FEATURE ENVIRONMENT will take considerably less time. However, cutting-edge innovations are already a reality in the form of intelligent robots and state-ofthe art sensor technology. INTELLIBOTS Intellibots are being introduced in many forms within the FM industry. Having already seen robotic security guards patrolling office buildings and mechanical waitresses in Japan, artificial cleaning operatives are also appearing in buildings. Developed with an in-built ‘learning’ ability and programmed to refill a prescribed amount of cleaning fluid only when required. These robots are unlike human service providers. Capable of working in unlit and unheated environments, less power is required to provide a safe working environment when office workers have left for the day. Each of these individual reductions on energy usage and wastage will contribute to achieving a greener business. DATA ANALYSIS Buildings are said to account for 35-40 per cent of the world’s total carbon footprint, with commercial buildings in developed countries representing almost 20 per cent of this figure. Looking to address this are intelligent buildings. Why service a washroom if it hasn’t been used that day? Intelligent buildings are growing rapidly and are proving to impact on a building’s environmental qualities. ECS’s UK Partner, Grosvenor Services, is now working with its clients to use the extensive amounts of information gathered from equipment, such as CCTV or access control systems, in a more intelligent way. The data collected is analysed with a view to highlighting key trends within the building, 16 MARCH 2016 such as high and low traffic areas. The insights can then be conveyed to cleaning teams who can reassess rotas and workloads, focusing attention on areas that do require replenishments and servicing rather than those which don’t. Making use of surveillance and digital equipment already in situ eliminates the requirement for additional expenditure on installing a sensor system from scratch. Through effective data analysis, organisations can ultimately reduce costs, optimise operations and improve efficiency. LOOKING TO THE FUTURE The use of innovative technology will undoubtedly assist businesses in becoming more environmentally friendly. Diversey’s Intellibots will perhaps in the near future grow within their realm and increase a building’s environmental performance but for now they will not be able to replace the human interaction between an FM provider and its client. However, as investment increases in energy, transportation and ‘green’ buildings to sustain an environmentally friendly future in FM, it’s a promising feat to know that these types of new technologies will continually enhance and improve working practices as we face greater opportunities. According to International Energy Agency (IEA) projections, more than 80 per cent of the energy efficiency potential worldwide, which is economically viable, will remain untapped unless current practices and policies continue to change. This is an enormous opportunity for businesses across the globe. However, despite carbon intensity CASE STUDY Kimberley Clark and ECS join forces to implement Europe-wide site analysis programme CHALLENGE Organisations are constantly striving for a more environmentally friendly approach to business operations. This is due to increased pressure from prospective clients to have a lower carbon footprint, whilst also wanting to achieve internally set CSR goals. The challenge faced by ECS and Kimberly-Clark was to identify a more environmentally friendly way of working whilst supporting clients complying with the Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme, without drastically changing the “ fundamentals of day-to-day business operations. SOLUTION ECS and Kimberly-Clark’s Site Analysis Programme was developed with a primary objective of increasing efficiency and sustainability. The implementation of smart sensors which monitor footfall, and data on consumption and working practices, are all utilised during the programme. The site analysis has the aim of pinpointing areas of a building which are being over-serviced by cleaners when not required. ECS’s unique structure, comprised of Partners throughout Europe, allows for the development of the programme across borders, taking into account cultural differences and requirements. The programme is tailored to encompass the differences in equipment and products used across European countries. RESULTS Clients are pleased to have improved their carbon footprint whilst also increasing staff productivity. For example, ECS and Kimberly-Clark found that in one case, for every hour of a cleaner’s day, forty minutes was spent replenishing stock in washrooms. Often this was unnecessary as the footfall in certain washrooms was minimal. Now, thanks to smarter working practices, replenishment time has been cut down to ten minutes per hour, which is a notable saving. less power is required to provide a safe working environment left for the day,” falling by 2.7 per cent in 2014 – the steepest decline on record – and many companies determined to become more sustainable, there is still a way to go to stay within the 2°C global warming limit.
CHT March 2016
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