Looking After the Environment

Environmental Success Over a period of about 9 months (Jan-Sep 2012) FMS ran a project to consolidate the space that the core EMC UK business occupied from three floors to two. In line with EMC corporate standards, private offices were removed except for top level management and the office interior décor was modernised, brightened and made more open plan. Aside from modernising the office looking at ways to improve the work efficiency and collaboration between staff was important. Work stations were reconfigured and reduced in size from large corner desks to bench style desks, a process which improved space efficiency and meant the majority of the produce was re-used. This promoted not only a cost saving but also a much more environmentally friendly approach as it resulted is less waste. Bottled water coolers were replaced with low energy mains-fed coolers, with glasses which can be washed rather than plastic cups which would add to land fill. Old carpet was taken back to the suppliers to be re-made into a new product, centralised binning was introduced to promote recycling and Passive Infra-Red (PIR) detection was installed so lighting switches off automatically when not needed. A large number of more flexible meeting spaces with new Audio Visual (AV) solutions and point-of-use booking systems were also installed to enable staff to book rooms themselves. Since the project has been completed we have had numerous comments about how much brighter the space is and what an improved workplace it is. Green Credentials FMS WASTE, WATER AND ENERGY STILL IMPROVING It has been almost three years since FMS Environmental Management System (EMS) became accredited to the International Standard ISO 14001. Bearing in mind that a small car weighs about a tonne, since 2010 at the EMC Tower alone we have managed the collection and reuse, recycling or disposal of; • 143 tonnes of general waste • 152 tonnes of mixed recycling • 19 six foot boxes full of fluorescent tubes • 54 tonnes of confidential paper waste • 13 tonnes of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) We also have improved water usage though capital projects like the modification of water storage systems. Improved energy management through the use of local power meters integrated with the Building Management System (BMS). Engaged ‘Green’ Suppliers and contractors within our supply chain. Undergone five continuing assessments by external British Standards Institute (BSI) auditors.

For more information on Looking After the Environment talk to FMS Facilities Management Services Ltd