FOCUS SUSTAINABILITY
The last decade has seen a
definitive shi in attitudes on
the impact of climate change, and
the urgency with which we need to
adapt all aspects of society in order
to mitigate, and ultimately reverse,
its negative e ects.
As such, built environment
professionals are looking at every
aspect of the full building lifecycle
to see where they can build as
sustainably as possible. No longer
does the carbon conundrum stop once
the last screw is tightened and the
final lick of paint applied.
The conversation goes beyond the
planning and construction phase,
and it’s well known that a sizeable
proportion of building emissions
are generated from the ongoing
operation of a building (17 per cent).
This is not to mention renovation and
refurbishment work which will also be
undertaken during the building’s life.
All of which means FMs have a
crucial role to play in both driving
down emissions and reducing the
carbon footprint throughout the
operational phase.
Of course, in line with a growing
awareness around environmental
issues, we have made giant
technological strides; from cuttingedge
digital tools to low-impact
material solutions. These, alongside
modern methods of green building
management are already helping
FMs up and down the UK, achieve
carbon savings and, as a result, more
sustainable buildings.
With green retrofitting and
refurbishment set to become a major
trend over the coming decades, in
the drive towards our societal goal
of Net Zero 2050, here are some
of the principles which will guide
approaches over the coming year.
A CIRCULAR WAY OF THINKING
Over the years, the retrofit sector has
built an unwelcome reputation for
material wastage and it’s time this
perception changed. In recent years,
we’ve become far better at introducing
circular principles into our business
models, particularly with regards to
interior fixtures, fittings and finishes.
Importantly, manufacturers like us
are using more green energy to power
processes than ever before. Further,
we’re also making more products
with higher percentages of recycled
materials as well as introducing
leasing services to reduce raw material
consumption and output.
The challenge is more about
repurposing what already exists
within a building and that’s why
initiatives like our Take Back scheme
will become increasingly important.
This benefits FMs by allowing them
to replace or add assets without the
need to commission new stock.
As such, we’re encouraging
our clients to involve us as the
requirements for the space evolve.
Reuse what you can, we’ll ‘Take Back’
anything that could be reused or
refurbished, and recycle the absolute
minimum of the materials that
remain.
Coming in at a similar, and on some
occasions lower, cost than brand new
stock, this ož ers a clear, sustainable
purchasing choice for FMs. It cuts
down on material waste and helps
to deliver maximum value from the
component for the client.
BEING BIOPHILIC
Biophilic design has increased in
popularity over the last two decades
and we’re increasingly seeing natural
elements incorporated into retrofit
projects across the board. In the
commercial ož ice space, this trend
is gathering pace, in line with an
increasing societal desire to connect
closer with nature, particularly in built
up urban areas.
Thankfully, we’ve moved on from
wilting palms and ferns sitting sadly
in the corner of the room, to features
such as low-maintenance modular
‘living wall’ partitions placed across
the entire interior. Using organic
surfacing materials like 100 per cent
recycled cotton, unpolished timber or
natural stone deliver sustainable, but
easy to maintain, interiors.
A SMARTER OPERATION
Digital technology has revolutionised
facilities management protocols
entirely. Nowhere is this more
apparent than in the operations
of HVAC systems, and FMs are
starting to take advantage of the
latest innovations in automation to
heat and cool buildings in a more
environmentally friendly way.
Smart-controlled, sensor-backed
components and intuitive energy
management so¢ ware is helping FMs
think more strategically, optimising
processes and reducing the need for
carbon-intensive systems. This has
made natural or hybrid ventilation
the norm, opposed to the exception,
with programmable systems able to
improve air flow and quality through
a building interior. Not only does this
reduce emissions and operational
costs, but also improves occupant
health.
BETTER ENGAGEMENT FOR
GREENER RESULTS
What’s become clear is we need to
encourage more sustainable design
across the board, particularly when
it comes to retrofit and renovation of
our existing stock, to help FMs meet
their emissions targets.
Those involved in the building
product, design and construction
phase need to continue sharing
their expertise and knowledge with
FMs, to inform their operational and
management decisions.
This will require greater engagement
over 2022 and clear messaging about
what makes our components, fixtures,
fittings, finishes and installation
methods stand out, and how best to
use them for maximum ež iciency and
sustainable gains.
It’s fair to say there are exciting, if
challenging times ahead. However,
we know that through establishing
an ongoing dialogue with the FM
community, we can achieve a greener,
higher return workplace, which
utilises the potential of intelligent
specification and design.
GREEN PRINCIPLES
Christian Mabey, Managing Director, Optima Products says FMs can create more sustainable
commercial spaces by adopting a greener approach to design and operations
44 FEBRUARY 2022