Mike Summers, Electrical Engineering Consultant, Arup
Providing Solutions by Thinking Outside the Box – Total Sustainability
In the second event on day two of the conference, Arup electrical engineering consultant Mike Summers continued on the theme of sustainability.
Mike discussed the role that carbon emissions play in climate change, telling the audience “we have to limit the emissions that are a consequence of most things we do”.
Thinking "outside the box"
Contractors are often constrained by limiting conventional thinking and standard solutions within the industry, Mike argued. With sustainability high on the agenda, there is a mounting need to think ‘outside the box’. This means re-examining what needs to be achieved, looking at tasks in a holistic manner and seeking new ways of solving new problems.
According to Mike, there have been a number of major drivers for change in terms of legislation – both international and national – since the Kyoto Treaty was drawn up in 1993. Of these, three particular pieces of legislation impact the construction industry: the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, the Mayor of London’s Toolkit, and Part L2 of the Building Regulations.
Working from a whole life cost approach
Mark outlined to the conference Arup’s whole life cost approach to a building’s energy and environmental solutions. This approach involves a six-point strategy which cuts payback on investment to fewer than six years and improves efficiency further as volumes increase. But obtaining buy-in from all parties is imperative.
“We have to design the whole building from a Total Sustainability approach and capture the hearts and minds of all involved to make sure that emission targets are achieved,” Mike said.
Adding value and gaining the edge
As he concluded his presentation, Mike summarized his message that by thinking outside of the box, sustainability presents a number of new opportunities.
“Global warming and the need to reduce emissions are here to stay,” he said. “If we apply our knowledge of how to get emissions and energy down, we are able to add value to the project and promise our clients that longer term they will save money”. In this way it will be the contractor with the knowledge who will have the edge.
Click here to download Mike’s full presentation.
