Shipshape for Springtime
OUTCO discusses how post-winter recovery sets the course for successful outdoor FM
see pages 24-25
10 REASONS TO PLAY MUSIC
IN YOUR BUSINESS
Like most businesses, you want yours to be the best it can be. Whether this is the through the products and services you provide, the prices you offer or the locations in which you are based.
So, why not provide the best experience? You could:
Enhance the environment, set the tone, boost the mood and create a more upbeat atmosphere
Boost customer engagement by using music to create an entertaining environment
Stand out from your competitors
06 07 08
Foster customer loyalty and retention through improving their shopping experience
Attract new customers
Boost employee engagement, collaboration and motivation
Set the spending mood by creating an upbeat and positive atmosphere
Create a feel-good factor through the use of music
Support the future of music
Define and reinforce your brand
Business Development Director James Scrivens james@abbeypublishing.co.uk
Production Sarah Daviner sarah@abbeypublishing.co.uk
Accounts Manager Katie Brehm accounts@abbeypublishing.co.uk
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Tel: 01933 316931
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Recolight announces WEEE Compliant Project Collection Service for Large Scale Luminaire Projects
Recolight, the leading WEEE Compliance Scheme for lighting offers a comprehensive WEEE compliant project collection service, specifically designed to support large scale luminaire projects across the UK.
The service provides an integrated collection and recycling solution for all lighting waste generated during major projects. This includes lamps, luminaires, emergency batteries, and all electricals covered by the WEEE Regulations. By offering a single point of contact for project requirements, Recolight ensures carbon-efficient, compliant management of lighting waste from start to finish. We operate in line with WEEE regulations and ISO standards, guaranteeing consistent quality and environmental responsibility.
“Collection and recycling of luminaires and lamps is free for Recolight Scheme Members, subject to our standard terms and conditions,” said Lyndsey Tweddle, Recolight’s Customer Service Manager.
“We’ve been providing project collections for many years, and due to increasing demand, we are now offering the service to nonmembers as well. We’re seeing strong uptake from organisations who value a compliant, carbonefficient solution delivered by a specialist team.”
Whether upgrading fittings, relighting entire buildings, or managing client projects, Recolight partners with clients and contractors to schedule flexible collections, supply appropriate containers, and guarantee full regulatory compliance throughout. The
service is underpinned by years of experience, efficient logistics, and transparent guidance on WEEE responsibilities. Clients benefit from complete audit trails, supplier licences, along with detailed reports on project tonnages and carbon emissions to support Scope 3 reporting.
“Our streamlined service makes us the go-to supplier for all lighting waste needs on large
projects,” said Nigel Harvey, CEO Recolight, “We take the hassle out of compliance and recycling, so our customers can focus on delivering energy-efficient lighting upgrades with confidence.”
For more information on Recolight’s WEEE compliant project collections for the lighting industry, visit www.recolight.co.uk.
OUTCO is one of the UK’s trusted partners for grounds maintenance, along with winter gritting and reactive works. We deliver dependable grounds care that supports day-to-day operations, backed by teams who understand the practical needs of your sites. Our solutions are tailored to the specific requirements of each location, ensuring a smooth, efficient and hassle-free experience for every client.
0800 0432 911 enquiries@outco.co.uk
Landmarc rolls out three-time award-winning soft FM initiative across UK Defence Training Estate
Landmarc Support Services (Landmarc), a leading facilities management and professional services provider, has received three national sustainability and industry awards for its soft FM initiative, recognised for improving employee safety and comfort while delivering measurable environmental performance improvements.
Implemented across more than 100 sites on the Defence Training Estate (DTE), the initiatives supports Landmarc’s role as industry partner to the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) in providing sustainable training environments for the Armed Forces.
As part of its commitment to achieving net-zero carbon by 2035 and supporting the Ministry of Defence’s (MOD) Climate Change and Sustainability Approach, Landmarc partnered with cleaning suppliers Purozo, Thrive, DRYFT, Fig, Pacvac and i-team Global to simplify and modernise cleaning operations, shaping the day-to-day working experience at each site.
The soft FM team replaced more than 1,000 different chemical products supplied in traditional litre bottles with water-soluble sachets made from paper cellulose, eliminating single-use plastic and significantly reducing the transportation of liquid across the estate.
Using a biodegradable, premeasured formula has reduced the risk of chemical overdosing, while removing the need for specialised cleaning products, lowering costs and reducing on-site storage requirements.
Further improvements were achieved through the introduction of Tiboo toilet tissues, made from sugarcane
and bamboo. Replacing 36 different toilet roll types with a single sustainable alternative reduced costs and environmental impact while maintaining quality standards. Tiboo also plants one fruit tree for every box of hand towels purchased. To date, more than 5000 trees have been planted, generating over 15,000kg of oxygen and storing more than 5,880kg of carbon on behalf of Landmarc. Landmarc introduced Thrive’s Uri-Zap, a biological cleaning solution that tackles humanmade pollution using natural bacterial enzymes. The solution reduces uric acid build-up, toilet blockages and flushing volumes, minimising service failures while lowering reliance on harsh chemicals and, over time, reducing the need for costly reactive maintenance.
Modernising cleaning operations through the introduction of the i-mop and S-Motion Scrubber Dryer powered mopping systems has enabled cleaning to be 70 per cent faster than traditional methods, while using a fraction of the water. This approach reduces environmental impact by more than 75 per cent and has enabled Landmarc to save and donate over one million litres of water to the Made Blue
Foundation since implementing the machines, we expect this to contribute to more than five million litres saved and donated over the length of the contract.
Landmarc Head of soft FM, Jamie Hutch said: “Implementing a more consistent soft FM approach has further standardised our Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) practices, while also enabling us to invest in professional training through the British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICS). This ensures our teams deliver safe, consistent and high-quality cleaning across all sites.
“Our soft FM programme demonstrates how practical changes can protect our people, reduce environmental impact and deliver measurable operational benefits, supporting Landmarc’s wider commitment to achieving net-zero carbon.”
The programme has been recognised with three national accolades, including an International Green Apple Award, IWFM Impact Award and Metsa Award, recognising excellence in sustainability, innovation and service delivery within soft FM.
For more information about Landmarc, visit www.landmarcsolutions.com
177 audits completed, Schemes tightened and ethical audit requirement introduced in 2025
CHSA Accreditation Schemes guaranteeing standards
The Cleaning & Hygiene Suppliers Association (CHSA) completed 100 audits of its manufacturing members and 77 audits of its distributor members during 2025. More than 50,000 products have also been checked.
Auditing gives substance to the guarantee offered by the CHSA’s Accreditation Schemes for manufacturers and distributors of cleaning and hygiene products. The Inspector, who reports to but is independent of the CHSA’s governing Council, audits all members each year.
During 2025 the CHSA also widened the guarantees offered to buyers and end users of cleaning and hygiene products. All members of CHSA Accreditation Schemes must guarantee ‘what’s on the box is what’s in the box’ and that products are fit for purpose. The Accreditation Schemes for manufacturers of cleaning chemicals and soft tissue were tightened following the unanimous agreement of Scheme members. Members of the Accreditation Scheme for Soft Tissue must also now provide evidence of, or be working towards, a recognized quality
certification, have a forestry certification and comply with standards on health and safety. Members of the Accreditation Scheme for Cleaning Chemicals must also provide evidence to substantiate product claims and show they comply with all relevant regulations.
The CHSA also introduced a preference for an ethical audit requirement in 2025. For CHSA Accredited Product, the manufacturer, whether based in the UK or overseas, will need to provide a copy of their most recent official ethical audit report. The report must meet the CHSA’s minimum requirement, and encompass labour standards, and health and safety. This requirement is now part of the audit process,
the independent inspector requesting information from affected members during 2026. For those within the Scope, compliance will be compulsory by the end of 2026.
The continued evolution of the Accreditation Schemes and the rigour of the inspection process underwrite the guarantees offered by CHSA members.
Lorcan Mekitarian, chair of the CHSA, explained: “We offer buyers of cleaning and hygiene products an important guarantee. Our inspection process means they can trust our Accreditation Scheme Marks. The 177 audits conducted and the huge number of products checked validates the commitments made by our members.”
Building & Facilities Management magazine covers all of the major FM areas of interest within the workplace and the built environment.
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Majed Daiyoub joins Condair as Area Sales Manager
Condair has appointed Majed Daiyoub as its Area Sales Manager for the north of England and North Wales. Majed joins Condair with a wealth of HVAC experience having worked at Carrier HVAC and Air Handlers Northern.
Dave Marshall-George, Sales Director at Condair, comments, “We are really delighted to have Majed join us as Area Sales Manager. He has a wealth of experience in the air handling unit sector and has really hit the ground running in this key customer segment for Condair.” Majed commented, “I’m really looking forward to getting to know Condair’s existing clients and helping new potential customers get to grips with their humidity control issues. Condair is really well-known as the leading manufacturer in the humidifier sector, with outstanding engineering quality.
I’m keen to get to know all the different end-user industries the company operates across and start supporting consultants, contractors and FM’s with their humidifier, dehumidifier or evaporative cooling requirements.”
The Condair Group is the world’s leading specialist in humidity control and evaporative cooling, with energy efficient, hygienic and innovative technologies for commercial, industrial and heritage applications. Condair is represented in the UK by Condair Ltd, which offers system design, manufacture,
supply, installation, commissioning, maintenance and spares. You can find out more by visiting the company’s website at www.condair.co.uk.
Building & Facilities Management magazine covers all of the major FM areas of interest within the workplace and the built environment. Published 10 times a year, the digital magazine supports our website and monthly newsletter.
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Steve Juson, Managing Director,
Protect, Prevent and Preserve with Aqua Fend®
Aqua Fend®, the premier commercial, breathable stone and concrete protection system, announces its official relaunch. Featuring a refreshed brand identity with a great new look, the range continues to deliver the same industry-leading quality and durability customers have relied on since 2014.
The Aqua Fend® range has been developed to deliver a triple-action defence for buildings:
• PROTECT: Shields your building’s façade and flooring from daily environmental degradation
• PREVENT: Prevents the long-term structural damage caused by water ingress and urban pollution
• PRESERVE: Locks in the original structure and colour for as long as possible after professional cleaning.
The range is tailored for specific requirements:
• Aqua Fend® F: Developed for the stone and concrete façades of commercial buildings, providing effective durability for up to 15 years*.
• Aqua Fend® G: Engineered for high-traffic stone and concrete paving and internal/external flooring, with an effective durability of up to 8 years**.
Aqua Fend® has been independently tested^ and shown to be a leading surface protection solution for stone and concrete surfaces. In a study
conducted by Brunel University, researchers concluded: “With a clear margin, Aqua Fend® was the best performing surface protection material used in this investigation.” This performance demonstrates that the Aqua Fend® range of building maintenance products is the ideal high-performance stone and concrete sealer.
The simple-to-apply range allows for longer periods between cleans, which can reduce cleaning costs while keeping the surfaces with Aqua Fend® applied looking cleaner for longer. The range also helps reduce surface environmental ‘wear and tear’ on items coated in Aqua Fend®, which can be a significant concern on intricately carved stonework where freeze-
thaw spalling can occur.
“We are delighted to reintroduce the Aqua Fend® range with a fresh look and updated website to our customers, old and new,” commented Paul Maxwell, Head of Brand Marketing for Aqua Fend®. “In an increasingly cost-conscious market, the range’s proven track record of extending the intervals between professional cleans is vital, helping to lower maintenance costs. We don’t want building managers to take our word for it; we want them to experience first-hand what Aqua Fend® can do, which is why we are offering a FREE sample bottle of either Aqua Fend® F or G.”
The Aqua Fend® range of protective coatings offers your business a breathable, solvent-free sealer that is waterrepellent, dirt-resistant, and
certified by the British Board of Agrément (BBA) to EN 1504-2: 2004 standards. It is available in either 5 ltr or 20 ltr bottles and can be purchased directly from the Aqua Fend® website or through all good independent
builders’ merchants. For more information about the Aqua Fend® range or to request a FREE sample, please visit www.aquafend.co.uk, email info@aquafend.co.uk or call +44 (0)20 8453 1494.
Time to rethink air care: Rubbermaid Commercial Products Launches CirculAir 90™
New mono-material refill delivers verified performance with improved recyclability
Rubbermaid Commercial Products (RCP) has launched CirculAir 90™, the next evolution of its popular TCell™ passive air freshening system that’s designed to deliver uninterrupted performance.
Engineered for recyclability with a lower environmental footprint than its predecessor, CirculAir 90™ was developed in direct response to growing demand for air care solutions that deliver reduced environmental footprint without compromising on performance.
Backed by independent testing and certifications, the launch is part of RCP’s ongoing commitment to developing products designed to support businesses with reducing their environmental footprint, while maintaining the high standards of quality and reliability the brand is known for.
Certified recyclability
Faced with regulatory change, responsible procurement practices and strict ESG policies, facility managers are under increasing pressure to deliver improved sustainability.
CirculAir 90™ has been specifically designed with these trends in mind. As a passive air care system that uses the natural flow of air to move fragrance around the room, both the dispenser and its refills are battery-free, reducing the raw materials used in their production. In fact, every component of this scented refill is made of the same material, so you can put it straight in the plastic recycling bin without any need to dismantle it.
The result is a smaller environmental footprint, with CirculAir 90™ lowering resource usage by 36% and emitting 11% less greenhouse gas emissions across its entire lifecycle compared to TCell™*. Without compromising performance and by simply switching from TCell™ to CirculAir 90™, globally RCP is projected to save 3 tonnes of plastic and 4.9 tonnes of metals a year**.
Those credentials are backed by third-party assessments and certification, including an ISO compliant third-party reviewed lifecycle assessment (LCA) in partnership with global climate consultancy South Pole, and a recyclability assessment by RecyClass (UK, EU, CH, NO & US). So it’s recyclability you can trust in practice, and at scale.
Effective performance
The good news for facility managers is that the improvements don’t come at the cost of performance. Designed to be compatible with existing TCell™ dispensers, refills are
available in six fresh scents (Blue Splash, Citrus Mix, Crystal Breeze, Fruit Crush, Polar Mist, Relaxing Spa), with varying intensities to match your facility’s needs.
“For more than half a century, Rubbermaid Commercial Products has worked to deliver world-class products that meet the changing needs of our customers,” said Sustainability and Communications Manager, Adriana Olaya Rodriguez.
“With sustainability front-ofmind, today those customers need tangible solutions that cut through the empty promises and greenwashing to deliver real results. With its third-party certification, we’re proud to have developed a solution that’s proven to reduce environmental footprint when compared to its predecessor, while delivering the same exceptional performance our customers rely on.”
To find out more about RCP and the new CirculAir 90™, visit www.rubbermaid. eu/en/CirculAir-90
Building & Facilities Management editorial content covers all the major FM areas of interest within the workplace and the built environment.
This includes industry developments, company news, case studies and application stories, product news as well as articles from leading authorities within the marketplace.
To find out more information about BFM Magazine or to subscribe, please visit www.bfmmagazine.co.uk
Delivery excellence showcased through early PBSA handover
A PURPOSE-BUILT student accommodation scheme in Lambeth has reached handover three months ahead of schedule, delivered through close collaboration between Pulse Consult, HG Living and HG Construction. The achievement demonstrates highly coordinated project delivery and strong stakeholder alignment.
The Kennington Lane development provides 185 student beds and high-quality shared amenities, including a public café, study spaces and a panoramic roof terrace for the
local student community. The scheme has been developed for International Students House (ISH), a charitable organisation that provides affordable, high-quality accommodation and support services for international students and young professionals in London.
Pulse Consult, appointed as employer’s agent, project manager and quantity surveyor, worked closely with
developer HG Living, contractor HG Construction and Lambeth Council under a JCT contract to ensure high-quality delivery and an accelerated programme.
The scheme is on track to achieve BREEAM ‘Excellent’ and has achieved an EPC A rating, incorporating sustainability measures such as wastewater heat recovery and a rooftop solar array.
Alex Jenner, senior consultant at Pulse and lead employer’s agent and project manager for the scheme, said: “At Pulse, agility, collaboration and communication are fundamental to the way we work. The Kennington Lane development demonstrates how a coordinated project team, with Pulse leading employer’s agent and project management services, can successfully support quality, programme certainty and positive outcomes for all stakeholders.
“We are proud to have
delivered this scheme in partnership with HG Living, HG Construction and Lambeth Council, supporting the creation of high-quality student accommodation in London.”
Through a proactive and coordinated approach to programme and risk management, the project team worked hard to get the scheme underway at the end of 2023, ensuring early commencement of piling works and a head start on programme.
The delivery also included a Section 278 agreement, providing enhanced public realm and reinstatement works around the building.
The building achieved practical completion to a high standard, with early completion of benchmark
bedrooms supporting quality assurance across the remaining accommodation.
Adam Quinn, Chief Executive Officer, HG Construction said: “238 Kennington Lane is a great example of what our integrated delivery model can achieve. With HG Living and HG Construction driving the project forward together, we mobilised on site quickly, maintained programme discipline and handed over the scheme three months early. Our collaborative relationship with ISH and project partners, built on shared values and a commitment to quality, has been central to that success. We’re proud to have delivered highquality accommodation for international students in London.”
www.pulseconsult.co.uk
Traditional perimeter and walkway lighting reimagined with Prolectric’s new ProZone solar PIR-activated Festoon Lighting System
Prolectric, the off-grid renewable power and lighting specialist, has reimagined traditional perimeter and walkway lighting with the launch of ProZone - a new solar-powered, PIRactivated Festoon Lighting System designed to deliver safer, smarter and more sustainable site illumination.
The latest lighting innovation from Prolectric addresses long-standing challenges associated with traditional festoon lighting by delivering more controlled illumination, faster deployment and measurable cost and carbon savings. By providing light only where and when it is needed, ProZone significantly reduces unnecessary light spill and noise pollution, helping to minimise impact on site users, nearby communities and surrounding wildlife.
world site conditions, delivering silent, zero-emission lighting with the responsiveness that modern sites demand.”
John Foster, Managing Director of Prolectric, said: “Temporary site lighting hasn’t kept pace with modern site requirements. The challenge with traditional perimeter lighting is that many projects still rely on diesel lighting towers or fixed-output lighting that runs all night, regardless of actual need. These towers generate diesel emissions and noise while requiring regular refuelling and maintenance.
“As sustainability targets tighten and site constraints increase, these approaches are becoming increasingly costly, disruptive and difficult to justify. ProZone has been engineered for complex, real-
ProZone has been specifically developed for sites where safety, sustainability and operational control are critical. Ideal for secure or restricted areas across construction, civil engineering, highways and infrastructure projects - as well as temporary event environments - the system provides a practical alternative in locations where diesel lighting is no longer viable or acceptable.
Each ProZone unit provides up to 150 metres of coverage, replacing three or more traditional diesel tower lights. In operational terms, this can deliver estimated savings of up to £14,000 per year compared with the most efficient diesel tower lighting, while eliminating more than 12,000kg of CO₂e emissions annually.
When combined with Prolectric’s Smart Remote technology, ProZone also enables remote performance monitoring and operational data access, allowing site teams to track system performance, optimise deployment and support sustainability reporting without the need for additional site visits.
The ProZone Smart Solar Festoon Lighting System joins Prolectric’s rapidly expanding off-grid portfolio, which includes market-leading solar lighting towers engineered for reliable year-round performance, hybrid power generators and advanced solar battery energy storage solutions (BESS). Together, these technologies are designed to help construction, infrastructure and event sectors accelerate their transition away from diesel and towards cleaner, solar-first temporary power solutions. For further information: https://shorturl.at/DoGO5
Scan for more information or to order your FREE
ONE OF THESE PANELS IS NOT LIKE THE OTHERS...
This picture was taken 24 months after all the panels had been professionally cleaned, but only one had been treated with Aqua Fend® F after cleaning.
This real-life result shows that Aqua Fend® has been developed to PROTECT your building’s façade and flooring, PREVENT longterm damage caused by water ingress and urban pollution, and PRESERVE the original structure and colour for as long as possible after cleaning.
The Aqua Fend® range helps you to reduce cleaning and maintenance costs while keeping your walls and floors clean.
sample of Aqua Fend*
Daikin Applied expands R-290 chiller and heat pump portfolio for commercial and industrial HVAC
New propane-based systems combine scalable capacity, integrated safety and ultra-low GWP refrigerant technology.
Daikin Applied (UK) has expanded its portfolio of R-290 (propane) chillers and heat pumps, introducing a new generation of systems designed to support decarbonisation across commercial, industrial and missioncritical HVAC applications.
The extended range combines natural refrigerant technology with modular system architecture and advanced safety engineering, enabling building owners and operators to transition to lower global warming potential (GWP) solutions while maintaining the reliability and efficiency required for large-scale plant installations. The portfolio
spans capacities from 17 kW up to 2,000 kW, supporting a wide range of hydronic cooling and heating requirements.
Propane (R-290) is a natural refrigerant with an extremely low GWP and zero ozone depletion potential, making it an increasingly attractive option as the HVAC industry responds to tightening environmental regulations and ambitious decarbonisation targets across the built environment.
Integrated safety engineering
Because R-290 is a flammable refrigerant, safety considerations are central to the design of these systems.
Daikin has addressed this through a comprehensive engineering approach known as the Daikin Safety Shield, which integrates multiple layers of protection throughout the unit.
This includes continuous refrigerant leak detection, ATEX-certified ventilation in the electrical switchbox and both visual and acoustic alarms to alert operators to abnormal conditions. Safety systems are supported by an independent 230V power supply provided by the customer, ensuring monitoring devices remain operational even in the event of a main power supply failure.
Additional protection features include factorycharged refrigerant storage tanks to improve safety during transport and installation, mechanical safety valves to manage potential overpressure events, and controlleddischarge systems designed to release refrigerant safely outside the unit if required.
The hydronic circuit is also protected: if a refrigerant leak is detected, the water circuit is automatically isolated to prevent refrigerant from spreading beyond the unit and to safeguard the wider system.
Modular design for largescale installations
For higher capacity applications, the portfolio includes the EWYK-QZ modular heat pump range, designed for scalable plant installations.
Using a modular architecture, multiple units can be combined
to deliver capacities of up to 2,000 kW, operating together as a single integrated system. This approach allows designers to match installed capacity closely to project requirements while retaining flexibility for future expansion.
Each module is equipped with inverter-driven scroll compressors and electronically commutated (EC) fans, allowing continuous capacity modulation in response to real system demand. Because many commercial and industrial HVAC systems operate for long periods at part load, this capability can significantly improve seasonal efficiency while reducing mechanical stress caused by repeated on-off cycling.
The modular configuration also simplifies transport and installation compared with traditional large packaged chillers and allows greater flexibility when integrating equipment into complex plant room layouts.
Extending the portfolio across a wider capacity range
Complementing the modular systems, Daikin has also introduced the EWA(Y)K-CZ monobloc range, which covers capacities from 17 to 85 kW and is available in both coolingonly and heat pump versions. These compact air-to-water
units are suited to smaller commercial buildings, light industrial applications and distributed hydronic systems, where a compact footprint and installation flexibility are important. They can also be deployed as part of distributed plant strategies or to support satellite cooling and heating loads within larger facilities.
The units operate across a wide outdoor temperature range from –20°C to +46°C and incorporate Daikin-designed inverter scroll compressors and inverter-controlled fans to ensure efficient performance under varying load conditions.
Together, the monobloc and modular systems enable Daikin to provide a continuous R-290 solution across a broad capacity spectrum, supporting the transition to low-carbon HVAC infrastructure in a variety of building types and industrial processes.
Advanced plant control
For complex installations, system control operates on two levels. Within a single array of modules, a builtin multi-unit sequencer coordinates operation across the individual units.
Where several arrays are combined, plant performance can be optimised using the Daikin Intelligent Chiller Manager (iCM). This platform manages load distribution,
sequencing and system optimisation across multiple units to maintain efficiency and ensure continuity of service in large-scale applications such as hospitals, data centres and industrial facilities.
Supporting the transition to low-carbon HVAC
The introduction of propanebased systems reflects the broader transformation underway in the HVAC sector as building operators seek to reduce carbon emissions while maintaining reliable heating and cooling infrastructure.
By combining natural refrigerants with scalable system architecture and integrated safety engineering, Daikin Applied aims to provide a practical pathway for organisations to adopt future-ready cooling and heating technologies.
Installation of R-290 systems must be carried out by qualified and authorised personnel, and commissioning is recorded through Daikin’s proprietary e-Care application, providing traceability of start-up procedures and helping ensure systems operate as intended throughout their lifecycle.
For more information about Daikin Applied chiller and heat pump solutions for commercial and industrial HVAC systems, visit https:// www.daikinapplied.uk.
First Mile celebrates the commercial real estate and office sectors’ top recycling champions
First Mile, the UK’s leading recycling and waste management provider, today celebrates the commercial real estate and office sectors’ highest-performing recycling organisations as part of its annual Recycling Standard campaign.
In the past year, First Mile worked with more than 30,000 businesses across the UK, welcoming 8,000 new customers, collecting 207,540 tonnes of waste and recycling 94,128 tonnes. The commercial real estate and office sectors remain a core part of its customer base, with businesses and estates increasing their number of separated waste streams and driving higher recycling rates in response to evolving regulation, environmental targets and employee/tenant expectations.
The top three commercial real estate and office organisations
by recycling tonnage are Amazon (Sidekick), which recycled 1,050 tonnes; Grosvenor, which recycled 1013 tonnes; and The Net-A-Porter Group Ltd, which recycled 556 tonnes. Together, these companies represent the highest-volume recyclers in the First Mile network, demonstrating the scale of impact that consistent, data-driven recycling can deliver across offices and managed buildings nationwide. Managing waste in these environments involves a wide range of materials, from deskside paper and packaging to confidential documents and electronics. First Mile supports customers with collections for paper and cardboard, plastics, glass, metal, coffee cups, food waste, batteries and WEEE, alongside secure shredding and confidential disposal. Flexible collections, clear signage and
dedicated internal bins help reduce contamination and ensure materials are separated correctly, while digital reporting supports compliance with regulations such as the 2025 Simpler Recycling reforms.
For more than a decade, First Mile’s Recycling Standard has provided a transparent and evidenceled framework for measuring recycling performance. Grounded in verified data collected throughout the year and benchmarked across
tens of thousands of UK businesses, the Standard enables office occupiers and estate managers to compare performance, identify opportunities for improvement and gain recognition for measurable progress. In 2026, the campaign evolves into an enhanced recognition scheme, positioning itself as a key annual moment for UK recycling and setting clear, sector-specific benchmarks. Within the scheme, accreditation levels are awarded based on verified recycling rates and the number of services used. Gold-accredited customers achieve an 80 per cent or higher recycling rate alongside four or more services, or three or more services where one of these is food recycling. One of these services must be general waste, which is required to be zero
to landfill. Silver accreditation recognises organisations achieving a recycling rate of 50 per cent or above with at least two services. Zero to Landfill status is awarded to customers with recycling rates of up to 49 per cent whose general waste is diverted from landfill.
Gold-performing commercial real estate and office sectors typically implement clear recycling systems across floors and communal spaces, invest in staff education on waste separation, and monitor progress with detailed data. They also comply with the government’s Simpler Recycling regulations, which came into effect in April 2025 and require all workplaces to separate dry recyclables, food waste and residual waste.
Bruce Bratley, First Mile founder and CEO, said: “Offices and managed buildings have
a vital role to play in improving the UK’s recycling performance. These premises often handle a diverse range of materials, from paper and packaging to electronics and food waste. Our Recycling Standard is built on real operational data, giving organisations a clear picture of performance and a credible way to demonstrate progress. It is fantastic to see Amazon, Grosvenor and The Net-A-Porter Group setting the benchmark for the office and managed building sectors.”
The Recycling Standard’s position as an industry benchmark follows a period of strong external recognition for First Mile, including being named Independent Operator of the Year at the National Recycling Awards 2025 for the second-year running, and B2B Business of the Year at the Growing Business Awards 2025.
Every CHSA member has signed our Code of Practice, which includes the Competition & Markets
Shipshape for Springtime
OUTCO discusses how post-winter recovery sets the course for successful outdoor FM
Sailors have a wise rule –inspect your ship from bow to stern after every storm, once the weather clears. Not because the ship looks damaged but because the real problems are often hidden (blocked scuppers, cracked fittings, loosened lines, etc). Ignoring this, any risks will be brutally exposed by the next storm that blows in. In estates management, the same can be said for recovering after winter. Months of intense conditions can place your sites under pressure: wear and tear from the elements forces reactive repairs but also a need to step back to reassess the work needed to keep things in a safe and presentable condition.
To get things shipshape, it’s often the priority to address issues such as flooding or potholes caused by heavy rainfall and frost damage, but this is an important time to carry out essential grounds
maintenance interventions. With so many demands, spring can feel overwhelming but here are some key things to consider:
See the bigger picture with an external condition survey
Before embarking on a new year, it’s a good time to step back and look at the bigger picture to assess the overall condition of your external estate to identify any weather damage, maintenance issues and confidently plan proactive works for the months ahead. Consider an external condition survey to provide an in-depth assessment of your site’s infrastructure, identify risks before they escalate and to help prioritise works.
At OUTCO, we specialise in comprehensive external condition surveys that give property managers and facilities teams a clear, detailed understanding of their
site’s condition. Our expert surveys provide not only insight but also actionable recommendations that support compliance, safety, and costeffective asset management.
Take on flood risks with effective drain maintenance
Blocked or poorly maintained drains can leave you all at sea, causing serious issues, from slip hazards and standing water, to surface flooding and structural damage. Proactive inspections and routine drain maintenance throughout the year can mitigate these risks, however autumn and winter can accentuate issues as leaves and debris build up. This makes late winter and early spring particularly important times to stay vigilant. As recent months in the UK have shown, heavier and prolonged periods of rainfall can provide little margin for error. When intense rain falls on already saturated ground,
drainage systems can quickly become overwhelmed. Indeed, climate change is only increasing the pressure by increasing the frequency of high-impact rainfall events. Subject to the conditions of a given site, this increasing volatility may require estates managers to increase the frequency of inspections to ensure drainage systems are working effectively. At OUTCO, we support our clients with both proactive planned and reactive maintenance year-round, but can also provide timely 24/7 support and rapid response to investigate issues and clear obstructions in a timely fashion.
Fixing potholes and frostdamaged surfaces
Maintaining hard surfaces is essential for safety, functionality, and compliance. However, winters can present a challenging combination of brutal freeze-thaw cycles that produce cracks, potholes and surface degradation and inclement conditions that can delay repairs. These past months of seemingly endless rains have made it especially challenging to make permanent repairs, leaving many sites now scrambling to catch up with asset maintenance.
Left untreated, these issues can worsen, posing safety hazards and increasing repair costs down the line. At OUTCO, we can work with you to assess your sites after winter to plan cost-effective proactive maintenance to repair damaged surfaces or provide reactive urgent repairs on demand. For additional peace of mind and site safety, it’s also worth considering refreshing line markings to help reduce trip and vehicle risks on site.
Mitigating Risks with Leaf and Moss Clearance
The cold, damp winter months can leave sites in a poor state due to uncleared leaves and moss build-up. As well as being
Outdoor Estate Maintenance
unsightly, these issues can create serious risks. This article has already touched on the potential impacts to drains from leaves and debris, but additionally both leaves and moss can create serious slip and fall hazards. Accidents on public paths and designated disabled access routes can be incredibly costly in the event of a liability claim. A buildup of organic debris can also lead to compliance failures, for example by obscuring critical yellow safety lines, hazard markings, or painted pedestrian walkways, making it hard to see safe areas.
this is a good point to identify any structural defects, breaks in large limbs, and other hidden vulnerabilities that could lead to dangers during high winds.
OUTCO – a crew you can trust for the toughest outdoor challenges
Wet debris left uncollected or carelessly blown off pathways can also pile up against buildings and fences introducing secondary structural risks. Persistent dampness from piles of wet leaves can seep into the foundations or walls of buildings or cause wooden fences and kickboards to rot and fail structurally over time. It’s natural to view leaf clearance as an autumn or early winter priority but warmer winters can result in trees retaining leaves later into winter, meaning that it’s necessary to stay vigilant to the build-up of leaves through the season.
Tree works for safer sites
Proactive tree management is key to site safety. While there may be no strict statutory requirements dictating the exact frequency of tree surveys, conducting annual inspections is widely considered industry best practice to effectively mitigate risks. Although there can be advantages to surveying trees when thick foliage can reveal diseased or dead wood, winter and spring can be a good time to conduct these critical safety surveys when deciduous trees are free from leaves. As a windier, stormier time of year,
At OUTCO, we understand that outdoor maintenance issues can build up quickly - especially over months of challenging weather. As an FM aiming to steer through these choppy waters, it’s important to have a crew you can trust. That’s why our maintenance services – backed by our round-the-clock dedicated helpdesk and support teams – are available to respond to urgent requests and provide immediate assistance and support cost-effective proactive maintenance to ensure resilience of your estates. With fast, effective solutions, we help you maintain a safe and professional outdoor space.
With a proven track record across diverse industries, including retail, healthcare, logistics, and education, OUTCO delivers tailored services that align with your operational needs. From rapid response emergency works to lifecycle asset care, our goal is to provide convenience, reliability, and peace of mind - no matter how challenging the conditions. For more information on how OUTCO can get your site shipshape this Spring, contact 0800 0432 911 email enquiries@outco.co.uk or visit www.outco.co.uk
Bonomi UK Delivers Integrated Flow Control Solutions for Data Centre Cooling Systems
As demand for data processing continues to accelerate across sectors such as AI, cloud computing and financial services, the need for reliable and efficient data centre cooling systems has never been greater.
Bonomi UK is supporting this growing sector with highquality European-manufactured valves, actuators and instrumentation, delivering fully integrated flow control solutions for mission-critical data centre infrastructure.
Cooling systems are fundamental to data centre performance, ensuring stable operating conditions for highdensity server environments. Whether used in chilled water systems, adiabatic cooling, or free cooling applications, effective flow control is essential to maintaining efficiency, uptime and long-term reliability.
Bonomi UK provides a comprehensive range of solutions designed specifically for these demanding applications.
High-Performance Valve and Automation Solutions
Valves play a critical role in regulating cooling and heating circuits, enabling isolation, flow control and system optimisation.
Bonomi’s offering includes:
• Ball valves from RB and Valpres (brass, carbon steel and stainless steel) for reliable isolation and highpressure performance
• Butterfly valves for large diameter pipework in chilled water and condenser systems
• Valbia electric and pneumatic actuators for automated control and seamless integration with BMS and IoT platforms
These solutions are complemented by a full range of pressure, level and flow instrumentation, providing real-time system visibility and supporting predictive maintenance strategies.
A Complete Solutions Provider
Through its global group of manufacturers and subsidiaries, Bonomi UK is able to deliver fully integrated valve–actuator–instrumentation packages, tailored to the specific operational, control and regulatory requirements of each data centre facility. This integrated approach provides several key benefits:
• Proven compatibility between components
• Simplified procurement and installation
• Reduced project complexity
• Technical support from a single supplier Combined with extensive UK stock availability and responsive service, Bonomi ensures customers can access both high-quality products and reliable support when it matters most.
Supporting Advanced Cooling Applications
Bonomi’s solutions are widely used within advanced cooling technologies, including adiabatic systems designed to improve energy efficiency and reduce water consumption.
In a recent project supporting a specialist cooling equipment manufacturer, Bonomi supplied a range of components including:
• Brass ball valves
• Servo-assisted valves and solenoid valves
• Pressure gauges
• Lugged butterfly valves in multiple sizes
These products contributed to a reliable and efficient cooling system, supporting long-term performance in a demanding data centre environment.
Global Expertise with Local Support
Bonomi combines globally recognised European valve and actuator brands with local UK-based expertise.
From its UK headquarters, automation centre and warehouses, the company provides:
• Technical specification support
• Application guidance
• Local stock and fast delivery
• After-sales service and support
This ensures engineers, contractors and OEMs can confidently specify solutions for critical infrastructure projects.
Supporting the Future of Data Centre Infrastructure
As data centres continue to evolve, driven by increasing digital demand and sustainability
requirements, the importance of reliable and efficient cooling systems will only grow. By delivering integrated flow control solutions backed by technical expertise and local support, Bonomi UK is well positioned to support the next generation of data centre infrastructure.
For further information, please contact: Bonomi UK sales@bonomi.co.uk 024 7635 4535 www.bonomi.co.uk
Robert Scott introduces industry-first biodegradable socket mop technology
Robert Scott has become the first company in the UK cleaning sector to incorporate a biodegradable plastic additive into its mop socket design. This innovation means that Exel® sockets are designed to biodegrade in managed landfill environments, eliminating the environmental impact of traditional plastic components polluting the planet for hundreds of years.
As Europe’s largest mop manufacturer, Robert Scott has long led the way in sustainable design, first re-using waste fabric back in the 40’s to manufacture mopheads. Today, Robert Scott manufactures 25 million mops a year in the UK. Of these, the cotton-rich fibre is recycled from 100% post-consumer waste, while the Big White fabric is re-using industrial waste.
A recent redesign to the socket is now saving 137 tonnes
of plastic each year. In addition, the socket is made from durable polypropylene (PP); a type five plastic which can be recycled continuously into new products.
However, Robert Scott understands that products that can be recycled aren’t always recycled, especially considering regional discrepancies in recycling methods and complexities of waste streams. In many instances, these will be disposed
of and can end up in landfill.
That’s why Robert Scott is now adding an innovative additive called BioSphere® to Exel® sockets, which speeds up the biodegradation process in managed landfill conditions. Plastics treated with the additive still have unlimited shelf life and are non-toxic.
Reusable, recyclable and now biodegradable
Alastair Scott, sales director at Robert Scott, said: “We scrutinise every component of our products and every aspect of our operations to meet our sustainability commitments. While a mop socket on its own may seem relatively insignificant, when you consider the 20 to 30 grams of plastic per unit across the millions of mops sold each year, the environmental impact soon adds up.
“We know sustainability is a key concern in the commercial cleaning sector, both for our customers and the end-user. By making our sockets both reusable, recyclable and now biodegradable, we’re helping address this by reducing plastic waste in the sector.”
To biodegrade, the socket is simply added to a managed landfill. The polymer attracts over 600 types of microbes, allowing them to colonise the plastic and begin to break down the polymer chain by utilising its carbon backbone as an energy source.
Put simply, this creates the opportunity for microbes to utilise plastic as food and this process continues until the only remaining element is nutritional, organic soil without the creation of microplastic. Comparing this to normal untreated plastics, which can pollute the planet for anything
up to 500 years, it’s an amazing and revolutionary additive. Independent laboratory tests carried out by Eden Research Laboratory in accordance with ASTM D5511 are ongoing, a commonly recognised test method for assessing biodegradability. After the first 12 months, the sockets have already degraded by 29.6%, which is an incredible performance when compared with untreated plastics that can hang around in the environment for hundreds of years. Tests are ongoing and results will be updated regularly.
A similar technology was added to P-Wave’s Slant6 urinal screen in 2019 - the brand is now distributed by Robert Scottand laboratory tests demonstrate an 89% biodegradation in just six years. Neither technology uses oxo-degradation additive, and both comply with current UK and EU regulatory requirements.
The Exel® push-fit socket was originally designed by Robert Scott to accommodate different designs of mop handles, while preventing the chance of the mop unscrewing from an Exel® handle when being wrung out. Since its introduction in the 90’s, this innovation has helped the Robert Scott mop to become the market-leader in the UK’s commercial cleaning sector. https://www.robert-scott.co.uk/
Find out more about Robert Scott’s Exel® Mop Sockets containing BioSphere’s biodegradable additive here: https://innovation-hub.uk/ exel-biodegradable-socket and here:
https://biosphereplastic. com/partnership/robert-scott
https://vimeo. com/1172136067?fl=ip&fe=ec
Install it cheap, fix it later: The real cost of bad outdoor lighting
If you’ve been in the industry long enough, then you know how outdoor lighting can either make a project look quality, or it can expose every shortcut taken during installation.
Outdoor lighting in commercial spaces shouldn’t just be about ticking boxes on a spec sheet, and it shouldn’t be the ‘other bit’ after the indoor work is completed. What it should be is delivering something that performs, survives the elements, satisfies inspectors, and keeps clients happy long after handover.
And in today’s market, where energy costs are monitored more than ever, where compliance rules, and client expectations are all rising, lighting has become one of the most scrutinised parts of a build.
Let’s discuss the role of outdoor lighting and what really matters out there on site.
Firstly, it’s not “just” lighting. It’s liability, reputation, and repeat business.
Car parks, walkways, and building perimeters are high-risk zones, that much is obvious. Poor lighting only adds to that risk. It can lead to complaints or worse insurance claims. Something easily avoided through good lighting practice but often not given the time and attention it demands.
Guidelines from the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) or British Standards Institution (BSI)
exist for a reason. Uniformity ratios, minimum lux levels, glare control, what they are not, is theoretical numbers, they’re practical benchmarks that help protect your client (and you) from problems further down the road.
A common mistake is focusing only on average light levels. Yes, you can hit the required lux levels, but still have terrible uniformity. The result? Dark patches between poles, or glare blinding drivers pulling into a parking space.
Experience tells us that whether it be in work of personal, we don’t often make a call to compliment a job well done. It’s certainly no different when it comes to lighting projects. Clients will call when the lighting isn’t meeting the needs of the business, or worse, when it’s causing complaints. Getting it right
the first time protects more than the project, it’s protecting a contractor’s reputation.
Car parks: Performance first, problems never Whether standalone facilities, attached to a retail space or as part of a commercial office space, both indoor and outdoor car parks are a bread-and-butter application.
In the times of metal halide, long warm-up times, frequent lamp replacements and inconsistent colour was the norm. The introduction of LED changed that. Clients don’t just want, they expect, instant-on, low maintenance, and lower energy bills as standard.
Within cities the lighting regulations become even stricter, and for good reason. Considering light trespass and skyglow isn’t optional anymore, shielding and
optical control matter.
So, what does that mean for the on-site installation? Firstly, real photometric performance and not just brochure promises is a must. Then it requires solid mounting systems that don’t wobble in high wind, and reliable drivers that won’t fail in two summers (assuming we of course get a summer in the UK!). Then, there’s clear wiring access that doesn’t turn the installation into a game of Rubik’s Cube
A good car park luminaire might cost more upfront, but if it saves three call-backs over five years, it’s fair to say it was the more costeffective option all along.
Façade lighting: Where design meets reality
Architects love striking renderings. From sharp uplighting to perfect wall grazing, and those all-important clean shadow lines. It’s these renderings that inspire and start to bring a client’s vision to life.
Then the time comes to install on site and the reality of the façade hits hard. The walls aren’t perfectly flat, the surfaces vary, the conduit is going to need hiding and weatherproofing is critical. Suddenly what looked straightforward on paper now demands careful coordination and practical adjustment on site. Look at landmark structures like the Burj Khalifa. Obviously, most of us aren’t lighting the tallest building in the world but the principle still holds. Whether it’s the Burj Khalifa or a modest brick distribution unit on a business park, the rule doesn’t change. Façade lighting should enhance form, control glare, and perform reliably in real world conditions. And with that in mind the key questions are always the
same no matter the structure. Can the fixture be adjusted enough to compensate for construction tolerances and can it handle potential heat buildup if it’s being recessed? And a common concern, is the inground recessed uplighting the façade outdoor rated, i.e. is the ingress protection genuine?
Façade lighting requires a thought process that IP and IK ratings aren’t just a specsheet filler. In harsh climates, they can be the difference between a five-year solution and a two-year headache. And the difference between a job well done (even if you don’t get the compliment) or a call back to fix the problem whilst your cash and reputation go down the drain.
Walkways and Public Areas: Where comfort beats brightness
More isn’t always better. Yes, we said it. And where that really rings true is how we now think about brightness. Harsh, high-CCT lighting (5000K and above) can make a retail plaza feel sterile. Warmer tones, around 3000K, often create a more welcoming feel, especially in hospitality or mixed-use developments.
Projects where the client has insisted on “the brightest option available” often becomes the reason they’re asking for dimming because their customers have complained about glare.
The International DarkSky Association (IDA) has pushed for smarter, more controlled lighting. And this is something contractors can benefit from. Better optics or considering glare control accessories will mean less wasted light, fewer complaints from neighbouring properties and lower installed wattage. That’s a win across the board.
Smart controls: Essential infrastructure or an excessive add-on?
A hot topic - let’s talk about controls. Motion sensors. Dimming schedules. Remote monitoring systems. Some love them, others roll their eyes but are they worth it? Yes, when they’re planned properly from day one, but if they’re bolted on late in the project, they become complicated fast.
For large campuses or logistics hubs, centralised management can be a major advantage. For example, it can help to spot outages remotely
instead of waiting for someone to notice a dark pole. What does that look like on site? Well firstly, if the commissioning is rushed or documentation is poor then controls become the first thing that is blamed when something goes wrong.
To avoid this there’s some key activities a contractor should undertake before and during the commissioning. It’s obvious to say, but coordinating early with controls suppliers as well as confirming compatibility between a drivers and systems can save a few blushes right away. Ensuring clear labelling and documentation post install and commissioning will also mean the client has clear information should they need it (it’s also the sign of a professional job done, once again helping a contractor’s reputation).
To summarise, smart lighting isn’t just about energy savings, it’s also keeping it simple and avoiding future service confusion.
Sustainability: Part of the conversation from day one
Like it or not, sustainability conversations are part of almost every commercial project now.
In the UK, frameworks such as BREEAM have significantly shaped how developers approach lighting, particularly on projects targeting high environmental ratings. From a contractor’s point of view, sustainability often translates to lower wattage fixtures, better optical control, reduced light spill and of course longer lifespan products.
LED has already handled the big energy reductions so it’s now about refinement. In short, lighting only what is needed, as much as needed and through smart controls only when its needed.
In practical terms, energyefficient installations often mean smaller electrical loads, reducing infrastructure requirements upstream, which can simplify aspects of the build. The obvious advantage of course being lower energy bills after handover, but even more so it can result in a more efficient electrical design from the outset often with tangible savings and fewer complications during the build.
Durability: The Real-World test
A spec sheet looks great in the office, but outdoor lighting lives outside in the real world. Heat, rain, dust, coastal corrosion and even vibration can quickly show up poor quality.
A die-cast aluminium body with a proper coating system will outlast cheaper stamped housings. And proper gasketing matters, surge protection matters (especially in stormprone regions), in short there’s a lot more to consider than just the specification sheet data.
The IES may define lighting performance, but long-term durability often comes down to contractor experience and product choice. If you’ve ever had to replace multiple failed drivers in a shopping centre two years after handover, you know how quickly margins disappear. It’s critical that a mix of data and experience is used to identify the right solution for a project.
Cost vs. value: The start of the conversation
When a client pushes for the cheapest fixture option, that’s the moment to explain lifecycle cost. Energy consumption, maintenance access costs, replacement frequency, warranty coverage, in essence total cost of ownership. This conversation isn’t about the
price of a luminaire it’s about the overall picture, the long term.
A fixture that lasts 70,000 hours instead of 30,000 isn’t just a spec upgrade, its fewer service calls, fewer disruptions, and less long-term expense.
Contractors who understand lighting performance and lifecycle value stand out. The conversation shifts from installation to advisory, helping build the relationship and once again maintain reputation in a crowded market.
When the sun goes down, the work speaks for itself.
Lighting is unforgiving. It’s fully exposed and there’s nowhere to hide poor alignment, uneven spacing, or cheap hardware. Yet when it’s done well, it can transform a space or a site.
Lighting can make a commercial property or campus feel secure; it can support operations or enhance architecture creating curb appeal. Amongst all this it can quietly reduce long-term costs.
And that can be the sweet spot. Delivering an installation that looks sharp from day one but still performs years later.
Because in the end, outdoor lighting isn’t about chasing the latest trend. It’s about balancing performance, durability, compliance, and practicality. That balance doesn’t happen by accident. It comes from the right products, the right guidance, and the right support behind every specification.
At GEWISS, we work hard to make outdoor projects simpler to deliver and built to last. From initial planning through to installation and long-term performance. Whether it’s car parks, façades, walkways or large-scale commercial sites, we’re here to help you get it right, first time.
MEMBERS SPECIFY CFA
for sustainability support and advice on your flooring projects
Specifying CFA members for your flooring projects means you’ll be gaining a wealth of experience from vetted contractors with the knowledge and products to fulfil your specification with a sustainability criteria.
CFA members are part of a supply chain that includes specialist contract flooring contractors, manufacturers and distributors, all of whom promote the highest standards and expertise.
