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- Environment
- 7 Sins of refurbishment
- Ask an expert
Ask an Expert
Need some advice about an upcoming fit out or refurbishment project, or just curious about environmental issues, email a question using the form below and we'll post an answer back to you.
You can see what other people have asked by browsing below.
I've read in the press recently that being Carbon Neutral is a fad, and not a sustainable practice?
Riccardo
Environmental Manager
This can be true if approached in the wrong way.
What you are referring to is 'offsetting' - which usually means making a financial contribution to an environmentally sustainable scheme or practice to balance your carbon emissions.
If you continue with a practice you know has a reducible carbon footprint and take no action other than carbon offsetting, large amounts of CO2 are still released. It's this 'green washing' that gets press attention.
That said, offsetting is a valid counteraction to unavoidable CO2 emissions - once you have taken every action to reduce your carbon footprint first. You should then look at the offsetting scheme you support to make sure it is suitable.
How much more should I budget to make a refurb project sustainable?
Liz
Environmental Manager
There aren't really any average rules to apply here as it depends on the scale of the project and what you are trying to achieve. But much can be done for no cost uplift if thought through early on. The biggest on-going saving to be had is with energy efficiency - so specifying the most efficient heating, cooling and lighting solutions can yield massive life cycle savings, even though some items might have a higher initial cost. It's also worth checking the the tax rebates that might be available - see http://www.carbontrust.co.uk/energy/takingaction/eca.htm
On a recent refurbishment we had to skip a great deal of plasterboard during the strip out, could it have been recycled?
Liz
Environmental Manager
Yes it could have. It would need to have been properly separated and stored on site, and the waste contractor selected to be able to handle it, but there are several facilities where the material can now be recycled.
I have already started a fit out project and was wondering what I can do to increase the recycling rate on the job?
Liz
Environmental Manager
Although it is always going to be more effective to tackle this one before getting to site, you might be able to make some changes and achieve the higher recycling rate you want. First off check that your waste contractor is able to meet good and auditable recycling targets - this is only really likely if they have a modern fleet and operate a waste transfer station. If you can use this as criteria when selecting a waste contractor - or get your main contractor to. Beware of companies claiming very high recycling rates - these are very hard to achieve on fit outs and if you are unsure ask to see their reports, or even better tour the facilities themselves. The other major thing you can check is that waste is being properly segregated on site and going in different loads.
