PROCUREMENT
RESPONSIBLE SOLUTIONS FOR FLEXIBLE SPACE
Partitioning expert and MD of Style, Julian Sargent discusses how to deliver a flexible space using environmentally sound principles
T
he UK generates over 434m tonnes of waste every year with the construction and demolition sectors being the largest contributors responsible for
around a third of all waste produced. The UK construction industry also uses more than 400m tonnes of material annually, making it the nation’s largest consumer of natural resources.
In July of this year the Green Building Council welcomed the publication of the Construction Strategy which outlines the Government’s long-term vision for the UK construction sector. Sustainability is a key theme with a commitment that by 2025 the UK will have a construction industry that ‘leads the world in low-carbon and green construction exports’. But how far can a partitioning system really contribute to the green credentials of a project?
MINIMISE WASTE, MAXIMISE SPACE With space invariably being a limited resource, creative use of high quality moveable walls systems ensures that it is always maximised. This is in itself is a positive step towards a sustainable future and can even allow for an increase in people density without compromising comfort or productivity. However, in our drive to also minimise waste it is important to remember the following points:
• partitioning walls cut the cost of debris disposal created from conventional drywall construction
• they reduce levels of discarded material by avoiding carpet/ ceiling tile cuts
• unnecessary disruption of asbestos in older buildings can be avoided with the installation of a moveable partition
• the lifecycle of existing building materials can be extended using partitioning that encourages continuous reconfiguration
• energy consumption is reduced with partitioning system as only those areas in use need heating/ air conditioning/lighting
• daylight can be maximised using glass partitions, significantly cutting lighting costs which account for approximately 40% of an office building’s energy consumption
SPECIFYING GREEN SOLUTIONS When specifying any moveable partitioning system, a high recycled content is essential – 97% is a good industry standard – with core materials being recycled aluminium, glass and steel. Fabric finishes allow for easy recycling whilst more creative designs make use of rapidly renewable materials such as bamboo veneers, eucalyptus or soy. Wood must be FSC certified to ensure it comes from a sustainable source.
With regards to construction, individual elements should be easily separated to allow for repairs as well as to maximise recycling opportunities when replaced. Superior solutions on the market today incorporate demountable panel finishes that can be updated in-line with interior décor refurbishments, ensuring product obsolescence is postponed.
It is also worth checking for an Environmental Product Declaration ISO
14025 (EPD) which delivers science-based, verified and comparable information about the environmental performance of a system and is the pinnacle of product sustainability for anyone seeking sustainable solutions for BREEAM, LEED and SKA rating certification.
FUTURE-PROOF SPACE
Modern moveable walls offer creative opportunities to develop interior space that can be adapted to changing requirements, making for long-term, sustainable solutions. Style is the first UK partitioning specialist to offer EPD certified systems which include DORMA’s Variflex, Moveo and Varitrans products. The Company has also achieved accreditation under ISO 14001:2004 Environmental Management System, ensuring all operational processes maximise sustainability goals whilst limiting any wasted resources.
www.style-partitions.co.uk Email:
sales@style-partitions.co.uk Tel: 01202 874044
PUBLIC SECTOR SUSTAINABILITY • VOLUME 4 ISSUE 2 17
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