Faber Maunsell...

WHILE the more advanced examples of environmental awareness and activity are to be praised and encouraged, to really make a difference, the mainstream needs to make positive, if less dramatic, moves towards greener design. MARTIN FOSTER and photographer STONE visited a new office building in Exeter that's playing a part in greening the construction industry

IT'S no coincidence that 'the bottom line' has become a widely accepted term for the most important factor in a decision. In business, the bottom line, the cost-effectiveness of something, is crucial, and it's applied to the design of commercial premises just as it is to other commercial decisions.

No matter how environmentally friendly something might be, if it's not at least on nodding terms with profitability, it won't even get past the foyer of most modern companies.

Faber Maunsell is a civil consulting engineering company with clients all over the world and their new offices in Exeter include many environmentally friendly features. But perhaps more importantly, they are in the business of helping other companies to adopt greener policies.

"We have the expertise to advise clients on greener design and construction principles," said associate director John Brewer. "When we tender for, or win a contract, we often recommend incorporating green features and, increasingly, clients are asking for them. We felt we needed to set an example with our new building."

The company's green approach began before a block was laid. As part of the commission, the building contractor, Midas Construction, signed up to the Considerate Constructors Scheme, a voluntary code of practice where a commitment is made to manage the site in an environmentally sound manner.

As well as seeking to minimise negative impact in terms of noise, dirt and inconvenience, construction waste was sorted and recycled, and energy and water use was monitored.

Now the offices in Pynes Hill, Exeter, are completed, they actually look like any other modern commercial building.


GREENER BUILDING:
Faber Maunsell's new offices in Exeter feature many environmental features and they are helping other companies adopt greener policies.

Where possible, recycled materials have been used in the building's construction, including much of the wood, and recycled crushed aggregate was used for hardstanding areas and foundations, with crushed aggregate also specified for use in the ground slabs. Zero-ozone depleting insulation was used throughout the building, and extra insulation was fitted around the ground floor slabs to improve its OU value.

Because Faber Maunsell want to be able to show clients some of the options available to them, a range of other hi-tech plumbing fittings have been used. Water consumption has been radically reduced by the installation of a rainwater harvesting system, which collects water off the roof to supply WC cisterns. The mains water system also features a leak-detection system, which shuts off the building's water supply in the event of a leak. And each of the four toilet areas feature control valves which shut off the hot and cold water supplies after 30 minutes if the washroom is not used.

COLLECTION:
The building's rainwater harvesting tank.

The ground floor toilets have thermoscopic taps, which reduce water usage and turn off automatically, and each of the three washbasins feature a different design of tap to demonstrate the range available.

The building's electricity is supplied from SWEB's Green Energy tariff, and the hot water system has been centralised, so that a solar power system can be installed in the future. Future plans include the installation of photovoltaic panels on the roof to supply the building's electricity.

Inside the building, a recyclable waste storage area will encourage recycling by making the process easier and providing dry storage space. And outside, a bike rack has been provided to encourage staff to cycle to work - showers with changing space and lockers are also provided.

Clients' interest in green features for their own buildings are motivated by a combination of financial and environmental considerations.

"Clients are aware of the effects of climate change and want to be green - and be seen to be green," said Mr Brewer. "Cost is, of course, a big issue, but the cost of energy is also set to increase, so investment in energy saving systems can cut costs too."

Current clients include Matford Land Rover, whose new building on Marsh Barton will include a Faber Maunsell-designed sustainable drainage system, which will retain all the surface water on site and feed it back into the watercourse via a reedbed treatment system.

The engineering aspects of a new sustainable and affordable housing development in South Molton has also been undertaken by Faber Maunsell for clients Devon and Cornwall Housing Association. This project has recently won a Green Apple Award for its innovative design and engineering for 35 environmentally-friendly houses due to be built in the new year.