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Independent commercial property management and building consultancy firm, Workman, is expanding its ESG capabilities and service provision via four new appointments to its ESG department.
The new hires reflect the breadth of specialist expertise now required to effectively deliver the full spectrum of services Workman offer to support clients’ Environmental, Social and Governance requirements.
With this increased level of expert resource, Workman’s ESG team is equipped to address different clients’ specific priorities including; optimising building operations and energy performance, creating practical asset plans to achieve Net Zero, delivering destinations that prioritise the health & wellbeing of occupiers, and identifying ways commercial buildings can generate social value within their communities.
The new team members range from experienced industry specialists to new graduates.
Ben Kingsnorth, will take up the position of Net Zero Delivery Manager. Kingsnorth specialises in the development and implementation of portfolio-wide Net Zero strategies. Within this role, he will lead on the delivery of carbon reduction projects and initiatives by devising and implementing Net Zero Asset Plans, to support Workman’s clients as they transition to Net Zero. Through the development and application of minimum standards for fitouts, refurbishments, and development projects, Kingsnorth will also collaborate with project teams to ensure that clients’ Net Zero and wider ESG ambitions are met or exceeded.
With significant experience across all aspects of ESG reporting and project management, and as an Associate of the Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment (IEMA), Charlotte Ross has been appointed ESG Manager. Ross will further develop Workman’s focus on delivering health & wellbeing and social value initiatives. She will work with property management teams across a range of commercial assets to create and deliver Community and Wellbeing programmes that achieve Fitwel accreditation where required.
Warren Butler, has been named as Lead Energy Auditor. An accredited energy assessor, Butler has amassed more than over 20 years’ experience of M&E and building operations. His appointment will see him conduct ESOS and ISO EN 16247 compliance audits across Workman’s managed assets, to complete energy reviews to determine baseline performance and efficiency improvements, and will further support project and building management teams to optimise building performance.
As part of the firm’s 2021 graduate intake, Imogen Waters will support the ESG team across environmental and social impact reporting and research. This will include the collection and management of environmental data, supporting Workman’s Building Biodiversity Campaign and partnership with the Natural History Museum, the compilation of relevant information for Fitwel accreditations, and the risk-profiling and management of EPC strategies.
Speaking about the new appointments, Vicky Cotton, ESG Director at Workman LLP, said: “For some years now we have been focused on the practical application of our clients’ ESG principles at an asset level. As investor requirements have extended beyond just meeting minimum sustainability standards, so the breadth of specialist services and expertise required has expanded. From implementing effective plans to achieve to Net Zero, to creating environments that promote health & wellbeing, our new hires reflect the growing demand in the industry for these specialist services, and I look forward to working with my new colleagues in what we anticipate will be a continued area of growth for our business.”
As workplaces open up and restrictions lift the role of the FM has become more important than ever.
The challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic are now providing a valuable opportunity for FMs to demonstrate their skills and adaptability. Whilst on a practical level FMs are responsible for making buildings safe and comfortable, they are also crucial in attracting people back to the office.
In speaking with industry leaders, it is clear that there are six key areas of focus. Zip has published a white paper which looks at each one, suggesting ways that facilities managers can tackle the complexities and pace of a return to the workplace, whilst demonstrating clear and effective leadership along the way.
To find out more download the white paper here.
