Increasing resource efficiency in buildings
Atkins recently undertook a strategic review of and improve the sustainability of their property Dr. IAn
y
the environmental performance of PrUPIM (part portfolio. In addition, a series of specific performance
MArlOWE
l
IT
ABI
of M&G, the investment arm of Prudential plc in indicators were set to help measure and monitor their
Principal n
Consultant AI
the UK and Europe) to help them achieve their performance against targets for efficiencies, resource
sustainability targets. use and waste reduction. n
EnvIrOnMEnTAl
SUST
SUSTAInABIlITy
Commissioned by Envirowise, the review helped
T: 01454 288690
ian.marlowe@atkinsglobal.com
identify and evaluate current environmental
22
performance; capital investment programmes;
management approaches; and measurement
processes to determine and reduce their resource use
and environmental externalities.
The team examined resource management practices
in 26 locations including shopping centres and
office blocks in England, Wales and Scotland using a
combination of telephone interviews and eight site
audits. Bespoke interview and audit pro formas were
developed to evaluate the state of deployment of
water and waste management techniques.
The review also determined the effectiveness of local
site management systems in achieving corporate
sustainability goals. Atkins’ Resource Efficiency Toolkit,
a mass balance tool, created graphical representations
of water and energy use and waste generation of all
the audited sites.
The study identified many instances of forward-
Left: Recommendations were
thinking approaches to resource management which
made on resource efficiency
initiatives in 26 locations,
will help PRUPIM to replicate best practice initiatives including shopping centres.
Adding botanical benefits in our spare time
Atkins’ botanist, veronica lawrie, offered her the natural environment and provides opportunities
expertise to local charity Metamorphosis at the for local people to learn about conservation,
Martineau Gardens, Edgbaston, to help monitor biodiversity, growing organic food and therapeutic
the botanical diversity of the site. horticulture through work parties and family events.
During her two days with the charity, Veronica The Gardens support a Site of Local nature
discovered 68 additional vascular plant species, Conservation Importance (SLInC) for which it has a
increasing the total of identified species to 180. management plan setting out the Gardens’ strategy
Several of these species are ancient woodland for maximising its biodiversity. The biodiversity within
indicators such as enchanter’s nightshade (Circaea the site includes bats, birds, invertebrates, newts,
lutetiana), dog’s mercury (Mercurialis perennis) and woodland, hedges, meadows, flower beds and a pond.
wild garlic (Allium ursinum).
Caroline Hutton from Metamorphosis says, “We are
Martineau Gardens comprises over two acres of delighted with the survey findings as they suggest
organically maintained land located two miles from an increase in wildflower diversity. The results also
Birmingham City Centre. The charity is dedicated to endorse the management practices set out in the site
management plan and a spring survey in 2009 will be
undertaken to include all the early flowering
vErOnICA
lAWrIE
plant species.“
Ecologist
Veronica’s time was donated as part of Atkins’ Water
DEPArTMEnT
and Environment voluntary leave scheme that allows
OF ECOlOGy
employees to take additional leave to support their
T: 0121 483 5835
favourite charity or organisation. n veronica.lawrie@atkinsglobal.com
Autumn 2008 | solutions
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