with the BS EN15232 standard for maximum energy efficiency, where the main plant is scheduled on an individual demand-based philosophy.
The refurbishment has also included the integration of the existing local AC units across the sites into the BEMS. This enables the college’s site team to properly schedule the use of these systems and ensure they are switched off when not required, while also working in conjunction with the other types of plant installed in the space.
STAFF TRAINING TO ENSURE SAVINGS
As part of the upgrades, several members of staff were trained to use the system. The team has implemented a number of simple actions, including set- point optimisation with high and low limits, plant alarm handling, history logging and time-scheduling to ensure the plant only runs when it is needed and does so as efficiently as possible. Steve Strang, Head of Estates for Exeter College, commented: “The refurbishment programme across our sites has been very successful. We needed a system which could easily show how much energy the sites were consuming and where. By having an accurate picture of the energy used across all our buildings and sites, it is much easier to ascertain where measures can be implemented to achieve savings.
“It was crucial that we were involved in the discussions on this project from the outset. By working in close partnership with the installers, we could ensure we were all clear on the outcomes and they have provided an invaluable on-site service regime to ensure the system is running efficiently at all times. “Finally, as a busy college, it is crucial we provide comfortable working environments for all our students, staff and visitors and any disruption is kept to a minimum. As such, the upgrade to the plant rooms has also been essential in providing a pleasant working environment for any staff operating in the rooms.” The success of the project led to it winning the Energy Management award at the 2012 BCIA Awards. The award is given to a manufacturer and/or system house in recognition of the positive contribution that a building management system is providing (actual or projected) to the energy efficiency of a building and/or building complex. For more information, visit
www.siemens.co.uk/ buildingtechnologies
HEALTH & SAFETY IN
THE GREEN SPHERE The increasing attention on renewable energy sources, sustainable business solutions, environmentally friendly activities and clean waste initiatives has a positive impact on the global environment. However, without appropriate action, management and teamwork in the area of safety – this trend could cost workers their health and well-being. Vicky Kenrick at Allen & York explores some of the new hazards faced by the Health & Safety Managers as they work with the sustainability industry across, construction, chemical plants, offshore wind projects and contaminated land sites, for tighter health & safety monitoring.
G
iven the humanitarian and commercial benefits of the sustainability sector as a whole, health & safety is likely to emerge as a hot topic worldwide for organisations working within this green arena. A safe and healthy work place and the protection of the general environment go hand in hand. At their most basic level, sustainability and safety are essentially about conserving and protecting resources. In the case of sustainability, these are typically natural resources. In the case of safety, the resources are human. Due to this common goal it is even more important to ensure high safety standards within the growing green industries.
Green technologies, products and processes need to be evaluated for worker safety and health just like any other occupation, product or practice. Such evaluation can identify work-related hazards that can then be prevented or controlled. Conversely, it can also help identify those green practices, products and technologies that could improve worker safety and health. RenewableUK (formerly the BWEA – British Wind Energy Association) have done a great job of raising the profile of health and safety within the UK Wind industry. Working in partnership with lead organisations and key stakeholders, including the HSE and Crown Estate, they actively communicate on health and safety matters, publish best practice guidance, recommend training and hold an annual Health and Safety Renewables conference, which is an indication of the importance of health and safety within renewable energy and the growing number of job opportunities available in this sector. The main growth area is offshore wind and in such a high risk environment it is essential that the correct safety procedures are put in place.
NIOSH in the USA is leading a national initiative called Prevention through Design (PtD) which has sustainable design at its heart. Arguably, one of the best ways to prevent and control occupational injuries and well-being is to "design out" or minimise hazards and risks early in the design process. In the UK there has been a requirement since 1994 to address safety and health during the design phase of projects and companies have responded with positive changes in management practices to comply with those regulations. Australia also developed the Australian National OHS Strategy 2002–2012, which set "eliminating hazards at the design stage" as one of five national priorities. As a result, the Australian Safety and Compensation Council (ASCC) developed the Safe Design National Strategy and Action Plans for Australia encompassing a wide range of design areas including buildings and structures, work environments, materials, and plant (machinery and equipment). This early planning for accident prevention ensures that from the design phase that all the decisions lead to the best HSE practise, which is surely the most sustainable way model to follow.
As the green economy develops, it is critical that the health and safety of workers are integrated into its fabric. A true green industry should integrate health and safety into its building design, procurement, operations, maintenance sourcing and waste management.
Moving towards a green economy implies setting higher standards for environmental protection, moreover incorporating workers’ safety and health should be an integral part of the sustainability strategy. At Allen & York we believe this is vital to achieve safe, healthy and decent work in a green economy.
www.allen-york.com Tel: 0844 371 8986
PUBLIC SECTOR SUSTAINABILITY • VOLUME 2 ISSUE 6 27
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