Safety standards in the construction industry have evolved dramatically over the past few decades. With the incorporation of advanced technology, innovations in personal protective equipment (PPE), and the ongoing updating of safety regulations, these standards have become integral elements of project planning. This article delves into how the evolution of
In the last three years, 465 incidents of road worker abuse have been reported in Birmingham. That’s why this week, organisations and companies that work to improve Birmingham’s roads, have launched a new campaign Expect Respect – to urge the public to respect its road workers. The incidents include residents
Important changes are being made to the CITB Health, Safety & Environment (HS&E) test for Managers and Professionals (MAP), supported by the launch of updated revision materials for candidates. The MAP test is an important way of assessing that Managers and Professionals know how to keep themselves and those around
A new grade of membership launched by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) is already giving specialist construction workers a platform to boost their careers whilst increasing professionalism across the sector. Historically, individuals who excel in one certain area – a site supervisor, fire safety officer, rail technician, utility technician
The Thermal Insulation Contractors Association (TICA) has welcomed the long-awaited publication of BS 5422:2023 which updates the standards for thermal insulating materials for pipes, tanks, vessels, ductwork and equipment operating between -40ºc and +700ºc. It says the revision by the British Standards Institute (BSI) brings much needed clarity regarding the
A new framework designed to help decision-makers and property developers better navigate local planning processes, is now available from planning and development consultancy Lichfields. The Viability tool supports the promotion of sites, assesses evidence prepared to inform strategic plans, and informs the presentation of evidence to local plan and CIL
Last year marked another record-beating year for hot weather in the UK and meteorologists predict temperatures above 35C could become the norm. Alex Minett, Head of Products and Markets at CHAS, a Veriforce company, looks at five key questions businesses might have about working during hot spells. July 2022 saw the
Gerald Allen, Head of Marketing at Epwin Window Systems, said: “Our new commercial guide showcases the depth and breadth of our PVC-U commercial offer. It will help our fabricator and installer customers to demonstrate the added value they are able to deliver to commercial contractors and specifiers.” The 56-page brochure
Signify’s Nico van der Merwe explains how energy efficiency measures such as the retrofitting of smart LEDs can provide green impacts across society in combination with the switch to renewable energy. The IPCC Climate Change 2023 report has offered the world a stark reminder of what is at stake if
Any individual or group looking to start up a business will need to look at the workplace they are working in. You simply cannot get things done if you aren’t working in an acceptable place. Whether you are in a small office or a large warehouse, there needs to be
Safety standards in the construction industry have evolved dramatically over the past few decades. With the incorporation of advanced technology, innovations in personal protective equipment (PPE), and the ongoing updating of safety regulations, these standards have become integral elements of project planning. This article delves into how the evolution of safety standards impacts the planning and execution of construction projects. Historical Overview: Safety Standards in Construction From the Industrial Revolution, construction has consistently been one of the riskiest industries for workers. Early construction work was characterized by high injury rates, inadequate protective gear, and little to no regulations. Over time, however, society recognized the importance of workers’ safety and began to implement regulations and standards. The establishment of organizations such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the United States in 1970 represented significant leaps in prioritizing worker safety. Similar bodies were created globally, ensuring construction safety became a universal concern. This era marked the beginning of the integration of safety standards into project planning. The Evolution of Safety Standards Safety standards in construction have progressively become more sophisticated and stringent. This evolution has been driven by technological advancements, emerging safety theories, and an increasing understanding of human factors in accidents. For instance, in the early days, safety regulations focused on providing workers with rudimentary PPE like helmets and gloves. Today, the technology has evolved to include smart PPE, which integrates advanced technology like biometric monitors and augmented reality to enhance safety. Moreover, there’s been a shift in perspective. Safety practices have moved from a reactive approach — dealing with accidents after they happen — to a proactive one, focusing on prevention. Now, the focus is not just on safety but health as well, with mental health and ergonomic issues getting increased attention. Impact on Project Planning The evolution of safety standards has fundamentally changed the approach to project planning in construction. It’s no longer seen as an additional burden or cost but a necessity that can enhance efficiency and productivity. Below are some key ways the evolving standards impact project planning. Safety Integration in All Phases Safety measures are now integrated into all stages of project planning. From the pre-planning phase to design, construction, and maintenance, safety standards dictate various aspects of project execution. The concept of “Safety by Design” is now a cornerstone in the industry, which stresses on integrating safety measures right from the design stage. Cost Estimation In the past, safety measures were often seen as cost-increasing factors. However, with the evolution of safety standards, it’s now recognized that the costs incurred in implementing safety measures are significantly less than the potential cost of accidents, both in terms of financial impact and damage to the company’s reputation. Therefore, modern cost estimation in construction project planning now factors in the cost of safety measures. These might include the cost of advanced PPE, safety training, installation of safety infrastructure, and ongoing safety audits. Time Scheduling Safety considerations can affect project scheduling. Projects now need to include time for safety training, safety checks, and maintenance of safety equipment. The time required for safe working practices, which may be longer than less safe alternatives, must be accounted for in the schedule. Furthermore, preventing accidents through proactive safety measures can avoid unforeseen work stoppages and delays, contributing to better adherence to the schedule. Risk Management The evolution of safety standards has influenced the risk management approach in construction project planning. As safety risks can cause significant project disruptions, they are now identified, assessed, and mitigated in the initial stages of project planning. For instance, any hazardous activities are identified during the design phase itself, and steps are taken to mitigate them. Modernized Project Planning and Safety Standards Incorporating safety standards into project planning is not just about reacting to changes in regulations or technologies. It is about a fundamental shift in how project planning is conducted. Outdated practices, like physical paperwork planning, whiteboard outlines, or the classic construction site go-to: sticky note walls, are no longer sufficient. These methods lack the dynamic nature needed in today’s construction industry, especially with the continual evolution of safety standards. Traditionally, safety planning could be as simple as outlining areas on a site map where hard hats should be worn, or sketching potential danger zones on a whiteboard. However, these rudimentary methods have substantial drawbacks. They do not easily allow for changes, are prone to accidental erasure or damage, and rely heavily on manual updating. In the fast-paced environment of a construction project, such methods can lead to safety measures being overlooked or improperly implemented. Embracing Digital Tools for Safety Planning The advancement of digital technologies offers a solution to these issues. Digital planning tools provide a more secure, organized, and flexible method of project planning. Such tools allow project planners to integrate safety standards into their project plans seamlessly. For instance, with digital planning tools, safety measures can be built into the project plan from the start. Safety zones can be delineated on digital maps, and safety requirements for each task can be included in digital project schedules. As the project progresses, these safety measures can be updated in real time, ensuring that they remain relevant and effective. Digital tools also offer a way to centralize safety information, making it easily accessible for everyone involved in the project. Workers can consult the digital plan at any time to refresh their understanding of the safety measures in place. This helps ensure that safety standards are understood and followed throughout the construction process. Furthermore, digital planning tools can integrate with other technological advancements in safety, such as smart PPE. Data from these devices can be fed into the digital plan, providing a continuous stream of information on safety conditions on the site. This allows project planners to respond swiftly to any emerging safety issues, reinforcing the shift towards a proactive approach to safety. Examples of Digital Planning Integration A great example of digital planning tools enhancing safety planning is the use of Building
In the last three years, 465 incidents of road worker abuse have been reported in Birmingham. That’s why this week, organisations and companies that work to improve Birmingham’s roads, have launched a new campaign Expect Respect – to urge the public to respect its road workers. The incidents include residents threatening road workers with weapons, such as machetes, crossbows and dogs. A driver threatened to chop off an operative’s head with an electric handsaw unless he was allowed through a closed road. One worker was shot at with a pellet gun, while another regularly receives homophobic abuse. Road workers are there to do a critical job to improve the roads and environment for communities living in the city, and every single person deserves to go home to their families safe and well at the end of each shift. Kier Highways site supervisor, Paul, said: “The people I work with are not confrontational. They are good people, there to do a job that they have been instructed to do. Yet they have been threatened with machetes, shot at, driven at, had things thrown at them. “And what for? Just because somebody wants to drive down the road that must be closed for safety reasons? “Road workers are there to do a job and earn a living. We should respect that and afford the people in these jobs the right to earn that living.” Expect Respect features stories from five different operatives who work across Birmingham. They each tell their lived experience of abuse and call on the public to make a change to their behaviour. The campaign has been launched by the Integrated Programme Alliance (IPA), which delivers vital network improvement works across the city and was established by Birmingham City Council and Birmingham Highways Ltd, together with Kier, Arcadis, Tarmac, Highway Traffic Management (HTM) and WJ Group. It is also supported by Councillor Liz Clements, cabinet member for transport at Birmingham City Council. Cllr Clements said: “Everyone working on our highways network is doing an important job – and all of their tasks are carried out for the people of our city and those using our roads. “That is why it is totally unacceptable that they are subject to any form of abuse. Some of the incidents that have been reported are shocking and horrific, which is exactly why I back this campaign.” Birmingham Highways Ltd (BHL) manages and maintains the roads in the city. To support road workers and to provide the police with better evidence, BHL has invested in CCTV towers, body cameras and warning systems to alert workers when people or vehicles enter a live work site. Dave Pugh, Technical Director at Birmingham Highways Limited, added: “Over 800 people across our IPA teams are working hard to improve the standards of the roads in Birmingham, and they deserve our respect. The work they do is vital to the safety and efficiency of our roads, and we hope that the proud people of Birmingham will support our workers and call out any incidences of abuse or assault to collectively help stamp out this shocking behaviour.” Road workers on the contract receive regular training on public interactions and how to keep these positive, as well as incident reporting training and these messages are being reinforced throughout the campaign. Should a resident wish to raise an incident about a road worker and their conduct, they should do so via the website. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Important changes are being made to the CITB Health, Safety & Environment (HS&E) test for Managers and Professionals (MAP), supported by the launch of updated revision materials for candidates. The MAP test is an important way of assessing that Managers and Professionals know how to keep themselves and those around them safe and healthy, whilst maintaining respect for the environment. MAP test certification is a key requirement for obtaining major CSCS cards, including: In November 2021, CITB surveyed 10,000 Managers and Professionals across the UK who had taken the CITB HS&E MAP test in the previous two years. They were offered the opportunity to provide feedback, with the insight used as part of a review, leading to the inclusion of six new additional subjects: Further changes to the test include updating existing questions and adding new ones, as well as updating the corresponding revision materials to ensure candidates are well prepared for taking the test. The new test is also available for candidates to take in Welsh, a significant milestone in CITB’s commitments to the Welsh Language Scheme and increasing accessibility. Industry feedback plays an important part in CITB’s product and service development and reflects the needs of the construction industry and that of the modern workforce, which evolve over time. CITB wants to ensure the test remains relevant, fit for purpose, and reflects changes made to legislation, working practices and new technology. Coming into effect from 27 June 2023, the new test will equip Managers and Professionals with the most up to date and accurate information, to ensure they can confidently lead their teams on health, safety and environmental matters. Garry Mortimer, CSCS Head of Operations, said: “CSCS is pleased to have worked with CITB over the revision of its MAP test to help ensure that it meets our minimum standard required, which it does, ensuring that those individuals who take the test have the appropriate levels of knowledge and skills to carry out their role safely and to keep others safe in the process.” Tim Balcon, CITB Chief Executive, said: “I’m delighted that we have been able to gain industry insight and carry out these important updates to the HS&E MAP test and revision materials, with consideration to new technologies and legislation. Our purpose is to support the construction industry in developing and maintaining a safe, skilled, and competent workforce, both now and in the future. To do that, we must move with the times to ensure our tests remain relevant – it’s about keeping people safe.” If candidates are taking the test on or after 27 June 2023, they will need to ensure that they are using the new revision materials. Developed to align with the changes to the test, the new revision materials are available via the CITB Shop. There is also a revision app that can be downloaded from the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store. The app can be used to take mock tests in advance of a scheduled test. Visit the CITB website to book a test or find out more on the HS&E MAP test changes. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A new grade of membership launched by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) is already giving specialist construction workers a platform to boost their careers whilst increasing professionalism across the sector. Historically, individuals who excel in one certain area – a site supervisor, fire safety officer, rail technician, utility technician or site manager for example – have struggled to find a suitable place within a professional body and in turn gain recognition for their talent. CIOB’s brand-new Technical Membership, TechCIOB, aims to empower those specialists to promote their achievements and successes and demonstrate their competence and professionalism while improving their chances of promotion and higher salaries – as well as benefitting from access to unique training programmes and hundreds of exclusive CIOB events. Other technical specialists including CAD designers, building control technicians and BIM modellers would also be suitable for apply for TechCIOB membership with CIOB. As well as people who work in technical construction roles, TechCIOB membership is also available for those working in off-site manufacturing, digital technologies and robotics. Caroline Gumble, Chief Executive of CIOB, said: “I am delighted that our TechCIOB membership is now open for applications, as this is a significant development for us and for the wider industry. “The new TechCIOB grade allows CIOB to extend our support to even more professionals working in this important industry by recognising and awarding post-nominals to technical specialists, who have become experienced professionals and are often thought leaders in their area of expertise, sometimes having spent decades honing their craft. “I am pleased CIOB is now able to offer membership to some of the most talented individuals within the construction industry and welcome them into the CIOB community.” CIOB has been working with its members and stakeholders throughout the industry to develop the new membership grade for technical specialists and launched a pilot programme in early 2023 and sign-ups are already in full flow. Ian Gregory, who oversees the Integrated Track Team at Transport for London, took part in the pilot because he felt TechCIOB membership will help him progress his career. He said: “The TechCIOB grade is a mark of excellence that I can carry with me regardless of where I work and it is a grade that reflects my years’ worth of experience earned outside of degree-level education. “I believe it will demonstrate to any future employers that I have met the required standard as a technical professional within the construction industry.” More applications are being encouraged and you can find out more by visiting CIOB’s website: www.ciob.org/membership/become-a-member Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Thermal Insulation Contractors Association (TICA) has welcomed the long-awaited publication of BS 5422:2023 which updates the standards for thermal insulating materials for pipes, tanks, vessels, ductwork and equipment operating between -40ºc and +700ºc. It says the revision by the British Standards Institute (BSI) brings much needed clarity regarding the minimum reaction to fire standards for pipe and duct insulation following the adoption of Euroclass standards and a departure from ‘Class O’ declarations. BS 5422:2023 also includes tables of minimum insulation thickness for pipe and duct insulation applications including refrigeration, air conditioning, heating and domestic hot and cold applications. A large number of tables covering enhanced insulation thickness and district heating thicknesses have also been added to the standard. Chris Ridge, TICA’s Technical Policy Manager, said: “The updated standards provide more clarity, and the additional tables will provide greater optionality for the specifier. “While the number of tables has increased, there has been an attempt to simplify the reading of the tables. For example, higher thermal conductivity values for materials no longer supplied or rarely used, have been removed. “Reaction to Fire is now defined within this publication in terms of Euroclass, which gives a more comprehensive and clear definition of the behaviour of materials exposed to fire. It also states a minimum performance of Euroclass C-s3, d2 in dwelling applications and B-s3, d2 in non-dwelling applications, and this will hopefully serve to reinforce good practice.” However, he has called for a rethink on the sheer number of low temperature heating and domestic hot water tables included in the new standard – with ten separate tables for low temperature heating services alone. He added: “This could well prove a challenge for those interpretating specifications. We should also consider that whilst the ‘base standard’ tables for heating and hot water services are still included in the new version of the standard, they no longer represent best practice from a thermal insulation specification point of view.” The new standard is available to purchase from BSI, the UK’s national standards body and is also available to TICA contracting members via its standards portal. TICA will be announcing a webinar focusing on the key changes in BS 5422: 2023 via its website and social media in the coming days. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A new framework designed to help decision-makers and property developers better navigate local planning processes, is now available from planning and development consultancy Lichfields. The Viability tool supports the promotion of sites, assesses evidence prepared to inform strategic plans, and informs the presentation of evidence to local plan and CIL (Community Infrastructure Levy) examination. It can be applied in a flexible way and shaped to reflect the increasing level of detail that is required as a strategic plan moves through the various stages of consultation towards submission, examination and adoption. This could include a high-level overview of viability issues to inform candidate site submissions, with additional detail provided as plans for the site and the local authority’s policy aspirations become clearer. In addition, recognising the need for strategic plans to be flexible in responding to changing circumstances, Lichfields’ Viability tool can be applied at the planning application stage and inform the case for the renegotiation of viability where necessary. The combination of viability being front loaded into the plan-making process and the standardisation of inputs is necessitating a change in approach said Simon Coop, Senior Director at Lichfields and the firm’s housing development group lead, who added that understanding the relationship between planning policy and viability is critical. “Viability lies at the heart of the planning process and must be given due regard from the earliest stages of site promotion,” Simon Coop said. “Our robust framework helps decision-makers navigate this area of the system providing an evidence-led case for development at each phase of the planning process.” More about the Lichfields Viability tool at https://lichfields.uk/content/products/viability?press Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Last year marked another record-beating year for hot weather in the UK and meteorologists predict temperatures above 35C could become the norm. Alex Minett, Head of Products and Markets at CHAS, a Veriforce company, looks at five key questions businesses might have about working during hot spells. July 2022 saw the Met Office issue its first ever red alert for extreme heat. With four out of ten of the UK’s hottest days on record having fallen in the last two years alone, the figures serve as a stark reminder of the accelerating impact of climate change. As the mercury rises, so do the risks and hot weather can make for some challenging working conditions. Last year’s heatwave prompted the HSE to issue advice for businesses to review their hot weather risk procedures and ready themselves for a warmer future. But with extreme hot weather events still relatively unfamiliar territory in the UK, many employers will have questions around their responsibilities in hot weather. 1. What is the legal maximum working temperature? In short, there is none. However, under The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, employers have a legal duty of care to ensure the health and safety of their employees. This includes protection from the risks of working in hot weather and providing a ‘reasonable’ working temperature in the workplace. 2. How can employers determine when the workplace is too hot? The HSE is clear that ‘heat is classed as a hazard’. Employers should therefore carry out a risk assessmentto help them determine what temperature is suitable for their workplace and where actions need to be implemented should it be exceeded. There is no one size fits all response to hot weather as each work environment might be affected in different ways. Risk assessments should be informed by contributory factors including the ambient temperature, humidity, ventilation/air flow, sun exposure, PPE requirements and physical work rate. 3. What are the risks of working in hot weather? Employers and workers should familiarise themselves with the signs of heat stress which the HSE defines as what happens ‘when the body’s way of controlling its internal temperature starts to fail.’ Heat stress can encompass issues such as dehydration, heat exhaustion and in more life-threatening cases, heatstroke. Certain workers such as those who are pregnant, menopausal women and workers with heart conditions are more likely to be affected. Sunburn is another common occurrence during the summer months and while this may initially cause temporary discomfort, repeated UV exposure can lead to skin cancer as well as affect long and short-term vision in the eyes. It’s not just people adversely affected by heat. Hot weather can have a significant impact on the performance and safety of machinery, tools and PPE too, causing them to overheat, degrade or malfunction. Employers should take steps to ensure that all types of equipment are well-maintained and serviced regularly. 4. What actions can employers take to mitigate the risks of hot weather? Following the outcomes of their hot weather risk assessments, businesses may want to consider the following actions: · Cancel, postpone or substitute work: can physical work be cancelled, postponed or substituted with tools or machinery. · Offer flexible working: considerallowing employees to work earlier or later when temperatures are not as intense. · Adapt workspaces: move desks out of direct sunlight, close blinds or shutters, and relocate specific tasks into shaded areas. · Provide access to cool rest areas and encourage hydration: provide access to shade or air-conditioned rest areas. By law, employers must provide fresh drinking water. · Monitor at risk individuals: age, body type and medical conditions can make people more susceptible to the side effects of hot weather. An individual heat stress risk assessment is a useful tool to help evaluate the risk. · Provide training: provide information and training to employees on the risks of working in hot conditions and how to stay safe. 5. How can hot weather affect PPE users? Hot weather may simply cause discomfort to PPE wearers which can lead to lack of concentration but when it becomes difficult for workers to cool down in their PPE, employers should be aware that heat stress may occur. PPE can be used to protect workers in hot weather too. Equipment might include legionnaires hats or neck shades, protective UV eyewear as well as cooling vests, pads, towels and bandanas which are designed to actively cool the body down in the heat. It’s important to ensure that any changes to PPE are compatible with existing equipment. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Gerald Allen, Head of Marketing at Epwin Window Systems, said: “Our new commercial guide showcases the depth and breadth of our PVC-U commercial offer. It will help our fabricator and installer customers to demonstrate the added value they are able to deliver to commercial contractors and specifiers.” The 56-page brochure perfectly showcases Epwin Window Systems’ commercial credentials, including a 17% market share and products that have been specified and installed in millions of homes, schools, colleges, student accommodation blocks, hospitals and other commercial buildings. The well-designed brochure looks at the advantages of Epwin Window Systems products, including unparalleled design flexibility, industry-leading security, impressive thermal efficiency, future-proofed performance, exceptional quality assurance credentials and a commitment to sustainability. There’s an introduction to the complementary internal design support service, which gives commercial contractors access to technical expertise and practical support to ensure they meet the exacting standards on every aspect of their window and door schedule. Contractors can also read about the benefits of the Approved Commercial Partner scheme, which provides peace of mind that a project is being manufactured and installed by reputable commercial contractors. The main section of the brochure introduces the multiple PVC-U window and systems in the Epwin Window Systems vast portfolio. This includes the Optima Casement, Spectus Casement, Flush Casement, Optima Tilt & Turn, Spectus Tilt & Turn, Flush Tilt & Turn, Fully Reversible Window and the Vertical Sliding Sash Window. For door systems, it includes the Optima Door, Spectus Door, PatioMaster Sliding Patio Door and the Emergency Door NSHEV and (AOV) window. There is also information on the popular Curtain Walling System and the Two-Part Cill. Sections on hardware and the cutting-edge Colour Collection are showcased and the comprehensive brochure closes with a series of commercial case studies that demonstrate the transformational benefits of choosing Epwin Window Systems products. Gerald concluded: “Overall, the brochure demonstrates the unrivalled technical and specification support, industry expertise and in-depth knowledge of contracts and building regulations on offer from Epwin Window Systems. In other words, everything you would expect from an experienced commercial systems partner.” The new commercial guide is available to download from the Connect digital portal. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Signify’s Nico van der Merwe explains how energy efficiency measures such as the retrofitting of smart LEDs can provide green impacts across society in combination with the switch to renewable energy. The IPCC Climate Change 2023 report has offered the world a stark reminder of what is at stake if we fail to take urgent climate action – the trick is how. In consecutive COP meetings, we have yet to see the necessary leap forward in progress that will keep global warming within the science-based 1.5ºC target. At COP27, the time had come for global powers to produce a workplan based on the Paris Agreement that would account for climate mitigation, emissions reduction, adaptation, and financing. Instead, the conference concluded with talk of phasing down rather than phasing out coal, and little mention of oil and gas. The transition to green energy and green economy can take root in our cities. The time has come to focus on solutions and action rather than problems and potential. In Egypt, Signify had a clear message to bring one of those solutions into sharp focus: energy efficiency now. Energy efficiency has clear and tangible benefits and there is one area in which cities can take quick action to reduce both emissions and costs – lighting. Whether it be lighting up the homes, city streets, offices, factories or other commercial and municipal buildings, lighting has huge potential to lower a city’s carbon footprint and to do so quickly. The path to energy efficiency Approximately 35 per cent of the world’s lighting points are still conventional. In Europe and the US, which lag behind much of Asia in the switch to greener lighting, this figure is even higher at 50 per cent. What it also demonstrates, though, is the huge potential for transition in the coming years. If we apply the 10/20/70 model, where 10 per cent of our efforts are inspiration, 20 per cent aspiration, and 70 per cent perspiration, the time has come to give full focus to perspiration and getting the job done. At COP27, a financing agreement for climate loss and damage was agreed but without an increase in the speed and urgency of climate action, the loss and damage suffered will be beyond what anybody can afford. With the adoption of technology such as smart LED lighting, cities are not only taking immediate action to improve the quality of their environment, they are becoming more economical for the future in terms of the social, financial and ecological benefits they’re providing. For example, World Council on City Data shows LED implementation can reduce night-time traffic incidents by about 30 per cent, and reduce street crime by 20 per cent. Business models for technology suppliers into cities also need to shift, from invoicing for hardware to leasing hardware and services and taking away much, if not all, of the upfront costs that can prove prohibitive to green lighting projects. Lighting-as-a-service, for example, brings forward lifetime benefits that are divided over a certain number of years through a service agreement, reducing the need for big upfront capital investment and budget requirements. These service agreements illustrate that it’s as important that the business model is sustainable for the long term as the product is. With the EU’s Green Deal, the UK’s ten-point plan and other equivalent funds around the world emerging, there is a lot of focus currently on what I’d call “the supply side” – the supply side of the energy mix, where there are calls for alternative gas, the scaling of renewables, and even nuclear and hydrogen (though it will take longer to come to fruition). This is important for heavy industry, where we need energy-intensive sectors to keep investing in the markets they’re in, rather than move out to geographies where fossil fuels are cheaper. I believe there must be more focus on the demand side itself where the potential for quicker acceleration on efficiency exists. Importantly, the demand side industries provide both active and passive energy efficiency technologies and solutions. Those like Signify in lighting or building management sensor companies are facilitating the green transition with active digital technologies that will help us finally make the shift away from fossil fuel. They are also the drivers of economic growth and the green economy. But as well as the digital solutions, it is important to recognise the part played by the demand-side industries in the more passive parts of the efficiency process such as insulation and triple-glazing. These will similarly drive growth and provide many jobs for the future, particularly around retrofitting. Why start with lighting In Europe, 50 per cent of the current install base is still conventional lighting technology across places like offices, schools and warehouses. That provides a huge opportunity to improve energy efficiency through lighting networks – an improvement that can be made both quickly unobtrusively because it doesn’t require the breaking open of existing infrastructure to any great degree. Smart LED lighting has the highest relative cost saving of any replacement technology. In Europe, this amounts to a saving of 65 billion euros depending on energy rates, and also brings the potential to reduce CO2 emissions by 51 million tonnes. Meanwhile, switching all the light points in the UK alone, could reduce CO2 emissions by 3.9 million tonnes, the amount of emissions that 175 million trees could sequester in a year. Making the switch would also generate electricity savings of 16.1 TWh, which is equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of more than 4.3 million households. In both cases, those savings bring the potential to bolster capacity in energy networks for other purposes. Cities are facing pressure to electrify public services and amenities, such as transport and heating, as part of their climate action push. The average electricity consumption for a European household is approximately 3,400kW/h – roughly the same amount of electricity it would take to charge an electric vehicle to travel 10,000 miles in the course of a year. By transitioning to LED lighting
Any individual or group looking to start up a business will need to look at the workplace they are working in. You simply cannot get things done if you aren’t working in an acceptable place. Whether you are in a small office or a large warehouse, there needs to be some standards. You need to ensure that everything is organized and that the entire staff is satisfied with where they are. From the fine details such as accurate measurements to the most basic aspects, you need to ensure that you are completely satisfied with where you are. In this post, we are going to be talking about creating the best possible factory environment from scratch. Constructing this kind of environment can be tedious at times, but can be very simple if you follow the right kinds of rules and ideas. If you’re looking to move or start up a factory, here are a few things you can do to construct a shielded and safe environment: Be Strict With Your Safety Protocols It may seem like a tedious and boring part of the job, but it needs to be done. You must begin by establishing the right kinds of comprehensive safety protocols. Conducting a risk assessment will mean you’ll be able to identify all of the potential hazards while developing the right control measures. The likes of machine guarding and personal protective equipment might need to be implemented in this case. It might also be a case of conducting regular safety training over the course of a few months. When constructing the factory, you need to ensure everything and everyone is in place. Create A Fantastic, Ergonomic Layout The layout plays such an important role in creating an attractive and successful factory. It needs to be ergonomic and aesthetically pleasing. An ergonomic area means arranging the machinery, workstations, and storage areas to increase productivity while minimizing the risk of accidents/injuries. Create clear pathways and light up the place properly. Ensure you have enough space for emergency exits and safety equipment. Implement The Perfect Safety Tech Technology is available to everyone in this day and age – so you may as well use it to your advantage whenever you can. Installing these kinds of things within your factory can boost moods, productivity, safety, and convenience. A robust safety system that includes sensors, machine locks, and shutdown mechanisms would put your factory in a great position. The likes of advanced fire detection systems, including Hose testing, would help a lot regarding potential fire hazards. Furthermore, regular maintenance and inspections should be considered. Create A Culture Of Safety And Sense When you have a culture of safety and common sense, it makes the entire tenure so much simpler to deal with. Encouraging open communication and reporting safety concerns will allow the place to function smoothly. Regular meetings regarding safety will help to keep everyone updated when it comes to changes to the place or certain issues. A culture of safety will mean the entire place will be in better shape for the longest time.
