SUSTAINABILITY


SUSTAINABLE FROM THE BOTTOM LINE UP!


Sustainability is today’s buzzword as companies consider their green credentials more than ever. It’s not all about their reputation as an environmentally-friendly company that’s at stake, for many it’s the cost-saving perspective of using sustainable materials, which impacts on an organisation’s bottom line. Luke Scruton, Operations Manager of GatorDuct Limited explains.


Companies are looking at their product portfolio and asking themselves ‘How can we be greener?’ ‘How can we improve?’ It’s the same at every workplace, but it’s also about getting value for money and for any new building that is constructed, or any existing building that is being refurbished; there is a huge focus on ensuring long term care of the asset.


This is a good starting point – but it can’t end there.


The biggest mistake companies make is using products or installing systems and then failing to keep up with the after care service. In other words, not integrating a proper maintenance schedule, which would prevent any major problems with the system in the long run.


Part of our business is in the fabrication and installation of ductwork systems and we have developed a fully-sustainable product for the market. Launched in early 2014, GatorDuct®


do-list, with the everyday needs of the business taking priority, the maintenance of ductwork systems being a good example. The problem with this is that these systems are not self-cleaning, so this could pose a serious health and safety issue for the people occupying the building.


“IF THE SYSTEM IS CIRCULATING


UNCLEAN, DIRTY AIR THEN COMPANIES ARE PUTTING THEIR EMPLOYEES AT HIGH


is made from


heavy duty corrugated cardboard named GatorBoard and our all- encompassing protective GatorSkin® layer provides resistance from fire, water, vapour and mold.


Like all duct systems, there is a degree of maintenance associated with such a product but the materials we use in our fabrication process are completely unique to the industry and we ensure its durability and robustness stands up to the demands of the building services environment.


We are all guilty of letting certain tasks slip to the bottom of the to-


38 | TOMORROW’S FM


RISK OF RESPIRATORY CONDITIONS AND ENVIRONMENTAL ALLERGIES.”


If the system is circulating unclean, dirty air then companies are putting their employees at high risk of respiratory conditions and environmental allergies. Therefore it’s advisable to allocate a dedicated engineer, or FM outfit, to be in charge of the ductwork systems, ensuring the maintenance schedule is adhered to and simple procedures are put in place to manage risk and keep it to a complete minimum. It’s crucial that the person, or outfit, with this responsibility does not just focus on cleaning, but is


also aware of damage or any signs of decay on the system.


Traditionally, ductwork systems have a relatively short lifespan in certain environments. These products will degrade over time and start to rust or material break up occurs. When this starts, no amount of maintenance will fix it and the only answer is to replace affected items, only for the new items or system to follow in the footsteps as the previous installation. This alone can take a heavy hit on the profits of a business, especially if it hasn’t been forecast into the annual budget.


To us, this didn’t seem like value for money and as a company of inventors we decided to do what we do best. With more focus being put on the environment and being green we wanted to embrace this new era of thinking and take advantage of the technology that is out there. We have always strived to develop products that are efficient and cost effective but with GatorDuct®


we have created


a real green alternative that is unlike anything currently on the market, and our 25-year warranty demonstrates our confidence in what we are doing.


In our market, the traditional approach works for people but we are keen to change attitudes and encourage people to embrace the technology. It’s this new way of thinking that will ultimately have a positive effect on the life-span of any building and will impact on a business’ bottom line.


www.gatorduct.com twitter.com/TomorrowsFM


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