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BUILDINGS, MAINTENANCE & REFURBISHMENT
How much does sustainability really influence our buying decisions?
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t the time of writing the UK Government is soon to decide whether to grant
permission to open a new coal mine in Cumbria. For some this is a welcome opportunity to create 500 new jobs in a flagging community. For others it is a clear-cut environmental matter, and for them the question should not even require discussion. I think this illustrates how difficult it can be to
Comment by RICHARD AYLEN Technical Manager, Junckers Ltd
achieve consensus on the best ways to tackle the climate crisis, but perhaps it also questions our willingness to take decisions that affect us in a more personal and direct way. Will one more coal mine really have such a negative environmental impact globally? Or are we now at the crisis point where we are forced to accept something different from the usual “go-to” choices we have made in the past? Relating this to school buildings, and my own
area of interest - construction materials, particularly flooring, I see education sector clients and designers choosing the same floor coverings over again, and they must know that some of these are unsustainable and have a direct effect on global warming. Vinyl and synthetic carpets for example are derived from crude oil- a direct contributor to global warming. There are many sustainable trouble-free alternatives available, such as timber flooring. I believe we, all of us, progress through different
stages of attitude-change. Some of us change quickly with little persuasion and for others it’s a longer process. First, we become aware that our
choices may not be the best ones, but there’s little pressure to change. Stage two; public pressure and our awareness increases but we persuade ourselves that our new floor is only a tiny part of the problem, and we’ll probably look at it more closely the next time. Then we realise that it is definitely wrong, on environmental grounds to make the same choice again, but we think of reasons not to, such as differences in maintenance, cost issues, or a perceived shortcoming of a sustainable alternative. Then finally, when perhaps the scientific community and prominent thought leaders tell us unequivocally that we shouldn’t use these products (or we are penalised for doing so) we finally change to a sustainable product. So, will just one more plastic-based floor-
covering in a school tip us into environmental meltdown? Probably not, but whilst the DfE and its design rules have little to say about specific product choices and embodied carbon, thousands of square metres of synthetic flooring will continue to be manufactured, installed in schools, and disposed of to landfill. This is a shame because schools are in a perfect position to act as thought- leaders, adopters of best practice and educators in this arena. There are truly sustainable, low embodied
carbon options available, traditional solid timber flooring for example. For any schools in need of advice, most will have access to a building surveyor or architect. These professions are competing ferociously to lead the way on sustainable building design, both for new build and refurbishment.
We all know that effective air ventilation and superior air purification ensures constant air changes within the parameter of a classroom.
Good air quality and ambient room temperatures have been directly linked to academic performance, concentration, good health, and comfort for students. And with an increased focus on air quality, there is every reason to provide the ideal solution for your school.
Our Solution… The BONECO Clean and Cool Fan - a powerful, easy to use, 2-in-1 solution A unique and revolutionary combination of the BONECO Air Shower fan together with a Swiss-designed Air Purifier.
We believe these Clean and Cool Fans will benefit schools who are air-quality savvy.
They clean – achieved by their state-of-the-art ESP filter technology, this purifier will catch germs, viruses and bacteria - ensuring a safe and hygienic room. They cool – achieved by the BONECO superior air shower circulation, cooling every corner of the room. • Combination of a powerful fan and modern purification technology
T
• The fan provides perfect air circulation ensuring cleaned air reaches every corner of the room
• 4 level BONECO air shower fan • State-of-the-art ESP air filtration, Ionizer and UV-C light. • Catches germs, viruses & bacteria for a safe and hygienic room • Cleanable dishwasher safe ESP filter • Adjustable fan height with pole
A Vybra Solutions products, p 42
www.education-today.co.uk
• Provides perfect air circulation to bring clean air to every corner of your home
• 270° manually rotatable airflow • Purification with HEPA-ESP filtration, ionizer, and UV-C light
uFor more information on Vybra Solutions products: u0330 100 5206
usales@vybrasolutions.co.uk uvybrasolutions.co.uk
June 2022
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