Environmental Audit for Somercotes

8/8/2019 Environmental Audit for Somercotes

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Somercotes Environmental Audit Report 2010 -- 1

ENVIRONMENTAL AUDIT OF STERIGENICS

CONDUCTED BY ADAM RUSSELL


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Electrical

Lighting

In general lighting was at a very good standard, being for the most part T5 a nd DD light bulbs

throughout the site. The only exceptions are the chamber room, and pre-conditioning room. The

chamber room and pre-conditioning room lighting still uses inefficient tungsten light bulbs . Areas

of the facility that have recently been refittedfeature the highest standard of ligh ting energy

efficiency. The main office has fitted low energy LED lighting in place of the fluorescents thatcharacterise the building, whilst the reception has fitted low energy compact fluorescents. The

kitchen facilities have fluorescent light bulbs, which do not utilise either reflectors or diffus ers. All

light switches were well labelled and clear as to which lights they operated, although one set of

switches near the reception entrance to main office appeared to be unlabelled. Switch it Off

stickers and posters were also in plain view of many of the light switches throughout all sites,

showing positive attempts to promote awareness of energy conservation.

Although the lighting is generally efficient in terms of bulbs, their use is not. Lighting in the toilets

is often left on constantly, as are the lights in the common room yet natural light is more than

sufficient in the day.

Desk lamps were available in some of the office spaces, such as the QA office. The Satistical

Offices, Finance Office, Marketing and Publicity, Admin and the GM office al l lacked desk lighting

or lamps.

It is recommended that the building listing status of the lighting be investigated for the possibility

of changing the Tungsten light bulbs to more energy efficient ones. This should be done with th e

help and consent of both the Corporate and the Local Authority.

Sterigenics should continue to ensure that all light switches remain labeled and are updated if

necessary. Promoting energy conservation in relation to lighting should continue. It is suggested

that the free awareness resources provided by the Carbon Trust are employed in this process.

The lack of occupancy sensors for lighting is apparent throughout the building and its outlets. As

noted, many areas of remain constantly or unnecessarily lit for extended periods of t ime, leading

to the waste consumption of large amounts of energy. Installation of occupancy sensors could cut

down dramatically this waste. The following areas were identified as possible locations for

occupancy sensors:

- All toilets

- The shower room

- Kitchen in the room

- The conference room

- Main office (after hours)

If occupancy sensors are not an option, efforts must be made to ensure their use is monitored and

subsequently cut back as currently they represent a large and unnecessary consumption of

electricity.


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More personal desk lamps for the relevant office space would also likely reduce the need for

excessive lighting in office spaces, further cutting down energy consumption.

Appliances

One of the biggest improvements made over the past year was the replacement of CRT screens

with TFT computer screens. The only CRT screens left are in the control room where there is a

bank of computers available for use by anyone. CRT monitors can use up to 8 to 10 times more

energy consumption that TFT and so is essential that they are phased out.

There are, however, still several laser printers around the building, with up to one laser printer per

three members of staff. However, it is noted that there is an active replacement scheme currently

taking place to have fewer printers around the building, networked together to reduce the overall

number. Photocopiers are also in the process of being replaced. Taking this into account, there is

no immediate requirement to focus attention on printers and photocopier s.

The main area of concern regarding appliances is the fridges, microwaves and other kitchen

equipment in the facility. They are mostly older models and as a result are very inefficient, with no

energy ratings. It is recommended that a program of replacement is undertaken for these

appliances to models with A+ ratings and, at the very least, all fridges be fitted with fridge -saver

plugs. It must also be noted that old models that are replaced must be replaced in a safe manner,

ifnot recycled/donated.

The biggest concern is the lack of timer plugs that are not in use. Several appliances are suitable

for timer plugs, including the photo booth and vending machine on the ground floor, portable

heaters and fans, desk lamps and on a variety of photocopiers and printers. Many of these devices

are left on over-night for little or no reason and a lot of energy could be saved with only a small

investment. It is recommended that these appliances be fitted with timer plugs as soon as

possible.

Heating

The majority of the main heating system within the facility is severely limited and very inefficient

as the whole system is controlled centrally. Many of the fixed radiator points are covered and

extremely inaccessible. Until only recently the heating wasn t adjustable and evennow is

controlled remotely from outside of the building, on a timer. Staff have consistently complained

about the situation, but little has been done. Many areas remain too hot whereas others are too

cold no matter the heating settin gs. Insulation is also non -existent, in either wall cavities or above

false ceilings.

This situation is compounded further as it has lead to the building being forced to a number of

portable heaters and fans to compensate for the lack of effective heating. The majority of office

space throughout the building has at least one, ifnot more, electric heaters, which they rely on for

warmth or a fan in order to provide more suitable ventilation.

Improvements in recent years have been made as now some rooms are controlled by thermostat,

reducing the reliance on portable heaters. Unlike heating however, there is little in the way of

awareness publicity on the heating settings for the few thermostats that do exist.

Every effort should be made to keep the heaters clear. This in many cases can prove difficult due

to the main heating system occupying the outskirts of the majority of the room, yet in some cases

they can be cleared to allow heating to circulate better.


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Two over-door heaters were identified one close to the shower room and one above the doors

to reception. Both of which were not operational during the period of the audit and we were

advised they need maintenance. These heaters should only be used when absolutely necessary as

they are extremely energy intensive and most of the heat is lost when the doors are opened.

The widespread use of portable heaters needs to be reduced as much as possible. If additional

heating is required, energy effi cient, larger appliances should be used in preference over the older,

smaller heaters, which were often found underneath peoples desks. If portable heaters areessential, then it is recommended that efforts should be made to replace the inefficient electr ic

heaters with oil filled heaters as they retain their heat and usually have room -temperature

thermostats. It is also recommended that timer plugs be attached to all heaters to ensure that

they are not left on overnight.

The same principle applies to portable fans that are widely used, particularly in the main office. It

is recognised that these rooms get very hot, but the number of fans in use should be reduced

where possible and monitored. These fans should also be put on timer plugs so that they are n ot

left on.

Overall, the heating situation within the building is extremely inefficient. It is within our long-term

interests if efforts are made to installing modern radiators fitted with thermostatic radiator valves

in accessible areas to decrease reliance on the current system. As a minimum, electric heater use

needs to be reduced and replaced by oil filled appliances.

Windows

The building has only old single -glazed windows placed throughout, further exacerbating problems

caused by the old and ineffective heating system.

Previous audits have highlighted that by installing some kind of double -glazing will save 4,000 a

year in heating costs. Along with the heating system, we as a company should be seriously looking

into how this can be improved. If doubl e-glazing is not viable, then an alternative must be invested

in.

Water

Most toilets areas have been fitted with timed percussion taps with inbuilt pressure valves. Water

heating is also monitored to ensure it does not exclude too high levels of heating. Urinals are self -

flushing; however the toilets themselves are older, less efficient models.

A further key issue is the bottled water coolers in use around the building. Staff have complained

that the drinking water available from taps in toilet areas is unsuitable for drinking and so rely on

the bottled water as an alternative. This type of water cooler is very unsustainable and

alternatives should be researched immediately. This can include looking into mains connected

coolers and moving towards more ethical suppliers of bottled cooler water such as Aquaid.

When Sterigenics looks into refits, it should also consider other water saving devices such as a

motion sensor system that regulates lighting, extractor fans and urinal flushes. Other devices

include spray head taps and waterless urinals, which could cut water consumption by as much as

80%.

Waste

Sterigenics controls the waste management contract, which is currently being negotiated and so is

not available at the time of writing. However, as to date there is no breakdown kept by


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Sterigenicsabout how much is sent to landfill o r to recycling. Sample data has been taken, but is

insufficient in terms of a consistent and accurate measure of waste used by Sterigenics.

Recycling

In general, recycling is very good within Sterigenics. Only recycled paper is used by Sterigenics,

including photocopying and printing. The canteen recycle all paper, plastic, glass, aluminum and

safely store and recycle cooking oil, with separate recycle points outside of the canteen areas

being investigated. The main office has a recycling box in place to take most forms of waste. In alloffice spaces, there are centrally placed recycling boxes for paper waste. Recycling points are also

available for printer cartridges in the main office. Wooden pallets are stored and sent back to be

reused.

However, there are still some improvements which could be made. There is minimal envelope

recycling, even though stickers have been provided, although most envelopes are put in the paper

recycling receptacles anyways. There is very little recycling in the QA office and Business Support

office. Organic waste is still not recycled anywhere within Sterigenics, nor locally or commercially

within the kitchen areas. Staff have also brought up that there is little internal recycling outside of

paper waste within the office spaces and that more could be done locally to encourage staff to

recycle.

Efforts should be made to set up organic waste disposal. All would be needed is a small number of

organic bins which would then taken to a local composting site. With the t wo franchises taken

over the kitchen areas in both bars, they will need to be worked with to come up with a system to

dispose of their own commercial waste. Though they are ultimately responsible for it, Sterigenics

should make efforts to support them. Pri nter cartridge and mobile recycling points should be

publicised and made more accessible to staff, with publicity visible in reception, canteen and the

main office. Staff should also be encouraged to recycle more envelopes and recycle points made

available throughout the facility.


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Other Sterigenics Initiatives

Plants

There are lots of plants around the facility, in both the office spaces and the canteen, all of which

are maintained by an external company.

Awareness posters

There are several awareness posters around Sterigenics in office spaces and canteen areas.

However, some specific areas are lacking and should be identified and rectified. This includes next

to thermostats and recycling points.


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Overview

Sterigenics has several strong areas of environmental care. Almost all the lighting throughout the

main building and all the outlets is energy efficient, with only a few exceptions. New capital

purchases are all geared towards greater energy efficiency and phasing out older, less efficient

models. Almost all waste that can be recycled is sorted and done so in all areas, from offices and

communal areas.

However, Sterigenics has a lot of room for improvement. Currently, the inefficient heating system

combined with no insulation, single glazing and a large array of portable electric heaters is clearly

a massive waste of energy. Following from this, Sterigenics needs to take responsibility for

monitoring and recording its consumption and output of all utilities and waste. If Sterigenics

wants to make realistic targets and then be able to stick to them, they must work closely with the

staff to ensure this does happen. If the current metering system is not sufficient, then Sterigenics

must campaign for adequate metering.

Policy and procedure is also lacking to back up the work that many staff are already carrying out.

The current Environmental policy is not up to date and is contradicted by other policies, there is

currently little in the way of formal procedure and no -one is responsible for making sure

Sterigenics is abiding by environmental legislation. Sterigenics needs to update its policy and put

in place procedure on all levels such as procurement and transport to give greater environmental

consistency to its daily operations.


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Recommendations

Below are the recommendations of the audit, detailing an action plan that Sterigenics can try and

stick to for the coming years in order to improve its environmental performance a nd reduce

running costs. If Sterigenics is serious about its commitment to continuous self improvement, it

should pursue these targets as soon as financially possible and continue to look to further improve

its environmental impact.

Short Term/Low Cost

y The few remaining tungsten light bulbs and f lorescent tubes need to be replaced with up

to date energy efficient ones, including any necessary deflectors to further decrease costs.

Desk lamps should also be made available to all office spaces to reduce use of the full room

lighting.

y New printers and photocopiers to all office spaces should be networked for use

immediately to begin the gradual phasing out of laser jet printers.

y Sterigenics need to ensure monitoring of all utilities is undertaken. Someone within

Sterigenics should be delegated to ensure they are recorded and analsyed in the future forthe purpose of setting new targets and tracking their progress.

y Timer plugs should be invested in as a cheap and easy solution to cutting energy

consumption and applied to electrical appliances where appl icable throughout the facility

and its outlets. Fridge plugs for the few domestic fridges can again reduce consumption.

Installing instant hot water boilers in the relevant office/kitchen spaces will replace kettles

and coffee making machines and further cut down energy use.

y A local organic waste collection scheme can be set up in the office spaces and common

areas for use in composting.

y Moving away from the bottled water coolers to mains supplied drinking water ifpreferable, saving Sterigenics money and reducing its carbon foot print. If this is not

applicable, then investing in an ethical supplier such as Aquaid may help offset this.

y Make sure all light and equipment switches, especially banks of more than six, are all

located, on display and adequately labeled as to their use.

y Monitoring the amount of traveling done in terms of business miles when reclaiming

expenses and mode of transport for the purpose of setting targets and reducing.

y Finding at least one member of staff who is willing to voluntee r for the role of

environmental champion who would help to implement these changes.

y Implementing internal recycling within the office spaces.

Medium Term/Medium Cost

y Create an up to date environmental policy, combining all relevant past policy, complete

with targets and action points to mandate Sterigenics to push for.


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y The installation of occupancy sensors in the less used areas of Sterigenics, such as the

toilets and stairwells, as opposed to the leaving them constantly on which seems to the

norm.

y Larger, more efficient heaters need to be placed in office spaces to replace the inefficient

electric portable heaters. If this is not possible, as a minimum short -term solution they

should be replaced with more efficient oil models.

y The two over door heaters should also be phased out as they are a great waste of energy.

As a bare minimum there use should be carefully monitored and only used at critical

junctions in the year.

y A procurement policy is put into place to act as guidelines for all future purchases within

Sterigenics. This would apply to not just day -to-day purchases but also to all future refits.

This would help ensure that environmental considerations are always taken into account

and should ensure that older inefficient models will be gradually replaced with newer

efficient ones. Again, someone would need to be given responsibility to ensure this is

carried through.

Long Term/High Cost

y Currently, Sterigenics has its own sub transformer running at 240V. This is an un -necessary

amount and can be reduced down to 216V. Though this will take a substantial cost to put

in place, it will reduce energy consumption on all items that run off the mains and will cut

energy consumption dramatically, with little or no consequence to the appliances.

y A full and comprehensive review of the facility with the view of refurbishment. This

includes; looking into double-glazing, or an alternative equivalent, insulation, both cavity

and ceilings, adequate draft excluders and a total review of the heating system in place

with a more flexible and efficient building wide system.

y Move towards sustainable generation of our utilities. These include and are not exclusivetoo; wind turbines, solar panels, rain water collection, rocket composter, geothermal heat

collection. These projects are already under way in other businesses up and down the

country and are possible when institutions are serious about environmental issues. As

above, these may have large start up costs, but will reduce energy consumption and waste

and in the long term will pay for themselves.

Conclusion

It is clear from the audit and its recommendations that Sterigenics have a lot to gain by forming

closer links to work towards making a greener and more environmentally friendly company. Staff

and management coordinating and working together will produce the best re sults, not just within

the facility, but in raising awareness and helping push the environmental agenda beyond the

Somercotes facility.

Environmental Audit for Somercotes

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