biodiesel, mainly being that while biodiesel uses methanol as a
catalyst in the esterification process, HVO uses hydrogen. Using
hydrogen leads to a hydrogenation process instead of esterification,
which removes any oxygen from the fuel, which increases its shelf life
as the risk of contamination is reduced significantly. This makes HVO
a more clean-burning, environmentally-friendly alternative, without
the short shelf life of regular biodiesel. Another benefit is that its
chemical structure is almost identical to regular diesel, meaning it can
be used immediately, without modification of engines, machinery or
generators.
A separate workaround is CORD fuel. This is red diesel but its carbon
emissions are o set via an external party through investments in
projects to remove CO2 from the atmosphere - these can include treeplanting
22 AUGUST 2019
to green energy generation in various locations. O setting
is recognised by the UK Government as a method of reducing
emissions and if you have a heavy reliance on gas oil, carbon o set
red diesel is an attractive proposition as it requires no change to any
infrastructure.
Outside of fuel, heating systems are a huge source of energy loss,
with research by the Carbon Trust suggesting that around 75 per
cent of energy consumed by premises is lost to their surroundings.
FMs must ensure their heating systems are well maintained to avoid
excess CO2 being emitted unnecessarily.
Two key aspects to look at are to ensure your facility’s boiler and
fuel storage tank is clean. The fuel industry recommends an annual
Non-Destructive Test of your system to check for sediment build-up
in your system and your fuel. If treatable, any sediment found can be
cleaned through fuel polishing.
Lastly, to ensure radiators are bled annually to remove any air
build-up that may inhibit optimal spread of heat in the radiator.
Maintenance like this is basic, however it allows your heating system
to run e iciently and avoid unnecessary burning of valuable fuel.
While new fuels on the market are making it possible for commercial
fuel users to achieve carbon neutral, carbon emissions must also be
reduced by limiting waste.
THE TECHNOLOGY EXPERT’S VIEW
GARY WATKINS, GROUP CEO – SERVICE WORKS GLOBAL
As custodians for the
workplace, the challenge
for FMs is significant: reduce
energy consumption while
maintaining high levels
of service provision and
workplace productivity.
While a zero emissions target
is daunting, there will be
monetary benefits for the
business as reductions are
made; a 20 per cent cut in
energy costs represents the
same bottom line benefit as a
five per cent increase in sales
for many businesses. There are
quick wins to be had in this respect, but they are being missed due to
lack of understanding of where energy is used and wasted.
Seventy seven per cent of FMs are now using CAFM (Computer Aided
Facilities Management) so‡ ware, according to research by Service
Works Global, and this powerful technology is providing the ability to
control and understand buildings and assets like never before.
Combined with smart technology, CAFM gives an unprecedented
level of data and automation, essential in this fight against waste.
Sensors placed around buildings can detect occupation and identify
activity patterns, allowing lighting, air conditioning or even cleaning
to specific areas to be reduced. Using more widespread applications,
CAFM can be integrated with BMS (Building Management Systems)
and a room booking system, enabling meeting rooms and o ices to
be powered only when in use.
Keeping mechanical assets running at peak performance reduces
energy usage, although this is sometimes overlooked due to the timeconsuming
nature of calculating optimum maintenance scheduling.
A CAFM system can do this easily, reducing unnecessary servicing
and unscheduled call outs. It can also monitor where most power
is drawn, helping to identify where the greatest costs lie in order to
inform new FM strategies.
Across large organisations, small ine iciencies can converge into
substantial performance issues, damaging the environment as well
as reducing productivity across the organisation. Small changes such
as switching to LED lightbulbs play a substantial part in reducing
energy demand, consuming 80 per cent less energy than traditional
incandescent bulbs with a lifespan around ten times longer. This
means less maintenance resource is required in addition to the
energy savings generated. Even in the traditional ‘smallest room’, the
washroom, fitting energy saving assets can make substantial cost and
carbon savings. For example, paper towels and some warm air dryers
can generate as much as 70 per cent more emissions than the most
e icient hand dryer on the market.
FM’s expanding role in workplace strategy will also play a part in
reducing emissions through the creation of more flexible working
policies. Providing facilities such as bike lockups and showers delivers
health benefits and a cheaper commute for employees; allowing sta
to work away from the o ice and reducing the number of cars on the
road. And, as is o‡ en cited, on average 50 per cent of o ice space
is wasted, so moving to a more flexible working model can be the
start of a space reduction or repurposing project, ultimately creating
further emissions reductions.
Do you have a question that you’d like
answered by the FMJ Clinic?
Email: sara.bean@kpmmedia.co.uk
FM CLINIC
Gary Watkins
ADVICE & OPINION
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