Facilities Management Journal September 2022

VOLUME 30 | 09

SEPTEMBER 2022

Official magazine

FACILITIES MANAGEMENT JOURNAL

DELIVERING A NEW DEAL Where food forms a vital part of the wider employee experience

FM CLINIC: How the FM sector is helping to address the ongoing skills shortage

30

34

42

New ways of managing energy performance

Vinci FM’s education expertise

Preparing for every eventuality

BEMS

EDUCATION

WINTER PREP

V2 – Efficiency.

Does your office meet the new hygiene demands?

Products

Services

Elevate workplace well-being with the Tork Office Hygiene Package As you know, a facility manager’s job has never been easy. And now that cleaning quality and hygiene have become important health and safety topics, you are faced with tougher demands than ever before. This is why we offer the Tork Office Hygiene Package™ – a tailor-made selection of hand hygiene, wiping and cleaning products, services, tools and support that help you elevate workplace well-being.

Learn more at: tork.co.uk/officehygiene tork.ie/officehygiene

Tork, an Essity brand

Tools & support

FMJ.CO.UK

EDITORIAL COMMENT

this month...

kpm media Unit 1 Mill Place, Platt Business Estate, Maidstone Road, Sevenoaks, Kent TN15 8TB Tel: 01322 662289 Editor Sara Bean sara.bean@kpmmedia.co.uk Assistant Editor & Social Media Development Sarah O’Beirne sarah.obeirne@kpmmedia.co.uk Tel: 01322 476815 Director & Designer Warren Knight warren.knight@kpmmedia.co.uk Mob: 0780 1947757 Sales Director Danny Grange danny.grange@kpmmedia.co.uk Mob: 07867 418994 Business Administrator Sami Smith sami@kpmmedia.co.uk Accounts Trish Boakes accounts@kpmmedia.co.uk Group CEO Nigel Copp nigel.copp@kpmgroup.co.uk Editorial steering committee

Alan Hutchinson, Facilities Director, Howard Kennedy LLP Charles Siddons, Head of Operations, NHS Property Services

Darren Miller, NBCUniversal, VP for International Workplace, Facilities & Real Estate Ian Wade, Head of UK Estates, British Medical Association Lucy Hind, Senior FM Lecturer, Leeds Beckett University Marie Johnson, Head of Workplace & Wellbeing, Nominet Russell Wood, Facilities Manager at Dentsu Aegis Network

Russell Burnaby, Head of FM, Regeneration and Environment, Brent Council Simon Francis, Principal Lead, Estates and Masterplanning, ZSL Simone Fenton-Jarvis, Workplace Consultancy Director at Relogix Stephen Bursi, Facilities Lead, BAE Systems Stephen Vagg, Head of Estates and Strategy, National Express Group PLC Vicky Thorp, Head of Facilities Management, CLSH Management

SUPPORTED BY Total Average Net Circulation 10,682 July 2021 to June 2022 kpm media adopts a sustainable policy of using paper from managed forests. Printed in the UK by The Gemini Print Group www.gemini-print.co.uk

© Copyright 2022 kpm media

The publisher does not necessarily agree with the views and opinions expressed by contributors. No material may be reproduced in part or whole without written permission from the editor. Editorial contributions are accepted on an all-rights basis only. Letters to the editor may be published in their entirety or in edited form and remain the property of kpm media. While due care is taken to ensure the accuracy of information contained in this magazine, the publishers cannot be held responsible for any errors in editorial articles or advertisements. Subscriptions are available to non-qualifying and overseas readers at £120 p.a. (UK), £160 p.a. (EU countries) and £240 p.a. (overseas-other).

comment

It’s been a long hot summer. Employers have tussled with the challenge of ensuring workers’ safety and comfort amid unprecedented temperatures, and as we enter the Autumn, are faced with the dilemma of maintaining HVAC in buildings in as sustainable way as possible. All during the greatest energy crisis of a generation.

On page 30 we provide some guidance; focusing on the role of the modern Building Energy Management System (BEMS) in helping to create the best possible working environment and crucially, reducing energy consumption to help organisations cope with rising fuel bills and meet sustainability goals.

Another difficulty has been in maintaining workplaces which are still being under-utilised. Wherever people are based there remains a need to ensure employee wellbeing by providing a nurturing environment. As the feature on page 38 explains, the solution is to bring the best of home into the office and adopt the latest tech solutions to support those working in both the virtual and physical workplace.

Given it’s the September issue we’re celebrating the beginning of the new school year, with an exclusive report (page 34) from Adele Cooper, Sector Director for Education at VINCI Facilities. She explains how VINCI is supporting the educational community by delivering educational assets that not only add value but serve as an excellent example of the contribution FM can make to supporting Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles.

This includes fielding specialist advisors in the use of energy, power and water who work with schools and their FM teams to monitor behaviours and recommend changes for more effective and efficient usage. With this approach they can ensure educational providers enter the new school year feeling fully informed on ways to cut emissions and save money at the same time.

As always, we’d welcome your feedback about any aspect of the magazine, together with your insight into what’s happening in the FM sector.

sara.bean@kpmmedia.co.uk

Find your next role with the FMJ Jobboard Visit jobs.fmj.co.uk for hundreds of roles in FM and associated industries

FACILITIES MANAGEMENT JOURNAL

JOBS

jobs.fmj.co.uk

SEPTEMBER 2022

3

seaward.com

3

PASS

3

Export & Print using PATMobile

Tested, Trusted...

Worldwide.

S ow iO io n n

vers ble availa

The PrimeTest range is the solution across the world for simple, efficient appliance testing.

• Straightforward, easy to use operation with clear onscreen Pass/Fail indication.

• Fully compliant with the 5th edition of the IET Code of Practice.

• Plus they link seamlessly with our FREE PATMobile App for paperless record keeping, for even more convenience.

Find out more about the PrimeTest at seaward.com/FMJ08 or call +44 (0) 191 587 8736 to speak to a specialist.

FMJ.CO.UK

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter @FMJtoday

CONTENTS

THIS MONTH...

NEWS & ANALYSIS

FEATURES

EDUCATION

34

To help ensure school facilities are up to date and fully functioning - focus on sustainability, reducing carbon and compliance, says Adele Cooper, Sector Director for Education at VINCI Facilities.

FMJ NEWS

06

This month’s summary of everything that has hit the headlines in the FM sector.

ASSOCIATION NEWS

08

24 38

WELLBEING

The latest news and views from CIBSE and IWFM.

CASE STUDY

24

ADVICE AND OPINION

When PwC reimagined its longstanding ‘Deal’ with employees in 2021, it marked a major step-change in its corporate and organisational behaviour. Piers Zangana explores the role of catering and FM in delivering a new employee value proposition.

BEMS

OPINION

10

10 30 32

Localz conducted an exclusive survey with FMJ among in-house FMs and independent consultants to share their experiences with repairs and service appointments.

COMMENT

Air quality and energy management have never been more important. Ross Baxter, Partner Sales Leader at Trend, explains how a modern BEMS can offer potential solutions.

Karl Cundill of LitmusFM on how businesses can manage their energy performance and transform the way their facilities are managed.

12 14

FAST FACTS

16

Cleo Cosens and Antonio Carvalho of Pulse Systems explain how leveraging the power of automation is revolutionising the life safety industry.

BLOG & SOCIAL MEDIA

18

George Adams, Director of Energy and Engineering at SPIE UK on how the built environment can help deliver on the promises made at COP26.

FM CLINIC

20

What can the FM sector do to address the ongoing skills shortage and ensure both the wellbeing and performance of staff?

WINTER PREP

42

Winter maintenance should be an all-yearround job says Jonathan Sharpe of OUTCO, which is why September is a good time to prepare for every eventuality.

Daniel Took from Kärcher UK discusses why stopping dirt entering buildings is the most cost-effective way of maintaining both building exteriors and interiors this winter.

44

SUSTAINABILITY

46

MIFM

48

56

COMPLIANCE ECA experts discuss how the new Building and Wiring Regulations are enabling the transition to net zero.

40

Kieran King of SFMI & Acclaro Advisory on how to close the gap in building life-cycle emissions, where FM Scope 3 is currently excluded.

FM CAREERS

When it comes to supporting the circular economy, we need to go beyond the three-step ‘Reduce, Reuse, Recycle’ maxim and embrace the 10 R’s, says Rachel Houghton of Business Moves Group.

Sam Rylands, Head of Marketing at Durable UK, explains why FMs need to combine the advantages of working at home with those of the office, to enhance employee wellbeing.

There are a number of ways you can support new ways of working for a healthier, happier workforce says Richard Harris of Okappy.

PEOPLE

55

Find out who’s moving where in the facilities management profession.

RECRUITMENT

56

What more can UK companies do to attract and retain talent and as workspace designers, what can we do to help? asks Emma Morley of Trifle*.

TRAINING

57

Ruth Williams of Astutis explains how environmental training can help organisations deliver an eco-blueprint to drive a more sustainable future.

CAREERS NEWS

58

A brief roundup of the latest careers news in the facilities management sector.

New product and service launches and company news from the FM industry.

Next Edition In the October issue, we discover how Zurich, CBRE and Corps Security have forged a holistic and integrated facilities management approach to help deliver a win-win-win partnership. We learn how FM software is increasingly being designed to offer users better integration and visualisation. In our lighting focus we discover how sophisticated lighting management controls can record everything from movement to noise and air quality using sensors that can also ensure FMs aren’t wasting energy in unoccupied areas. Our cyber security update describes ways of ensuring the security controls of an IoT solution are programmed correctly to keep data and systems protected. And as October dawns we hear from the FM sector on plans to support staff through the energy crisis.

sara.bean@kpmmedia.co.uk To register for your free copy of FMJ visit fmj.co.uk SEPTEMBER 2022

5

NEWS & ANALYSIS

FMJ.CO.UK

LEGAL VIEW WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CANCELLING AND TERMINATING A CONTRACT? Katarina Morgan, Solicitor at Taylor Walton In May, the Home Office said it had ‘cancelled’ a Border Force contract with P&O after the ferry operator sacked nearly 800 employees. Usually, once signed, a contract becomes legally binding, and all parties will be obligated to perform according to the contractual terms and conditions. But in business, such matters are rarely this straightforward, and when things go wrong, an inherent awareness of exit strategies will be vital.

What are the options?

After a contract has been agreed if one party within the transaction believes the contract isn’t being properly upheld by their opposite party, they will have a tricky decision to make about how best to remedy that situation. In essence, they can look to either: · Terminate the contract · Rescind the contract · Affirm the contract Terminating a contract effectively means that it will have ‘ended’. It will be as if the contract’s purpose has been fulfilled.

In order to terminate a contract, those involved must have met the obligations outlined within the contract (such as confidentiality clauses or restrictive covenants).

However, when a contract is ‘rescinded’ it is set aside entirely, as if it never existed. This removes both parties’ obligations to fulfil it, whilst returning them to the positions they each held before the contract was agreed upon.

Rescission is an equitable resolution against a contractual partner who has committed a repudiatory breach, such as failing or refusing to perform fundamental terms, usually through misrepresentation or mistake. But it’s only a viable option if the contract has not first been ‘affirmed’.

‘Affirming’ a contract refers to when the innocent party persists with their contractual duties even after a repudiatory breach has become evident. Generally done when the aggrieved entity wants to claim damages as a result of said breach.

Upon the occurrence of a breach, the wronged party can either look to rescind the contract, or they could carry on undertaking their contractual duties (thus affirming it) and claim damages instead. The unique circumstances of the situation and those involved will usually dictate which is the better resolution.

What are the challenges?

Rescission is not something that will be initiated by a Court.

It must be undertaken by either of the contractual parties. But should the matter become subject to litigation, the Court will ultimately decide whether rescission is legally valid.

If the Court does believe that a contract has been previously affirmed, rescission will not be granted. The same will be true in the event that a third party has acquired rights to any property subject to the rescission, or if either signatory cannot be restored to their pre-contractual status.

Because rescinding effectively renders a contract ‘nonexistent’, and once initiated, cannot be undone, the innocent party should closely analyse the unique circumstances of the case first before judging which remedial action will give them a better overall outcome. For example, would the return of valuable property be more fruitful than any damages they could potentially claim?

For a contract to be rescinded, both parties must be returned to the position they were in before the contract was agreed upon.

In some instances, this can be challenging due to the nature of the business, or when any property involved has been destroyed or substantially altered to meet the need of the contract.

Any move to rescind should always be taken promptly. Any delay in doing so could allow the opposing party the opportunity to argue that affirmation has already taken place and the chance to rescind will have been missed.

6

SEPTEMBER 2022

HYBRID WORK IS HERE TO STAY, BUT THE OFFICE REMAINS CRITICAL TO BUSINESS OPERATIONS The office is critical to doing business, says three quarters (72 per cent) of decision makers, despite the fact that hybrid work will become the dominant model, according to JLL’s global Future of Work Survey. The report also predicts that organisations will be looking across their real estate portfolios to rethink their office spaces, invest in new technology and prioritise sustainability.

“The next three years will prove to be an inflection point for real estate as businesses plot their future path and rethink the purpose of their portfolio,” said Dr. Marie Puybaraud, Global Head of Research, JLL Work Dynamics. “The changes accelerated by the pandemic represent an opportunity to pause, think about a long-term real estate strategy and how it aligns with future business priorities.”

The mass adoption of hybrid work will have a lasting impact, with 77 per cent of CRE leaders agreeing that offering remote or hybrid working will be critical to attracting and retaining talent in the future. As the trend toward dynamic working continues, successfully operationalising hybrid working will be the most important strategic priority for commercial real estate (CRE) executives over the next three years. This includes exploring flexible space options, with 43 per cent of companies planning to accelerate investment in flexible space between now and 2025, and 51 per cent saying they will lease flexible space through a third-party provider.

Forty-five per cent of organisations consider collaboration to be one of the primary purposes of office space and 73 per cent have planned or are planning to make all office spaces open and collaborative, with no dedicated desk spaces. Many companies are also investing in spaces that support new workforce priorities around health and wellbeing. www.us.jll.com/en/trends-and-insights/research/jll-future-of-work-survey-2022

NET ZERO STRATEGIES: BESA SAYS INDUSTRY MUST TAKE A CIRCULAR ROUTE According to the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA), the circular economy could play a crucial role in helping the building services sector develop more effective net zero strategies.

Following a new report from the UK Green Building Council (UKGBC), the Association pointed out that adopting more reusable materials and cutting waste could also go some way towards tackling the immediate problem of rapidly rising costs and supply shortages.

The UKGBC’s study, ‘How Circular Economy Principles can impact carbon and value‘ explains how ‘circularity’ can help the industry reduce lifecycle carbon in buildings. It concludes that many of the principles are already in use, such as the reuse of steel and other building structures to save embodied carbon, and these could be adopted more widely.

However, there is a sizeable ‘knowledge gap’ and a general failure to consistently measure whole life carbon and circularity that inhibits uptake of more efficient processes. BESA said this could be addressed if the sector had access to a common methodology and better technology for assessing the impact of the circular approach across building supply chains.

The UKGBC report found that as much as 50 per cent of lifecycle carbon emissions from buildings come from embodied sources such as the manufacturing of materials and construction processes. It added that the benefits of circularity can extend beyond carbon, to several organisational, social, environmental, and financial areas.

BESA said that, ultimately, the most carbon friendly approach is to not build at all and to reuse or refurbish wherever possible. For example, it pointed out that there were already more than 600,000 empty buildings in the UK that could be repurposed.

FMJ.CO.UK

Occupiers are expanding their footprint in Central London office market

MPS TO COMMENCE DATES FOR THE

INQUIRY INTO 16-18

FM DIARY

CLEANING AND HYGIENE

DURING COVID Following an unprecedented downturn in activity as a result of the pandemic, the Central London Office leasing market is now seeing occupiers expanding their footprint at record levels, according to the latest research from CBRE. Central London office take-up reached 12.7m sq ft for the 12-months to the end of Q2 2022, an increase of 153 per cent when compared to the same period last year and five per cent above the 10-year average, says the global real estate advisor.

CBRE’s data shows that for the 12 months to the end of Q2 2022, 43 deals completed at 100 per cent positive net absorption, equating to 2.3m sq ft.

This is the highest level recorded for any 12-month period over the last eight years, demonstrating that expansion is still a priority for occupiers despite longterm changes in working practices.

The analysis also shows that for units over 20,000 sq ft, 68 deals were lease driven in the 12-month period between Q3 2021 and Q2 2022. Of these, 39 occupiers took more space than they previously occupied, showing that more occupiers are growing than contracting.

This increase in activity has been broad-based across the Central London market however at a submarket level, the West End has seen one of the swiftest recoveries across the major European office markets.

NEWS & ANALYSIS

MAY 2023

www.facilitiesshow.com

18-20 SEPTEMBER 2022

The Flooring Show Harrogate Convention Centre, Harrogate www.theflooringshow.com

22 SEPTEMBER 2022 Circular Lighting Live Cavendish Centre London https://circularlighting.live/

27-28 SEPTEMBER 2022 International Security Expo Olympia, London www.internationalsecurityexpo.com

04-05 OCTOBER 2022

O

n 6 September the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for the Cleaning and Hygiene Industry will commence the much-needed review, entitled ‘Embedding Effective Hygiene for a Resilient UK’, with the aim of producing a report with policy recommendations which will feed into the national UK COVID-19 Inquiry.

The APPG, which comprises 53 MPs and two Members of the House of Lords, is being supported by the industry body for the entire sector and APPG secretariat, the British Cleaning Council (BCC) and the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH).

The inquiry will examine what was successful and what was not from the national approach to cleaning and hygiene during the pandemic to ensure lessons can be learnt. These will be taken forward to increase disease resilience to current common infections and help inform the UK’s response to any similar future public health emergency.

Findings will be detailed in a report published to the public, as well as being shared with the UK COVID-19 Inquiry.

The three sessions will take evidence from public health experts and many industry firms and associations. The report is expected to be followed by a roundtable event within the industry which will consider how to take forward the findings.

September 6: A public health expert in hygiene promotion and a Director of Public Health who has led on the local implementation of public health measures.

September 13: Contractors who delivered cleaning services at the time, alongside suppliers and manufacturers of cleaning and hygiene products which were very much in demand during the pandemic.

September 20: Owners and landlords of a variety of buildings who had to deliver high standards of cleaning and hygiene during the pandemic, in order to protect the public.

Healthcare Estates Conference.

Exhibition. Awards.

Manchester Central www.healthcare-estates.com

04-06 OCTOBER 2022

UK Construction Week Birmingham NEC Birmingham www.ukconstructionweek.com

12-13 OCTOBER 2022 Smart Buildings Show ExCeL, London https://smartbuildingsshow.com/

23-24 NOVEMBER 2022 EMEX: Energy Management Expo ExCeL, London www.emexlondon.com

23-24 JANUARY 2023

Facilities Management Forum Radisson Hotel & Conference Centre www.facilitiesmanagementforum.co.uk

27-28 FEBRUARY 2023 Workspace Design Show Business Design Centre, London https://workspaceshow.co.uk

SEPTEMBER 2022

7

NEWS & ANALYSIS

FMJ.CO.UK

ASSOCIATION NEWS

2022 REVIEW OF CIBSE CLIMATE ACTION PLAN C

IBSE has been active for many years in promoting policies and measures to mitigate climate change, to adapt our buildings to the changing climate, and to establish the critical link Julie Godefroy, Head of Sustainability at CIBSE between how buildings perform in operation and their carbon impact.

CIBSE has updated its Climate Action Plan, mapping current and planned activities in the areas where it considers it has a duty and the ability to act.

The Action Plan was first published in 2019 to increase efforts and included a commitment to review the plan regularly. The Summer 2022 version is the third annual update.

The plan details areas related to CIBSE as a professional institution, its premises, events and dissemination, policy research, and competence and training.

The updated plan maps current progress and identifies further action and development areas. It provides updates relating to ongoing collaboration including the CIBSE LETI net zero FAQs, providing guidance on what net zero means in practice, along with CIBSE’s involvement in a coalition of leading industry bodies to develop a UK Net Zero Carbon

Buildings Standard. This is essential to deliver outcomes which are technically robust, trusted, and have cross-industry backing.

CIBSE has started a strategic review of training offered to support the net zero agenda.

After CIBSE committed to introducing mandatory CPD on climate change and safety, the CIBSE CPD panel have now started reviewing how this could be implemented.

With a focus on clarity and providing maximum benefit to industry, CIBSE continues to assess the performance data requirements for entering the internationally recognised, Building Performance Awards. The latest version of the Awards, open for entry until 14 September (https://www.cibse. org/bpa), reflects CIBSE’s continuous review of best practice, and the industry’s progress in both building performance and producing quality data.

There are now two new embodied carbon awards, one recognising manufacturer and supplier and the other recognising consultants.

CIBSE continues to support government’s work on policy where there are opportunities, including the Future Homes Standard, operational ratings for non-domestic buildings, Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP), and various heat decarbonisation workstreams.

Since the previous version, published in August 2021, CIBSE has produced a large range of new and

updated guidance on topics including heat pumps, embodied carbon, electrification of buildings and building performance modelling.

Alongside these updates, the plan includes the following commitments:

brought closer to members; and we are devolving autonomy to our volunteer groups so they have more freedom in their activities.

There are many other project developments I could name, but the one I am fully focused on right now, is our proposition to members; how to create the best possible membership offering and working with members to shape it.

Our CEO, Linda Hausmanis, has said that COVID-19 highlighted the importance of workplace and facilities management. It also spot lit the amazing opportunities for this critical profession to make a difference to the challenges facing businesses today, such as: contributing to organisational sustainability; optimising and connecting smart spaces; enabling and enhancing worker and customer experience.

To truly seize this moment, IWFM has to ensure it’s equipping members with everything they need to play their part. Therefore, we launched a member engagement and consultation exercise to make sure our revised membership offer is the best it can be.

This exercise, which we’re steering in

partnership with Members’ Council and carrying out in collaboration with our regional volunteer groups, includes regional focus groups, one-toone meetings, telephone interviews, volunteer group sessions, and surveys at IWFM Conference.

Through the assortment of events and media, we have been engaging with members to understand how we can best equip, support, and inspire them to realise their potential for transforming organisations and enhancing experience. At the same time, we’ve also sought their views on attracting new talent into the sector and optimising our targeted support to professionals at every step of their career journey.

To quote IWFM Chair Mark Whittaker, “The positive impact of IWFM’s ‘community’ of professionals should never be underestimated.”

We have seen this throughout the project’s many strands; soon the sector, will see it too, when we emerge with the enhanced, memberinformed offer.

CIBSE has contributed and signed up to the cross-industry climate action plan and coordinating workstream 7 on in-use performance Increase awareness of the CIBSE Code of Conduct – for example, the promotion of Guide L Regular reporting on zero carbon agenda in CIBSE Journal, blog, newsletter, and website, and at events and online webinars Continuing to work with the Royal Institute of British Architects to align sustainability criteria in CIBSE awards to enable them to feed into benchmark database New knowledge transfer partnership to update CIBSE weather files Commitment to review our corporate grade entry criteria and how they could better incorporate climate change competence.

The third revision of the plan is available for free download from the CIBSE website: https://bit.ly/3ekE4zC Find out more about the work that CIBSE does around Net Zero via https://bit.ly/3B83nxw

WORKING WITH MEMBERS, FOR MEMBERS

I

WFM is committed to bringing our members closer to the Institute and its decision-making, but as we all know, actions speak louder than words. This is why Jonathan Nobbs, IWFM Director of Membership & Partnerships we are working with members on a wide-ranging, many-branched project to ensure we turn that commitment into a reality. Professional bodies play a key role in society and, as a relative newcomer to IWFM, I’m determined that by working together we can optimise its impact.

Through a collaborative approach between IWFM staff, volunteers (members who give their time to engage and support the profession via regional and special interest groups) and independent experts, the project has reshaped IWFM’s governance. A Members’ Council representative now sits on the IWFM Board, giving active members a voice in decision-making; strategy development and delivery has been 8

SEPTEMBER 2022

If only weekly smoke control checks could be this easy.

With Colt, they are.

Weekly operational tests are part of the requirements of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and BS 9999, which defines the rules for smoke control systems. Fortunately, Colt has been at the forefront of smoke control research and development, system design and installation since the early 1950s and is uniquely qualified to help you stay on the right side of the law.

A Colt service contract will keep you legal.

Only Colt has the depth of experience, the expertise and the national coverage to mitigate this weighty responsibility.

Our consultants are fully conversant with all smoke control systems, whether designed by Colt or other manufacturers.

Mobility is key to Colt’s ability to reach you in a timely manner, anywhere in the UK.

They undergo regular training sessions to ensure that their knowledge of new products, systems and the ever-changing regulatory landscape is always up to date.

If you do not have an on-site maintenance team that can carry out this work for you, we have the qualified engineers to ensure that your system will work as expected in case of a real emergency.

Colt is the UK’s first company to be awarded certification to both IFC SDI 19 and SDI 05. Put us to the test.

To find out more or organise a survey, visit us at: coltinfo.co.uk/service-maintenance.html call us on 02392 491735 or email service@uk.coltgroup.com

Our engineers will always assess componants for re-use or possible repair, before they recommend replacement.

Service

Choose Colt

Expertise built on experience.

ADVICE & OPINION

OPINION

LOST OPPORTUNITIES Missed appointments not only lead to frustration on the part of customers and mobile operatives but also add extra costs for FMs as a recent poll Localz carried out with FMJ reveals

Provide location tracking and accurate ETAs. Few people have time to wait around all day for an operative to arrive during a vague four-hour window. In fact, research from Localz shows that 71 per cent of people feel physical and emotional disturbance around scheduled appointments (and seven per cent are even afraid to use the toilet due to the anxiety of waiting!). Offering smaller and more accurate ETA windows along with operative location tracking gives customers the freedom to go about their day.

Lean into automation. Operatives shouldn’t have to send manual location updates. Use geolocation to trigger reminders and ETA updates, or set up texts that send automatically before an appointment.

Use online portals. Customers want flexibility, transparency, and direct communication, so give them the option to request and reschedule appointments online at their convenience. This will decrease no-access rates while improving first-time fix rates.

SIX CUSTOMER PORTAL BENEFITS Here are six key benefits of using web portals and app-based portals to enable proactive customer communication:

A

n average missed appointment costs between £50 - £100, so to get a better understanding of the impact and gain insight into preventative measures, Localz conducted an exclusive survey with FMJ. Around 100 providers, ranging from in-house FMs to independent consultants shared their experiences with repairs and service appointments.

Facility managers are dealing with a backlog of repairs and service appointments, and to get back to baseline (and, eventually, ahead), completing jobs on time is crucial. Improving first-time fix rates and decreasing no-access appointments is critical.

Despite this almost a quarter of respondents report that 10-25 per cent of their appointments are missed. More than half (56 per cent) of respondents manage more than 10 facilities/properties — and across that many sites, backlogs can add up quickly.

CAUSES OF MISSED APPOINTMENTS There are numerous reasons why customers are missing appointments but communication gaps are the leading cause.

According to our survey, most missed appointments boil down to customers not being home or not being aware the appointment was happening (31 per cent), and human error (33 per cent). Meanwhile, only nine per cent of missed appointments are the result of operatives not having the right tools.

Of course, many of these factors are avoidable with proper communication. We asked respondents what communication options they offer once customers book a service appointment: » 42 per cent of customers can receive text reminders

10

SEPTEMBER 2022

about their appointment. » 32 per cent can get location updates and ETAs for their operative. » 31 per cent can reschedule appointments online. » 28 per cent can request appointments online.

Lack of communication between FMs and customers comes with a high impact. Missed appointments are shown to lead to lower customer satisfaction, lower customer lifetime value (CLV), and poor reviews.

On the operations side, missed appointments often result in frustrated staff, lower efficiency, and higher turnover.

If those consequences weren’t enough, there’s also profit loss. While nearly half of respondents report that each missed appointment costs them £50 or less, not everyone is so lucky — about 20 per cent say they cost £76-100, and 22 per cent say they cost £100 or more.

Let’s break that down: Even if you serve only 500 appointments per month, if you’re missing even 10 per cent of them, and they cost between £50 and £100 each, you’re spending an additional £2,500 to £5,000 per month. That’s £30,000 to £60,000 per year in losses from missed appointments.

PROACTIVE COMMUNICATION Proactive communication can address many of the root issues of missed appointments. There are a number of ways to better your rapport with customers.

Send reminder texts. Customers tend to pay more attention to texts than emails, and SMS is a simple way to ensure customers are aware of their appointment time and can plan to be home.

» Self-service opportunities. 81 per cent of customers will look to solve an issue on their own before reaching out to a customer service agent. Additionally, as very few field service call centres are open 24/7, self-service options allow customers to find answers on their own schedule. » Personalisation opportunities. With a customer portal, all information from previous appointments — such as model numbers, warranties, and date of last service — can be stored in one place and used to curate a personalised customer experience. » Reduced inbound call volume. When customers can easily find their appointment details and make changes on their own, they’re less likely to get in touch with the call centre. » Better communication. Customer portals provide opportunities for easy communication between customers and technicians, which makes for a smoother appointment experience. » Happier customers. A portal that offers visibility, transparency, and personalisation can increase customer satisfaction and help you build brand loyalty. » Cost savings. While setting up a portal does have some associated costs, the cost savings of fewer calls coming into the call centre, fewer no-access appointments, and improved first-time fix rates can more than compensate.

Fortunately, getting up to speed doesn’t need to be costly or difficult. Offering customers better communication options can reduce no-access appointments, increase first-time fix rates, and result in better customer satisfaction.

Smart Access Management for today’s hybrid working The way people use office premises has changed. Altered work patterns make day-to-day demand much harder to predict and control. Owners and tenants need a simple, intelligent way to manage the movement of employees, visitors, and contractors in and out of the building.

Let SAM, our Smart Access Management system, be your ‘Digital Doorman’.

SAM gives facilities teams total visibility into every visitor, employee, and contractor for remote or physical controls, checks and authorisation enforcement. Intelligent, contactless sign in makes authorisation safe, reliable and helps create a positive, welcoming visitor experience. And real-time updates assure premises managers of continuous compliance by constantly informing them who exactly is in the building, their purpose and who is responsible for them.

Delivering assurance. Inspiring confidence.

Contact us now to find out more about how our Smart Access Solution can be built to suit your specific business needs.

Email: SAM@pb.com Phone: 02045 792 428 or visit: www.pitneybowes.co.uk/SAM

ADVICE & OPINION

COMMENT

THE CIRCLE OF LIFE From a resource efficiency perspective we all need to go beyond the three-step ‘Reduce, Reuse, Recycle’ maxim and embrace the 10 R’s explains Rachel Houghton, Managing Director at Business Moves Group

and a six-person bench desk 228 (kgCO2e). So, refurbishing and reusing is a great way to reduce carbon emissions.

If you don’t need to reuse certain items of furniture, there are plenty of businesses that will be happy buyers. We recently supported a major food brand with an off ice relocation in London. We sold enough excess furniture that the overall cost of the project was reduced by 50 per cent. On all of our work in 2021, we sold 10,000 items on behalf of clients.

An alternative to selling is donating. We partner with Business2Schools and donate unwanted off ice furniture to schools throughout the UK on behalf of our clients.

RECYCLE AND RECOVER

W

e’re all familiar with the maxim ‘Reduce, Reuse, Recycle’. However, as sustainability issues impel business leaders to confront their environmental impact, we all need to go beyond this three-step maxim. That means working towards a circular economy, which can be done through the 10 R’s.

They are: 1. Refuse 2. Rethink 3. Reduce 4. Reuse 5. Repair

6. Refurbish 7. Remanufacture 8. Repurpose 9. Recycle 10. Recover

This list provides guidance for cutting down on waste and can be used on a personal level, all the way up to large companies. The key is to go beyond thinking of sending waste to landfill as a last resort – it shouldn’t even be a consideration. Recycling should be the last resort but there is plenty that can be done before then to cut down on waste.

One area that offers a huge opportunity for businesses to cut waste is off ice furniture and equipment.

SUSTAINABLE FURNITURE MANAGEMENT According to Mace’s Workplace Survey Report 2021, around three quarters of respondents intend

12

SEPTEMBER 2022

to make upgrades to their workplaces in the next two years. From creating more welcoming, open environments which are conducive for group work to promoting physical and mental wellbeing, the way space is used is changing. On top of this, plenty of organisations may be looking to relocate.

It’s highly likely that most workplace change projects will involve furniture. So, those in charge need to address the 10 R’s and identify how they can lessen their environmental impact.

Top of the list is refuse and rethink. Do you really need that extra table, or those 10 new chairs? The best way to answer these questions is to conduct a furniture audit. Catalogue every item, note locations and condition, and include photographs.

Right off the bat you might realise that another one of your sites has perfectly good furniture that is not being used.

It may be that some furniture is a bit worn and not the right fit for a newly designed workplace.

However, there are plenty of companies out there that can refurbish furniture so that it looks as good as new. This avoids buying new furniture and is often cheaper too, providing businesses with cost savings on the project.

Furthermore, existing furniture has already expended its embodied carbon – the emissions created in sourcing materials, making the item and transporting it. The average off ice chair has an estimated carbon footprint of 72 (kgCO2e)

When an item has reached the end of its life cycle, we need to look at recycling. Even here it’s important to make a conscious decision by choosing a recycling firm that will recover all of the resources from an item and report back on where those resources have gone.

The average off ice chair contains metal, plastic, textiles, foam and fillings. Each of those materials will need to be broken down, sorted and sent on to its respective destination. Being able to report back on this to senior management will support CSR initiatives and is also important for customer communications. Customers are becoming increasingly discerning when choosing which companies to buy from – evidencing sustainability work is a powerful tool.

In 2021, we managed 1,251 tonnes of waste and diverted an average of 98.6 per cent from landfill.

That means that in many projects we diverted 100 per cent, and in 2022 we’re aiming to ger our average even higher.

A CHANGE OF MINDSET Meaningful results will come from a change in mindset. Any workplace change project should be approached with the goal of sending nothing to landfill and only recycling when all other options have been exhausted.

Think beyond the 10 R’s when it comes to furniture. Try to avoid making rash decisions based on the ever-changing employee preferences towards the workplace. A table you might not have use for now might be needed in three months. Can you store it on site, or pay for warehouse storage for a short time?

The cost of storage will likely be less than having to buy new items and is again a more sustainable option. Of course, you don’t want to have items in storage indefinitely so set yourself a timescale for the project and that will help determine how long you might need storage for.

The circular economy is so critical to future sustainability, and any business that uses furniture has a part to play.

Your fire or smoke dampers can get you into trouble.

That’s why you need Kingspan Light + Air. While the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 dictates that smoke control systems must be maintained in good working order, the responsibility of ensuring this is effectively achieved can be daunting. Partnering with Kingspan Light + Air will bring you peace of mind and prove your best choice.

The Regulatory Reform Order lays down strict criteria for fi re safety systems in your building. BS 9999 sets out a best practice framework to satisfy these: ‘All fi re dampers should be tested by a competent person at regular intervals not exceeding one year and should be repaired or replaced immediately if found to be faulty. Spring-operated fi re dampers should be tested annually and fi re dampers situated in dust-laden and similar atmospheres should be tested much more frequently, at periods suited to the degree of pollution.’

One call to Kingspan Light + Air will spare you all this We will look over existing damper maintenance provisions and review all your maintenance processes.

Proper, preventative, pre-emptive service work, undertaken by our qualified specialists, will not only ensure that BS 9999 standards are met in full but can offer considerable savings in time and money. We will conduct the following procedures to ensure that successful and legally compliant damper maintenance is carried out.

Survey and Plan Our engineers will survey the site, locating and verifying your dampers, to get a clear picture of the scale of the operation and an idea of the existing maintenance schedule.

Service and Report We will check each damper individually, ascertaining the current operational status of your systems and all the HVAC controls on-site.

Repair and Replace We will consider which dampers to repair and which to replace, creating a cost-effective strategy for moving forward, without obstructing your day-today operations.

Assist with Asset Register On completion of the damper review process, we will assist in the completion of all asset registers, including the location, specification and maintenance history for all dampers covered by the service contract.

Kingspan Light + Air Mellyn Mair Business Centre, Lamby Industrial Park, Wentloog Avenue, Cardiff CF3 2EX T: +44 (0) 29 2077 6160 Email us by visiting: www.kingspan.com/gb/en/contact-us/ www.kingspan.com/gb/en/services/smoke-fi re-damper-maintenance/

4101.22 Kingspan Light+Air A4.indd 2

10/08/2022 15:50

ADVICE & OPINION

COMPLIANCE

BUILDING REGULATIONS ADD TO NET ZERO DRIVE ECA technical experts Luke Osborne, ECA Energy & Emerging Technologies Solutions Advisor, and Shahid Khan, ECA Technical Manager discuss how new Building and Wiring Regulations are enabling the transition to net zero

A

s low-carbon technology and energy efficiency take centre-stage in the UK’s energy strategy, commercial opportunities are booming. It’s also a time for electrotechnical designers and installers to consider how to win these opportunies and future-proof their skills and their businesses.

Many factors have set the stage for a low-carbon future. First, ECA Members are reporting growing interest from clients in energy efficient or renewable low-carbon solutions such as solar PV, EV charging, battery storage, heatpumps and smart control systems.

Second, energy prices have reached worrying levels. This affects every commercial, public sector and domestic customer in the land.

Local authorities and social landlords have a responsibility (as stated in the BEIS document, Domestic private rented property: minimum energy efficiency standard - landlord guidance) to ensure their properties are energy efficient and help protect their tenants from fuel poverty.

Third, the UK and other governments are now looking to remove national dependence on fossil fuels, which in the context of UK buildings and infrastructure mostly means moving away from gas, but also has implications for traditional measures such as diesel standby generation.

Avoiding fossil fuel dependency

Part S- This mandates the installation of electric vehicle chargepoints and, where required, cable routes for future expansion.

Part L- Conservation of fuel and power. Along with part S, this document brings extra opportunities for electrical and engineering services businesses.

It focuses on ensuring the fabric of a building and its energy usage are highly efficient.

The methods used to calculate this account for CO2 emission rates, fabric efficiency rates, as well as primary energy rates.

Part L also mandates that new solar PV panels be installed on new buildings, and it includes considerations for onsite energy storage.

While heatpumps have not yet been mandated, heating systems must be designed and installed to be ‘heatpump ready’, with a maximum flow temperature of 55C. Building automation and control systems (BACS) are highlighted in guidance notes for both dwellings and non-dwellings.

These already significant changes will be boosted by the Future Buildings Standards, expected in 2025, so installers may want to understand and engage with these new requirements sooner rather than later.

In addition, Amendment 2 to BS7671 has just introduced its landmark Chapter 82: The Energy Prosumer. This further highlights the options and configurations available for newly-built and retrofitted buildings, including on-site generation, energy storage and smart grid interaction systems.

All the above show both the national and industry direction of travel. The new mandates and mechanisms described above are quickly funneling the changes we need to meet our commitment to Net zero Carbon by 2050…if not well before.

SEPTEMBER 2022

www.eca.co.uk

Finally, on 15 June 2022 a suite of Building Regulations Approved Documents entered the fray, seeking to enhance requirements for energy efficiency in almost all buildings. These Ads apply to all new builds and buildings undergoing extensive renovations.

Some of the more important documents issued in June are:

WIRING REGULATIONS POINT TO PROSUMERS

14

In association with

FINANCE, FUNDING AND INCENTIVES There are several ways that customers can get funding to install low-carbon technologies. These include: 0% VAT- following representation from ECA and industry partners, this currently applies to heatpumps, solar PV, battery storage systems (where installed as part of a new solar PV system) and energy efficiency controls.

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme - this is an upfront grant of £5,000 towards the installation of air source heatpumps (ASHP) and £6,000 for ground source heatpumps (GSHP).

Home Energy Grant - insulation measures for supported individuals who qualify – visit simpleenergyadvice.org.uk/grants for details.

Green mortgages – these, and mortgage extensions, are beginning to appear. They can provide low-interest finance options for lowcarbon and energy efficient installations.

Time-of-use tariffs and arbitrage - enabling customers to use lower-cost energy (during times of excess grid availability) to either power homes and offices or store energy for use when the cost of grid electricity peaks. Through arbitrage and participating in ‘virtual power plants’, energy (mainly in the commercial sector) can also be traded.

ECA produces extensive guidance for Members, including technical bulletins, guidance notes, CPD accredited webinars, and more. Visit www.eca. co.uk/the-drive-to-net-zero-carbon for more details.

Making sure the people that use your facilities are comfortable is your priority Taking care of the critical equipment on your sites is ours From laundry, catering, heating & AC, fire safety & security to infection control. And if you’re preparing for winter we have boilers, water heaters and hot water cylinders perfect for your facilities.

Contact us on:

0808 239 8564 JLA.com

We’ll take care of it

ADVICE & OPINION

FAST FACTS

LIFE SAFETY LEVERAGE FMJ AIMS TO SUPPORT TECHNICAL EXPERTISE IN THE FM MARKET

Cleo Cosens and Antonio Carvalho of Pulse Systems explain why technology is evolving in the life safety industry, by leveraging the power of automation

A

ll too often visibility and control is lacking in life safety. Engineers attend sites to report faults when their physical presence is no longer needed. Often, faults are reported without adequate information, resulting in increased engineering downtime and inefficient first-time fixes. Companies providing life safety systems are beginning to recognise gaps in compliance, testing, reporting, and response times.

We are in the age of “IoT” – a big buzzword that is often misunderstood with a simple meaning; the ability for devices to talk to each other. In the context of life safety, the level of control we need to safeguard and optimise a building and its operations would seem impossible without IoT. It bridges the gap for commercial buildings to provide greater building efficiency, visibility, and gain complete control.

Consider data as a goldmine that holds all the answers to problems buildings face, while raising new questions to prevent future challenges.

By understanding the inefficiencies of a building (e.g. not all fire detectors or emergency lights are being tested over 16

SEPTEMBER 2022

the year, etc.) automation can be utilised.

Automating reports enable facilities teams to gain back time to focus on the more important areas of the business.

by complete details of a fault results in faster and more accurate first-time fixes, resulting in less downtime and overheads.

TAKE CONTROL

THE FUTURE OF COMPLIANCE REPORTING

Having control over your systems is crucial. Unless you can access the system directly, you can become blind to its status. Instant online access provides the person responsible with the ability to see what the true status of their system is at any given time and can even provide early fault detection to prevent fires or failures by notifying the person responsible. It’s better to prevent problems than to solve them, particularly when lives are at stake and maintenance costs are on the rise.

The ability for systems to notify people when faults occur isn’t a new idea, but the ability to be notified in real-time is a game changer for this industry. The bottom line is that real-time data can save a building millions of pounds throughout its lifetime, facilitate evidence-based decision making, assist with management, and provide a superior service to its stakeholders.

Real-time information accompanied

There is a heavy reliance on third party manual compliance reporting when this role could be automated.

Automating compliance reports not only saves money but ensures the person responsible is always aware of the exact status of the system. Automating compliance compliments facilities teams by keeping them informed of deadlines, whether any actions have been taken, and if any are outstanding.

Modern IoT platforms can take it one step further by capturing exactly which call points or devices have been tested and generates a schedule to route a path that verifies that all the call points are being tested on a rotational basis.

ENVIRONMENTAL SAVINGS COP26 and Net Carbon Zero targets are fuelling the world to do better for future generations. The built environment cannot realistically reach carbon zero

targets by 2050 without a thorough understanding of its building and workflows. Data is crucial to the success of attaining and sustaining ESG targets.

Sustainability is no longer a choice and by knowing exactly where energy is being wasted in your building can effective decision making, and strategies take place.

Now, let’s put the carbon emissions of the built environment to the side, another large contributor is travel.

Travelling is inevitable when callouts and site testing occur but what if it could be minimised?

Adopting modern building management systems enables engineers to be alerted of a fault in real-time with all the relevant details required to fix the problem before dispatch. This increases the efficiency of first-time fixes and reduces the need for travel. Additionally, by automating emergency light testing for 11 out of 12 months of the year, the need for travel can decrease further.

Cloud connected building management platforms are the future.

Having the ability to monitor energy use in buildings as well as identify how procedures can be automated- saves lives, money, time, carbon, and is crucial in achieving Net Carbon Zero targets.

This is better for the user and better for the bottom line.

CLOUD BASED BMS A collaboration between Pulse Systems and EFT Group, Gemineye is a futureproofed combination of fire safety and smart building technology. Its purpose is to relieve pressure from facilities teams by streamlining building operations, compliance, and maintenance. The platform is built to allow the integration of third party devices allowing it to seamlessly work alongside your existing operations infrastructure.

The platform tracks, analyses, and reports on activity from fire alarm panels- their associated endpoints and can integrate other building assets such as smart lighting, air quality, emergency lighting, and more across multiple sites, that feeds into one platform. It’s a one stop shop for building management systems.

These latest innovations demonstrate why leveraging the power of automation, real-time data, and a modern building management system can save energy, carbon, money, time, and ultimately lives.

Most people would run away, we’re not most people.

Meet Tom. Tom attended a blind customer’s house where he found the customer’s dog had passed away. The customer was completely unaware.

Tom worked tirelessly to complete the job and then respectfully informed the customer, and provided comfort until his carer arrived.

Complete water in, waste out solutions.

Find out more: www.metrorod.co.uk

ADVICE & OPINION

SOCIAL - BLOG

GEORGE ADAMS, DIRECTOR OF ENERGY AND ENGINEERING, SPIE UK

IWFM Rising FMs Specialist Interest Group @IWFM_RisingFMs Do you need help #NavigatingFM? Join us for some fantastic interactive talks to help you excel in the world of #FacilitiesManagment. Sign up at https://lnkd.in/e2U_KZJa #IWFM_FM Advanced Workplace Associates @AWA_Agile We share our findings in our latest global study. Check AWA’s Global Hybrid Working Index Report. #hybridworking https://advanced-workplace.com/awa/ research/whitepapers/ Mitie @mitie We are pleased that five candidates completed our first Northampton #Ready2Work programme. Well done to all candidates and thank you to our Mitie colleagues who have mentored candidates throughout this programme. Find out more > https://mitie.com/mitie-foundation/ @mitiefoundation Nick Fox linkedin.com/in/nick-foxfiwfm-mapm-miheem-miam-aifireemwsoc-23447039 Deputy Director of Capital Projects and Estate Management at North Bristol NHS Trust - Delighted to have been awarded membership of the Water Management Society today. Water hygiene has always been a passion of mine and working in healthcare has really emphasised the need for a focused and proactive approach to water safety, collaborating with multiple stakeholders to keep systems safe!

Health and Safety Executive @H_S_E To help reduce stress and support workers to feel in control of their workload, consider how you can involve them in discussions of how their work is planned or organised. The law requires all employers to support good mental health, find out more https://bit.ly/3CLiyOz Acas @acasorguk The #menopause is a subject that should be handled on a caseby-case basis. Find out how to discuss this topic sensitively with your colleagues here: https://bit.ly/3FLawEk Office for National Statistics (ONS) @ONS Of businesses with 10 or more employees, 35% expect to increase the prices of the goods or services they sell in September 2022 http://ow.ly/eOsP50KrST8 For those businesses, energy prices continued to be reported as the most common reason (44%)

18

SEPTEMBER 2022

UK CLIMATE GOALS: IS THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT DELIVERING ON GLASGOW’S PROMISES?

A

head of last year’s COP26 climate conference in Glasgow and the signing of the Climate Pact, the UK government launched its flagship Net Zero Strategy to move forward on its approach to meeting global emissions targets. As COP27 approaches, evidence of tangible progress on carbon reduction and renewable energy achievements will be sought.

To do its part, the built environment must now apply similar levels of scrutiny when it comes to tracking and managing progress on net zero sustainability efforts. So how far have we really come?

Progress on UK net zero The UK is one of a few nations having emissions targets aligned with the long-term temperature strategy of the Paris Agreement. In addition, policy ambition has moved substantially with the UK’s Net Zero Strategy. In most areas, these ambitions are credible, and in line with the required pace and scale of change. It is now time to deliver the promised action.

Earlier this year, the Climate Change Committee (CCC), an independent, statutory body that advises the UK government on climate change published a report focusing on progress towards net zero goals which presents sobering reading.

The report highlights major failures in delivery programmes towards the achievement of the UK’s climate goals. Being that the UK legislated to achieve net zero carbon emissions across the economy by 2050, the case for a sound policy framework for the decarbonising of buildings is absolute; all buildings, cars, and industries – must be zero carbon in aggregate by 2050.

The CCC recommends that plans for decarbonising buildings need to be strengthened and accelerated. The built environment is approaching half of global carbon emissions, far higher than any other individual sector. According to UK Green Building Council (UKGBC), the UK built environment is currently responsible for 25 per cent of total UK greenhouse gas emissions including buildings and infrastructure. If surface transport or vehicle emissions is included within the scope of the built environment, the total share of UK emissions increases to 42 per cent.

There has been no sustained reduction in emissions from buildings in the last decade reflecting low levels of annual home energy efficiency improvements.

Hard engineering solutions can play a vital role in helping mitigate climate change, particularly where buildings are concerned. Recycling materials and retrofitting buildings for different uses over time would drastically cut the emissions from materials production. Where new buildings are necessary to meet population growth,

George Adams, Director of Energy and Engineering, SPIE UK

decision makers should minimise the number of materials used, recycling and repurposing materials and existing infrastructure to work at a zero operational carbon cost. Adding the fact that 80 per cent of buildings standing today will still be in use by 2050, we must prioritise the adaptation of existing buildings to future proof homes, offices and the built environment as a whole to cope with increases in urban climate conditions.

Leadership, legislation and sourcing sustainable resources Legislation will play a critical role in moving the sector to net zero. The actions from the Grenfell Tower enquiry are a clear model in this respect.

Through a collaborative effort, we can increase the role that buildings and cities can play in addressing the climate crisis and highlighting the solutions available. When coupled with clean energy sources, we can produce low energy and low carbon buildings with existing technology and materials.

The Glasgow Climate Pact emphasises the urgent need for action and support to developing countries in adapting to climate change, and this is particularly important when it comes to sourcing the raw materials required for sustainable engineering. In order to futureproof both existing buildings and new builds combined where sustainability is concerned, we need to consider “where” and “how” these materials were sourced and produced, and how they should be utilised fairly. Supply chains should be scrutinised carefully to avoid further burdening developing countries and the environment, and sustainable energy and natural resources incorporated as much as possible into manufacturing processes.

The CCC’s Progress Report clearly emphasises that the built environment sector needs to accelerate its efforts to successfully support our urban environments throughout the climate transition. There is no time to waste, and we must act now as industry to meet 2050’s climate goals and to fulfil Glasgow’s promise.

MACHINES DELIVER WALL-TO-WALL CLEAN WITH ASTONISHING SPEED RIDGID® FlexShaft™ Machines are lightweight, portable and can be operated with your SeeSnake® inspection camera in the line while you run it. Combining steps gets you on the next job faster.

See the tool that has the drain cleaning industry buzzing.

RIDGID.COM/FLEXSHAFT

RIDGE TOOL UK c/o Emerson Electric UK Ltd, 2nd Floor Accurist House, 44 Baker Street, London, W1U 7AL T: +44 (0) 808 238 9869 UK, T: +353 1 800 936 397 Ireland, ridgid.gb@emerson.com

ADVICE & OPINION

FM CLINIC

The Open University’s Business Barometer 2022, published in partnership with the British Chambers of Commerce, has found that 78 per cent of UK organisations are seeing reduced output, profitability or growth as a result of skills shortages. Three-quarters (72 per cent) of organisations say the impact increases workload on other staff. What can the FM sector do to address the ongoing skills shortage and ensure both the wellbeing and performance of staff?

that they are doing lower grade activities, while longstanding members of staff are leaving due to prolonged staff shortages.

New staff are not prepared for the workplace – with many employers complaining of poor collaboration and timekeeping skills – as well as a critical lack in certain skills such as in manufacturing and cyber security (to name two wildly differing examples stemming from the same cause).

With staff shortages placing greater pressure on team members, employers must prioritise time for training, and so the market must be able to deliver high quality, cost effective training that can be delivered flexibly to enable staff to learn and apply the new skills as quickly as possible.

In FMJ's regular monthly column, our team of FM experts answer your questions about the world of facilities management THE LEARNING PROVIDER’S VIEW DALE WARDILL, CLIENT MANAGER AT INTERNATIONAL WORKPLACE What now is normal in the workplace? Due to a perfect storm of Brexit, COVID-19 and more recently, the summer holidays, many workplaces are emptier than they have ever been, and it’s not just office staff sharing the load.

Skills shortages are starting to be felt across the board, and services are struggling to keep pace.

Dale Wardill The Open University’s Business Barometer suggests that, in an increasingly competitive and under-resourced labour market, employers need to take a long-term strategic approach to addressing skills gaps and to focus on growing talent from within the organisation.

According to its recent survey, in collaboration with the British Chambers of Commerce, more than half of large organisations (53 per cent) say they will increase investment in staff training over the next year, while 47 per cent of SMEs will do the same. This will in part help ease the skills shortage left by older and experienced workers leaving the workforce during and because of the COVID-19 pandemic. It will also help prepare staff to deal with incoming employees that require upskilling.

Skills shortages are having a huge effect on existing staff, leading to poor morale and retention, and wellbeing issues amongst overburdened employees. Senior staff are reporting 20

SEPTEMBER 2022

At International Workplace, we are firm believers in continuous learning, and understand that employees no longer work in one place (or even in one industry) throughout their working lives. Skills transference is therefore essential – as well as the ability for employees to prove they are trained and experienced. ‘One learner, one record’ is our mantra, enabling staff to take their knowledge with them and be a key asset.

The British Chambers of Commerce report says: “As the workplace evolves, business investment in the rapid upskilling and reskilling of adults at all skill levels is key to boosting productivity and resolving hard-to-fill job vacancies.

Employers must embrace a culture of lifelong learning in an era of multiple careers, and facilitate that through learning and developing.”

We agree – empowering employees by investing in their future will not only help them keep pace with a changing market, but will benefit employers by retaining productive, experienced, resilient staff who can take on the challenges of the modern working world.

THE PEOPLE DEVELOPMENT EXPERT’S VIEW SANDY LUCAS, PEOPLE & CULTURE DIRECTOR, ISS UK & IRELAND It’s no secret that the UK’s ‘Great Resignation’ – which will likely see 20 per cent of employees quit their current role in the next 12 months, and up to a third without securing a new role – is also keenly felt across the FM sector. With the industry skill gap widening and the race for talent increasing, the sector’s next great challenge won’t only be in procuring new skills, but ensuring existing ones don’t stagnate.

A study by the Charted Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), revealed that over a quarter (27 per cent)

ADVICE & OPINION

FMJ.CO.UK

FM CLINIC

of employees feel their growth opportunities are lacking. With that lack of growth comes inertia and a depreciating skillset.

Arguably, this troubling trend is an impetus for many sectors – especially facilities management - to put employees first Sandy Lucas and ensure that they are constantly learning the skills they need to compete. In this ever-evolving sector, a company’s capacity to learn determines its capacity to grow.

Yet learning isn’t only about upskilling; it’s about our responsibility to employee wellbeing. When employees are encouraged to learn they feel valued, empowered and more suited to their role – and less likely to feel undervalued or burnt out. A study by the World Economic Forum discovered that twothirds of employees are valuing profound job fulfilment over higher salaries. For business leaders, that ‘Great Resignation’ just became a ‘Great Reprioritisation’.

At ISS, we saw remarkable results upon investing in our Healthcare Training Academy in Lewisham and Greenwich.

This dedicated site built for interactive training, learning and upskilling saw 1,000 employees trained since launch, securing the company a 74 per cent employee retention rate and discovering untapped talent among our ranks: through training, we encountered 11 employees who were internally promoted after induction alone. The customer results spoke for themselves, with over 98 per cent of all cleaning audit scores consistently achieved.

That last point is especially poignant; not least within the FM sector, which rarely looks further than its own sector when it comes to recruitment. While it makes sense to hire from within our industry’s skilled talent pool, that pool could be so much wider if we viewed it from outside our microcosm.

We have long committed to becoming a business of belonging, where age, experience or orientation are actively celebrated. Yet for us, equal opportunity also means exploring new avenues for talent; hiring transferrable skillsets from outside the industry and opening the FM sector to all.

In 2017, we introduced the JointForces@ISS employability programme, which assists ex-forces personnel in transitioning to the civilian workplace. Receiving the Business in the Community (BITC) Responsible Champion Award, this initiative

still endures today, leveraging the skills, knowledge and ethics that define the UK forces and providing meaningful employee opportunities. Since 2011, we’ve also made major contributions – and created over 100 new roles inside and outside ISS – by contributing to Project SEARCH, an initiative helping disabled youths enter internships in our supported industries.

While the industry skill gap can’t be ignored, it also can’t be bridged without the UK’s businesses giving a little back.

Maybe the answer isn’t to close the skill gap, but to fill it up for ourselves?

THE IWFM CHAIR’S VIEW MARK WHITTAKER, CHAIR OF THE INSTITUTE OF WORKPLACE AND FACILITIES MANAGEMENT AND GENERAL MANAGER, THOMSON FM “The first thing that businesses want to talk to me about is the problems they're having hiring people.” This was the statement made

by Andrew Bailey, the Governor of the Bank of England, in explaining the largest interest rate rise in 27 years earlier this month. In July this Mark Whittaker year, Neil Carberry, Chief Executive of the Recruitment & Employment Federation published a report warning of possible shrinkage in UK GDP by 2027 due to labour shortages and called for a coherent labour market strategy from government. Thus, there appears to be a tacit consensus on the current labour market issues; perhaps less so the solution.

Clearly the skills shortage currently being experienced in the facilities management/ workplace sector is not ours alone; even yesterday my brother mentioned to me the issues he was experiencing in recruiting in the insurance brokering sector and I have heard anecdotally from many others in different sectors decrying the ability to recruit “quality people” at the moment. However, for facilities management, we need to develop our own skills strategy that addresses the current issues, which also has a medium/long term vision in mind.

Firstly, we need to start the conversation early with young people in explaining what a career in facilities management has to offer. That is why I have been championing the collaborative work between the Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management (IWFM) and Class of Your Own with secondary school pupils studying the 'Design Engineer Construct' (DEC) course. We need to be sowing the seeds of a career in FM and organisations also need to take the lead in this; for example, Thomson FM have just entered a long-term arrangement with a

Yet learning isn’t only about upskilling; it’s about our responsibility to employee wellbeing.

When employees are encouraged to learn they feel valued, empowered and more suited to their role – and less likely to feel undervalued or burnt out.

Sandy Lucas

SEPTEMBER 2022

21

ADVICE & OPINION

FM CLINIC

local high school here in Lancashire to practically support their DEC students throughout their studies.

Providing apprenticeships is another important means to recruit and develop talent and is something which not enough organisations have embraced. Although companies have been paying towards the Apprenticeship Levy, earlier this year, Liz Crowley, Senior Skills Adviser at the CIPD, commented that the scheme had “clearly failed” and that reform was needed. Many others have called for a more coherent apprenticeship strategy from central government.

With so many organisations facing the challenge of both attracting and retaining talent, investment in training and development of their people is crucial. Although offering attractive packages appear to be the key drivers in being able to recruit new people, as well as retaining their talent pool, offering clear career pathways and structured training programmes and qualifications, with organisations such as IWFM, is a key area where organisations need to be able to compete and have a clear development policy for their people.

Unfortunately, a bi-product of skills/ labour shortages is increased workload and stress for existing team members. There is no easy answer to resolving this, other than employers showing empathy and flexibility with their people and making wellbeing at the core of their workplace culture. In addition, suitably trained managers need to support and encourage their people, ensure they feel valued and that it is a shared issue. It is essential employees feel connected to the team and the wider organisation.

THE HR DIRECTOR’S VIEW MARK GOODYER, HR DIRECTOR AT SODEXO UK & IRELAND Organisations stand or fall on the quality and engagement of their workforce, and if a business can’t recruit and retain staff with the right skills, there’s potentially a serious problem. Recent newspaper headlines have made us all more aware of the national implications when specific sectors face a skills shortage.

So, how does the FM sector Mark Goodyer address the ongoing skills shortage?

Firstly, it seems clear that apprenticeships should and will continue to play a vital role in addressing skills shortages. Apprenticeships give both individuals and organisations additional skills and importantly alternative mindsets. Organisations should consider bringing in and training new talent and allow existing staff of all ages and backgrounds to retrain or upskill.

Here at Sodexo, we are long-term advocates of the opportunities that employment-based education can offer. Through our social impact pledge, we have committed to consider all vacancies and job roles as apprenticeships wherever possible. This has led to the business having over 1,000 apprentices from a diverse range of backgrounds and age groups who all offer different skills.

22

SEPTEMBER 2022

Apprenticeships are just one specific form of bringing diverse skills and expertise into an organisation, but there are other ways. One of the most sustainable ways of combating the skills shortage is filling open positions from within the company through upskilling, learning, and development.

However, to grow the internal talent pool, organisations must first identify talents through a robust talent and performance development process before using data-driven insights and analytics to decide on investment in professional development programs that provide employees with the necessary training to develop in the company. Offering reskilling and upskilling opportunities through learning, development and mentoring programs is key to internal mobility, employee retention and longterm success.

At Sodexo, 80 per cent of our managers are promoted internally, because we are passionate about supporting career development, facilitating talent deployment, and offering a wide range of solutions to support the personal and professional development of all our colleagues.

To become more resilient to skill and labour shortages, organisations must also retain the long-serving and knowledgeable workers it already has. The sooner leaders can stem the tide of employee departures and increase retention, the better positioned the company will be for ongoing success. To achieve this, organisations should cultivate solutions to continually listen to, and importantly act upon, employee feedback. Historically, this has often taken the form of a once-a-year engagement survey, but savvy organisations know there is a need to listen to continuous feedback throughout the employee lifecycle – from pre-boarding to off-boarding, and to act on these insights.

In response to such ongoing and rhythmic feedback, companies need to work hard at creating a truly inclusive employee experience that enables employees to enjoy their work, remain engaged and support them to perform at their best. That doesn’t mean just pay and one-off engagement events. Practices such as flexible working, progressive entitlements, and holistic employee wellbeing support are attractive benefits to workers. In a competitive candidate-led market, employers need to articulate the full suite of benefits by means of a strong employee value proposition (EVP).

We have invested in a scheme that recognises and celebrates the longevity of our employee's commitment to Sodexo with our Long Service Awards and we celebrate annually the achievements of our amazing colleagues through our Spirit of Sodexo Awards. Statistics show that investing in our people produces a happier, productive workforce and embeds retention across the business.

Social impact is strategically imperative for any organisation needing to tackle retention and overcome labour shortages.

Workers want to be associated with companies that align with their values and actually walk the talk. Companies with robust CSR programmes should promote their initiatives via external avenues such as career websites, social media platforms and job descriptions to demonstrate their commitment to social responsibility.

Do you have a question that you’d like answered by the FMJ Clinic?

Email: sara.bean@kpmmedia.co.uk

CASE STUDY

PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS

DELIVERING A NEW DEAL When PwC reimagined its longstanding ‘Deal’ with employees in 2021, it marked a major stepchange in its corporate and organisational behaviour. Piers Zangana explores the role of catering and FM in delivering a new employee value proposition

I

n 2021 PwC’s 22,000-strong workforce was presented with a new employee value proposition covering everything from learning and development to how its people make a positive societal difference. Although originally launched 10 years ago, the reimagined concept was built on the idea that its employees, clients and the firm, would foster a new two-way relationship with flexibility and trust at its core.

The ‘Deal’ was a framework largely designed to continue to evolve the firm’s employee value proposition and specifically in light of unprecedented global events to respond to, and to be on the front foot, of the changing way in which they work.

Sitting at the centre of the ‘Deal’ are four quadrants: ‘How you are empowered’, ‘How you grow’, ‘How you make a difference’, and ‘How you are valued’.

As part of the ‘Deal’ and ‘how you are empowered’, PwC employees can benefit from an ‘empowered working day’ - which

24

SEPTEMBER 2022

gives them the freedom to decide how, when and where they work most effectively. So, for example, they can choose an earlier start and finish time, assuming it works for their teams and their clients.

Anne Groves, Senior Manager, PwC, and one of the team responsible for driving the implementation of the ‘Deal’ across the business, explains: “Our teams now have the flexibility to choose how, when and where they work. It has been a significant change in the way we run our business. At the same time, we launched ‘summer working hours’, the ability for our people to condense their hours over the summer months to work a 4.5 day week and to take an afternoon off towards the end of their working week. More recently we’ve launched a new international remote working policy, as well as flexible public holidays, and will continue to evolve the ‘Deal’.”

She adds: “Whilst there were plans in place to refresh the principles of the ‘Deal’ pre-pandemic, these were accelerated when

we saw how quickly the world was changing before us.

“We carried out a consultation to understand what was important to people.

One of the key trends to come out of this was this idea of empowered flexibility. Our people wanted more flexibility to work in a way that worked for them, and we wanted to empower them with a greater level of trust than we had before. We’d seen this work during the pandemic and wanted to offer more as we emerged from it.”

Despite the flexibility of the ‘Deal’ the new policy has some strong metrics behind it and there is an expectation that people will spend an average of 40-60 per cent of their time co-located with colleagues, either in its offices or at client sites. This has a clear impact on facilities.

THE WORKPLACE AND THE ‘DEAL’ As well as the vast number of employees across the UK, the company operates across

FMJ.CO.UK

PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS

portfolio’ at PwC. Gone are the days where you 21 sites in the UK and Ireland. build a building and expect it to stay that way for X Ben Noah, Head of Client Services, PwC, says: numbers of years. Every progressive organisation “Workplace services are essentially the facilitator of will have to regularly evaluate and evolve their the deal. workplace environments. We have to do this across “Our facilities have always played an important our whole estate.” role in supporting the development of a workplace The evolution of the workplace and its facilities, culture. The new ‘Deal’ meant we had to reimagine some could argue, has never been higher on the our offices to create spaces that support wellbeing, corporate agenda. Organisations are looking closely productivity and sense of belonging - while also at their prime office locations to see how they are creating more opportunities for teams to come able to justify their continuously high spend. together in a variety of different settings.”

That, coupled with a huge movement towards He adds: “Like many employers, the office remains creating more sustainable environments, means an important part of our hybrid offering and so we businesses are being more socially conscious, an increased the number of collaborative spaces in example of this being the first Net Zero fitting at a our buildings, alongside the spaces we have newly opened site in Glasgow. for focused work. We know that Noah explains: “With an estate having people in the office who the size of ours, we spend are engaged and content a lot of time working out will make them more strategies to help us move productive.”

We talk a lot about a ‘living more towards our own So much so that, portfolio’ at PwC. Gone are the days net zero targets. We PwC’s largest office where you build a building and expect it have a large furniture outside London, team that spends a lot Merchant Square to stay that way for X numbers of years. of its time ‘lifting’ and in Belfast, has a Every progressive organisation will have ‘shifting’ equipment dedicated wellbeing to regularly evaluate and evolve their and furniture across space that takes up offices. It’s really half a floor and is a workplace environments. We have important that we are fusion of technology and to do this across our constantly looking to see interior design geared to what is and isn’t right for our maximise staff wellbeing. whole estate.” offices, both commercially and environmentally.”

CASE STUDY

tables. Our workplace experience is becoming more akin to hotels and hotel lobbies.”

The company has also invested in new tech in all its offices, including upgraded audio-visual equipment in over 1,200 meeting rooms, with new wireless video conferencing, speaker and camera tracking, and automatic noise suppression to ensure a better hybrid experience.

This hybrid office offering has had major implications on the work of BaxterStorey, PwC’s catering provider.

Louise Denton, BaxterStorey Account Director at PwC, said: “As soon as the terms of the ‘Deal’ were communicated to us, we knew how important a role we had in helping to reshape workforce behaviours.

“Given all that has taken place over the last few years, the new sense of direction brought about by the new ‘Deal’ really energised employees across the business. As caterers, we could really feel it in the buildings we look after.

“However, this new way of working clearly had an impact on our service offer and we immediately recognised the opportunities to support our colleagues at PwC in creating this new world.

“Food, as we all know, is something that can bring people together. It’s that social glue that binds people. With fewer people having ‘face time’ with one another, we knew that we needed to create memorable experiences when they do.”

And memorable they are.

MEMORABLE EXPERIENCES Together with the PwC facilities team, BaxterStorey has rolled out a number of key measures to help enthuse and engage employees when in the office.

The London office, for example, has seen the restaurant offer a 50 per cent discount on hot food from the restaurant. This has been a huge incentive for customers to buy more nutritious grab and go items, often seeing them purchase boxed salads and keeping them in the fridge during the day to take home in the evening.

The PwC team, in collaboration with BaxterStorey, has also introduced a ‘Moments programme’. These ‘moments’ are geared around five key elements - joy, magic, wellbeing, wisdom and moments for the individual.

The series ranges from unexpected acts of kindness such as delivering 500kg of strawberries across 20

NEW DEAL, NEW CHALLENGES

However, it isn’t all straightforward. Noah explains: “Traditionally, people were always meeting either physically or remotely, but rarely the two combined together. Now people flex their days so simple meetings can look very different. We needed to create hybrid spaces that work for both.”

The fast-changing workplace landscape has also meant that those responsible for workplace facilities and culture need to be more agile to cope with the ever-evolving needs of teams.

“We have a continual challenge to help the business understand what it needs and what it wants,” Noah says. “We talk a lot about a ‘living

THE EXPERIENCE The impact on facilities in PwC buildings has been significant, not just through the consideration of space and equipment, but also the configuration of desks, softer seating and breakout areas.

Employees are moving more towards the use of coffee shops instead of traditional meeting rooms and, clearly, this has an impact on building arrangements with some offices being reconfigured as lounges.

Noah says: “It’s interesting because we’ve seen the replacement of some board room tables with coffee SEPTEMBER 2022

25

CASE STUDY

PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS

UK offices during the Wimbledon tennis tournament, to experiences in workplaces that inspire people to re-engage with the company’s buildings such as special social evening events where street food vendors would come into the PwC offices.

The company has also hosted special masterclasses with BaxterStorey chef partners, including Great British Menu star Kirk Haworth, as well as special educational Ted Talk style events with celebrities and leading figures from the world of business.

Noah explains: “These have been carefully designed to help us create moments in the workplace to inspire, amaze and bring joy to our people, reminding them of the true value of being together in person.

“We have emerged from two years of the pandemic, returning to a new version of normal life, and our people are transitioning from fully remote and remote-first working, to re-experiencing the magic of the workplace, and building new working patterns.

“These moments help our people reconnect with our buildings and offices.

The role of facilities has never been more important as we are the people helping to host, stage and manage these events.”

He adds: “We know that food acts as an enabler for people to meet and collaborate.

Once upon a time, the utopia was having a zero subsidy contract, now some could argue that it could form part of a benefits package for employees. The world has moved on.”

Denton explains: “Food is a vital part of the 26

SEPTEMBER 2022

employee experience. Our teams help others to feel a real sense of occasion. It is quite different to what we’ve ever done before as the regularity and variety of events and experiences is quite different every time.

“We know how important our role is in creating the new normal. There is a real desire to get people back into the offices at certain times so we need to make sure that, when we are called upon, we are ready to create experiences that people will remember and feel good about.”

With more than 2,500 school leavers and graduates expected to join PwC over the next year, these experiences could make the difference when future employees make their career decisions.

Denton explains: “It’s the little gestures that really make the difference to people. We are here to make sure we are delighting our guests on a daily basis.”

After the firm piloted summer working hours last year, allowing people to finish at lunchtime on a Friday having condensed their hours earlier in the week, a survey found more than 90 per cent of respondents reported a positive impact in their day-to-day working experience and over 70 per cent reporting a positive impact in their wellbeing.

A ‘Youmatter’ employee engagement survey in 2022 also saw an increase in respondents being able to find a balance between work and personal life. Groves explains: “The rollout has been incredibly successful. Our people feel more than ever before that they can have a healthy balanced lifestyle, and be successful at PwC. “This is incredibly significant as, not only do we know that better engagement has a huge impact on productivity, it enables us to do better quality work for our clients and, ultimately, helps profitability too.”

She added: “If a business is supporting and investing every year in the wellbeing of its people, it will aid their bottom line. It’s a two-way deal that is truly in the interests of everybody involved.”

As with most deals, terms can be renegotiated, and this flexibility to re look at the core components touches on the very essence of the concept.

Groves concludes: “Fundamentally, the ‘Deal’ is all about flexibility and it will evolve as the needs of our teams and wider business evolves.”

However it evolves, the role of facilities will be ever more crucial.

If a business is supporting and investing every year in the wellbeing of its people, it will aid their bottom line. It’s a two-way deal that is truly in the interests of everybody involved.”

RESULTS If the desired impact of these changes were increased engagement, it has worked.

Keep your customer’s assets compliant Environmental and energy services Fuel management Environmental protection Environmental emergency response Energy infrastructure and transformation

We offer a turnkey, multidisciplinary package, nationwide.

Drainage

We install new infrastructure and maintain existing assets ensuring they remain compliant while innovating to reduce costs.

Call us on

0800 592 827 adlerandallan.co.uk

W E N IN-STORE RANGE AVAILABLE IN ALL 390 CEF STORES

Shop the range

ange in the NEW CEF Catalogue Choose from over 100 Milwaukee products – cef.co.uk/powertools

FOCUS

BUILDING ENERGY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

HEALTH AND EFFICIENCY The drive to return to the office amidst growing environmental concerns means air quality and energy management have never been more important. Ross Baxter, Partner Sales Leader at Trend, explains how a modern BEMS can offer potential solutions

A

s we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, the experience will certainly keep health issues top of mind. From travel and transport, to workplaces, schools and social venues, many of us have never been more sensitive and aware of our surroundings.

In fact, a recent Honeywell survey revealed that nearly half (48 per cent) of UK respondents would consider leaving their job if employers didn’t take steps to create a healthy indoor environment.

Put simply, the pandemic made us all 30

SEPTEMBER 2022

accustomed to a new environmental experience that centres on safety measures and wellbeing. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the office, a location that has regained its importance as a result of the government easing regulations around workplace attendance.

A HEALTHY WORKING ENVIRONMENT Although hybrid working has become an established part of the employment mix, for many businesses the balance is

starting to tilt back towards office-based operations. Returning staff will want to be reassured that their office environment is ‘healthier,’ a concept that is based around interrelated pillars: Indoor air quality Lighting Occupant comfort Taken in combination, these can deliver a workspace that supports the needs of its occupants by providing demonstrable physical benefits. Over two thirds (68 per

FMJ.CO.UK

BUILDING ENERGY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

being paid to CO2 levels. The advice states that an average CO2 concentration of above 1,500ppm is an indicator of poor ventilation. For areas of high occupancy, a level below 800ppm is ideal.

By investing in a fully featured BEMS it is not only possible to monitor CO2 levels but also to track and control a range of other factors that can impair air quality, such as fluctuation in temperature and humidity and the presence of particulate matter.

Also, an HVAC system doesn’t need to depend wholly on external fresh air, which could need heating and cooling, to refresh a building; air filtration and UVC cleaning, combined with measures to control CO2, can provide a more cost-effective alternative while helping to improve indoor air quality.

PLUGGING INTO ENERGY REDUCTIONS

FOCUS

providing that the most appropriate facilities are made available, costeffectively and efficiently. From a building management perspective, that’s a double win.

KEEPING TRACK WITH REGULATIONS The widespread growth of environmental awareness has transformed our approach to resource management, including energy usage. As a result, we are identifying and quantifying waste in far greater detail than ever before. This is partly being driven by government initiatives to tackle climate change, such as the UK’s Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) regulations, which aims to increase business and industry energy productivity by 20 per cent over the next 10 years.

The UK Government also estimates that if rented commercial buildings were to operate at Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) band B there would be a £1 billion per year saving on energy bills. Legislation to mandate this target by 2030 is currently being discussed.

This, combined with the fact that the European Union’s Energy Performance of Building Directive (EPBD) is proposing to make the use of a BEMS mandatory for buildings above a certain size, means it’s never been more important to think about adding next generation building controls.

The way we use buildings and how they’re regulated is changing.

Taking control Having access to the right tools, in of a building’s energy use is combination with a bespoke plan tailored to an incremental process – it can your specific needs, sits at the heart of an be all about a effective BEMS installation strategy. This will series of small gains that when not only deliver a healthier work taken together, environment, it will also help cut costs can quickly add up to a big win. Facility by reducing energy managers need to keep consumption.” the big picture in mind:

cent) of respondents to a recent Honeywell survey believe that safe indoor air quality leads to better overall physical health.

Sometimes bringing this all together can be problematic. That’s where a Building Energy Management System (BEMS) comes into play. It can deliver the required level of control and the detailed insights needed to help create the best possible working environment. A BEMS can also help to reduce energy consumption, another major concern given rising fuel bills and sustainability commitments.

A BREATH OF FRESH AIR The importance of proportionate and effective ventilation for helping maintain a safe and effective working environment has been highlighted by the UK Government. According to its guidance, employers and building managers should “identify areas of your workplace that are poorly ventilated” with special attention

Taking a holistic view will deliver the best possible results.

That’s why it’s essential to have a fully implemented BEMS in place – it will help provide the maximum benefits and value can be realised, now and in the future.

The simple truth is that a lot of buildings – especially older ones – aren’t performing as well as they could. As a result, energy is often wasted on maintaining the environment in empty rooms, temperatures fluctuate, and lighting levels may be less than optimal. The result: avoidable costs and a far from ideal working environment that could negatively impact productivity.

Fortunately, when properly managed and maintained, a building’s energy consumption can be further reduced using techniques such as motion detectors to dim or switch off lights in vacant rooms.

It’s not just about reactive management; sensors can also be employed to identify building usage patterns, which in turn can help to develop more cost-effective occupancy planning, especially if hotdesking is in play. This doesn’t just reduce energy consumption, it can also help improve the occupant experience

REALISING TOMORROW’S BENEFITS TODAY The way we use buildings and how they’re regulated is changing. Having access to the right tools, in combination with a bespoke plan tailored to your specific needs, sits at the heart of an effective BEMS installation strategy. This will not only deliver a healthier work environment, it will also help cut costs by reducing energy consumption. Building managers needn’t wait for the legislation; it’s possible to realise those energy reduction and efficiency targets now, stay ahead of the game and boost bottom line performance.

All while helping create a better working environment for your staff.

SEPTEMBER 2022

31

FOCUS

BUILDING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

REMOTELY WELL Karl Cundill, Partner at LitmusFM, looks at how businesses can manage their energy performance, ensure environmental consistency and transform the way their facilities are managed, all through their Building Management System

CONSTRUCTION AND DESIGN

B

REDUCING EQUIPMENT FAILURES

uilding Management Systems (BMS) have huge potential to not only keep your facilities running smoothly, but also enable them to leap frog into the future and become far more efficient, which is ever more important in the challenging current climate. However, this potential can only be realised if appropriate management of the BMS is in place, ensuring it is kept up-to-date and works in alignment with your facility as it develops.

However, getting the right individuals in place to manage the BMS can be a challenge due to a lack of skilled apprentices and qualified engineers available. The NHS provides a practical example of some of the issues; within the NHS, many of the in-house engineers taken on in the 80s and 90s are now approaching retirement age. As a result, these in-house roles are becoming free and are not being filled due to a hiatus of qualified engineers.

The option is to either bring in a freelance engineer or an external consultancy. However, as consultants tend to move onto other projects every 12-24 months, this can be viewed as a short-term fix. Therefore, investing in an in-house engineer – or even just a technician trained to be able to

32

down to the individual store manager to set building controls such as the air temperature or heating levels. Remote monitoring allows this to be managed centrally so a consistent level and standard can be easily achieved across all locations.

SEPTEMBER 2022

understand the BMS and to take ownership to ensure that appropriate support is always in place – is worth its weight in gold. It means you can rest assured that the BMS – that you spent time and money investing in – is being used to its full potential.

TECH INNOVATIONS Equally, new tech innovations have also transformed the way BMS systems are managed. Remote controlled monitoring and remote maintenance are all common place and provide a solution to any lack of on-site expertise. Remote fix capabilities are a very attractive proposition when it comes to managing the system as a whole. It reduces the need for engineer visits, engineers can work from anywhere and still do their job in exactly the same way as if they were local, and it gives the opportunity for others members of the team to view the BMS performance at any time.

Remote controlled monitoring also comes into its own for larger scale businesses, which have multiple sites across the country or even globally. For the likes of major nationwide supermarkets, hotel groups or high street retailers it would have traditionally been

A big element to also consider is around construction and design. Newer buildings that were built in the last 10-15 years will be BREEAM rated buildings (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method). This is a sustainability assessment method which guides and informs developers and architects to masterplan projects, infrastructure and buildings within the built environment.

Developers will install a BMS system in a BREEAM building, which in turn ticks a box and awards a number of credits. However, this then becomes futile if it is not managed correctly on an ongoing basis. Without a dedicated Facilities Management/ Engineering presence, the BMS system will be far less effective and, over time as the building changes and is upgraded, it could even become completely outdated.

For example, if the layout of the internal walls has changed, or rooms have moved around, the graphics on the BMS also need to change so it remains a true reflection of the real, physical building. Equally, if a new system, such as air conditioning, is installed and the airflow within the building changes this also needs to be recognised on the BMS. Even relatively low-scale changes, such as the glass screens that were put up in pretty much all buildings when we were peak pandemic, would need to be updated on the system as these caused lots of issues with the balance of the internal climate, causing the temperature of an entire floor to be affected.

This can also greatly reduce – or arguably, eliminate completely – equipment breakages. The BMS can monitor all assets, including kitchen equipment such as chillers or walk-in freezers, fire alarm systems, lighting and security alarms. It will flag if any assets are malfunctioning or running at a sub-standard performance level. Boiler systems can also be linked to the BMS – which means not only can the system itself be monitored but so can the energy performance, enabling a business to see if an alternative system may result in cost savings in the long term.

It can even act as a first line of defence to protect a businesses’ critical assets. For example, for environments within the medical field the temperature of a room could impact greatly on a medical research project which requires specific environmental conditions to thrive. Or indeed a server room, that if it overheats and malfunctions could have catastrophic results. The BMS can play a pivotal role in this, where alarms will be raised, which can then alert the engineers and it can be captured at the earliest possible point.

4-5 4-5October October2022.

2022.Manchester ManchesterCentral Central

Secure Secureyour yourdelegate delegatepass passtoday todayat: at: www.healthcare-estates.com www.healthcare-estates.com

Tuesday Tuesday 44October October

SirSir David David Behan Behan

Nigel Nigel Edwards Edwards

Paul Paul Fenton Fenton

Chair, Chair, Health Health Education Education England England

Pete Pete Sellars Sellars

Chief Chief Executive Executive Officer, Officer, TheThe Nuffield Nuffield Trust Trust

President, President, IHEEM IHEEM

CEO, CEO, IHEEM IHEEM

Hear Hearfrom from the theexperts experts

Healthcare Estates® is a unique event that Nick Nick Hulme Hulme David David Melbourne Melbourne Professor Professor Grant Grant Mills Mills consists of the prestigious IHEEM Annual Chief Chief Executive Executive East East Suffolk Suffolk Interim Interim Designate Designate Chief Chief Professor Professor of Healthcare of Healthcare North North Essex Essex NHS NHS Executive, Executive, NHS NHS Birmingham Birmingham Infrastructure Infrastructure Delivery Delivery andand Faculty Faculty andand Conference, Awards Dinner and the UK’s LeadLead Foundation Foundation Trust Trust andand Solihull Solihull Integrated Integrated Health, Health, Bartlett Bartlett School School Care Care Board Board (ICB) (ICB) of Sustainable of Sustainable Construction, Construction, largest trade exhibition.

University University College College London London

Wednesday Wednesday 55October October

Professor Professor Peter Peter Guthrie Guthrie

Professor Professor Catherine Catherine

Vice-President, Vice-President, Royal Royal Academy Academy Noakes Noakes of Engineers of Engineers Professor Professor of Environmental of Environmental

Dame Dame Sue Sue IonIon GBE GBE Fellow, Fellow, Royal Royal Academy Academy of of Engineering Engineering

Elaine Elaine Cloutman-Green Cloutman-Green

Councillor Councillor Tracey Tracey Rawlins Rawlins

Consultant Consultant Clinical Clinical Scientist, Scientist, Infection Prevention Prevention andand Control/ Control/ Executive Executive Member, Member, Environment Environment Infection Lead Lead Healthcare Healthcare Scientist Scientist at Great at Great Engineering Engineering Buildings Buildings University University & Transport, & Transport, Manchester Manchester CityCity Ormond Ormond Street Street Hospital Hospital NHS NHS of Leeds of Leeds Council Council Foundation Foundation Trust Trust

DrDr Shaun Shaun Fitzgerald Fitzgerald Director Director of Research, of Research, Centre Centre Climate Climate Repair Repair at Cambridge at Cambridge University University

Annie Annie Shepherd Shepherd CEO, CEO, Salix Salix Finance Finance

Alison Alison Ryan Ryan President President Elect, Elect, IHEEM IHEEM

IanIan Hinitt Hinitt Past Past President, President, IHEEM IHEEM

The TheNo1 No1event eventininthe theUK UKfor forHealthcare HealthcareEngineering, Engineering,Estates Estates&&Facilities FacilitiesProfessionals Professionals Main Event Sponsors

Principal Media Partner

Registration Sponsor

VIP Sponsor

ESG+FM= FOCUS

EDUCATION SECTOR

OUTSTANDING SCHOOL ASSETS Schools are not just about academic success, they play a much broader role in our society. It’s why FM, within the context of the ESG principles – Environmental, Social and Governance, has never been as important as it is today, says Adele Cooper, Sector Director for Education at VINCI Facilities

S

chools are centres for education, but they also form the heart of the surrounding community. They are often seen as a focal point, a benchmark for how society functions. That means as well as the education performance indicators they are measured against, there are compliance and wellbeing KPIs too. This is ESG and it is prevalent across all public estates.

It might not be spelled out this way by Ofsted, but no matter what the acronym, it makes sense that all of a school’s facilities are up to date and fully functioning. We recommend focussing on three areas - sustainability, reducing carbon and compliance. It is about aligning your FM and building services programme for your school with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Do that and you have an education asset that adds value as a facility and as a working example to the students and surrounding community. That’s why we invest time in creating gardens for schools and extra-curricular facilities for the parents, friends and students at the school.

SUSTAINABILITY Sustainability means a lot more than it used to. For us, it is about ensuring communities thrive. What’s more, this sense of doing the right thing, ethically and morally, is now reinforced by an acceptance across society, including our customers and end users in sectors beyond education, that action is required to combat climate change, mitigate risk as much as possible and decarbonise what we do. The lockdown in 2020 and the pandemic generated more understanding about local changes to the environment because we could all see and experience 34

SEPTEMBER 2022

FMJ.CO.UK

more within our local communities. We are all more aware of wider climate issues because of local campaigns, COP26 and more publicity around the UN Sustainable Development Goals as well as our own business and Government’s targets. But now, more organisations are working to the ESG acronym – Environmental, Social and Governance.

ESG has helped everyone understand that everything is linked. You can’t partition sustainability. For instance, wellbeing, environmental issues and carbon reduction are all connected through good governance.

So, for example, encouraging people to adopt a more circular view of how we use materials is a great way of reducing CO2, but it requires everyone to buy into the concept.

It is too easy to think of it as diverting materials away from landfill. Circularity is about reuse, reduce and recycle but it is also about procuring better – we have moved PV panels from decommissioned buildings to operational schools for example and wherever possible recycle furniture.

We actively look for local organisations, from youth clubs, young offender groups or community schemes to which we can donate chairs, tables and reconditioned IT kit to add value. We need to apply the same logic we are recommended as consumers – buy less, but when we do buy products, choose products that are better

EDUCATION SECTOR

quality that last.

LIFECYCLE STRATEGY To improve the lifecycle of what we have we must first understand how we use it – most importantly we need to assess the need for it in the first place. That is intrinsically linked to a core FM service we offer – asset management. Just as on consumer advice programmes we are all told to stop and think before we buy – so procurement teams, office managers and site teams should pause before placing an order, look at the long-term impacts and the asset management data.

It is why across the schools we manage we have installed LED lighting – in the longer run it is more effective, efficient and sustainable. Buying better means being more sustainable and meeting our environmental obligations.

Asset management is at the heart of what we do for schools right across the country, from Derby and Sheffield in the

FOCUS

Midlands and North of England to Newport in South Wales. Carbon reduction is central to this, but so too is efficiency. We have set up an energy working group that takes an overview of our projects. Our specialist advisors in the use of energy, power and water work with our schools and the FM teams. They monitor the behaviours in our schools and recommend changes for more effective and efficient usage, to cut emissions and save money at the same time. Everyone is being hit by rising prices – not just at home but at work and at school.

We work to improve the reliability of the systems where we can provide comfortable learning surroundings, so that students are engaged and focused on their education. It also means addressing operational costs, introducing simple controls and measures to drive efficiency. Likewise, we work with teams to reduce water consumption and look at ways of reusing water – for the school gardens or sports fields.

ESG has helped everyone understand that everything is linked. You can’t partition sustainability. For instance, wellbeing, environmental issues and carbon reduction are all connected through good governance.”

ENSURING COMPLIANCE The Governance in ESG is often misunderstood. But for schools a simple way of looking at it, is as compliance. It SEPTEMBER 2022

35

FOCUS

EDUCATION SECTOR

In every school there is a responsible person and duty holder, usually a member of staff and often part of the senior management team.

They are the focal point for the school’s health and safety management arrangements but rarely are they experts in building compliance.” means protecting the safety, welfare and health of all those associated with our schools. Its working to statutory legislation covering all the key areas in and around the buildings – something crucial to all Ofsted reports. We are proud of our track record – one independent Health and Safety auditor at one of our sites this year reported it as being the best they had seen! But compliance is not something to switch on or off. It is a continuous process. There are important key milestones to meet and keep up to date – as you would with any of your operations in the school and all this allows for that type of activity to continue.

In every school there is a responsible person and duty holder, usually a member of staff and often part of the senior management team. They are the focal point for the school’s health and safety management arrangements but rarely are they experts in building compliance. This is where the FM provider is involved, guiding and advising them in order to keep ahead of their statutory obligations.

MAINTAINING STANDARDS As well as our statutory maintenance, at our schools we work to optimal and discretionary standards, such as SFG20 36

SEPTEMBER 2022

and this comes into the category of best servicing to extend the life of our assets.

You need to be completely sure of all your assets, so they all have a regime of some kind if being used within the school. We do asset condition surveys each year – it is all part of the monitoring process to help understand the condition of the built environment and external surroundings to help budget and plan for further repairs, maintenance, lifecycle delivery and management. We hold everything on a central database to ensure we have captured it in a maintenance regime.

We use the latest technologies and tools to deliver our services collaboratively. Our teams can take a high-definition, threedimensional scan of a school and combine it with building location, asset, and condition data to enable the client to create a digital twin and then conduct virtual building walkthroughs. This virtual 360 degree walk gives total visibility of the asset detail, paperwork and certification as well as records of completed maintenance and the overall condition. It all makes collaboration much easier, allowing the whole team – client, FM and supply chain partners to make informed decisions and coordinate the complex works programmes.

Day-to-day FM within a school is not

straightforward as during term time there is always something going on – before school activities, lessons times, school clubs and community groups hiring the facility in the evening. That’s why planning and specialist tools help make compliance and governance easier. The priority is creating a PPM (planned preventative maintenance) plan listing all your assets, frequency of maintenance and when it is due. On most school projects, we have to sensibly plan this in to ensure it fits with the operation of the school. This means the holiday periods are our busiest time, so that we can get to work without disrupting the life of the school.

This programme is loaded into our CAFM system, so that it allocates the jobs which are due at a particular time in the month.

We have tools to measure this compliance with a per cent score met which our clients are keen to see and monitor on a monthly basis, and we use our MYMI dashboard for that. Our MYMI dashboard is a real time presentation of how we are meeting our targets. It retains the paperwork and certification for completed jobs. It holds an accurate record of all those open and closed which is always important for a formal trail.

Along with the dashboard report, these are benefits we use every day at the schools to assist in audits and to give all the confidence of us meeting the statutory requirements.

This G of ESG is the golden thread running through all of our school FM work. It binds the sustainability and carbon reduction and allows us to deliver on social value and truly make the FM work we deliver a central part of the school’s wider community.

We’re not your usual waste company We work with you to create value One supplier for all your waste streams

Engaging education programmes

Earn thousands of pounds from your recycling

Innovative waste technologies

01753 686 777

sales@grundon.com

www.grundon.com

MAKE MORE OF YOUR FLOOR With more than 50 years experience in mat production and innovation, Kleen-Tex provides a wide range of products to reduce dirt and moisture from entering your premises. þ Keep dirt and moisture at bay þ Reduce slip hazards þ Cut cleaning costs For more information: +44 (0)1204 705070 info@kleen-tex.co.uk

www.kleen-tex.co.uk

FOCUS

WELLBEING

HOME AND OFFICE COMFORTS Sam Rylands, Head of Marketing at Durable UK, explains why FMs need to combine the advantages of working at home and in the office to enhance employee wellbeing

O

ne of the biggest issues currently faced by managers of facilities, is the fact that they are predominantly servicing a workforce that is working from home and not from their office. This is leaving commercial spaces underutilised, many often filled to only half of their capacity.

When it comes to their wellbeing, those ‘office’ workers who are still working from home are also facing several challenges.

The feelings of isolation and stress have passed for some over the past few months, but the issue of establishing healthy barriers between their professional and personal lives is still a tough balance for many.

Those working from home have been faced with the continual conundrum of whether to purchase the equipment they need to do their jobs effectively and safely from their home office and whether they really want their home cluttered with office 38

SEPTEMBER 2022

furniture that they can’t then hide away at the end of the working week.

Despite months of this question being asked, many have still plumped for maintaining their homes as just that, homely. Decorated with soft furnishings, not footstools and printers, leaving them woefully under-equipped to perform their tasks effectively.

Currently, 55 per cent of the entire UK workforce are working at home and not in their usual office spaces around the country. The overall consensus is that more than half of all UK office workers, are still struggling to emulate the ergonomic comfort of the office and are getting frustrated at the lack of equipment they previously had right at hand. It’s 2022 and there are thousands of people scrounging for equipment or using household items as makeshift alternatives to basic office equipment. I wonder how many homeworkers have tried different

household items to create a laptop stand riser? I found a combination of placemats and board games worked quite well, until I irritatingly had to set it up every morning after putting it all away the evening before to regain my home living space.

OFFICE DRAW So then why are many businesses still struggling with office occupancy, if the idea of having multiple screens, a printer and a proper office chair are appealing for home workers?

Primarily, it’s because those working at home experience a whole host of other benefits that they would lose if they worked in the office. The solution then for those businesses wanting to increase office occupancy is simple; make sure you also offer those benefits, or other benefits that outweigh those of home working, to encourage people back to the office.

FMJ.CO.UK

This is where facilities managers can really add value and make sure that the amenities on offer to workers enable them to get their jobs done more efficiently and in a healthy manner.

Firstly, make sure that every desk is well kitted out with office equipment – or that it can be booked easily. There are many matrix software systems available that enable FMs to manage their spaces and equipment with ease. This also means that you don’t need to reinvest in more space and equipment for everybody and you can still operate on a reduced pool available to the workforce to use when they choose to work in the office as part of a hybrid working structure. FMs just need to make sure from a user perspective it’s quick and easy to use the system.

THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT Secondly, ensure that you have a range of equipment available to employees including ergonomic support tools like footstools and dual screen monitor mounts.

We’re all aware that DSE assessments have been practically impossible to roll out to home workers and the adverse impact this is having on posture and muscle tension.

The modern worker is a multi-tasker and many need to work with complex computer programs simultaneously. For example, data crunchers need to use several excel sheets and graphic designers need to be able to see high detail on a large screen.

Two screens had become the standard set up prior to the pandemic in most offices, for many different job roles. Cut to home working on a single laptop screen, or a single free-standing monitor plonked on your kitchen table, and the inevitable frustration felt by many of us trying to

WELLBEING

FOCUS

respectively from their office space. In perform the same tasks on a single screen. short, workers want the benefits of home This is certainly one of the benefits of in the office. One of the greatest benefits working in the office. Firms should make of the pandemic for the average worker the investment in all workspaces and kit was the realisation that removing fast food them out with two screens attached to lunches and the confines of a lifeless office adjustable monitor mounts which can be from their lives and swapping it for home moved and customised to whoever is using cooked food and a lunchtime walk did them, so they offer personalised ergonomic wonders for their sense of wellbeing. If FMs comfort.

Working together is possible remotely can replicate this in some form or another, through many of the online tools office spaces will become infinitely more appealing overnight. we all know and love to hate, One of the other benefits of however nothing is quite as effective when it working from home, is the Ultimately, FMs have the comes to collaboration ability to personalise your power to directly support the shift than being in the workspace. This is why offering employees flexible same room. We’re of workers back to the office. If the tools to control the all aware of how office offers an experience as comfortable lighting and temperature effective offices as home with the added benefits of around their desks will are for bringing high-end ergonomic equipment, strengthen the appeal of people together for collaborative work. office working, as these collaboration and concentration However also consider are the things employees spaces, then employees will find that workers need spaces are able to do with ease when the office much more for concentrated work. One working from home. of the benefits I found while Ultimately, FMs have the appealing.” working from home is space for power to directly support the shift quiet concentrated tasks, the balance of workers back to the office. If the office for FMs is to ensure that their office spaces offers an experience as comfortable as home with the added benefits of high-end feature both collaborative spaces as well ergonomic equipment, collaboration and as quieter spaces for focused individual concentration spaces, then employees work to avoid noise complaints and will find the office much more appealing. concentration issues.

They will have the flexibility when they’re in the office to work on different tasks and HOME BENEFITS achieve them much more efficiently and with less induced stress than when working In January of this year, a report by JLL at home. identified that the top three things that With the cost of living rising, and energy workers now want from their office is bills set to triple, now is the perfect time for relaxation spaces, healthy food services FMs to ensure that their facilities add value and outdoor spaces, however only 17 and to strongly advocate office working to per cent, 19 per cent and 25 per cent of their staff. workers have access to each these things

SEPTEMBER 2022

39

FOCUS

WELLBEING

MENTAL CHECKLIST Mental health issues which impact employee wellbeing can be a significant cause for long-term absence. But there are a number of ways you can support new ways of working for a healthier, happier workforce says Richard Harris, Founder and Managing Director of Okappy

T

he prevalence of mental health conditions in the workplace that had remained broadly unchanged for decades have seen a dramatic increase since the pandemic, with cases of anxiety and depression on the rise. Lockdowns during the pandemic took the UK by storm. Suddenly our daily routines, which many of us had been consistently pursuing for decades, were torn away. No more daily commute, no more face-toface meetings – suddenly we were forced to work from home and embrace the ‘new normal’.

One massive talking point the pandemic highlighted, and has remained a dominant topic, is mental health and wellbeing at work.

WORKING FROM HOME A recent study found that as much as 20 per cent of office space in south east England could become redundant. That is around 26 million sq. ft. of office space. Although the number of workers returning to the office has been increasing steadily, it is clear that many businesses have embraced working from home.

The same study found that the amount of time workers spend out of the office has drastically changed. Prior to COVID-19, 57 per cent of office workers spent all week at the office, 34 per cent were in the office four days a week and less than 10 per cent only did three days or less. Fast forward to June 2022, only five per cent of the surveyed workers were in the office five days a week and 10 per cent were in four days a week. The biggest increases were those working two or three days in the office, seeing 40

SEPTEMBER 2022

the numbers jump to 42 per cent and 29 per cent respectively.

A study conducted last year by the Royal Society for Public Health revealed that 45 per cent of workers felt working from home was better for their mental health, compared to the 29 per cent that said working from home damaged their wellbeing.

ENGAGING YOUR TEAM Yet as brilliant as flexible working is for your employee’s wellbeing, I believe that an office still has a place in improving your workforce’s mental health.

Last year’s study by the Royal Society for Public Health said feeling disconnected was one of the most common damages to mental health reported by those working from home. Along with feeling disconnected from colleagues, working from home can sometimes give employees a sense of isolation that would otherwise be solved by being together in an office.

When considering employee wellbeing and how working from home can benefit your workforce, it is important to listen and determine what model suits them best and it seems a hybrid approach is often most beneficial for employees and employers.

To support hybrid working, online tools like Zoom can help your team feel more connected. Hearing friendly voices and seeing familiar faces can give an office a pull factor; replicating this over a video call can help engage your team when working remotely.

An innovative field service management platform – such as Okappy’s – can also help support flexible working patterns. This digital approach means less

stress and anxiety for the user, making the wider team feel more connected.

ADAPTING YOUR OFFICE SPACE Some of the biggest companies in the world also have the best facilities in the world. Google’s London offices promote wellbeing and dialogue between employees extremely well. They have a variety of spots to sit down with the team and balconies where the people can meet outside.

Google also provides a variety of leisure activities that promote a sense of belonging and boosting productivity. These facilities give the workforce a reason to want to be in the office. Obviously, we don’t all have Google’s budget, but by incorporating spaces and practices into your workplace that encourage downtime, you can keep your employees happy. They will want to come to the office rather than seeing it as a chore.

When hybrid workers do come into the workplace, cultivating a happy and motivating workspace is vital for ensuring their mental wellbeing. One way you can achieve this is by incorporating some downtime when your workforce is in the office together. Perhaps start your Monday mornings with an informal catch-up meeting to engage the team, or operate an open-door policy where employees can pop in for an informal chat. Along with embracing new technologies to maintain a virtual connection and designing in welcoming spaces, making managment adjustments like these will show employees that you have a genuine interest in their wellbeing, wherever they are based.

CLAIM A FREE

PRODUCT

MP001GZ 40V XGT Inflaer Body Only

Claim a FREE MR002GZ01 or MP001GZ or ML003G with Selected XGT Machines

Eligible Products: DK0114G202, DK0114G207, DK0172G201, DA001GD201, FN001GD201, GA005GD202, GA013GD202, GA023GD203, GA029GD202, GA004GD202, GA012GD202, GA022GD202, GA028GD202, HM001GD201, HP001GD202, HP002GD203, HR003GD203, HR004GD203, HR004GD204, HR004GD202, HR005GD201, HR007GD201, HS004GD203, JR001GD202, LS002GD203, LS003GD201, LS004GD201, RS001GD202, RS002GD201, SP001GD201, TD001GD209, TW001GD202, TW004GD203, TW007GD203, TW008GD202, AS001GD201, MP001GD101, VC001GLD21, VC003GLD21, VC002GLD21, VC004GLD21, VC005GLD21, CL001GD225, CL002GD206, HM002GD202, HR006GD202, UB001GD201, UH004GD202, UH005GD202, UH006GD202, UH007GD202, UH013GD201, UH014GD201, UR002GD201, UR003GD201, UR006GD201, UR008GD201, UX01GD201, DG001GD201.

Claims can be registered on-line from 1st April 2022 and must be registered within 28 days of purchase for qualifying models.

Qualifying models must be purchased by 30th September 2022 to qualify and registered within 28 days.

ML003G 40V XGT Light Body Only

MR002GZ01 Bluetooth Radio Body Only

CLA ONL IM I NOWNE

makitauk.com/redemption FMJ.indd 1

04/04/2022 16:03

THINK FLEXIBLE FOR EFFICIENT, RELIABLE WATER CHOOSE MULTIPOINT FROM HEATRAE SADIA.

FULL RANGE

AVAILABLE

NOW

Our Multipoint water heaters come in an array of shapes, sizes and specs, with parts and labour warranties so there is always a model to suit your needs.

Visit heatraesadia.com/think

FOCUS

WINTER PREPARATION

COLD FACTS Winter maintenance should be an all-year-round job. This is why, says Jonathan Sharpe Marketing Manager at OUTCO, September is a good time to prepare for every eventuality

O

utside of the winter months it is easy to forget that all too soon the weather will turn and freezing temperatures and winter gritting will suddenly become a pressing issue. As we look ahead to this seasonal change, protecting employees and the public from the risks of slips and falls in icy conditions is an incredibly serious responsibility for FMs. As the saying goes; fail to prepare, then prepare to fail, this couldn’t be truer when it comes to procuring your winter services and preparing your winter services plan. As the winter gritting experts OUTCO can ask if you’re ready for winter? Unfortunately too many facilities managers wait for the season to change before booking their winter services.

Ultimately winter maintenance should be an all-year-round job: late spring and early summer are actually the ideal times to review your winter maintenance plan using up-to-date information, and drawing on experience from the previous winter

42

SEPTEMBER 2022

while it is still fresh, to resolve any issues, explore new initiatives and allocate budget to improve the plan going forward for the coming winter. But even if you’ve yet to consider your winter maintenance plan, their advice is simple; don’t wait until it gets cold before booking your winter services.

PLANNING SAVES COSTS Inflation and rising costs are front and centre on all our minds right now. The impact of inflation on business is well documented and as you would expect, we pay close attention to any changes brought about by this business-critical challenge.

Two main winter commodities; vehicles and salt have been impacted heavily due to inflation (and other global factors), and we are now seeing prices rising by over 20 per cent and 15 per cent respectively. By booking your winter services early or by fixing your prices for a longer term, you will insulate yourself from the inevitable industry-wide price rises.

MAKE SURE YOU’RE COVERED Winter services and insurance cover are often seen in a similar light. We all hope we won’t need them, but if we do, we are covered.

The facilities managers who are hedging their bets and waiting to see what the winter weather will be before booking services are treading on thin ice, and are potentially exposing their companies to an unduly high level of risk.

Failure to adequately plan and act can obviously impact anyone unlucky enough to suffer a fall, but it can also harm an organisation’s reputation and bottom line.

Legal actions can have severe financial impacts and recent years have seen society become increasingly litigious with the rise of the ‘no win, no fee’ culture. Most worryingly, ‘slipping on ice’ incidents have the potential for the highest value claims and compensation. As a result, proactive winter maintenance planning is becoming even more vital as a way to help businesses to mitigate risks.

FMJ.CO.UK

WINTER PREPARATION

FOCUS

So how ready should your organisation be? The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 states that an employer has a duty of care to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of all employees, including the provision of a safe working environment. This duty of care also extends beyond staff to anyone visiting or passing by a site, including suppliers and members of the public.

PROVEN PROVIDER We know from our own experience, that many businesses are caught out every year by the change in weather. These companies fail to make sufficient (or any) winter gritting and snow clearing provisions – don’t let this be you. The last thing you want to be doing when the weather gets cold is panic searching on google to find an untrusted/ unproven provider, who may or may not be able to help. You simply can’t afford to take this risk.

Working with a reputable winter service provider with a proven track record provides peace of mind to you as a busy manager that your duty of care has been met and that your sites will remain safe and compliant throughout winter. OUTCO has built a successful reputation and we ensure that essential winter services are delivered on time, every time and without fail.

STOCKED UP SALT STORES As well as being the largest and first company in the UK to specialise in winter gritting and snow clearance we are one of the largest buyers of winter de-icing salt in the UK and we primarily purchase our salt unbagged, and in bulk. We use white marine salt as our main de-icing agent, as it is cleaner and more sustainable than mined brown rock salt.

We follow our own advice and make sure we have sufficient salt in stock well ahead of the winter season. Our salt is stored in over 250 strategically located depots across the

UK, ensuring we have de-icing capacity where it is needed the most.

Over the years, we have built robust and reliable relationships with our suppliers, and we continue to strengthen these relationships year-on-year. Purchasing our salt in bulk helps to offset fluctuations in price and supply, this is a buying strategy that has proven to be successful. However, the price of salt is not immune to inflation, and we have seen the price rise by over 15 per cent.

Your current winter services provider should already have good stores of winter salt in stock, however, it’s always worth checking with them ahead of the winter season.

CLIMATE CHANGE: MORE VOLATILE AND UNPREDICTABLE WINTER WEATHER Preparing for winter also means staying one step ahead of mother nature. Due to climate change, the UK is experiencing more volatile weather patterns, from record-breaking summer temperatures through to more frequent floods and intense winter storms.

Anticipating what the weather will be isn’t a case of watching the television forecast – it is far more sophisticated, for example with the use of real-time weather forecasting tools to ensure high-level temperature accuracy. With each customer and for every site a road surface trigger temperature is agreed, appropriate to the location and conditions on the ground and service when this temperature is forecast. This attention to detail and level of monitors means keeping ahead of the weather and mobilising resources accordingly.

SUMMARY The UK often seems to be lagging behind other countries in managing extreme weather, and part of the reason is that readiness does take an investment of time and resource. However, looking only at the short-term cost implications of having a winter maintenance plan in place is to neglect the bigger risks of being found wanting in the event of an accident.

So even if you don’t approach winter with meticulous planning, it’s sensible to get serious about gritting and your duty of care.

A provider should be able to help you prepare all year round for winter and have built up an enviable track record of consistently keeping top UK companies and critical infrastructure safe, compliant and fully operational throughout the harshest of weather. Investing in smart technology, the best weather forecasting systems and a team of experienced operators to self-deliver their winter services means helping clients ensure they stay one step ahead of mother nature.

We know from our own experience, that many businesses are caught out every year by the change in weather. These companies fail to make sufficient (or any) winter gritting and snow clearing provisions – don’t let this be you.”

SEPTEMBER 2022

43

FOCUS

WINTER PREPARATION

OUTSIDE TRACK Daniel Took, Head of Professional Product Marketing at Kärcher UK discusses why stopping dirt entering buildings is the most cost-effective way of maintaining both building exteriors and interiors this winter

T

ackling the build-up of dirt is an everyday conundrum for FMs looking to keep premises clean and ready for use. This challenge is more prevalent during the winter months as the change in weather results in an increased amount of dirt that can be brought into facilities. As dirt is brought in from outside, it becomes embedded into flooring and stuck to surfaces, increasing the amount of time and money that needs to be dedicated to indoor cleaning.

Preventing soils from entering the facility is an often-overlooked cleaning function, however it is the most cost-effective step in tackling dirt. On average 80-94 per cent of soil tracked into a facility is brought in by foot, making it important to focus on preventing outside pollutants from entering clean and healthy indoor environments. Focusing on reducing the number of pollutants in the Preventative stage of the PDIR (Preventative, Daily, Interim, and Restorative) cleaning method will help to reduce labour and detergent costs and in turn overall running costs.

CLEAN SWEEP Taking an outside-in approach involves starting where soils originate such as, exterior areas including parking facilities, pavements, and courtyards that users pass through on their way inside. Without maintenance these high footfall areas could result in vast amounts of dirt entering the facility, increasing the amount of time that needs to be spent deepcleaning to provide a clean environment for users.

With growing demands being placed on facilities managers to ensure that buildings are safe for users, focusing outwards-in is an efficient and productive solution to expedite the cleaning process without compromising standards.

44

SEPTEMBER 2022

An effective solution for tackling dirt outdoors is to make use of different equipment to help increase efficiency. For instance, while litter picking and raking leaves are effective in removing unwanted debris, utilising a vacuum sweeper instead can greatly increase cleaning productivity. Vacuum sweepers are ideal for cleaning pathways and roadways by using a combination of roller brushes and side brushes to get close to buildings and kerbs, dislodging any debris that may be stuck to the surface. The dirt is then picked up by the built-in suction fan and stored in the onboard waste container.

Overall, this provides an enhanced clean of the outdoor facilities in a fraction of the time it would take to manually collect any unwanted debris that may have built-up. Additionally, the increased variety of machines now available enables FMs to select the right machine for their needs. It is recommended that walk-behind sweepers are used when cleaning courtyards and pathways due to their smaller size and greater manoeuvrability. For larger areas, rideon vacuum sweepers are effective due to their larger on-board waste tanks, enabling the user to cover a wider surface area with each clean.

Incorporating outside vacuum sweeping into a structured cleaning programme will significantly reduce the number of soils that can be trafficked into the building. While getting used to adjusting the programme to focus on increased external cleaning may take some time, the overall reduction in indoor cleaning times and detergents used will make it worthwhile from a cost perspective.

ECO EQUIPMENT Whilst vacuum sweepers are ideal for lifting debris off the surface, making use of pressure washers will

help to swiftly eradicate unwanted surface materials by dislodging dirt from crevices where they may build up over time. Selecting which type of pressure washer to use will depend on the amount of dirt that is present. For those who are time poor, hot water pressure washers could be most suited as the hot water quickly loosens and dissolves dirt, solidified oils and fats saving up to 35 per cent cleaning time when compared to cold water pressure washers.

With increased focuses on sustainable cleaning practices, facilities managers should look to make use of equipment that features eco-friendly settings. For instance, Kärcher has introduced the eco!efficiency mode across a wide range of its products, including vacuum sweepers and pressure washers. Eco!efficiency enables users to conserve fuel and reduce water wastage by keeping the machine within the most economical operating window. This enables users to achieve a high-quality clean by using the minimum number of resources.

Making use of effective machinery outdoors, just as facilities managers would indoors, will go a long way to reducing overall cleaning times. There may be costs involved in purchasing equipment for the first time – although hire options can help negate some of these costs – but the overall saving to the user will be substantial. Tackling dirt outside will greatly reduce the amount of dirt that comes into the building, helping to reduce the need for intensive deep cleaning and the added disruption that causes for facilities users.

The main aim for any FM is to ensure that their facility is a clean environment for users. From its appearance to air quality, soils that enter facilities greatly impact building cleanliness and need to be effectively eradicated to support facilities users.

When it comes to tackling dirt this winter, start by looking outwards-in for the most efficient and costeffective cleaning.

The Generator & UPS Experts

WHEN FAILURE IS

NOT AN OPTION Complete Generator and UPS Solutions from are available UK-Wide and via Export. supports all your preventative back-up power needs in the UK.

Generator & UPS Sales: 01977 688 155 yorpower.com

Generator & UPS Maintenance & Repair: 0345 200 9888 ppspower.com

FEATURE

SUSTAINABILITY

SCOPE 3 FM EMISSIONS Kieran King, Sustainability Consultant for the SFMI & Acclaro Advisory on ways to help close the potential gap in building life-cycle emissions, where FM Scope 3 is currently excluded

T

here has been a recent rise in companies beginning to look at their wider emissions footprint, fuelled by increased scrutiny of emission disclosures. Previously, focus has been limited to emissions with easily accessible data - Scope 1 and 2 (typically natural gas, electricity, fleet vehicles, diesel and refrigerant gases).

However, with recently published figures from reporting bodies such as CDP, estimating that up to 95 per cent of a company’s emissions reside within their supply chain and wider upstream and downstream activities (Scope 3), the spotlight has shifted.

In the UK, the built environment accounts for up to 25 per cent of total emissions each year, with the recent Government reports highlighting the sector as one of the more challenging to meet net zero targets. The below traditional framework looks at four key areas for a building’s carbon emissions: construction, operation (or use), end of life and beyond the lifecycle. However, as can be seen from the below figure, traditional frameworks exclude Facilities Management (FM) emissions.

Scope 3 FM Emissions (Not service specific)

Purchased Goods and Services

Products & services to support service delivery on client site that are procured by the FM provider

Fuel and Energy Related Activities

Transmission & distribution losses from electricity

Upstream Transportation and Distribution

Logistics/couriers and delivery of materials

Waste Generated in Operations

Waste managed on client operations where FM is paid to manage waste and in projects delivered that generate waste

Business Travel

Travel relating to delivery of client services.

Employee Commuting

Commuting to client sites for on-site teams

Upstream Leased Assets

Emissions from renting specialist equipment for delivery of services

Table 1: List of key FM emissions currently excluded from Building Life-Cycle Carbon Assessment

ACTIONS FM CAN TAKE TO DEVELOP ITS FOOTPRINT The significance of FM Scope 3 emissions is currently unknown, so the first step should be data

Figure 1: Traditional Framework infographic for built environment emissions

Building Construction

Building Operation

Building Operation

End of Life

Beyond the Life Cycle

Construction products and processes

Operational energy e.g., heating

Maintenance, repair, refurbishment

Demolition, Waste and Disposal

Carbon savings from material reuse

THE PROBLEM WITH ACCOUNTING FOR FM ACTIVITIES When calculating the emissions for the operational phase of a building, FM emissions are excluded. This is because these emissions are looked at through the lens of building ownership, and as FM providers do not own the buildings they are contracted to work in, their emissions are not included. As can be seen from the above graphic, there are clear areas of a building’s operational footprint that FM contribute to, such as cleaning, security and grounds management. But as the current ownership scope is applied, and outsourced building management is excluded, the FM Scope 3 emissions are ignored.

Table 1 shows the key emissions that are currently excluded from scope using traditional frameworks.

As can be seen from the list, there are areas that have the potential to be generating significant emissions that are currently overlooked.

46

SEPTEMBER 2022

collection. For data collection, FM providers should first look at their own operations to determine which Scope 3 categories are relevant to their business and associated contracts.

To collect this data, the SFMI has worked with an industry team to develop a GHG Standard for the FM Sector, proposing two practical solutions. Either a top-down method which focuses on collecting Scope 1, 2 and 3 data at a corporate level. Or, bottom-up which is focused on customer allocation, with footprints built at a contract level, where the FM provider has ownership, responsibility, or influence over the emissions.

FM has the chance to play a critical role in the next phase – emissions reductions at the service level. Particularly with the bottom-up approach, once key areas for reductions have been identified, the FM provider can work closely with their customer to develop a plan for emissions

reductions. This may be by altering the products that are procured to deliver a service, incorporating nature-based solutions into grounds maintenance or increasing maintenance schedules to ensure IT equipment is running as efficiently as possible.

These improvements provide FM companies with a significant opportunity to integrate themselves more closely with their customers.

The revelation of the gap in building life-cycle emissions means FM has a critical role to play in data collection, analysis, and emissions reductions in relation to the FM Operational footprint. It is vital that FM companies begin to measure and monitor their Scope 3, at both a corporate and contract level, so that we may begin to understand their significance.

Indeed, as the Parliament’s Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) ramps up its focus on the built environment, the need to get emissions foot printing right, and ensure the scope is complete, has never been more vital. Only once the full scope of the built environment carbon footprint is clear can we focus on driving emissions reductions at scale.

Whilst we are at the beginning of this journey, the steps laid out below shows a clear path to success.

Collaboration on Data Collection and Analysis Phase

Make changes to Net-Zero Plans and Performance Targets

Collaborate on Measures for Emissions Reductions

Figure 2: Path to success, showing key stages for measuring, integrating, and reducing FM scope 3 emissions.

To read the full Scope 3 report, please visit the Acclaro Advisory website www.acclaro-advisory.com

EST000926_A5_Landscape_OUTLINED_CMYK_100%.indd 1

16/03/2021 09:04

BE WISE

WHEN YOU ADVERTISE

Everyone wants to get what they paid for. Facilities Management Journal is independently verified by ABC, because we want our advertisers to know they’re getting the exposure they’ve been promised.

ABC. See it. Believe it. Trust it. To advertise call Danny Grange on 07867 418994

www.abc.org.uk

LEADING THE UK IN LIGHTNING PROTECTION COMPLIANCE Our test and inspection services protect people, property, places – and reputations.

Get in touch today to see how we can help ptsg.co.uk | 01977 668771 info@ptsg.co.uk | @ptsg_ltd

TO ADVERTISE IN MONTH IN FM PLEASE CONTACT DANNY.GRANGE@KPMMEDIA.CO.UK OR CALL 01322 476811

MONTH IN FM

GRAPHENSTONE UK SETS THE GOLD STANDARD FOR CERTIFICATION WITH NEW AWARDS

PANTHERA GROUP AWARDED NATIONAL FRAMEWORK AGREEMENT FOR ENVIROHOARD

Graphenstone UK, the world’s most certified eco paint brand, announces the award of two further certifications for its GCS Premium mineral paint and Grafclean Eggshell formulations.

The first award is a new Fire Performance Classification for Graphenstone’s GCS Premium mineral paint. This ecological Lime silicate paint already boasts many impressive characteristics, including: BREEAM/WELL/LEED compliant, trace VOC's, Class 1 breathability, high yield and opacity, improved strength and durability, and holds the globally recognised Cradle to Cradle Silver certification amongst many others. Now it has also been certified to Euro A2 fire standards.

This certification demonstrates that this paint coating is inherently noncombustible and does not release any toxic chemicals or fumes in the event of a fire. Furthermore, it has been tested and proven to prevent the surface spread of flames.

The second announcement is that Graphenstone's Grafclean Eggshell has been awarded the Eurofins Indoor Air Comfort Gold certification. This certification, which validates the manufacturing process as well as the end products, is a rare achievement in the paint sector, and even rarer for an eggshell paint to achieve this standard. In fact Grafclean Eggshell joins just a handful of eggshell products available in the global coatings market, and possibly the only one widely available in the UK that are BREEAM, WELL, LEED and SKA compliant.

Following the successful national rollout of award-winning, net zero carbon hoarding solution, EnviroHoard™, Panthera Group is delighted to announce it has been awarded a sole supplier nationwide framework by John Sisk & Son. The move follows the publication of Sisk’s ambitious road map that defines targets and actions to reduce the company’s waste intensity by 50 per cent.

Using EnviroHoard™ enables the company to make a start on its waste reduction journey at the boundary of every project.

EnviroHoard™ was conceived to eliminate the use of timber and plywood and embrace a circular economy concept of recyclability and reusability. The system’s uPVC panels are manufactured from post-industrial uPVC and can be used multiple times before being recycled. The part recycled galvanised steel frame and ultra-low carbon blocks are also designed for re-use over many projects.

With a view to adopting circular economy principles into the business from 2023, Sisk undertook a comprehensive appraisal of EnviroHoard™, culminating in the decision to award the national framework.

Sisk analysed the benefit of EnviroHoard™ on an assumed project of two years and found that the system would offer 70 per cent lower embodied carbon reduction than the equivalent plywood hoarding method, along with additional climate positive benefits including carbon offsetting and tree planting directly attributable to the individual project. Unlike plywood hoarding which requires on-going maintenance, EnviroHoard™ offers zero maintenance cost saving benefits.

www.graphenstone-eco paints.store

www.pantheragroup.com

HEALTHCARE ESTATES - THE BIGGEST YET! Healthcare Estates 2022 is just a few weeks away, with preparations really ramping up now for the biggest event yet; more exhibitors, more speakers, more exhibition theatres, a fabulous new venue for the Dinner and Awards, and a very special plenary theatre on the exhibition floor this year that hosts the Keynote presentations. Keynote sessions feature some great names including Sir David Behan, Chair of Health Education England, Nigel Edwards, Chief Executive Officer, The Nuffield Trust, Professor Peter Guthrie, Vice – President of the Royal Academy of Engineering and Dr Sean Fitzgerald, Director of Research at the Centre for Climate Repair, University of Cambridge.

Speaking as a special guest in the keynote theatre at 3.30 pm on 5 October at Healthcare Estates 2022 will be Nigel Owens MBE, the most-capped referee in world rugby.

Healthcare Estates Exhibition Healthcare Estates is a truly unique event in the UK market – the only national conference and exhibition to bring together those who design, build manage and maintain healthcare facilities.

The Healthcare Estates exhibition features over

opportunity to catch up on the latest products, regulations, and best practice with free content for all and relevant exhibitors providing solutions to the many topics discussed.

HVAC & Engineering Theatre – Infection Control and Water Theatre - Design and Construction Theatre – Energy and Sustainability Theatre - Facilities Management Theatre - Fire and Medical Gas Theatre.

200 stands – so two days of your time gives you the complete technical, practical, professional, and political framework in which to make effective decisions.

Healthcare Estates Conference The four Key Themes for the Conference have been revised to reflect the issues that have the greatest impact on the healthcare industry, these are: Engineering & Facilities, Net Zero, Strategic and Capital Planning, and Workforce.

Exhibition Theatres The six exhibition theatres give visitors plenty of

www.healthcare-estates.com 48

SEPTEMBER 2022

Awards Dinner The Healthcare Estates IHEEM Awards Dinner takes place on Tuesday 4 October at the fabulous, iconic building, The Kimpton Clocktower Hotel in Manchester.

The night is a celebration of excellence and achievement in the industry. The dinner is a unique opportunity to network with the best in the healthcare sector whilst enjoying a luxurious three-course meal with wine and entertainment. The After-Dinner speaker this year is Kate Richardson-Walsh. Kate is the most capped female hockey player in her country’s history and was captain of the GB and England women’s hockey teams for 13 years To register as a visitor, book a delegate place, or a seat at the dinner, please go to www.healthcare-estates.com for full details.

MONTH IN FM

FMJ.CO.UK

TOSHIBA'S NEW GENERATION R-32 VRF AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM HELPS DECARBONISE OFFICES AND REDUCE RUNNING COSTS

T

he latest version of Toshiba’s flagship Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) air conditioning system, SHRM Advance, operates on lower Global Warming Potential (GWP) R-32 refrigerant. The combination of R-32’s lower GWP and reduced refrigerant charge enables SHRM Advance to deliver a significant reduction of up to 80 per cent* in equivalent carbon emissions, while reducing running costs and delivering outstanding comfort for building occupants. Toshiba Carrier UK Ltd (TCUK) is a joint venture between Toshiba Carrier Corporation and Carrier, which is part of Carrier Global Corporation (NYSE: CARR), the leading global provider of healthy, safe, sustainable and intelligent building and cold chain solutions.

This all-new VRF air conditioning system gives building owners and operators an ultra-efficient, high-quality cooling and heating solution, enabling buildings to achieve best-in-class sustainability credentials, while reducing running costs.

"With the race to achieve net-zero, building operators and managers are under increasing pressure to minimise their carbon footprint," said David McSherry, Head of Toshiba DX, Residential and Light Commercial, TCUK. "In addition to the significant sustainability benefits, as the price of R-410A – the refrigerant used in VRF systems to date – rises and availability falls, R-32 offers a very attractive optimum alternative, with significantly lower GWP, reduced costs and improved energy efficiency. SHRM Advance represents a win-win for buildings and the

environment."

The new VRF system incorporates technical innovations that help enhance comfort performance and energy efficiency. These include the ability to select either three-pipe heat recovery or twopipe heat pump operation, a new twin-rotary compressor with liquid injection, split heat exchanger, sub-cooling plate heat exchanger, a new high performance fan motor, and a unique thermodynamic circuit, all contributing to classleading efficiency of SEER up to 8.9 and SCOP up to 4.67.

For system designers, a new generation of innovative flow selectors with up to 12 ports gives enhanced flexibility and optimises the ability of SHRM Advance to deliver simultaneous cooling and heating. This is controlled automatically, enabling seamless energy transfers between areas of the building requiring heating and cooling, ensuring a comfortable and productive indoor environment at all times, whatever the weather outside.

An advanced heat recovery function provides heat to the indoor unit with minimal input from the condensing unit, further improving energy efficiency and helping to minimise carbon footprint. If required, SHRM Advance can also be customised to operate as a two-pipe heat pump system.

For installers, the fully packaged SHRM Advance is available in 8 to 24HP capacity units, giving flexibility to meet the needs of any commercial building project. A new compact chassis height of just 1.69m helps integration on site, while it is possible to connect up to 69 indoor units per system. A full range

www.toshiba-aircon.co.uk

01372 220240

of 13 different types of indoor unit are available, from 0.3 to 10HP capacity.

As well as conventional indoor units, SHRM Advance is available with a fresh air ventilation duct and a medium temperature water module.

Supported by a 70-200 per cent diversity ratio, full system customisation is possible to overcome sitespecific project constraints.

For applications requiring enhanced levels of indoor air quality, Toshiba's one-way and four-way cassettes offer plasma/ionizer air purification, while the high-wall unit has an ultra-pure filter.

Safe operation is a key design priority and is ensured by an advanced integrated leak detection and shut-off valve system. To ensure regulatory compliance at the design stage, equipment selection software takes account of mandatory requirements, based on floor area and refrigerant quantity. For each proposed project design, it gives installers

and consultants full guidance to ensure regulatory compliance and ensure total peace-of-mind.

Control is enhanced by Toshiba's TU2C-LINK communication system, giving improved speed and connectivity. A full line-up of wired and central remote controllers is available, offering full compatibility with the new R-32 safety devices.

Monitoring solutions include the Wave Tool Advance (available from App store and Google Play) and Link Adaptor, enabling quick and easy servicing.

"The world is heading toward a decarbonised future. SHRM Advance enables building owners and operators to contribute to the decarbonisation effort, while saving money and ensuring excellent comfort conditions throughout the year,” added David McSherry. “For both new-build and refurbishment projects, the system is a major step toward net-zero, and it is available now." *Compared with similarly sized R-410A systems.

The precise percentage will depend on the system design for each installation.

marketing.uk@toshiba-ac.com SEPTEMBER 2022

49

TO ADVERTISE IN MONTH IN FM PLEASE CONTACT DANNY.GRANGE@KPMMEDIA.CO.UK OR CALL 01322 476811

MONTH IN FM

SUSTAINABLY REFURBISH PITCHED METAL ROOFS TO EXTEND THE LIFE CYCLE OF THE ROOF In order to help specifiers understand when and how to sustainably extend the life cycle of metal roofs, Sharmans have created a new CPD: The Life Cycle of a Metal Roof: A Specifiers Guide to Good Practice.

Metal roof sheets are typically coated with plastic to protect them from corrosion. Over time, the factory-applied coatings begin to deteriorate, exposing the galvanised roof sheet. Once this is

exposed, corrosion sets in threatening to damage the integrity of the roof structure.

Keeping a metal roof in good condition is the best way to extend its life cycle. Conducting regular inspections and refurbishing when required can lead to a roof lasting an additional 25 years or more beyond its original life expectancy. Neglecting the roof can reduce the expected life cycle and lead to a replacement being required.

Roof replacements are costly, cause business disruption and have a high cost to the environment.

Replacing a commercial or industrial metal roof produces far more embodied carbon than refurbishment. With sustainability being of increasing importance for end clients, avoiding a roof replacement by refurbishing it at the right

www.hdsharman.co.uk

info@hdsharman.co.uk

01298 812371

WATERBLADE LAUNCHES ‘SAVINGS CALCULATOR’ BASED 100% ON YOUR DATA

JANGRO LAUNCHES NEW CATERING AND HOSPITALITY CATALOGUE

Now it is possible to calculate for yourself how much water, energy, co2 and money you can save based on easily available data from your building.

When a company we work with came up with this we were really impressed, because it is not based on typical values and past trial data. It asks you how many people are in your building, how often they wash their hands per day, how long that may take etc. plus another ten data points to work out your savings achievable by quickly and easily fitting Waterblades to your taps.

Contact Nigel and we can work with you to see how much you could save.

Waterblade is WRAS approved and UK manufactured in premises with ISO 9001 and 14001.

Jangro, the UK and Ireland’s largest network of independent janitorial distributors, has launched a brand new catalogue, for the commercial caterer and hospitality sector.

Available in a compact A5 size, it is packed with many new sustainable choices, including disposable food packaging, cutlery and drinkware that are made from recycled materials, and are also compostable, biodegradable, or recyclable.

From mixology, dispensing and serving essentials for bartenders, a large range of glassware through to front of house essentials, including crockery, cutlery, oven to tableware, and presentation displays, the new catalogue has it all.

It caters for everything required within commercial kitchens, including equipment and furniture, and for staff, there is an array of uniform and PPE on offer.

Also included are kitchen hygiene supplies, which are essential to avoid cross-contamination and the risk of foodborne illness. The catalogue covers all chemicals, paper products, and cleaning products, including the new ntrl range, Jangro’s innovative line of natural and more sustainable cleaning products. All ntrl products use raw materials that are derived from plant-based extracts; their natural formulas are 100% biodegradable, contain zero petrochemicals, and can reduce the product’s carbon footprint by up to 85 per cent.

In addition to the ntrl collection, there are plenty of sustainable alternatives and innovations from a range of suppliers.

Other features include products for hotels, signage, fire safety equipment, first aid, waste management, and washroom essentials.

www.thewaterblade.com

www.jangro.net

WATERBLADE NOZZLE SAVING

Potential Saving Projection

Energy Saved

Saving Per Tap £61.10

372

£/Tap/Year

Water Saved 2,009,280 ROI (Return On Investment)

242

Litres/Year

0 Years 1 Months

OVERALL SAVING

*Please note that savings are based on gathered infromation or established industry averages and is subject to change and adaption.

07956 247392

SEPTEMBER 2022

Kwh

CO2 Saved

£46.42

50

time is the most sustainable choice, least disruptive and best value for money option.

Specifiers and contractors are faced with the challenge of understanding at what point to refurbish, the sustainable considerations, the system options available and ensuring a return on investment. Sharmans new CPD addresses these issues so learn more by arranging a CPD or visiting the Sharmans website.

Visit https://www.hdsharman.co.uk/ arrange-a-cpd/?utm_source=CPD+Article&utm_ medium=FMJ+&utm_campaign=CPD

Kg's/Year

£3,360.29

nigel@thewaterblade.com

01204 795 955

MONTH IN FM

FMJ.CO.UK

CARPET RECYCLING UK BUILDS FLOORING SECTOR MOMENTUM AT HARROGATE Exhibiting on Stand A45 at the 2022 Harrogate Flooring Show, Carpet Recycling UK (CRUK) is inviting the sector to build on collaborative momentum and act to reduce textile flooring waste and resource usage ahead of any potential changes to UK legislation such as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).

The not-for-profit association is urging manufacturers, flooring companies and recyclers to engage with its network to collaborate in putting sustainable processes in place that minimise waste, save on costs and keep resources in the supply chain longer. The aim is to consider reuse and recycling at the design stages and produce products for the circular economy and to implement processes to retrieve them for recycling.

Adnan Zeb-Khan, CRUK Scheme Manager says: “Over the past year, we’ve recognised clear interest from the manufacturing sector in collaborating with our 119-strong network with a view to preparing for a potential future policy change where an Extended Producer Responsibility scheme could be a reality.

“While carpet and textile flooring are not on the

immediate EPR agenda for Government policy makers, we are encouraging companies to be ahead of the curve and work with together with a shared interest to make potential EPR policies relevant and as fair as possible. We have the opportunity to help shape any forthcoming schemes and perhaps even develop our own code of practice policies to reduce any impact on the sector going forward.”

CRUK’s core funders have grown in number to 15, and support now comes from Balsan, Betap, Brintons Carpets, Condor Group, Cormar Carpets, ege Carpets, Furlong Flooring, Gradus, Headlam

www.carpetrecyclinguk.com

Group, IVC Commercial, Milliken, Modulyss, Rawson Carpet Solutions, Shaw and Tarkett. Many of them are acting voluntarily ahead of any legislation, including Cormar Carpets, which with assistance from CRUK, has helped their key customers to consider their waste minimisation and to create cost savings.

Adnan continues: “We congratulate and continue to work with our members who have made great strides already in addressing waste and resources reduction. However, we need to emphasise that those who are not may face difficulties in the future and risk being left behind. Now is the time to act and put your sustainability plans into action.”

Textile flooring producers, distributors, contractors and retailers are invited to CRUK’s stand next to longstanding core funder Cormar Carpets where they can discuss latest outlets and what to consider in relation to logistics, for all types of surplus and used flooring to help reduce waste and save money.

info@carpetrecyclinguk.com

THE FLEXSHAFT EFFECT Regardless of the setting, whether it’s a home, a restaurant or a business premise, one thing is known for sure: every drainage system needs occasional maintenance.

Some homeowners tackle slow-flowing drains by using chemicals to kill blockages. Short term, chemicals are a health, environmental and safety hazard; long term, this practice could damage the drains considerably. At some point in time, thorough cleaning of these drains becomes a must.

FlexShaft For The Win FlexShaft Machines bring real added value to all

professional drain cleaners.

The primary advantage of the small FlexShaft machines is portability. K9-102 weighs 11 kg, while K9-204 weighs 17 kg – they are easy to carry around anywhere. They are powered by a widely used 18-volt batterypowered drills, so there’s no need to deal with power cords.

The latest addition to the FlexShaft range is the K9-306 machine. It’s less playing in the portability field, but more playing in the power field – it weighs around 72 kg. K9-306 is a heavy-duty machine equipped with an internal universal motor powered with I-Clutch™ technology.

FlexShaft Accessories – Chain Knockers And Brushes RIDGID has a wide chain knocker and brush offering for different types of blockages and pipe material.

Smooth chains can be used for soft blockages; carbide tipped chains are much

www.ridgid.eu/gb/en

more aggressive and the penetrating head and carbide tipped chains are perfect to break apart the heaviest built-ups.

FlexShaft can also be combined with brush add-ons.

They can be used as a cleaning action after a chain knocker cycle or simply as a cleaning tool in the more fragile pipe types.

It’s clear that FlexShaft machines are a light, powerful, clean, and effective new method to clean drains in a multitude of situations and it can serve as an excellent additional tool in multiple drain cleaning applications.

ridgid.gb@emerson.com SEPTEMBER 2022

51

TO ADVERTISE IN MONTH IN FM PLEASE CONTACT DANNY.GRANGE@KPMMEDIA.CO.UK OR CALL 01322 476811

MONTH IN FM

TWO NEW CORDLESS 40VMAX XGT VACUUM CLEANERS FROM MAKITA

STYLE SERVICE TEAM SAVES MOVEABLE WALL

Makita has expanded its range of 40VMax XGT vacuum cleaners. The VC008G Brushless Backpack Cleaner and CL003G Brushless Vacuum Cleaner have both been designed to offer greater flexibility, productivity and ease of use for cleaning professionals.

The 40VMax XGT Brushless Backpack Vacuum Cleaner (VC008G), which weighs just 5.3kg delivers up to 195 Watts of suction power and a two litre dust capacity in a compact, easy to use machine. The cleaner includes a HEPA filter to remove 99.97 per cent of particles of 0.3 microns or more for a cleaner indoor environment. It features a telescopic pipe with a locking mechanism for a secure connection to the flexible pipe section, as well as a T-nozzle with a hard flooring and carpet mode selector.

Also added to the range is the 40VMax XGT Brushless Vacuum Cleaner (CL003G), a compact cordless stick vacuum cleaner that delivers up to 100 Watts of power and a sealed suction of up to 20 kPa. A new cyclone unit integrated onto the cleaner’s main body, and positioned above the extension pipe, gives the cleaner a more compact design. This means increased cleaning efficiency as the cleaner body will not make contact with the floor or surrounding objects when cleaning narrow spaces. The new cyclone unit also separates more dust from the air to minimise filter clogging.

Style, the UK’s leading supplier of moveable wall systems, has the contract to provide scheduled servicing of the large number of partitioning walls installed at a major university.

In a recent visit, the service engineers noticed that the carriers fitted on a wall not originally supplied and fitted by Style, were cracked. This was causing issues with the moveable wall’s operation, and Style’s technicians advised that the carriers needed to be replaced to avoid further damage in the long term.

“This is an excellent example of why it’s so important to have your moveable, folding or partitioning walls routinely serviced,” said Hannah Thorneycroft, Service Manager for Style North.

“Without replacing the carriers, the operation of this wall would have become increasingly difficult, which often results in operators using excessive force to open and close it, leading to even worse damage further down the line.”

Style first had to source the specific carriers that worked with this type of moveable wall and having found a supplier, they ordered 30 and replaced them on site.

With an in-house trained team of employed service engineers, Style offers nationwide emergency call-out cover as well as planned maintenance contracts.

A standard service visit includes a thorough inspection of the overall operation of a moveable wall, as well as checks on the acoustic integrity of the system and compliance with health and safety requirements.

https://makitauk.com/products/vacuum-cleaners

www.style-partitions.co.uk sales@style-partitions.co.uk

WATER AND WELLBEING Healthy workplaces start with healthy people and it is an FM’s responsibility to ensure that hydration plays a part in promoting the wellbeing of a building’s users.

The healthiest form of hydration is water. It is calorie free, free from allergens, and is a building block for promoting optimum physical and mental wellbeing. One of the most sustainable forms of providing water that people enjoy drinking is to install water dispensers.

However, FMs should be aware that not all water dispensers are equal. The water must be guaranteed to be safe and free from contaminants. The best way to deliver this guarantee of standards your users can trust is to ensure the water and equipment is WHA-Safe.

This means using a member of the WHA – the Water Dispenser & Hydration Association.

Phillipa Atkinson-Clow, General Manager of the Association, explains: “The WHA is THE association setting standards of training, hygiene and auditing.

To find out more about why using a WHA member is the safe choice, download this leaflet.

WHA members can only attain and retain their credentials if they pass regular audits.

When choosing your best options, sustainability will no doubt be a key consideration. Phillipa Atkinson-Clow adds: “Single use bottles are no longer acceptable. Water dispensers, whereby building users are encouraged to refill multi-use bottles, is the contemporary way of providing hydration.”

The Find a Member section of The WHA’s website enables FMs to easily find a supplier or, importantly, to quickly check if an existing supplier is up to the task.

Our members join the Association because of the information and continuous improvement we deliver to companies and their staff. By using a WHA-Safe, accredited member, FMs can be sure that the standards employed to install and maintain equipment and, to handle water are of the highest standards.”

https://twha.co.uk 52

SEPTEMBER 2022

To find a member visit https://twha.co.uk/find-amember/ To view the leaflet visit https://twha.co.uk/wpcontent/uploads/2021/12/WHA-CF-202105-Whychoose-a-WHA-Member.pdf

MONTH IN FM

FMJ.CO.UK

RESIENT LABS LAUNCHES EUROPE'S 1ST ANTIMICROBIAL FLOOR POLISH INCORPORATING NOVEL STYRENE-FREE POLYMER TECHNOLOGY Resient made sure that its polish met every safety requirement.

A POLISH TO BE PROUD OF Resient Metallised Floor Polish is a powerful, selfshine, high solids, metallised floor care polish for all types of floors, including porous stone, granite, marble, parquet, PVC, linoleum, vinyl and rubber.

As well as being hygienic, it provides an industrial strength high durable finish with excellent wear properties, good heel mar resistance and excellent, ethanol, water, and detergent resistance.

Key features: Antimicrobial Professional grade Durable Minimum maintenance Available in gloss and satin High gloss for longer Low VOCs. Styrene and formaldehyde free.

Easy to apply

U

K based resin specialist, Resient Labs launches Europe's 1st Antimicrobial Floor Polish that combats harmful microbes like E.coli, MRSA and Salmonella for the lifetime of the polish. And even more satisfying to note is that there is no leaching of antimicrobial actives making your floor now even safer than ever before for you, your family, pets and the environment.

Reduction or indeed elimination of harmful microbes on surfaces not only helps to reduce cross contamination, but also improves the working environment, providing reassurance that employee health and wellbeing is a priority. Coupled with reduced cleaning frequency, less reliance on harsh chemicals and lower labour requirements, this product is really pushing the boundaries.

In addition to the unique antimicrobial properties, Resient has formulated the polish to be low in VOCs and completely eliminated the need for additives that lead to the release of chemicals such as formaldehyde. Resient’s product is also free of alkylphenol ethoxylates, commonly found in floor polishes which degrade to form phenols, responsible for hormone disruption in both human and aquatic life.

Alongside the Antimicrobial Floor Polish, Resient has developed a cleaner/maintainer which is free of phosphates and harmful actives, continuing the company’s drive to provide safer products without compromising on performance.

www.resientlabs.com

THE DEVIL IS IN THE DETAIL But Resient Labs didn't stop there. "...the challenge was to formulate with a safer resin without losing the performance of styrene acrylics that can contain harmful residual styrene.”

Resient's Chief Chemist and Technical Director, Anthony Somers started his quest for a superior, more environmentally friendly system by refusing to use styrene acrylic - a cheaper, easier formulation option.

Resient Labs Metallised Antimicrobial Floor Polish opted for a chemically cross linked metal-complexed pure acrylic resin with a re-engineered polymer backbone resulting in increased wear resistance. The result is excellent gloss for longer with good scratch and scuff resistance.

"In busy environments, a lot of time and energy goes in to maintaining floors. Once floors have been treated with Resient floor Polish, constant re-application and high speed buffing can instead be replaced with light spray buffing to restore the glossy look saving labour and product.”

SLIP RESISTANCE MUST BE A BUILT IN FEATURE IN ANY POLISH – YOU WOULD THINK! Resient looked at many floor polish formulations.

Some were good and some were very poor. Applying a floor polish should not increase the chance of slip/fall accidents, yet, believe it or not, it does for some products on the market. From laboratory testing, some very surprising results were found.

anthony.somers@resientlabs.com

Save time and labour Increased slip and scuff resistance Dries in 30 minutes

Resient Metallised Floor Polish works well in domestic locations – kitchens, bathrooms and living rooms as well as in hospitals, schools, supermarkets and shopping centres. Both polish and cleaner/ maintainer are available in 1 litre, 5 litre and 25 litre plastic containers or in bulk IBC’s.

Application is standard. Clean and prepare the floor as normal. Strip any existing floor polish with Resient Floor Polish Stripper. Allow the floor to dry then apply Resient Metallised Floor Polish in multiple coats to build protection at 30 minute intervals.

nick.corlett@resientlabs.com SEPTEMBER 2022

53

MONTH IN FM

OXONOX LAUNCHES REVOLUTIONARY HYGIENE SOLUTIONS TO KEEP LIFTS AND ESCALATORS VIRUS FREE

TORK VISION CLEANING GAINS GBAC STAR REGISTRATION

OXONOX is set to launch its revolutionary AirLift and AirStair products this autumn.

Having secured global patent rights for the world’s first use of cold plasma technology acknowledged as the next step up in performance, safety and cost over UV light - the two new products will provide reassurance to the hygiene-conscious public that busy lifts and escalators are safe in the post-lockdown world.

OXONOX AirLift has been designed to significantly reduce the risk of infection transmissibility in lift spaces, giving users the confidence to use them, as they continue to live restriction-free alongside COVID-19 and other emerging health threats. Using plasma technology, AirLift works by filling the enclosed area with totally germ-free air at a rate of 92 cubic metres per hour. This fresh air dilution process reduces contamination from air droplets, (coughs, sneezes etc.) by over 90 per cent.

OXONOX AirStair is designed for escalators and moving walkways. It sits underneath the escalator and automatically and permanently sterilises handrails, with up to a 99.999 per cent kill rate, based on laboratory results of our plasma products. It works by directing plasma onto the handrail, killing germs instantly. High-energy bioactive plasma particles permeate and penetrate surfaces for complete coverage, reaching places that disinfectants and ultraviolet light cannot. This is all achieved without the use of chemicals or consumables and prevents regrowth of bacteria and viruses for up to six hours.

Tork Vision Cleaning – Essity’s ground-breaking digital washroom management system – has achieved GBAC STAR™ registration.

GBAC STAR – issued by the Global Biorisk Advisory Council™ - is the cleaning industry’s only accreditation regarding outbreak prevention, response and recovery. It helps to establish optimal standards and procedures while also offering expert-led training and assessment of readiness for bio-risk situations.

Tork Vision Cleaning uses people-counters and connected washroom dispensers to provide real-time data on cleaning requirements.

This allows cleaning teams to stay ahead of the game and anticipate situations in which enhanced cleaning or extra checks might be required.

In order to be registered, Tork Vision Cleaning needed to meet specific requirements and had to demonstrate advantages over existing offerings in terms of efficacy, cost, health and safety.

Essity was also required to show scientific evidence that the system could make an effective contribution in preventing the spread of COVID-19 or other diseases.

According to data collected from Tork customers, switching to Tork Vision Cleaning has helped them to ensure that dispensers are stocked 99 per cent of the time. It has also allowed them to reduce dispenser checks by 91 per cent, saving hundreds of staff hours each year. And customers using the system can also save up 20 per cent of cleaning hours and raise customer satisfaction levels by up to 30 per cent.

https://oxonox.com/

www.tork.co.uk/visioncleaning

JANGRO GETS INTO THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT

PODCAST – IMPROVING FOOD PRODUCTIVITY WITH HUMIDITY

Jangro launches its Christmas Supplies Catalogue 2022 For the professional catering and hospitality businesses providing celebratory food, drinks, and parties in December, the festive season has already begun. Early planning is essential, so Jangro, the largest network of independent janitorial and cleaning distributors in the UK and Ireland, is delighted to announce that its 2022 Christmas Supplies Catalogue is now available to help businesses get ahead.

The Jangro Christmas Supplies Catalogue 2022 is packed with festive essentials, including streamers, balloons, and colour co-ordinated tableware.

Once again, Jangro is proud to supply the Tom Smith range of catering crackers, which combine social and environmental sustainability with on-trend designs to bring every Christmas table to life.

Made from recycled board, they are fully recyclable, and completely free from glitter and plastic – including the contents. For every case of the catering crackers sold, £2.00 is donated to the Trussell Trust, which is also the dedicated charity that Jangro is supporting this year. This worthy charity supports a nationwide network of food banks to provide emergency food and care to people locked in poverty.

Available to view online, or as a hard copy from local distributors, the catalogue caters for a wide choice of budgets, with standard, superior, finest, premium and luxury collections. www.jangro.net 01204 795 955

54

TO ADVERTISE IN MONTH IN FM PLEASE CONTACT DANNY.GRANGE@KPMMEDIA.CO.UK OR CALL 01322 476811

SEPTEMBER 2022

Humidity control specialist, Condair, has released a new podcast about how food manufacturers can enhance their productivity by controlling their production area’s humidity.

In a 10-minute interview with BusinessNet Explorer, Dave MarshallGeorge, Sales Director at Condair, explains how paying more attention to a manufacturing or storage area’s ambient humidity, can improve manufacturing yield and profits.

Dave explains: “Accurate humidity management in food and beverage production has many benefits. There are a huge range of applications. Humidification is frequently used to reduce evaporative losses, prevent static issues and extend shelf-life of produce. Dehumidification can be employed to more efficiently dry a product, eliminate condensation, reduce cold storage overheads or prevent products sticking to conveyors.

“As a humidity control specialist, we work with food and beverage manufacturers to identify areas of potential improvement across a production line, and then implement systems to maintain the ideal environment to realise those benefits.”

In this podcast Dave provides an overview of the potential for productivity improvements in a variety of applications and offers advice on how manufacturers might takes steps to start improving their processes.

The podcast is available on Spotify, Google Podcasts, Soundcloud and Apple iTunes by searching for “Condair Podcast”, or on the Condair.co.uk website. www.condair.co.uk

FMJ.CO.UK FACILITIES MANAGEMENT JOURNAL

JOBS

FM CAREERS - PEOPLE

MICHELLE JUGESSUR REJOINS BM IN NEWLY CREATED BUSINESS RELATIONSHIP ROLE Michelle Jugessur has returned to workplace caterer BM (formerly Bartlett Mitchell) after being appointed to oversee company sales and client relationships.

She joins as Business Relationship Manager, a newly created role for the company, for the business she was previously with for 11 years between 2011 and 2021.

Based in London, she will report to Divisional Managing Director Angus Brydon, helping to grow the business development team, develop the sales strategy, while managing relationships with its existing and prospective clients.

Her new business background spans over 20 years, having previously worked with organisations in the marketing and communications industry.

BIDVEST NOONAN APPOINTS CEO FOR GREAT BRITAIN Jeff Flanagan has been appointed Chief Executive Officer for Bidvest Noonan’s business in Great Britain.

A highly accomplished business leader, who has more than 25 years of senior executive experience in the facilities services industry, Flanagan joins Bidvest Noonan at a key point in the company’s history.

In recent years, the business has doubled in size to become a market leader for services such as cleaning and security across the UK and Ireland. Over the past 18 months, the business invested considerably to enhance the support it delivers to customers; The company launched three strategic business units, made a number of senior executive investment hires, and rolled out a new customer experience programme.

Flanagan succeeds Charlotte Marshall, who has decided to step down as CEO to pursue other interests. During her time at Bidvest Noonan, Marshall oversaw the successful integration of Cordant Services and the Axis group, restructured the business, and built a highly experienced leadership team.

ISS NAMES NEW GROUP CCO

ISS has announced the appointment of Agostino Renna as Group Chief Commercial Officer and a member of the Executive Group Management.

Renna takes up the position following Dan Ryan’s retirement from ISS, announced in June, and will join the business no later than 1 January 2023.

Renna brings over 25 years of international experience to this role and is an accomplished commercial executive with an impressive track record within leading blue-chip industrial businesses. He is currently based in Zurich for Amcor in the role of Vice President of Food, Beverage and Personal Care, where he has P&L responsibility for four business units, representing the largest P&L for the Group.

Prior to Amcor, Renna worked for GE for almost six years where he held a number of senior roles, including Chief Commercial Officer for Industrial Solutions and President and CEO for GE Lighting, EMEA. Renna also spent 14 years working for Johnson Controls where he held a variety of senior commercial and general management roles across several different geographic regions and business units.

YOUR FACILITIES SECTOR RECRUITMENT PARTNER TOTAL FACILITIES MANAGEMENT | ENGINEERING | MAINTENANCE

We understand the importance of facilities management and those that work within it. That’s why we place such emphasis on connecting leading FM professionals with top employers.

If you are looking to grow your facilities team across soft services, engineering or facilities management, our FM recruitment team have a rapidly expanding network of job seekers available for temporary, permanent or contract vacancies.

For more information about how we can help your organisation, please visit buildrec.com or contact the Facilities Management team on 020 3176 4793

www.buildrec.com

info@buildrec.com SEPTEMBER 2022

55

FACILITIES MANAGEMENT JOURNAL

JOBS

FM CAREERS - RECRUITMENT

HUMAN-CENTRIC

SPACE I

Trifle* delivers spaces for a range of companies and brands with a focus on human-centric design. Founder Emma Morley asks, what are UK companies failing to do to attract and retain talent and as workspace designers, what can we do to help?

t's hardly surprising that we are facing an enormous mental and physical health crisis.

More than half of adults say their mental health has worsened during the pandemic (Mind) and 1.3 million people in the UK are experiencing long COVID (ONS). Twenty to twenty one per cent of UK adults (14 million) are disabled (Scope), that is 4.4 million in the workplace; It is estimated that approximately 70 per cent of these disabilities are invisible.

Many workers, especially those with health challenges, are reluctant to depart from the security of their homes to commute into places of work, more than they absolutely need to and so with this in mind, it is key that designers of workspaces, look carefully at how the space in which we inhabit can not only nurture its workers – but be part of a strategy to encourage, as well as retain employees.

LATEST JOBS ON FMJ REGIONAL FACILITIES MANAGER Salary: Attractive Location: Blackpool https://bit.ly/3RexetU

HEAD OF TECHNICAL Salary: £75k - 85k per year Location: London https://bit.ly/3ekL6UW

ENERGY MANAGER Salary: £50k - 60k per year + bonus + benefits Location: London https://bit.ly/3CVx3PN

jobs.fmj.co.uk 56

SEPTEMBER 2022

Over 250 jobs live on site

ARCHITECTURE IMPACT Architecture has the ability to impact how we feel, behave and even how we recover from illness.

Thoughtfully designed spaces can be therapeutic to the extent that they can positively affect our wellbeing. Workspaces can and should comfort, nurture, soothe and restore - and by starting the design process with ‘people-first’ and ensuring that means ‘all people’, we can begin to create spaces that feel more considered and caring, not only to existing but also, to potential employees.

The neurodivergent population is now estimated at between 30-40 per cent of the population.

Neurodiverse individuals often possess incredible and unique talents and skills. Creating an inclusive environment can empower them to reach their full potential, however, identifying and implementing can be challenging. As a partially deaf person (I have Menieres disease which is a vestibular disorder, so I am now almost deaf in one ear) I also suffer with hyperacusis (sensitivity to sounds) and am not alone - approximately 21 per cent of the population suffer with this. With this in mind, the acoustic treatment of our own new workspace for example, has taken on a new importance.

The process of designing a workspace should be inclusive from the off and explore ways of serving a full spectrum of people who make up a diverse market, creating varied solutions, rather than a ‘one size fits all’ approach. Good design must consider needs which extend past those of the perceived ‘average’ or ‘typical’ user of any space and proposed schemes must now focus on expectations from hybrid workers as well as mental and physical health considerations.

Community engagement > Give a wide variety of people the opportunity to speak up about how they want their workspace future to be shaped. Be willing to listen, be flexible and adapt over time, as this is key to understanding the needs of those who may not be able to speak up for themselves.

Acoustic treatment > Sound is one of the greatest challenges in modern workspaces, especially for those with neurodiverse and other health challenges.

Lighting > Sometimes, neurodivergent people and others with invisible health issues can be highly sensitive to harsh lighting and contrasting tones.

It may be helpful to implement areas of softer lighting and ensure democratic access to natural light, as opposed to bright overhead lighting only.

Sustainable & natural materials > Biophilic design theories are long proven in supporting the health of inhabitants, so go for that greenery.

The use of sustainable finishes and furniture, and nature-influenced colour palettes can all be hugely beneficial. Always seek opportunities to bring the outside in.

Wayfinding and Communication > Underpinning all communications and strategy with a tone of wellbeing, trust and openness is critical for businesses returning to the office and implementing hybrid (or similar) models. Signage and touch points throughout a space can tell us we are cared for, while enabling a positive user experience across any space.

Technology > Should be seamless and consistent, so that it is user friendly for all types of workers.

Spaces should be designed to accommodate both office based staff as well as those connecting remotely.

Choice and Variety > Having choice about where to work during the day, has been proven to be extremely empowering and can have a marked impact on the mental health of employees. Areas for focus and quiet, as well as areas where you can be part of the energy of an organisation, are of equal importance. It is usual for us to build in wellbeing rooms, meditation and prayer areas, and multifunctional spaces that work for pilates, yoga classes or social gatherings.

Although high functioning work environments cannot address every issue, they can and should be attentive to our health. Not as tokenism or as a ‘perk. At a time when attracting and retaining talent, and maintaining happy teams is key to a thriving business, it may never have been so critical to create workspaces that demonstrate that they truly care.

FACILITIES MANAGEMENT JOURNAL

JOBS

FM CAREERS - TRAINING

TRAINING TO

SAVE THE PLANET As the drive for sustainability in business grows, Ruth Williams of Astutis explains how environmental training can help organisations deliver an eco-blueprint to drive a more sustainable future

C

limate change is a hot topic.

This summer’s wild fires have been engulfing not only the warmer parts of Europe and the globe but here in the UK. In July temperature readings soared to 40.2C. It’s no surprise that the onus is on not just governments but also companies to do more and strive towards net zero carbon emissions.

A 2022 summer YouGov Poll in the UK showed the total number of people worried about climate change and its effects increased by 12 per cent, in the space of just three months, with the 67 per cent of those interviewed who are worried about climate change – being mirrored by international surveys.

To meet the challenges that lie ahead people are expecting the promises made by countries at the COP26 summit in Glasgow last year to be put into place.

We are facing a climate emergency that requires an urgent change in how

we do business. The industrialised world is having an increasingly negative impact on the delicate ecosystem, which is teetering closer to the edge as time goes on. Britain’s latest record-breaking heatwave is likely because of climate change related to human activity.

As the UK is warned to prepare for more extreme hot weather, primarily it will be businesses that will deliver net zero targets. Educating and retraining the workforce holds the key to developing a more sustainable future and reduced carbon emissions. For example, having detailed knowledge of equipment performance will increase asset longevity.

TRAINING ADVANTAGE Training to save the planet is the mantra of Astutis. The training provider offers a range of industry-recognised courses, designed by the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) , that are dedicated

to supporting businesses to address sustainability issues and transform the way you work. Tailored learning options for maintaining a sustainable workplace include virtual classroom, online and onsite classroom courses delivered at the premises on a day of your choice.

As environmental events become more impactful and widespread, global pressures for the implementation of sustainability initiatives increases.

Investing in training gives managers and employees the knowledge and skills to manage environmental issues, building confidence which can deliver sustainability at all levels.

Having skilled environmental leaders and professionals is a signifier that the company is investing in the future, and offers a credible source of knowledge in the business landscape. As laws and regulations are implemented, amended and revised, it pays to be ahead of the game.

Getting facilities up to scratch and having a workforce that is safety savvy is vital for businesses to minimise the risk of accidents and fatalities that could lead to stiff penalties. Now it’s also about preserving the environment. The cost of doing business in an unsustainable manner is likely to escalate in the years to come.

Environmental training courses are not only an investment in improving the performance of the business, without compromising on the ability to deliver goods and services, but in preserving the planet as well. It’s about adapting towards a more progressive and environmentally sound future to make the world a better place.

Companies are increasingly seeking help to guide them towards the elusive flagship target of net zero. Employees with the knowledge and skills to manage environmental issues can support organisations to help deliver sustainability at all levels. Being several steps ahead of the curve is a powerful stance.

The rewards for upskilling the workforce are numerous, particularly at management level, where skills and knowledge can be disseminated through the ranks. Giving a deeper understanding of the factors influencing the impact on the environment can penetrate through to board level, and be very persuasive in higher level decisions.

SOCIETAL ADVANTAGE Environmental issues are no longer seen as the preserve of just the green minded. As the recent July 2022 YouGov poll shows, the public is increasingly concerned about the environment and the damage being done to it.

Governments and business leaders are listening and taking notice, and making changes, but the goalposts keep moving.

Organisations with sustainable management systems tend to perform more successfully, earning the confidence from key stakeholders. This can positively impact new business, insurance premiums, staff morale and company image.

Investing in training adds value to your business and employees, reducing staff turnover and building a culture of sustainability within the company. To push forward the sustainability agenda, match the leader with the skills needed to not only manage change but to guide and enthuse others with the same will.

SEPTEMBER 2022

57

FACILITIES MANAGEMENT JOURNAL

JOBS

FM CAREERS - NEWS

Demand for contractors grows as talent gap widens According to the latest data from the Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo), the number of contract roles in the UK grew 13 per cent in July 2022 when compared to pre-pandemic figures (July 2019). In comparison, the number of permanent jobs dropped 23 per cent in the same period. This reliance on temporary resources to fill staffing gaps has been steadily growing amid the on-going skills crisis, with APSCo’s data showing that contractor jobs rose two per cent between June and July 2022 and seven per cent between July 2021 and 2022.

In comparison, permanent job numbers have dropped, down one per cent from June to July 2022. Perm vacancies also reported a similar decline annually in July.

‘Disengagement Crisis’ looms as staff say workplace has become ‘unrecognisable’ Well over half (60 per cent) of employees reportedly feel disengaged from their workplace – according to findings from a Robert Walters poll. Almost half of white-collar workers say their workplace has become unrecognisable in the past 12 months – with high staff turnover (54 per cent), less people coming into the office (49 per cent), and a subsequent decline in team socials (43 per cent) being the main drivers. Toby Fowlston, CEO of Robert Walters commented: “What is apparent here is the traditional tactics used to build a lively, inclusive, and social workplace culture are simply not cutting it. The hybrid-working world and subsequent decline in office attendance is having a detrimental impact on employee engagement and companies must act fast to keep employees engaged and attract the best professionals.”

Hospitality training takes virtual route with investment in Metaverse Learning Umbrella Training, a nationwide training and apprenticeship provider for hospitality and corporate sectors, has announced a significant investment in Metaverse Learning – a company that specialises in delivering virtual and Web3 based educational programmes. The company, based in London and Milton Keynes, offers cutting edge game-and technology-based learning products across the UK. Metaverse Learning enables businesses to offer tailored virtual, augmented reality and virtual environment programmes to young people across a multitude of sectors.

58

SEPTEMBER 2022

Nearly three-quarters of FMs are struggling to source labour

Labour sourcing is the top obstacle for FM professionals when providing cleaning services of the right quality, according to a new report by collaborative robotics (cobotics) developer SoftBank Robotics EMEA. Nearly half (46 per cent) ranked it higher than traditional barriers such as ‘cost margins’ (24 per cent) and ‘demonstrating value’ (22 per cent), with almost three in four respondents (73 per cent) in total reporting that they ‘always’ or ‘regularly’ have difficulty sourcing labour.

SoftBank Robotics

undertook a survey of FM professionals with the help of online FM resource i-FM in the spring of 2022 to learn how the current labour shortage is impacting the sector, the biggest challenges FM professionals now face, and the challenges to technology adoption.

When asked about the biggest barriers to sourcing labour, the most popular answers in the survey were ‘changes to immigration’ (27 per cent) and ‘employee expectations over pay, benefits and working conditions’ (27 per cent), followed by ‘cleaning

industry image’ (18 per cent).

At a time when new technologies could provide the solution to the cleaning sector’s labour sourcing woes, SoftBank’s research revealed a significant knowledge gap in its adoption. Despite 79 per cent agreeing that real-time data for measuring cleaning services is important, one in three (30 per cent) lack confidence or knowledge of what’s available.

You can download the report here: https://emea. softbankrobotics.com/ cleaning/whiz

One in five workers admit colleagues are the worst thing about their job A new national employee survey by job site, RemoteWorker, claims that millions of workers in the UK are unhappy working in offices or workplaces, with nearly a fifth (19 per cent) admitting their colleagues are the worst thing about going into the office and 13 per cent dreading going to work every day.

The survey went on to show that nearly a fifth (19 per cent) of those surveyed said they hate the commute to the office and 23 per cent admitted the main reason they dislike being in the office was seeing their line manager. More concerningly 25 per cent of employees admitted that working in an office was impacting their mental health. Nearly all surveyed (96 per cent) said that working from home full or part-time was one of the most positive parts of their job.

Joe Boll, CEO at RemoteWorker, commented: “We believe every employee should have the choice to work independently from an office or workplace if possible. This is why we use the most cutting-edge tech to make it easy for anyone to find a new remote working role.

Our national employee survey certainly highlights how many employees are disillusioned with office environments and should hopefully make employers take notice and hopefully seriously consider offering more remote working opportunities where available.”

New upgrades, old sludge?

New upgrades, old sludge?

Break the system damage chain.

Break the system damage chain.

SIDE STREAM FILTRATION SIDE STREAM FILTRATION

The UK’s The UK’s BEST SELLING defence against legacy sludge in

BEST SELLING defence against legacy Heating or Cooling Systems - saving yoursludge facilityintime, Heatingand or Cooling Systems - saving your facility time, ROI. money emissions, as well as returning a significant money and emissions, as well as returning a significant ROI.

Even the best systems...

...coupled with bad distribution components...

...equal critical down time.

Even the best systems...

...coupled with bad distribution components...

...equal critical down time.

• Better system performance means reduced operating costs.

DOSING POT

DIRT & AIR SEPARATOR

DOSING POT

DIRT & AIR SEPARATOR

reliability means less means criticalreduced down time, better heat • Better system performance operating costs. distribution, less call-outs and happier staff and tenants.

• Better reliability means less critical down time, better heat • distribution, An improvedless system life cycle means astaff smaller call-outs and happier andCAPEX tenants. budget for new and replacement systems.

• An improved system life cycle means a smaller CAPEX • budget Increased efficiency for aged systems and protection forsystem new and replacement systems. for new systems leads to less flushes, less CO2 and a more facility.

• environmentally Increased systemfriendly efficiency for aged systems and protection for new systems leads to less flushes, less CO2 and a more • environmentally One simple retro-fit application. friendly facility.

DIRTY FLOW DIRTY FLOW

POLYPROPYLENE FINE FILTRATION POLYPROPYLENE FINE FILTRATION

• One simple retro-fit application.

MAGNETIC CORROSION FILTER MAGNETIC CORROSION FILTER

CLEAN RETURN CLEAN RETURN

“There was a constant stream of complaints from residents about heating issues. X-POT has “There was a constant of complaints been life changing.

Westream have been able to get from residents about heating issues. X-POT the best value in terms of temperatures and has been life changing. We have been able to get efficiency.” the best value in terms of temperatures and Christopher efficiency.” Collins | Abbeyfield Assisted Care

Christopher Collins | Abbeyfield Assisted Care

X-POT - your 24/7 system efficiency maintenance manager X-POT - your 24/7 system efficiency maintenance manager CALL US THE QUEEN’S AWARDS FOR ENTERPRISE INNOVATION 2022 THE QUEEN’S AWARDS FOR ENTERPRISE INNOVATION 2022

Available from Available from

01767 500 150 CALL US www.vexoint.com 01767 500 150 www.vexoint.com