady U.K.

A large food processor needs to de-energise and secure all machine energy sources in order to service machinery safely. They require clear visual indicators to quickly identify which specialised team neutralised specific energy sources.

The scope of preventive maintenance includes equipment used for food handling, storage, processing, packaging, as well as any equipment not directly in the processing or packaging areas, such as air-handling units, HVAC, compressors, boilers, storage silos, temperature and humidity controls, and water backflow preventers.

Solution

Brady proposes a complete Lockout/Tagout solution leading with unique and innovative SafeKey padlocks. SafeKey padlocks are available in 9 colours with matching colour-coded keys.

Read about the full solution & result >>

 

BRADY U.K.

Wildmere Industrial Estate

Banbury, Oxon OX16 3JU

Tel: +44 (0) 1295 228 288

csuk@bradycorp.com

www.brady.co.uk

How to inspire the next generation of female talent in STEM
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By Justine Salmon, Division Director, ABM UK

The facilities management (FM) and engineering industry has an image problem that  needs to change. People don’t know about the opportunities it offers, and can often think it’s all about men and oily rags. This couldn’t be further from the truth.

As an industry, we’re seeing the impact of these negative perceptions. There’s an acute lack of emerging female talent and a growing skills gap across the board.

Looking into the roots of this problem, ABM UK commissioned research amongst 2,000 students1 to find out what they knew about the industry and its career prospects. Worryingly, the research found that a fifth (21%) of girls associated ‘engineering’ with ‘a boy’s job’. Going further, over a third (39%) of students said they wouldn’t consider working in engineering and FM because they didn’t know anything about it.

To address this, ABM UK set up the Junior Engineering Engagement Programme (J.E.E.P.) in 2017, engaging year seven students with the principles of facilities management and engineering in a five-part course.

In just three years, the programme has grown from 36 London students enrolled in the pilot year, to now having been taught to over 450 students across the UK. We’re seeing first-hand how initiatives like J.E.E.P. can get students, particularly girls, interested in STEM subjects and inspire the next generation of technical talent.

If you’re looking to engage girls with STEM subjects, consider the following three steps.

  1. Make STEM applicable to everyday life.

One of the most effective ways to get young girls interested in FM-related activities is to apply lessons to real-life scenarios. Think about simple ways to make theory more engaging and use relatable scenarios to build upon their initial interest.

Our curriculum tasks the students with responding to FM problems that teams need to anticipate or respond to in real life, such as a black out in a shopping centre during peak hours. The students are challenged to identify the cause of the issue, create an immediate solution and look at a possible long-term fix. By encouraging problem-solving in a familiar environment, the association of FM with a specific gender is deconstructed.

2. Present relevant role models. 

One of the most rewarding aspects of J.E.E.P. is session three, where team members from across ABM UK visit schools for a Q&A about the industry.

It’s so important to have female representation in the class to demonstrate that careers in FM and engineering aren’t solely for men. We celebrate our accomplishments, career paths and projects that we’re working on, and encourage them to think about other women in the industry who have made significant changes to society.

3. Put emphasis on the process, not on grades.

At the end of the course, our J.E.E.P. students aren’t given a final grade. We want to be encouraging students to broaden their perspectives and try something new, rather than focus on their scores.

When introducing students into new fields of learning, encouragement is key. Turn their focus to the experiment they’re working on and reassure them that mistakes are unavoidable and will only help guide them to a solution. Without fear that making mistakes will impact their scores, we find that students become confident working through trial and error.

We are determined to change the face of  FM and engineering in the UK; to inspire and establish a new and enthusiastic generation of young talent that is gender even. New government data2 shows that in 2019, the number of women working in STEM- related occupations in the UK reached one million for the first time. If this trend continues, we should see 30 percent of STEM roles filled by women by 2030.

While this is great progress, we see this as an opportunity to do more. What better way to engage female talent, than to focus our attention on the next generation.

Do you specialise in corporate Cleaning Services? 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 March we’ll be focussing on Cleaning Services.

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 Cleaning Services 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:

March – Cleaning April – Total FM May – Energy Management June – Security Jul – Air Conditioning Aug – Waste Management Sep – Asset Management Oct – FM Software Nov – Business Continuity Dec – Fire & Safety Equipment

Registration open for this July’s Facilities Management Forum
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You can now register for July’s Facilities Management Forum – Claim your complimentary guest place today.

What can I expect?

Taking place on July 6th & 7th at the Hilton Manchester, the Facilities Management Forum allows senior FM professionals to share forward-thinking ideas, meet new partners and discover new ways to underpin their security strategies.

It’s entirely FREE for you to attend and your complimentary guest pass includes:

  • A bespoke itinerary of pre-arranged meetings with product and service providers who match your requirements and upcoming projects
  • Access to a series of seminars by industry thought-leaders
  • Networking with like-minded peers
  • Complimentary overnight accommodation, plus all meals and refreshments
  • An invitation to our networking dinner

How Do I Get Involved?

We have just 60 guest passes available, so register your free place today!

Energy Management Summit returns this October
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Registration is now open for this autumn’s Energy Management Summit – make sure you secure your place!

Register for your complimentary guest place today.

What can I expect?
Taking place on October 5th & 6th at the Radisson Blu, London Stansted, the Energy Management Summit allows energy management professionals to share forward-thinking ideas, meet new partners and discover new ways to underpin their strategies.

It’s entirely FREE for you to attend and your complimentary guest pass includes:

• A bespoke itinerary of pre-arranged meetings with product and service providers who match your requirements and upcoming projects
• Access to a series of seminars by industry thought-leaders
• Networking with like-minded peers
• Complimentary overnight accommodation, plus all meals and refreshments
• An invitation to our networking dinner

How Do I Get Involved?
We have just 60 guest passes available, so register your free place today!