The new year brings with it a lot of hope and joy. It is the time of new beginnings for all and it is the time to make improvements happen in life. That is why a lot of people think about new year’s resolutions! A great way to start the
As we head into the festive season, there was one more award ceremony to attend this year for our Managing Director Neal James and the team from Panthera Group’s Hoarding division. The SME Award Finals were held at Wembley Stadium on Friday 3rd December and this time the team came
If you notice any cracks on your wall, bulging on your floor, or experience difficulties closing your doors, you may be facing a serious foundation leakage problem. You shouldn’t wait till the signs erupt into a disaster, or you will end up spending too much money doing the repairs or
One of the UK’s leading construction companies caused a stir this year, when it announced that it was planning to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030. Galliford Try, an Uxbridge-based firm that is one of the largest companies in the industry, revealed that it had ‘pledged to achieve Net Zero carbon
Construction companies are quick to embrace new technologies, although the paper work order stuck around in the industry a lot longer than many anticipated. Thankfully with the rise of work order software, firms of all sizes are embracing the digital revolution and enjoying improved efficiency, productivity and cost-effectiveness as a
Are you considering event marketing for your business? First, congratulations! Event marketing is a great way to engage your customers and develop a lasting relationship with them. It also offers the opportunity to meet your customers and industry influencers face-to-face, rather than simply pitching at them. But what you’ll find
Do you have a commercial construction business and want to know what you should be keeping up with and what the new trends are? Do you feel like your business is a bit old-fashioned and want to know what you could be doing to keep up with the trends? The
Looking to convert your loft and add value to your home? By working with an expert in loft conversions Essex property owners trust and choosing the right style of conversion, you’re all set for success. How much value can it add? First of all, you are probably wondering how much
Regular carpet cleaning is the most recommended solution when it comes to having spotless carpets that are free from dust, bacteria, and mites. It allows people to breathe better and avoid any respiratory health issues. In addition, it may prevent mold growth and remove pollutants, contributing to the overall health
One of the amazing aspects of the green revolution is the wave of new technologies that it has inspired. From industrial facilities reabsorbing their carbon emissions to reengineering the infrastructure of entire cities to run on clean energy, our communities will start seeing major benefits from a much-needed shift towards
The new year brings with it a lot of hope and joy. It is the time of new beginnings for all and it is the time to make improvements happen in life. That is why a lot of people think about new year’s resolutions! A great way to start the new year is also by starting a remodeling project for your home. Maybe you have always thought about it for some time, and this may be a great time to get started! An online home store may be the perfect place to start your remodeling and renovating work. Here are just some of the reasons why a remodeling project can be a great idea. It Will Help You Increase Your Comfort Whether you are changing the light fixtures of your home or remodeling your kitchen completely, it can go a long way in increasing the comfort you feel. Your own comfort and peace of mind matter a lot and that is a good enough reason to get started. And what better time to do so than the new year? To make Your Home Safer It is very important to make your house as safe as possible. Newer improvements may be needed for this to happen and new construction work may have to be planned. This way your home will be safe for everyone. If your home is older, it may require changes and fixes to be made to it. For this, ensuring that you get the right professional building help is important. To Increase The Resale Value Of A House If you have plans to sell your house anytime in the future, then doing remodeling work can help increase its resale value. Buyers love new kitchens and bathrooms and by getting the remodeling project underfoot, you can attract them. Even if you have no plans to sell in the future, keeping an eye on the property market and helping your home be on par with the best is a smart thing to do. Increase The Functionality Of The Home Simple construction projects can increase the functionality of your home. For example, adding a pantry if you don’t have one can make cooking a breeze for you. Going Online In today’s times, when people go online for most things, choosing to shop for your home online can be a great idea. It can be fun and convenient to do so as well. When you choose an online store, make sure that you get all manner of home things easily. From wreaths to cushion covers to curtains, you must be able to lay your hands on things that you can use in your house. Conclusion Remodeling or renovating your house does not need to be a huge project. If you can afford it, then great. If not, there are smaller things you can do to make sure that your home is cozier and more comfortable than before.
As we head into the festive season, there was one more award ceremony to attend this year for our Managing Director Neal James and the team from Panthera Group’s Hoarding division. The SME Award Finals were held at Wembley Stadium on Friday 3rd December and this time the team came away with a well-deserved GOLD award in the sustainability category for their NetZero Carbon hoarding solution, EnviroHoard™. The SME Awards are open to small and medium sized enterprises with less than 250 employees and are designed to celebrate the success of these industrious, hardworking and enterprising companies. SMEs are widely acknowledged for driving innovation and competition in many economic sectors and the quality of entry into the 2021 awards clearly supports that. Categories included Business Innovation, Best New Business, Family Business of the Year and individual business leader awards, amongst many others. In a year where the Environmental Agenda has become so important, arguably the Sustainability Award is and will be one of the key awards going forwards. Neal used the quieter period over the first lockdown to bring his vision for a completely new product design to life. EnviroHoard™ is the first ever NetZero Carbon hoarding solution with the a bespoke-designed support frame and low carbon concrete block to complement the uPVC recycled and recyclable panels. He is delighted at the recognition the product has received since its launch in early 2021; “We have never entered any awards before this year, so to walk away as the Winner of the Construction News Specialists Awards, Silver in the National Building & Construction and Design Awards and Runner-up in the Kier Green Dragon Awards – all in one season – was already pretty overwhelming. To cap this with the Gold Award in the National SME Awards – which are designed to recognise businesses of our size – is the perfect end to the year for us.” For more information about the multi award-winning EnviroHoard™ please visit: www. pantheragroup.com/sustainable-construction-site-hoardings/
If you notice any cracks on your wall, bulging on your floor, or experience difficulties closing your doors, you may be facing a serious foundation leakage problem. You shouldn’t wait till the signs erupt into a disaster, or you will end up spending too much money doing the repairs or lose your home altogether. When you notice the tell-tale signs, contact foundation repair contractors immediately and explain to them your situation. They will send experts to examine your house and propose the most plausible solutions at an affordable cost. Even then, here are some of the reasons you should not wait till these leakages need fixing. The Longer You Wait, the More the Damage Just like any other damage that occurs around your home, the longer you postpone repairing those damages, the bigger the issue will be. If you notice these foundation risks early enough, it becomes easier and cheaper to repair them. However, if you ignore them, you will spend a great deal of what would have been otherwise a small fix. Increased Water Damage Water damage is the last thing you would want to occur in your home. The more you put off repairing foundational leakages, the more you put yourself at risk of having such damages. If these leaks grow larger, then you will end up with a situation where you have water leaking into your house, and especially your basement. This water can cause massive damage to your floors, carpets, and other items in your house. It will also cause mold and mildew to grow leading to a foul smell within your home. It could easily drive you out of your house if you do not take measures early enough. Spending More Money It is rather obvious that you will end up spending more money if you are forced to repair major damages. If you notice foundational leakages and ignore them, you will certainly be forced to repair them at one point or another. The earlier you do so, the less you will spend. However, if you continue waiting you will have a serious problem on your hands. You could even end up tearing down the entire floor and rebuilding again. This type of repair could set you back a couple of years in terms of your finances. You Open Your Home to Pests Cracks and gaps in your walls and floors are avenues or gateways for pests such as rats and mice to invade your home. These pests take advantage of such leaks to find better shelter and food. You will even start having dangerous animals such as snakes. The pests can cause serious sanitary problems in your house that can cause serious ailments. Furthermore, they can also cause further damage by urination, chewing, and nesting within your home. Getting the services of an exterminator to get rid of such rodents is just wasting time and money. You can avoid all that by simply repairing minor damages when you notice them.
One of the UK’s leading construction companies caused a stir this year, when it announced that it was planning to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030. Galliford Try, an Uxbridge-based firm that is one of the largest companies in the industry, revealed that it had ‘pledged to achieve Net Zero carbon across its own operations by 2030, and Net Zero across all activities by 2045 at the latest’. There is no doubt that this has to be lauded. It has never been clearer that there is a true climate emergency, and businesses need to be doing everything they can to minimise their carbon footprint moving forward. Construction businesses certainly needed to count themselves amongst this effort. The company claims that it has managed to achieve a 62% reduction in its carbon emissions over the period of 2012 to 2020. But now it wants to push on to the ultimate goal of being carbon neutral. But there is no doubt that this has been controversial in the industry. Some wonder whether it is truly realistic for construction companies to achieve net zero carbon in such a short amount of time. So, here we take a look at what this would actually mean for businesses, as well as the steps that companies across the industry are taking, to establish whether this is a realistic goal. Why construction needs to go green According to the UK Green Building Council, the built environment is responsible for around 40% of the UK’s total carbon footprint. That’s a huge amount, and it really puts a focus on construction companies to do better with the buildings that they are creating. If they can be built to be eco-friendly, it could make a massive difference to the UK’s carbon emissions. But it’s not just the completed buildings that contribute to the carbon footprint. In fact, the building process has a huge toll on the environment. For example, the machinery used in construction actually emits a huge amount. Diesel engines in non-road mobile machinery (such as bulldozers, construction machinery, industrial trucks, forklifts and mobile cranes) alone contributes to 15% of NOx emissions in London. As such, we need to think about carbon neutral construction from two perspectives. The first is the actual methods of construction being eco-friendly. The second is ensuring that the buildings that are constructed do not damage the environment. These are known as ‘carbon neutral buildings’ and it’s important to understand them. What is a carbon neutral building? It’s all well and good talking about carbon neutral buildings as a goal for the industry – but it’s important to actually define what is meant by the term. Indeed, if 2030 is to be a realistic goal, construction companies need to be in agreement in what they are working towards. Carbon neutral buildings should use less energy than their traditional counterparts, that much is clear, but how exactly do you create buildings that don’t damage the environment? There are actually a number of factors in creating carbon neutral buildings. The first is something known as passive design, which is a method of using the natural surroundings of a building to the best possible effect. For example, it could involve drawing energy from solar panels or wind energy – but it might mean utilising natural shade to minimise heating in the property. How can it be achieved? Carbon neutral construction will take effort on the part of construction companies and will naturally involve some change in operations. Galliford Try, the company that has committed to carbon net zero by 2030, has provided insight into what it is doing to achieve it. Some of the measures that the company is taking have included: The use of renewable energy sources Encouraging the use of electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles The use of electric and alternative fuelled plant equipment A focus on connecting sites to the grid as soon as possible to minimise the use of diesel generators Maximising the use of technology to reduce travel So, is carbon neutral construction realistic by 2030? Ultimately, it has to be said that with a combination of changes in business practice in terms of working on construction sites, alongside smarter eco-friendly building design, carbon neutral construction can be rolled out quickly. As with all green efforts, it will take businesses being motivated to change their ways. But given the improving technology across the industry, 2030 could certainly be possible.
Construction companies are quick to embrace new technologies, although the paper work order stuck around in the industry a lot longer than many anticipated. Thankfully with the rise of work order software, firms of all sizes are embracing the digital revolution and enjoying improved efficiency, productivity and cost-effectiveness as a result. If you are not familiar with work order software, this guide will bring you in on the ground floor and demonstrate why it has been so transformative in construction in particular. What is work order software? As the name suggests, platforms like Fiix work order software are designed to replace physical work order systems, providing the same basic functionality but making use of digital documents instead. While work orders are more genetically intended to allow duties to be assigned in a range of commercial contexts, for construction companies this means that customers can clearly define the jobs they want done, and details of things like costs, materials required and timelines for completion can all be included. Digitizing this process means that work orders can be issued with greater ease, stored and accessed in the cloud, reviewed in an instant from any location and tracked to keep up to date with project progress. Similarly if work orders are issued for maintenance tasks, this allows managers to ensure that routines are adhered to and best practices for safety followed, all within the bounds of a predetermined schedule. So downtime due to equipment issues or construction machinery failures can be minimized with the help of work order software. The advantages of automation Aside from the aforementioned conveniences that software-based work order management brings to the table, the other key perk is afforded by automation. Rather than having to manually issue work orders for a given project, or in line with the desired schedule for a specific day’s work, software can automatically send out work orders to the right people, apprising them of their responsibilities and synchronizing large teams so that they are pulling in the same direction. For construction companies and their customers, this is a boon whether it applies internally within a single organization, or also includes third party contractors. The unifying power of the software, coupled with its automation potential, irons out all sorts of kinks that used to be an accepted part of the industry. The implications of integration Like all good software solutions, digital work order platforms do not operate in a vacuum, but can be integrated with other services to expand upon their basic functions. For example, they might be needed to operate as part of a broader enterprise asset management package, or combine with project management software to allow top-level decision-makers to oversee vast, complex construction projects without being bogged down by paperwork. At a time when material costs are high and set to remain so, these small but tangible efficiencies can have major implications for construction firms and their customers. The wonders of the workflow Another point to make about the revolutionary quality of work order software in construction is that it forms part of a wider workflow, and more importantly means that completed strands can be neatly concluded, rather than the results being open-ended and uncertainties plaguing a project. Work orders that are issued digitally can also be closed digitally, so you can say with confidence that a task has been done on-site, and use this to dictate subsequent orders and planning. In short, modern work order software is responsible for the ongoing digitization and streamlining of the construction industry, and this technology is available to small and large operators alike.
Are you considering event marketing for your business? First, congratulations! Event marketing is a great way to engage your customers and develop a lasting relationship with them. It also offers the opportunity to meet your customers and industry influencers face-to-face, rather than simply pitching at them. But what you’ll find is that event marketing isn’t always well understood – even by many professionals – so we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you think about how best to market your next event. Getting started with Event Marketing Let’s start by understanding what is event marketing: What is Event Marketing? Event marketing is where a business invests in an event – such as a conference, exhibition, or tradeshow – with the aim of reaching and influencing its target market. By attending these events, they can position themselves as thought-leaders and experts in their industry Types of Event Marketing There are many different types of event marketing, each with its own unique advantages. Let’s look at some common types of event marketing: Conferences Tradeshows and Exhibitions (including trade shows . Though some companies also hold consumer-facing events such as open days) Seminars Webinars Live Streaming Online events Virtual events Physical events In essence, there are many different types of events, depending on the nature of your business. For example, if you’re an eCommerce brand trying to sell fashion or electronics directly to consumers then a consumer-facing trade show will likely suit you best; while if you’re in financial services then attending conferences and seminars will be more effective at generating leads. Problems Solved By Event Marketing It’s worth considering what you hope to get out of event marketing before investing in an event. This will help you identify your goal(s) and ensure that your approach is on track. Here are some common business problems that event marketing can solve: Generate leads Grow brand awareness Improve reputation Educate customers Build thought leadership Build a sales pipeline Demonstrate expertise to potential partners and suppliers. So you’ve decided that event marketing is right for your business. What are the steps to getting started? Essential Steps To Get Started 1) Understand your event’s objectives The first step is to be clear on what you want to achieve from the event. For example, will it be a launch of a new product/service or an update on existing products and services? Will it be targeted at existing customers, channel partners (e.g., resellers or distributors), or prospective customers (e.g., marketers and media)? 2) Identify your target audience It’s also important to be clear who you want to attend – and, just as importantly – who not to invite! It may seem obvious but we’ve seen too many events that end up with a room full of people the host company doesn’t really want to speak with. 3) Build relationships with event decision-makers Don’t just view the suppliers or organizers of an event as a means to an end – you have every chance of being successful if you build strong business relationships with them before your event. For example, do they share your industry sector? What is their experience in running events like this one? How can you add value to them before your event? How can they add value to you? 4) Agree on the messaging and positioning with key stakeholders It’s also important to agree on what you want to achieve with colleagues (both internal and external), suppliers, speakers at your event, and, of course, senior management. This should be a joint effort that ensures that everyone is singing from the same hymn sheet! 5) Ensure the event fits your marketing budget Don’t forget that an expensive-looking and -sounding event does not necessarily equate to a successful one. It’s worth testing the waters by hosting smaller events with different audiences leading up to your main one, if necessary. This is where things start to get interesting So you’re ready to plan your first event. But how do you make sure it’s a success? Here are some key areas to focus on. 1) Price your tickets correctly Consider commissioning research into the price sensitivity of your target audience – or even do this as part of pre-event promotion. This can help you decide if you should charge a higher rate for certain attendees. You should also consider how you can leverage your sponsors, partners, suppliers to help cover the cost of event services. 2) Promote your event It’s not just about buying advertising – remember that there are plenty of free techniques you can use, such as using social media like LinkedIn and Twitter to drive registrations (and think about promoting your event over other channels, too). 3) Prepare your audience for the content you plan to deliver What are the ‘pain points that you plan to address? How can you highlight these to potential attendees before the event? For example, if there’s a new product/service being launched at your event, then send out an advance briefing to attendees. 4) Make sure your event is engaging Consider adding an element of gamification to the registration process, for example, or developing a competition that encourages pre-event engagement with buyers. You could also use smart technology such as iPads to help attendees get the most from your event. 5) Don’t forget post-event activities It’s not just about your event: what happens after the event in terms of follow-up and post-event engagement is crucial to maximize impact. Do you have a specific plan for this? For example, will there be a strong digital element to help capture leads following the event? 6) Evaluate your results How do you plan to measure success? The key thing is that you need to establish what you will be looking for so that everyone can agree on the level of achievement. This should be discussed in advance with your management team, too. Wrapping Up Event marketing is always evolving and it’s crucial that you keep up to date with your knowledge base. This
Do you have a commercial construction business and want to know what you should be keeping up with and what the new trends are? Do you feel like your business is a bit old-fashioned and want to know what you could be doing to keep up with the trends? The commercial construction industry is a very exciting place to be right now. There are many different trends that have come into play and will continue to grow over the next few years. For example, green buildings are becoming increasingly popular as more people want their office spaces to reflect their values and attitudes towards the environment. Another trend is improving worker productivity by creating open floor plans with flexible workspaces so employees can collaborate better together. These trends may not all apply specifically to you but it’s important for any company in this field to remain up to date on what’s happening to stay competitive and relevant within the industry. Here are 6 trends to follow in the commercial construction industry. The use of sustainable materials First on our list, when it comes to following the trends in the commercial construction industry, we have the use of sustainable materials. When it comes to the construction of buildings something that many people are placing a big emphasis on is the use of sustainable materials. These are materials that can’t be depleted easily, but also can be recreated easily. Rather than using rock and stone, which although can be found in abundance, people are choosing living materials such as wood, or even things that can easily be man-made. On top of that, other living materials such as specific algae can be used as a way to self-mend different kinds of concrete. When talking about concrete, it is also a sustainable material that you can use, and if you’re looking for professionals that produce highly durable floors you can check out what TCF West in Winnipeg offers. They are leading in the industry, and with them you can rely on a cost-effective service. A focus on energy efficiency These days, with the world suffering from global warming and everything that comes along with it, a lot of companies are making a concerted effort to go green and make use of an energy-efficient lifestyle. This goes for their products, and production, as well as the building itself. Many of these new companies make use of renewable energy, but they also contribute to the collection of renewable energy. Lots of businesses have their own solar panels which are used to either power the whole building or just certain parts like having heated water or lights on. This is done to lower their carbon footprint and try their best to reduce the rate at which global warming is progressing. Other businesses are demolishing inefficient properties and are building new ones from scratch only to improve the environment from the inside out. Bella Contracting Services is where you can find demolition contractors in Connecticut if you’re thinking about making such drastic changes to your business. Improved indoor air quality The quality of air in a building is not something that people will typically pay too much attention to, especially those who work there. However, it is important to note, that especially if you are working in a big city where there is a lot of pollution, the air quality can eventually take its toll on you. As a business, you should be implementing different ways to improve the quality of the air in your building. This can be by having filters placed in your pipes that are circulating the air, and changing them regularly, or even by having humidifiers if you are in dryer conditions to make it more bearable. A decrease in the usage of toxic chemicals Toxic chemicals are commonly used among different businesses, depending on what they produce, but while they pay attention to not letting the consumers come in contact with these toxic chemicals, less caution is taken with the workers. By eliminating toxic chemicals, not only will you create a better working environment for your staff, but you will also help reduce the damage that your business is doing to the environment. Increased emphasis on indoor environmental factors, such as lighting and acoustics A big trend in the commercial industry is the layout and design change of these places. Many people may be used to dull yellow lighting, gross carpeted flooring, and an unwelcoming environment, however, there is now a big emphasis on the working environment and how the look of it can be beneficial to the worth ethic and productivity. For instance, you can include an open floor plan where people can be with each other and have a better time working together. Something else you can do is improve the quality of the lighting. Many businesses are stuck using old yellow lighting, but by making use of LED lighting it not only looks more modern, but it creates a lighter environment.
Looking to convert your loft and add value to your home? By working with an expert in loft conversions Essex property owners trust and choosing the right style of conversion, you’re all set for success. How much value can it add? First of all, you are probably wondering how much value a loft conversion could add to your home. It’s a pretty impressive amount, actually! A converted loft can add anything from 10% to 20% to the value of your property. Whether you are planning to sell in the near future or you are going to stay put for a while yet, converting your loft could leave you better off in the long run. Styles of loft conversion If you do decide to convert your loft, it’s important that you choose the right kind of conversion for your property in order to maximise your home’s value. You can take your pick from the following types of loft conversion: • Velux loft conversion: This is the cheapest and least disruptive kind of loft conversion to carry out. If you already have ample space for your needs in your loft, the addition of Velux windows, a sturdy floor and proper stair access will make it a much more welcoming space. • Dormer loft conversion: This style of loft conversion is so popular, and is the one you’re most likely to see in your local area. This type of conversion protrudes from the side of the roof, giving you more head room and floor space. In terms of pricing, they’re somewhere in between a Velux and hip to gable conversion. • Hip to gable: If you want a natural looking extension, then a hip to gable is perfect. This involves building up the gable on the hipped side of the roof – giving the extension its name. It gives you the greatest amount of space out of all the kinds of loft conversion, so could be the best option if that is your top priority. You should also check what kind of roof you have before you proceed. Trusses are supports that run through the cross-section of the loft. If you have those, a loft conversion will require a little more work. What to use it for Another thing to consider is what your loft conversion will be used for – as this can influence how much value it adds to a home. Buyers are keenest on extra bedrooms, with an en suite bathroom adding even more value. A lot people choose to use their loft as a home office or a hobby space, but this can easily be reconfigured and marketed as an extra bedroom when the time comes to sell. A converted loft is such a versatile space, and when you work with an experienced builder, they will be able to marry your vision with adding as much value as possible to your property. Start planning today The sooner you start making plans (including checking whether you need planning permission), the quicker you will be able to boost both the space in your home and its value. So what are you waiting for?
Regular carpet cleaning is the most recommended solution when it comes to having spotless carpets that are free from dust, bacteria, and mites. It allows people to breathe better and avoid any respiratory health issues. In addition, it may prevent mold growth and remove pollutants, contributing to the overall health of the occupants and the cleanliness of a property. Although customers could clean their dirty carpets on their own, professional carpet cleaners may deliver the best results possible. If you’re planning to start a carpet cleaning business, you may want to know how to make sure that your services are top-notch. You could start with keeping equipment downtime in check as it’s one of the factors that’d greatly affect your business productivity. Keep reading to find out how you can do just that. The Effects Of Equipment Downtime Equipment downtime is the period when a machine or device isn’t working or has poor performance. Although it could be an effect of maintenance runs, it’s still usually associated with defective or problematic equipment. While this may not happen too often for many businesses, it still comes with a wide range of adverse effects. Here are some of them: Late Delivery Of Services If equipment downtime becomes frequent and lasts too long, the cleaning process may be slowed down because of unplanned stops. Because of this, the carpets’ time of pickup or delivery may exceed what’s expected, leading to customer dissatisfaction. Low Productivity If the low time continues for days or weeks, the production may fall behind the target numbers. Hence, the company’s sales may drop while the operation and maintenance costs remain the same. Workers’ Burnout Carpet cleaners may suffer from burnout because of non-continuous operation. They may need to work double time to make up for the time lost due to malfunctioning equipment. Decrease Of Returning Customers As a result of persistent or frequent downtime, the number of loyal customers you have may decrease because of dissatisfaction. Steps To Minimize Downtime To prevent any of those possible effects from happening to your business, you may consider doing the following to maximize your equipment’s performance and the productivity of your business: 1. Use High-Quality Carpet Cleaning Equipment Carpet cleaning equipment is the heart and soul of carpet washing services. With high-performing tools and machines, you can wash and rinse carpets and rugs alike with ease, which would help you achieve more of your business goals. If you don’t know what features to look for in equipment, check out this list: Auto-Mix Function: The equipment would have an automatic mixing capability for water and detergent. Crevice Tool: This component is used in cleaning the hard-to-reach areas of thick carpets. Detergent Spray: This allows for pre-wash soaking to remove stains quickly. Dry Vacuuming: This has dry-cleaning attributes perfect for water-sensitive materials. Turbo Function: The equipment would have rotating brushes that deep-clean rugs. Water Heating Capability: Warm water increases the efficiency of the cleaning process. Apart from having high-end features, the equipment you get should be durable and can withstand prolonged use. It has to be easy to clean and maintain as well. Furthermore, it needs to be simple to repair or rewire whenever it encounters certain issues. To deliver excellent services, you need to have a complete set of top-quality carpet cleaning equipment and components, such as positive displacement blowers. If you want to learn more about those machines, you may visit websites such as https://www.nwflowtech.com/products/positive-displacement-blowers/. 2. Upskill Workers Regularly The perfect partner for any reliable equipment is a well-trained and skilled operator. Entry-level workers tend to start with limited knowledge and skills, but with enough experience and training, they can be adept at their jobs. Seasoned and highly trained staff know what to do to keep equipment downtime to a minimum. If a machine isn’t working because of minor damage, skilled operators may troubleshoot it to restore the equipment. Apart from that, upskilled workers could detect early signs of damage that could be prevented. This way, they can suggest when a piece of equipment should undergo a maintenance checkup. To create a team of expert workers, prioritize hiring experienced carpet cleaners right from the start. Alternatively, you could provide a series of training sessions to the inexperienced workers. This can be scheduled every three to six months, depending on your employees’ current skill level. The upskilling may continue even after workers become familiar with the ins and outs of carpet cleaning. Apart from skills training, the following are some of the areas that business owners should help their employees improve in: Basic maintenance Workplace safety Productivity courses You may implement cross-skilling training for workers who are assigned to menial cleaning operations. These employees could learn the more complex skills necessary to fix more serious problems. This way, they’d know when and how to replace essential parts. In addition, cross-skilled workers could do emergency repairs if required so they don’t have to wait for anyone else to carry out fixes for them. 3. Listen To Your Workers’ Input And Feedback Many of your staff members may have something to share and suggest whenever there’s trouble with a particular piece of equipment. To make the most of this, listen to their input and feedback regarding any difficulty they encounter when they’re operating a specific machine. You may also conduct a survey among your workers to get ideas on how to cope with downtime issues. Those gestures would provide you with a new perspective on the situation and empower the workers by making them feel that they’re truly part of the organization. Aside from that, you could increase worker’s productivity by providing incentives. This could be based on their general performance, attendance and punctuality, and the actions or measures they take every time a machine malfunctions or breaks down. 4. Improve Maintenance Runs Conducting maintenance runs is essential in a carpet cleaning business. This involves inspecting the overall condition of the machine and its parts. You may need to schedule your maintenance activities for
One of the amazing aspects of the green revolution is the wave of new technologies that it has inspired. From industrial facilities reabsorbing their carbon emissions to reengineering the infrastructure of entire cities to run on clean energy, our communities will start seeing major benefits from a much-needed shift towards a renewable future. Frontier technologies in green construction, green building, and smart buildings are at the forefront of this innovation trend. Green Development LLC, a leading provider of large-scale solar and wind projects in Rhode Island, introduces us to how these technologies are shaping our future. Green Building Green building is the process of using environmentally responsible and resource-efficient materials and methods throughout a building’s entire lifecycle. All phases of a building—including siting, design, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation, and deconstruction—are taken into account to reduce the impacts of the built environment on human health and the natural environment and to be consistent with the principles of a circular economy. Green Construction According to Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment (GRIHA), traditional construction contributes an estimated 50% of the world’s air pollution, 42% of its greenhouse gases, 50% of all water pollution, 48% of all solid wastes, and 50% of all Chlorofluorocarbon CFCs to the environment. Green construction utilizes sustainable, low-impact materials that take into account resource efficiency, indoor air quality, energy efficiency, water conservation, and affordability. Materials typically have one or more of the following attributes: recycled, natural or renewable, locally available, reusable or recyclable, salvaged, refurbished, remanufactured, locally available, or durable. Developers select these products after thorough research, evaluation, and selection. Smart Buildings Green buildings are all about resource efficiency and building performance. Smart buildings are also built with efficiency as a central guiding principle, but in this case, the focus is on construction and operational efficiency—minimizing energy use and demand on the grid. In recent years, the term “GEB” (grid-interactive efficient building) has become synonymous with the term “smart building.” GEBs achieve operational efficiency by connecting the various operational components of buildings—lighting, security, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning—with the grid, distributed energy resources, and the occupants in an integrated, dynamic, and functional way. The U.S. Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy recently awarded $61 million, via the Grid-interactive Efficient Building (GEB) Initiative, to ten projects focused on developing smart buildings and accelerating renewable energy adoption. Some key characteristics of GEBs include: Efficiency: Maintaining a low level of energy usage in order to minimize demand on the grid is a primary goal of a GEB. Connectivity: Ongoing two-way communication is facilitated between the building and its occupants and the building and the grid. Intelligence: Smart, AI-enabled software collects information via sensors and other controls, generates ongoing analytics, and adjusts energy use to match occupancy patterns and preferences. Flexibility: Energy loads for the building can be shifted across energy sources or stored, as needed throughout the day, to reduce energy costs. Energy sources could include behind-the-meter renewable energy sources, stored energy, or EVs, in addition to the grid. The recent attention on GEBs has the potential to help countries reduce their carbon footprints and electricity costs, thanks to their ability to interact with the grid, adjust energy loads dynamically, and tap into distributed energy resources, as needed. Certifications Two important certifications are available for green buildings: the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Green Building Standards and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. The latter is the most widely used green building rating system in the world. In addition, Smart Building Certification also exists for certifying smart buildings. On the consumer’s end, certifications from reliable sources ensure a high degree of standard and, therefore, trust. The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) claims that LEED-certified buildings have lease-up rates up to 20% above average and vacancy rates about 4% lower than non-green properties. USGBC also emphasizes that 61% of corporate leaders believe that sustainability leads to better financial performance and market differentiation. EPA Green Building Standards The EPA provides a table of Green Building Standards, two mandatory and four voluntary standards. International Green Construction Code (IgCC) and Standard for the Design of High-Performance Green Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings (ASHRAE 189.1) are the mandatory standards for all residential multi-family buildings with more than three stories, in addition to buildings designated for commercial, industrial, or mixed-use purposes. The standards include subject areas such as energy efficiency, water efficiency, materials, and resource use, indoor environmental quality, emissions, and sustainable sites. LEED Certification LEED offers different certifications for building design and construction, interior design and construction, building operations and maintenance, neighborhood development, homes, cities and communities, and more. The LEED v4 for BD+C: New Construction and Major Renovation Project Checklist, for example, can be used to evaluate criteria such as location and transportation, sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, indoor environmental quality, innovation, and regional priority. Smart Building Certification Smart Building Certification offers several levels of certifications: Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze. The certification process reviews how well the system integrates with the building and its components, how the building affects user behavior and collaboration, health and safety standards, the physical environment of the building, the building’s performance, and how people use the building. Each smart building project is assessed with three independent reviewers in a peer review model to ensure the maximum integrity of the evaluation. About Green Development LLC Green Development LLC is the leading developer of large-scale renewable energy projects in Rhode Island, specializing in wind, solar, and battery storage. The company delivers significant energy savings to municipalities, quasi-public entities, nonprofits, and other qualified entities through the virtual net metering program while providing long-term lease payments to landowners and farmers. Since 2009, Green Development has been instrumental in transforming the energy mix in Rhode Island to clean, reliable energy. The company has developed more than 70 MW in solar and wind capacity, with plans to add 75 MW in 2021. Green Development is devoted to preserving farmland, reducing water and air pollution, increasing energy security, and creating
