BUSINESSES URGED TO ENSURE THEY DON’T COST THE EARTH

UK (SANEPR.com) May 13, 2008 -- A firm which helps businesses successfully deal with major changes to their workplaces is reshaping its own operation – by launching new Sustainability Services.
Space Solutions is already one of the most innovative providers of its kind, operating UK-wide to design, build, fit-out, refurbish and relocate modern and productive business environments.
Now firms will be offered expert advice on making their businesses more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly - with the potential of major cost savings in return.

Derek Binnie, Director at Space Solutions, which has offices in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee and Peterborough, said the move is key to the continued growth of the business, which had turnover in excess of £12 million last year.

He added: “Sustainability has never been higher on the agenda and successful businesses want to play their part by reducing their carbon footprint. Since we already assist with managing change in the workplace, we are uniquely placed to help ensure that this new challenge is also met.

“Not only can we help them make their buildings and operations more energy efficient, we can do it while helping them save money, increase productivity and improve staff morale.”

The new Sustainability Services, which aim to help firms embrace environmental best practice without large financial outlay, augment Space Solutions’ existing expertise in creating innovative, attractive and productive workplaces. The Sustainability team supports and compliments the rest of the professional team of architects, designers, space planners, relocation specialists, surveyors and project managers.
The new services are led by Architect Stuart Foster, a licensed BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) Assessor, and Environmental Consultant Rhona Turnbull, a Graduate Member of the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment.

Space Solutions will help its clients cut through the jargon and confusion surrounding sustainability. Stuart believes many firms want to act but fear the cost, commitment and downtime could damage business.

He said: “Some companies may have already gained advice from government agencies only for the documents to gather dust on a shelf because they struggle with how to implement the recommendations and manage long term improvements. We want to strip away any misconceptions and provide a simple, cost-effective and valuable service.”

Stuart added: “Space Solutions offers a complete one-stop service that provides designs and assessments along with the practical advice, support and implementation of appropriate recommendations from professionals in this field.”

The UK Green Building Council has recently put its support behind BREEAM, which gives a certified rating of a building based on a credit system to certify that a building has achieved a specific level of sustainability. It is compulsory for most public sector projects and is now popular for private and speculative developments.

But businesses do not need to go through a weighty BREEAM assessment to demonstrate and improve their energy efficiency. Space Solutions also identifies cost savings and environmentally-friendly measures that can be taken more easily.

An Environmental Opportunities Assessment is a detailed audit that identifies efficiency improvements in energy, waste and water. The final report details the current environmental performance of the company and highlights the potential cost and carbon emission savings that could be made. An additional benefit for businesses is that Space Solutions can manage and coordinate any improvement works and undertake an ongoing maintenance programme.

Rhona said: “Many companies don’t realise how a range of simple actions will benefit them and the environment. Reducing the amount of energy a company uses is one of the fastest, most effective ways for it to save money. A sustainable office interior uses less energy which, given the continual increase in energy prices, is highly desirable.

“The attraction for MDs or finance chiefs is that you don’t necessarily need major alterations to see big differences. Small changes can really make an impact both financially and in terms of carbon emissions.

“Using less energy helps a company to combat climate change by reducing its carbon footprint and improve its reputation as a socially responsible business - helping to attract customers, employees and investors.”

And soon businesses that are yet to embrace change will have a legal obligation to be aware of the efficiency of their buildings. From January 2009, all commercial buildings in Scotland will require an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) which classifies their energy performance and makes recommendations on improvements. Owners face fines of up to £5,000 if they do not have an EPC.

The new services have already generated a great deal of interest, with companies keen to find out how Space Solutions can help them reduce their carbon footprint and realise the benefits of having more sustainable practices.

ENDS
Issued on behalf of Space Solutions by Holyrood Partnership. Contact Raymond Notarangelo (0131) 561 2244 or info@holyroodpr.co.uk