Carbon Numbers, a leading Building Management Systems supplier and energy reduction specialist, has been announced as the winner of the Smart Buildings Award at the 2021 BCIA (Building Controls Industry Association) Awards. The BCIA Awards claims to be ‘the biggest and best awards in the controls and BEMS industry’ and
Peter Kelsey, the man who founded and led Designer Contracts to become the UK’s largest flooring contractor, has been honoured with an Outstanding Achievement in the Flooring Industry award. Announced at the Contract Flooring Journal’s 2021 awards ceremony, held at Coombe Abbey in Warwickshire on Friday (September 3), Peter was
The construction consultants continue to support ISG on another world-leading project. The 1st phase of the £300m development scheme for University College London (UCL) saw ISG appointed as the main contractor for the circa £150m NEC3 Option A contract. Following an initial review of amendments to the contract, CCCL have been assisting
GLP, a leading investor and developer of logistics warehouses and distribution parks, announced today that is has let the entirety of G-Park Bedford Wixams to MH Star. The major new lease encompasses over 530,000 sq ft. of space across three newly developed buildings which remain under construction. This is MH
Building work has begun at Worcester Six Business Park for a new unit for a global supplier of materials testing machines. Leading commercial developer Stoford is bringing forward the bespoke office unit for ZwickRoell, a world-leading supplier of static materials testing machines, which will move its UK headquarters to the
The latest research from Warwick Estates, has revealed which new-build features are currently the most in-demand amongst new-build homebuyers in the current market. Warwick Estates analysed current new-build stock listed on the market and which features offered across these properties were most in demand based on the number of homes
Dale Kinnersley, Principal Consultant at the FPA discusses the changes within the recently updated residential and domestic sprinkler standard BS 9251:2021 and the concern from UK insurers that this standard is inappropriate when considering the commercial hazards associated with multi-occupancy buildings. The recently updated residential and domestic sprinkler standard BS
Construction services provider Speedy has opened two new regional service centres in Scotland, strategically located on key arterial routes into Edinburgh and Aberdeen to help local contractors quickly access crucial equipment. The purpose-built 22,000 sq ft centre on West Edinburgh Business Park consolidates the hire provider’s smaller outlets previously located
Takeaway food has soared in popularity both during and post-lockdown, causing attention to turn to the environmental impact of the packaging used by cafes, restaurants and other eateries. Kite Packaging champions paper products to best showcase sustainability while retaining professional standards of protection and presentation. Paper is one of the
Described as a ‘code red for humanity’, the recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report revealed some stark realities about the state of our climate in 2021 – highlighting the ‘irreversible’ effect human activity is having on the environment. Now, leading sustainability authority, Bureau Veritas, is pressing businesses to
Carbon Numbers, a leading Building Management Systems supplier and energy reduction specialist, has been announced as the winner of the Smart Buildings Award at the 2021 BCIA (Building Controls Industry Association) Awards. The BCIA Awards claims to be ‘the biggest and best awards in the controls and BEMS industry’ and aims to recognise ‘innovation, product development, project delivery and great training’ in the sector. The Smart Buildings Award is awarded to ‘a manufacturer, installer or team in recognition of a project which demonstrates how smart technology has been used to enhance the user experience in a building or building complex.’ Carbon Numbers was announced as the winner for its work on the iconic Blizard Building at Queen Mary’s University London, a BEMs lighting and controls installation project that has delivered £135,438 in energy savings. Other finalists included Aberdeen Standard investments, Ecopilot in partnership with E.ON Control Solutions, amBX UK, Kelvin Control Engineers Ltd., and Econowise Drives and Controls. Commenting on the announcement, Managing Director of Carbon Numbers Caroline Fright, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be announced as the winner of the BCIA Smart Buildings Award. It is testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone associated with Carbon Numbers, not just on the Blizard Building project, but every project and client we work with. “The timing is perfect too as we celebrate Carbon Number’s ninth birthday this month. Since founding the company with my husband Neil in 2012, we have been on quite a journey to becoming the established, trusted brand that we are today. I would like to thank the BCIA for its recognition of our work; this award is for everyone that has helped us get to where we are today.” Founded in 2012, Carbon Numbers has offices based in Essex, London, Preston, and Aberdeen. The company offers clients an end-to-end solution in energy, BMS, lighting and metering services, helping a portfolio of high-profile clients including sports brands, educational facilities, car dealerships and legal firms achieve its target of net zero carbon emissions by 2050. To find out more about Carbon Numbers, visit: https://carbonnumbers.co.uk/ To find out more about the BCIA, visit: https://bcia.co.uk/
Peter Kelsey, the man who founded and led Designer Contracts to become the UK’s largest flooring contractor, has been honoured with an Outstanding Achievement in the Flooring Industry award. Announced at the Contract Flooring Journal’s 2021 awards ceremony, held at Coombe Abbey in Warwickshire on Friday (September 3), Peter was described as a “giant of the UK flooring industry”. An audience of top industry executives heard that Peter had “ensured his company has survived the pandemic and thrived as well. He supports charities and he supports his own employees with mental health programmes during and after the pandemic. He is, everyone would recognise, a very decent man.” After first starting the business from his garage at home, Designer Contracts became an independent company 17 years ago and now employs more than 350 staff across 15 regions with an annual turnover in excess of £40m. Peter himself has some 45 years’ experience in the floorcoverings industry. The early part of his career was in multiple furnishing retailing, from store management to marketing director. In 1992 he started a contracts division for an international retail group. In 2004 the retail group went into administration and Peter bought the flooring division which had built into a £10m business. Designer Contracts has since quadrupled in size. As well as flooring, the company provides curtains and blinds, furniture and lighting, and operates a showhome interior design services division. It works with all the UK’s key new homes developers as well as supplying the social housing and care home sectors, educational establishments and public sector buildings. A personal commitment to sustainability has seen the company named ‘Take Back Partner of the Year’ four times in the Carpet Recycling UK (CRUK) annual awards. And Peter’s many charitable contributions – particularly to Ashgate Hospice in Chesterfield and the national children’s help line, ChildLine – have cemented his reputation as a philanthropic entrepreneur. Said Peter: “The award came as a total surprise – it was a secret that I simply wasn’t in on when I was asked by colleagues to attend the event! I’m incredibly proud of what the company has achieved but without the fantastic team that is Designer Contracts, we wouldn’t be where we are today – it really has been down to the hard work and dedication of a lot of people over many years.”
The construction consultants continue to support ISG on another world-leading project. The 1st phase of the £300m development scheme for University College London (UCL) saw ISG appointed as the main contractor for the circa £150m NEC3 Option A contract. Following an initial review of amendments to the contract, CCCL have been assisting ISG with various pre-construction services. A scheme for global change The new addition to the University will serve as a hub for the UK Dementia Research Institute, the UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology and the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery. As the new home for these 3 world-leading organisations, it will help tackle global challenges for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s and vascular dementia, making it the leading translational neurology research centre in the world. From the first win, to the last touchpoint Being one of the UK’s leading practitioners in the use of NEC Contracts, Ctori Construction Consultants worked with ISG, initially providing support throughout the bidding cycle. The Ctori team has since been working closely with ISG on their contract with UCL, providing strategy and contract administration advice, as well as assisting in the procurement of the 40 plus sub-contracts for the development. Training the team A comprehensive NEC training programme has also been designed by CCCL for the wider project team at UCL. The bespoke training sessions have been providing the team with insight into the operation of the NEC contract across key elements of the form. Peter Ctori, commercial director at CCCL, said: “We have worked closely with ISG since their first NEC project at St Pancras Station in 2007. We are delighted to continue our assistance on yet another prestigious project for them.” With works having begun in 2020, the project is due for completion in Q2 2024 and to be followed by migration and occupation later in the year. The scheme is part of a £1.25bn, 10-year-long investment programme called ‘Transforming UCL’ which is set to upgrade the university’s estates and support its continuing growth.
GLP, a leading investor and developer of logistics warehouses and distribution parks, announced today that is has let the entirety of G-Park Bedford Wixams to MH Star. The major new lease encompasses over 530,000 sq ft. of space across three newly developed buildings which remain under construction. This is MH Star’s first lease with GLP in the UK having previously leased space with the company in Spain. G-Park Bedford Wixams is being developed on a speculative basis by GLP and comprises three buildings of 125,000 sq ft., 160,000 sq ft. and 250,000 sq ft. It is the largest single development in Bedfordshire and is an ideal location for logistics with easy access to both the M1 and A1. MH Star UK, a London-based ecommerce company specialising in the home, outdoors and beyond, have been building their brand reputation since 2010; in particular seeing a significant uptake in customer demand since the beginning of last year. The new development will assist with the company’s continued progress, supporting them at this key moment in ecommerce where both customer and key chain demand increases at an exceedingly fast-paced rate. MH Star UK has experienced rapid growth over the last year, accelerated by the consumer shift to e-commerce following the Covid-19 pandemic. The development was undertaken in response to unprecedented demand stemming from the continued growth of ecommerce and a need for increased supply chain resilience. The construction of G-Park Bedford Wixams forms part of GLP’s ongoing expansion plan across the UK and Europe. In the UK, GLP recently announced the development of a further 2.3 million sq ft of space across a range of sites in addition to the 1 million sq ft of space announced in January. As with all GLP developments, industry-leading sustainability features are delivered as standard including 12% less embodied carbon than industry standard and 15% less operational carbon in day-to-day operations. The buildings have been developed to a BREEAM Excellent rating and are WELL ready. Adrienne Howells, Development Director, GLP said: “This year is one of the busiest that GLP has had in its history. Over the course of this year, GLP will be on site developing over 3 million sq. ft. of warehouse space across the UK. This landmark letting of all three buildings at G-Park Bedford Wixams, ahead of practical completion, speaks to the continued strength of the logistics real estate market and the quality of the space that GLP produces. Our focus remains to deliver on our ambitious development programme to continue to support customers like MH star. We look forward to working with them as they occupy these three exceptional-quality buildings.” Arvind Panchmatia, General Manager, MH Star added: “As more consumers adapt their spending habits and shift to e-commerce, it has been increasingly important for us to source high-quality warehousing solutions so that we can effectively respond to ever-increasing demand. G-Park Wixams delivered on every aspect, from modern, flexible office spaces to renewable energy provisions and welfare facilities for employees. “It has been a pleasure working with GLP, and we are delighted to be leasing all the units at the scheme. This new site will put us in a strong position to drive forward MH Star UK’s expansion as the business continues to grow and evolve.” Knight Frank acted for MH Star whilst Cushman & Wakefield, Savills, Brown & Lee acted for GLP.
Building work has begun at Worcester Six Business Park for a new unit for a global supplier of materials testing machines. Leading commercial developer Stoford is bringing forward the bespoke office unit for ZwickRoell, a world-leading supplier of static materials testing machines, which will move its UK headquarters to the business park from Leominster, Herefordshire. Stoford has appointed Benniman to complete the build of a 19,849 sq ft office, from where ZwickRoell will base its office functions. Work is expected to be completed in Q3 2022. The manufacturer plans to build a 10,000 sq ft assembly unit at a later date, after which it hopes to provide further opportunities to create jobs and expand as a business. Edward Peel, Development Manager at Stoford, said: “It’s always an exciting time when we begin construction works and it’s especially gratifying that it is for yet another globally renowned, high-tech business, which sees its future at Worcester Six. “Since we launched the business park in 2017, it has established itself as a first-class location for ambitious companies that recognise its strengths – not just quality units, but also its strategic location, excellent transport links and environmental infrastructure.” Benno Sadowski, Managing Director for ZwickRoell, said: “We are very happy moving to Worcester Six Business Park, with its excellent strategic location in the UK. Our customers are facing new challenges globally and locally every day, developing and improving all kinds of materials for the future requirements. “With our experience of more than 160 years in the material testing business, we offer our support and solutions at our new Customer Experience Centre here at Worcester Six Business Park. I’m looking forward to having many interesting discussions with our customers and working together on solutions to making this place a better world, step by step.” Councillor Marc Bayliss, Worcestershire County Council Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Economy and Skills said “It’s fantastic news that yet another leading business in their field, ZwickRoell has chosen Worcestershire, as the place to expand its facilities in the UK. This potential development would see a new headquarter and customer experience centre to Worcester Six Business Park. A global leader in materials testing, ZwickRoell is a real success story.” Shawn Riley, Head of Economic Development at Wychavon District Council, added: “ZwickRoell’s relocation to Worcester Six is another great example of an international company offering first class products and good quality employment choosing Wychavon for its UK base. We welcome and value this investment and look forward to a long and productive relationship with them. “As a result of ZwickRoell’s investments, the new state-of-the-art office building has an additional 8,000 sq ft capacity to accommodate other businesses seeking new office accommodation in a first-class location. Interested businesses can contact Wychavon District Council for information on this excellent opportunity.” In the past three years, Stoford has announced the arrival of Marmon Food and Beverage Equipment, Siemens, Spire Healthcare, Kimal, Kohler Mira and IONOS at Worcester Six. Once fully developed, Worcester Six, which is located just off junction six of the M5, will provide 1.5 million sq ft of accommodation. For more details about Worcester Six, visit www.worcester6.co.uk. Photograph (left to right): Stephen Butterworth, inward investment manager, Worcestershire County Council; Shawn Riley, head of economic development, Wychavon District Council; Edward Peel, Stoford; Benno Sadowski, managing director, ZwickRoell; Bev Smith, director at ZwickRoell.
The latest research from Warwick Estates, has revealed which new-build features are currently the most in-demand amongst new-build homebuyers in the current market. Warwick Estates analysed current new-build stock listed on the market and which features offered across these properties were most in demand based on the number of homes already under offer or sold subject to contract as a percentage of all available stock. UK new-build buyer demand Across the UK, there are currently 51,282 new-build properties listed for sale. With 18,095 already sold, demand for new-build homes currently sits at 35.3%. Most in-demand new-build property type Despite pandemic lockdown restrictions causing heightened demand for detached homes offering more space, the research by Warwick Estates shows that it’s terraced homes that are currently most in demand. 45.5% of all terraced home new-builds have already gone under offer or sold subject to contract, with the second most in-demand new-build property type being semi-detached (44.7%). Most sought after property features When studying the most in-demand property features for new-build buyers in the UK, Warwick Estates has discovered that affiliated buying schemes are what buyers want most. 42% of new-build homes providing the additional help of a buying scheme have already been snapped up across the UK market. Parking spaces are also in high demand. 39.6% of new-builds offering this feature have already been sold, with garden space also remaining popular with demand at 37.2%. COO of Warwick Estates, Bethan Griffiths, commented: “New-build homes remain a popular choice amongst many homebuyers and it’s not just flats that are proving popular, with the sector also satisfying the pandemic uplift in demand for larger homes. Of course, a new-build home naturally carries a price premium when compared to existing housing stock and, with the stamp duty holiday causing a house price boom, it’s no surprise that demand is high for homes offering the additional help of a buying scheme. Above and beyond this financial incentive, buyers continue to value homes with garden space having spent months in lockdown, as well as the more traditional feature of a parking space.” Table shows UK sales demand % for new-build and existing properties Category Demand Existing properties (excl NB) 67.2% New-build properties 35.3% Source – Rightmove Table shows demand for types of new property in the UK Category Demand New-build – Terraced 45.5% New-build – Semi detached 44.7% New-build – Detached 36.9% New-build – Flat 27.0% Source – Rightmove Table shows most in-demand features for UK new-build homes Category Demand Buying scheme eligible 42.0% Parking 39.6% Garden 37.2% Source – Rightmove
Dale Kinnersley, Principal Consultant at the FPA discusses the changes within the recently updated residential and domestic sprinkler standard BS 9251:2021 and the concern from UK insurers that this standard is inappropriate when considering the commercial hazards associated with multi-occupancy buildings. The recently updated residential and domestic sprinkler standard BS 9251:2021 (Fire sprinkler systems for domestic and residential occupancies code of practice) has introduced multi-occupancy (mixed use) opportunities for buildings, which overlap into commercial and industrial fire hazard classifications already suitably covered by BS EN 12845, to reflect the fire load and characteristics of the occupancies. While BS 9251 is listed within Approved Document B and is recognised as a life safety standard, there is major concern from UK insurers that this standard does not appropriately consider the implications of the commercial and industrial risks, or the fire loads associated with these risks, which may actually compromise the life safety intent of BS 9251. While BS 9251 has a place within the industry for ‘life safety’ and to help achieve conditions where occupants of a building can escape safely in the event of fire before structural failure or collapse, this is generally the only obligation government legislation requires. The standard is limited in its robustness and resilience in terms of providing an element of ‘property protection’ associated with the sprinkler system. Acceptability of sprinkler protection by property insurers is contingent on the application of commercial and industrial design standards. This is confirmed by UK insurers, where sprinkler-protected buildings to BS 9251 are considered effectively un-sprinklered for property-underwriting purposes. Table 4 of BS 9251 is misleading in that it lists commercial areas of multi-occupancy buildings where sprinkler heads should be used, and the density of discharge’s suitability for Ordinary Hazard commercial and industrial applications. However, it then goes on to list ‘Areas of Operation’, such as in, but limited to: car parking within or beneath a block of flats retail shop units bar/restaurant/café plant rooms bin store located within or beneath the flats These are significantly less than the Areas of Operation specified in the current LPC Rules: BS EN 12845:2015 Fixed firefighting systems – automatic sprinkler systems – design, installation and maintenance (+A1:2019) (Incorporating corrigenda December 2015 and January 2016). There appears to be no justification or explanation for these reductions in areas of operation. Where buildings are multi-occupancy – which has become more common in recent years – the requirement for the correct selection of sprinkler protection should be based on the highest risk classification within the building in question. This is covered within BS 9251 clause 4.1 note 3, and further clarified in clauses 4.2.3.2 sub clauses a) and i), and clause 4.2.4 sub clause f), where the requirement of the sprinkler system should be discussed and agreed with the ‘insurer(s) of the building and its contents.’ Where property insurers are one of the Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ), in addition to building control, the standard or level of sprinkler protection is typically specified as the LPC Rules for Automatic Sprinkler Installations 2015 incorporating BS EN 12845. This standard is based on research and testing, resulting in a more robust and comprehensive sprinkler system that covers both property protection and the life safety requirement which is fully backed by the UK insurance industry. For example, car parking facilities within BS 9251 have an assumed fire area of 100m². The same fire hazard within BS EN 12845 has an assumed fire area of 144m² with a sprinkler discharge design density of 5mm/minute. However, it should be noted that modern car parking facilities now encompass vehicles which are larger, heavier, contain more plastics (including fuel tanks), and may have lithium-ion batteries and electrical charging stations. In addition to this, the building structure configuration – sloped ramps, denser parking, and poor fire service access – all add to the complexity of fire control. Fire hazards associated with these increased risks are higher fire loads, fire spread due to radiation and convection, fuel leakage resulting in running fuel fires, shielded fires, thermal runaway within lithium-ion batteries, lower ceilings, and higher temperatures. These all require further consideration for increased sprinkler protection from beyond current LPC Rules and BS EN 12845 requirements, rather than a reduced allowance as specified in the new release of BS 9251. It has been recently advised, for insurance purposes, that the risk for car parks should be based on the core guidance for hazard classification assessments, which considers: presence of plastics the likelihood of a shielded fire, where the vehicle obstructs the sprinkler from a fire either below or within the vehicle presence of flammable liquids possibility of pool fires or running flammable liquid fires presence of other hazards such as li-ion batteries or charging stations This would fall into category HHP3 of BS EN 12845, with a sprinkler design requirement of a 12.5mm/minute design density over the fire area to protect against these risks. Insurer losses and recently published car park fires support this approach. NFPA has undertaken a research project on this matter, and NFPA 13 has already made adjustments for the next edition, which is due imminently in light of known and recognised concerns to the new risk profile. Retail shop units are also included in table 4 of the new BS 9251, which implies the sprinkler design criteria, based on an assumed fire area of 100m², would be adequate. BS EN 12845 however requires a much larger assumed fire area of up to 216m², with a design density of 5mm/minute to control fires in storage areas. This allows for storage typically found in retail units (either in sales area displays, stock rooms, or both), which can be expected to consist of a range of stored products on different storage configurations to various storage heights also benefiting from a water supply duration of 60 minutes. Plant rooms are another commercial and industrial risk, which are usually located either below ground or on the top floor of the building. These fire risks are classified within BS EN 12845
Construction services provider Speedy has opened two new regional service centres in Scotland, strategically located on key arterial routes into Edinburgh and Aberdeen to help local contractors quickly access crucial equipment. The purpose-built 22,000 sq ft centre on West Edinburgh Business Park consolidates the hire provider’s smaller outlets previously located across the city. The move brings together its full hire fleet under one roof, which will help to reduce carbon emissions by providing equipment to customers in a single delivery. Similarly, the 13,200 sq ft Aberdeen centre on Denmore Industrial Estate is almost a third larger than the city’s two previous outlets combined. Extra space will allow the centres to accommodate customer training, with both offering an extensive range of courses including International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) and Prefabricated Access Suppliers’ and Manufacturers’ Association (PASMA) training for safe working at height. Both locations offer tools, lifting equipment, plant, and powered access machinery, as well as providing site surveys to customers. The Edinburgh site is a specialist facility in the company’s 200-strong UK centre network for air conditioning solutions. The centre in Aberdeen specialises in lifting equipment to meet local demand from the offshore oil and gas industry. It will also provide fencing and crowd control to support the recovery of the region’s events industry. The two sites will employ 44 staff, with both set to make new hires over the next year to meet growing demand. Ryan McGurk, regional manager for Scotland at Speedy said: “The new sites in Edinburgh and Aberdeen occupy strategic locations in each city. This means we’re now much more accessible for customers at busy times, with arterial connections ensuring deliveries land with customers fast, and well within our four-hour delivery promise. “With the new base in Edinburgh, we’re well positioned to support contractors as they fulfil major housebuilding and infrastructure projects underway across the city region. “Likewise, our new Aberdeen centre will bring our lifting services back into the city to meet significant local demand from the large base of companies supporting offshore operations.” Speedy is the UK’s leading provider of tools, equipment and plant hire services to a wide range of customers in the construction, infrastructure and industrial markets, as well as to local trade and consumers. It operates from sites across the UK and Ireland, including 20 in Scotland.
Takeaway food has soared in popularity both during and post-lockdown, causing attention to turn to the environmental impact of the packaging used by cafes, restaurants and other eateries. Kite Packaging champions paper products to best showcase sustainability while retaining professional standards of protection and presentation. Paper is one of the most widely recycled global resources with an impressive recycling rate of 74%. Moreover, the paper industry is leading the way in terms of its renewable energy uptake and mitigation of carbon impact. As a result, natural kraft paper is a superbly eco-conscious material for the burger boxes, takeaway trays, salad bowls and pizza boxes that Kite has recently launched. Paper is also utilised for the company’s coffee cups and straws, both of which are also fully recyclable. These items present visible sustainability with the recognisable kraft hue, granting your business instant associations with environmental awareness and social responsibility. Customers can easily scrape food off the packaging thanks to the grease resistant PE lining before popping the products into their own recycling bin for domestic collection. This ease of green disposal will cultivate strong customer relations as it is simple and understandable, with paper recycling already a habit for most households. Additionally, many items in the range are biodegradable and commercially compostable to increase the wealth of eco-friendly options. Environmental considerations have been instrumental in the selection of products to be supplied within Kite’s food packaging launch. The best solutions for meeting consumer demands have been specially handpicked by the expert product team to make your buying decisions easiest. Find out more at www.kitepackaging.co.uk.
Described as a ‘code red for humanity’, the recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report revealed some stark realities about the state of our climate in 2021 – highlighting the ‘irreversible’ effect human activity is having on the environment. Now, leading sustainability authority, Bureau Veritas, is pressing businesses to play their part in reducing emissions, to stabilise rising temperatures. Published in August, the report is the first major review of the science of climate change since 2013. It revealed that global surface temperatures have significantly increased since 1970, with the past five years the hottest since records began (in 1850). Scientists who produced the report attribute 90% of the global retreat of glaciers and the decrease in Arctic sea-ice to human activity, highlighting a number of hot extremes, but less frequent and less severe cold events1. The climate crisis is a global challenge, that requires everyone to act and contribute, and it’s already been demonstrated how this can be done. The ban on chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) in 1987 has averted a ‘climate catastrophe’ according to scientists2, with predictions that continued and increased use of CFCs would have contributed to global air temperatures rising by an additional 2.5°C by the end of this century. With the UK hosting the much-anticipated 26th UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) in November, the focus following the coronavirus is not only to ‘build back better’ but build back greener. Three quarters (78%) of UK businesses have made a net zero pledge3, therefore firms should now be looking to shift from making long term commitments to accelerating action to reduce carbon emissions, according to Bureau Veritas. Julie-Anna Smith, South & West Europe Sustainability Services Leader at Bureau Veritas, said: “The recent IPCC report revealed some glaring truths about the science behind many of the statements made about climate change, supporting the argument that human activity is undoubtedly causing rising temperatures. “The majority of businesses have made a commitment to net zero, however there is a huge difference between commitments, plans and action. It is clear governments and organisations now need to act to reduce carbon emissions, by reducing waste, efficiently using energy, investing in cleaner technologies, and educating supply chains to do the same. “The key is to be realistic. With the UK’s own plan to become net zero by 2050, we see a lot of businesses making similar ambitious statements. We find businesses often don’t actually know how to accomplish this or have an over reliance on offsetting technologies which don’t even exist yet or feel that their actions will not make a difference. A successful and achievable net zero plan should include interim targets – to ensure efforts to become net zero are consistent and not left until it’s too late. “Businesses that are not clear on what steps they need to take to play their part in this international effort towards tackling climate change can turn to a sustainability expert like Bureau Veritas to make assessments of their current sustainability performance and set in motion recommendations for an effective carbon emissions reduction plan.” According to Bureau Veritas, the immediate priority for businesses, that have not already done so, include: Understanding the business’ emissions. Firms must calculate their baseline carbon footprint arising from its day-to-day operations (scope 1 of Greenhouse Gas Protocol), and then look on to the wider value chain for indirect emissions – such as those from suppliers and customers (scope 2 and 3). Set interim science-based targets covering the next five years – considering how data will be collected, measured and monitored, to ensure the business is on track to achieve the long term net zero commitment. Focus on the easy actions – straightforward carbon reduction opportunities such as reviewing lighting, heating and energy use, employee travel, reducing waste and switching to renewable energy sources. Review more long-term complex initiatives – start collaborating with customers, suppliers, and regulators. This will help generate new ideas for improving resource use, and also quickly identify opportunities such as funding grants, and to access new markets, new customers and talent. Bureau Veritas has experience and technical expertise in helping some of the world’s largest organisations improve their sustainability performance in a number of sectors including food, pharmaceutical, financial and manufacturing. With a proven track record in verification of environmental, health & safety and social data, including conducting audits against the requirements of ISO 14064 Part 3, Bureau Veritas is also a GRI Community Member, an AA1000AS Licensed Provider, a UKAS accredited ISO 14064-1 Verification Body. To find out more, call 0345 600 1828 or visit www.bureauveritas.co.uk.