Swansea facilities management company DRS FM Services has formed a partnership with international lighting company Philips Lighting to supply and fit its unique flexible, energy saving lighting systems to commercial and office buildings.
Engineers from DRS have been trained as Interact Pro installers, enabling them to bring connected lighting to South Wales and beyond. With connected lighting, LED lights with integrated sensors are connected to application software, opening up a whole new world of opportunities.
Interact Pro has an intuitive dashboard and app that create the perfect ambience to suit the task, time of day, security requirements or location. The dashboard gives business owners the oversight they need to save energy, and it allows installers to monitor their installations, perform health checks and receive invaluable information on energy and usage for further lighting optimisation.
DRS is delivering this in collaboration with EFT Consult, a Swansea-based company that specialises in cutting edge and innovative technologies in relation to the design and consultancy of the built environment. EFT designs the lighting set-up, while DRS fits it.
DRS FM Services and EFT Consult are both members of RD Group, which comprises three Swansea companies – RDM Electrical Services, DRS FM Services, and EFT Consult.
Mark Phillips, managing director, DRS FM Services, said:
“We’re very excited to bring this superb intelligent lighting to the region. By helping to save energy and create a healthier work environment, Interact Pro can help employers meet some of the aims of the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015, the Welsh Government initiative focussed on improving the social, economic, environmental and cultural well-being of Wales. The Act is designed to encourage companies to create a better working environment, help to reduce waste and improve organisational well-being.
“Our staff have now been trained to fit Interact Pro lighting, and we are pleased to also offer the design expertise of EFT Consult as part of the package. We now have a demonstration building in Fforestfach, Swansea that is fitted with Interact Pro lighting, so potential customers can come and see what a remarkable difference it can make, with benefits ranging from saving energy costs to improving staff wellbeing by creating a pleasantly lit environment.”
Adrian Matthews, consultant at EFT Consult, a Swansea-based company that specialises in cutting edge and innovative technologies in relation to the design and consultancy of the built environment, has been made a Fellow of the RSA (Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce).
He was nominated to join the RSA in recognition of his work with the Circular Economy Club, the Future of Wellbeing Generations (Wales) Act and his efforts with EFT Consult to create a new building standards certification that recognises sustainable, healthy building practices.
Founded over 260 years ago, the RSA believes in a world where everyone is able to participate in creating a better future. It is a global community of proactive problem solvers, with 30,000 members sharing powerful ideas, carrying out cutting-edge research and building networks and opportunities for people to collaborate, influence and demonstrate practical solutions to realise change.
Its work focusses on supporting innovation in three major areas: creative learning and development, public services and communities, and economy, enterprise and manufacturing.
Adrian Matthews and EFT Consult have been working closely with the British Standards Institution to create the new Publicly Available Specification standard (PAS) to be awarded to companies in the building sector that demonstrate a commitment to the circular economy. A PAS is a fast-track standardisation document that defines good practice for a product, service or process.
The standard will tie in with and meet many elements of the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015, which is a Welsh Government initiative focussed on improving the social, economic, environmental and cultural well-being of Wales. The initiative is designed to encourage companies to create a better working environment, help to reduce waste and improve organisational well-being.
The proposed new PAS will help companies meet the aims and objectives of the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 and building regulations and planning in line with the guiding framework principles of the circular economy standard BS8001.
Adrian Matthews, consultant at EFT Consult, said:
“It was an honour to be nominated to join RSA because of the work we are doing with BSI related to the Well-being of Future Generations Act. The RSA brings together people who are proactive problem solvers that are good at sharing powerful ideas. It’s about bringing about positive social change, which is exactly what we are trying to achieve with the new PAS standard. It’s important to be committed to the circular econ as a means of fighting climate change and decarbonising our economy.”
Senior executives from RD Group, which comprises three Swansea companies – RDM Electrical Services, DRS FM Services, and EFT Consult – attended the Building Engineering Services Association’s National Conference and Awards 2019 on November 21 in the Millennium Gloucester Hotel, London.
EFT Consult and RDM Electrical Services attended as members of BESA’s Indoor Air Quality Strategy Group, membership of which comprises manufacturers and consulting engineers as well as contractors. It has been formed to build positive contacts within local and central government and to develop alliances with like-minded organisations.
The aims of the group tie in with EFT’s work to create a new building standards certification that recognises sustainable, healthy building practices.
EFT Consult has been working closely with the British Standards Institution to create the new Publicly Available Specification standard (PAS). A PAS is a fast-track standardisation document that defines good practice for a product, service or process.
The new PAS standard will provide a specification to enable organisations to create a better working environment, help to reduce waste and improve organisational well-being.
Adrian Matthews, consultant, EFT Consult, said:
“It was a pleasure to attend the BESA conference and to take part in discussions with the Indoor Air Quality Strategy Group. Indoor air quality can often be a lot worse than outdoor air quality, even in a polluted city like Swansea. If you design a building correctly you can provide your employees with fresh air and healthier environments while they work, boosting health, happiness and productivity. The healthier a building is, the healthier it is for the planet: healthy buildings save energy and help combat climate change.
Wales’ first Circular Economy Club Mapping Session took place at the University of Wales Trinity St David on November 20. The event was organised by EFT Consult, a Swansea-based company that specialises in cutting edge and innovative technologies in relation to the design and consultancy of the built environment, in collaboration with the worldwide Circular Economy Club.
The circular economy is an economic system that sets out to eliminate waste and the ongoing depletion of our planet’s finite resources. The November 20 event, led by EFT Consult and students from the University of Wales Trinity St David, gave attendees access to the world’s largest open-source database for the £1-trillion circular economy sector, enabling them to promote their businesses globally and learn from others.
Circular Economy Club Mapping has two key objectives: to bring together circular economy enthusiasts to discuss and learn about the latest circular initiatives happening in their cities, counties; and to map out circular economy initiatives taking place globally and make this information available online and free for all.
The session on November 20 aimed to map out 50 circular economy initiatives in the South Wales area but ended up mapping 64. Attendees ranged from social media influencers to Simon Wright, an award-winning restauranteur who applies the principles of the circular economy to his business.
Adrian Matthews, consultant, EFT Consult, said:
“The event was very well attended and was a great success. We had representatives from academia, construction, food, engineering, farming, agriculture, social enterprise, automotive, art, manufacturing, and the SME sector.
“There was a great deal of energy in the room and it was wonderful to find we were able to map out more circular economy initiatives than we were aiming for. Attendees said they felt proud to be part of it, sharing stories, knowledge and expertise. It was very informative, very inspirational and everyone is looking forward to further meetings.”
Climate change is the most urgent issue of our time and everyone, from individuals to companies and governments, must pull together to steer our planet away from disaster: The United Nations says we could have just 11 years left to limit a climate change catastrophe. That’s why we attended the Welsh Government’s climate change conference in Cardiff on October 16, along with our fellow members of RD Group, RDM Electrical Services, DRS Facilities and Environmental.
We wanted to hear the good news about what is being done to make a difference and add our voice to the discussion on what needs to happen to help shape a better future.
As a business we are committed to the ‘circular economy’ – an economic system that sets out to eliminate waste and stopping the ongoing depletion of our planet’s finite resources. In practice, for us, this means finding new ways of building that use sustainable materials, create energy efficiency and incorporate innovative approaches to everything from power to waste.
We are also working closely with business standards company BSI to bring about the creation of a new Publicly Available Specification standard (PAS) to be awarded to companies in the building sector that demonstrate a commitment to the circular economy.
Wales is leading the way in the fight to tackle the climate crisis through the Welsh Government’s Wellbeing of Future Generations Act, which requires public bodies in Wales to think about the long-term impact of their decisions, to work better with people, communities and each other, and to prevent persistent problems such as poverty, health inequalities and climate change.
The Act is unique to Wales attracting interest from countries across the world as it offers a huge opportunity to make a long-lasting, positive change to current and future generations. In the same week of the Welsh Government’s climate change conference, Big Issue founder Lord John Bird introduced the Future Generations Bill to the House of Lords as a private member’s bill. Based on Wales’ Wellbeing of Future Generations Act, it demands that 44 public bodies, including Welsh Government ministers, NHS Trusts and the National Park Authority, take action to improve economic, social, environmental and cultural wellbeing. It aims to replicate the Welsh legislation, give it more teeth, and extend its reach to the whole of the UK. This is a major step in the right direction and demonstrates the impact the Welsh Act is having as governments look for ways to make positive changes.
October’s climate conference in Cardiff demonstrates that the Welsh Government is still pushing forward with its commitment to making this planet a liveable one for future generations. As has been said many times: there is no Planet B.
A significant number of high-profile organisations and companies have pledged their support to support the creation of a new Publicly Available Specification standard (PAS) to be awarded to companies in the building sector that demonstrate a commitment to a healthier buildings code of practice and the circular economy.
Arup, Atkins, Tata Steel, Bam Construction, the Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA), the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE), the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA), Public Health England, CEC Global, the armed forces charity SSAFA, NHS Wales, Cardiff Council and the University of Wales Trinity Saint David are just some of the organisations backing the initiative.
The circular economy is an alternative to the current linear model of take, make, waste. It is designed to help organisations be more prudent with their use of resources – to reuse, recycle, regenerate, and care for the well-being of people, resources and the planet.
The standard will tie in with and meet the aims and objectives of the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015, a Welsh Government initiative focussed on improving and measuring the social, economic, environmental and cultural well-being of Wales. The initiative is designed to encourage companies to create a better working environment, help to reduce waste and improve organisational well-being.
The drive to create a new standard is being spearheaded by EFT Consult, a Wales-based company that specialises in cutting edge and innovative technology solutions in relation to the design and consultancy of the built environment, working closely with BSI. EFT Consult is part of the RD Group, which also comprises RDM Electrical Services and DRS Facilities and Environmental.
They are working to create a draft Publicly Available Specification standardisation document (PAS). A PAS is a fast-track standardisation document that defines good practice for a product, service or process. In this case, it will help companies meet the aims and objectives of the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 and building regulations and planning in line with the guiding framework principles of the circular economy standard BS8001 in practice.
Adrian Matthews, consultant at EFT Consult, said:
“We are delighted by the sheer number of companies across all sectors that have expressed an interest in supporting the creation of this draft standard. We believe it will make a big difference to the way in which businesses operate in the future and the health of this planet for current and future generations. This is about fighting climate change through the implementation of the circular economy while providing knowledgeable, insight and expertise in order to procure the aims and objectives of the Wellbeing Act.
“In that sense, this is a pivotal moment in terms of the evolution of the circular economy in the UK and companies’ understanding of what it means and what they can do to transition towards creating healthier, more cost-effective places to live, work and socialise. These initiatives set out to improve social, economic, environmental and cultural well-being, encouraging organisations to work better with people and communities and take a more joined-up systems-thinking approach.”
EFT Consult, a Wales-based company that specialises in cutting edge and innovative technologies in relation to the design and consultancy of the built environment, has sponsored a charity team to reach the Mount Everest base camp.
The team from the Electrical Industries Charity undertook the challenge with Omar Kahil of ECA – Excellence in Electrotechnical and Engineering Services.
EFT Consult is part of the RD Group, which also comprises RDM Electrical Services and DRS Facilities and Environmental.
On reaching their goal, the team said:
“We would have felt berEFT without your sponsorship, EFT Consult. Omar Khalil and the EIC explorers applaud you. Just a little note to say a very big thank you! If our legs weren’t so tired, we would run to Swansea to say thank you in person but as we have just conquered Everest Base Camp – thanks to your sponsorship, we thought we’d save our legs and write our appreciation instead.
“We didn’t need any consultation to know Everest Base Camp was going to be a steep challenge, but it was your support and your company flag burning in our backpacks which encouraged us to reach the coloured flags of Everest Base Camp. Omar and the whole team are so grateful for your donation and would like to extend a note of appreciation to say how great you are. From Omar, the Everest explorers and the EIC, thank you.”
Dave Kieft, managing director of EFT Consult, said:
“This is an amazing achievement! All of us at EFT Consult are delighted to see the team reach their goal. We know how much training, grit and determination have gone into making this climb possible and it’s been a pleasure to provide sponsorship to help make it happen. We look forward to toasting the brave explorers’ return!”
EFT Consult is a specialist in helping companies implement the ideals of the circular economy, an alternative to the current linear model of take, make, waste. It is designed to help organisations be more prudent with their use of resources – to reuse, recycle, regenerate, and care for the well-being of people, resources and the planet.
EFT has worked with the BSI to develop a Publicly Available Specification standard (PAS), a fast-track standardisation document that defines good practice for a product, service or process. In this case, it will help companies meet the aims and objectives of the Act and building regulations and planning in line with the guiding framework principles of the circular economy standard BS8001.
Sixteen students from the University of Wales Trinity Saint David’s (UWTSD) Institute of Management and Health in Carmarthen will play a key role in delivering a first-of-its-kind training session next month designed to educate businesses on how to implement the principles of the circular economy.
The South West Wales branch of the Circular Economy Club (CEC) will hold the training session on November 20 at UWTSD’s Carmarthen campus with support from Carmarthenshire Council and EFT Consult, a Swansea-based company that specialises in cutting edge and innovative technologies in relation to the design and consultancy of the built environment.
EFT Consult recently worked closely with the British Standards Institute (BSI) to develop the first Publicly Available Specification Standard (PAS), a fast-track standardisation document that defines good practice for a product, service or process, in relation to the principles of the circular economy.
The circular economy is an alternative to the current linear model of take, make, waste our finite resources. It is essentially designed to help society become empowered and more prudent with their use of resources – to reuse, recycle, regenerate, and care for the well-being of people, resources and the planet.
EFT Consult launched the Swansea & Carmarthenshire branches of the CEC in 2018. CEC is a not-for-profit international network of over 4,500 circular economy professionals and organisations from over 140 countries. It will also help meet the aims and objectives of the Wellbeing of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015, in line with the guiding framework principles of the circular economy standard BS8001.
Adrian Matthews, Consultant at EFT Consult, said:
“CEC activities to-date have been about provide guidance for people who wish to join the CEC’s global movement. The club’s mission is to bring the circular economy to every corner of the world and raise the profile for local, regional and national possibilities, interactions and implications.
“This next session takes things a step further. Now we have developed the BSI standard, we will now focus on specific ways in which companies can start to implement the principles of the circular economy. We will be providing, recommendations, requirements and statements for well-being quality performance factors associated with the built environment and leading on to reporting the wellbeing performance and security of people, resources and the planet.”
Dr Louise Emmanuel, director of UWTSD’s Institute of Management and Health, said:
“Studying the circular economy is an essential component of our Business and Management programmes at UWTSD Carmarthen, so we are delighted that our students can be part of the mapping event to help build a picture of circular economy business within the region.”
CEC, said:
“We at CEC are proud of the work EFT is doing by bringing the mission of the club to Wales. This will be a useful and necessary session to bring the circular economy movement to the next level in the region, now in partnership with UWTSD.”
If you are interested in attending this free event, register here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/circular-economy-club-cec-carmarthenshire-mapping-session-tickets-69993924713?ref=eios
EFT Consult, a Swansea-based company that specialises in cutting edge and innovative technologies in relation to the design and consultancy of the built environment, is playing a leading role in developing a PAS to support the Wellbeing of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015.
EFT Consult has worked closely with BSI to develop a Publicly Available Specification standard (PAS), a fast-track standardisation document that defines good practice for a product, service or process. In this case, it will help companies meet the aims and objectives of the Act and building regulations and planning in line with the guiding framework principles of the circular economy standard BS8001.
The PAS will be developed by a steering group of key stakeholders nominated and led by BSI working in collaboration with EFT Consult. BSI will develop the PAS sponsored and supported by EFT. It will allow companies to be measured and assessed against to secure a certifiable code of practice. The PAS document will contain recommendations and requirements for building health, wellbeing and environmental principles all of which are associated with the circular economy.
The proposed standard will be officially unveiled at the BESA National Conference on November 21. The Conference, which takes place at the Millennium Gloucester Hotel, London, is taking as its overall theme: ‘Competence, compliance and climate change – turning theory into practice’.
The extensive seminar programme is designed to set out how the building engineering industry can address the wide range of technical challenges it faces. It will be followed up with regional sessions in cities across the UK designed to showcase and raise awareness around the PAS standard and the circular economy.
A number of leading industry training bodies, associations, consultancies such as EFT will be able to assess companies wishing to secure the standard. Public bodies including the University of Wales Trinity St David are also supporting the initiative, alongside global players in the built environment sector.
The standard will also tie in and meet many elements of the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015, which is a Welsh Government initiative focussed on improving the social, economic, environmental and cultural well-being of Wales. The initiative is designed to encourage companies to create a better working environment, help to reduce waste and improve organisational well-being.
The circular economy is an alternative to the current linear model of take, make, waste. It is designed to help organisations be more prudent with their use of resources – to reuse, recycle, regenerate, and care for the well-being of people, resources and the planet.
Adrian Matthews, consultant at EFT Consult, said:
“We are delighted to be able to work with BSI on developing this standard that we believe will make a big difference to the way in which businesses operate in the future and the health of this planet for generations to come. This is about fighting climate change through the implementation of the circular economy while providing knowledgeable, insight and expertise in order to procure the aims and objectives of the Wellbeing Act.
“In that sense, this is a pivotal moment in terms of the evolution of the circular economy in the UK and companies’ understanding of what it means and what they can do to transition towards a healthier and more cost-effective place to live, work, socialise and mobilise. These initiatives set out to improve social, economic, environmental and cultural well-being, encouraging organisations to work better with people and communities and take a more joined-up systems-thinking approach.”
Ant Burd, Head of Built Environment at BSI said:
“With the ever-growing concern over the true cost of the UK’s health, coupled with the continuing economic pressures on public services, the building industry is now taking new steps to create healthier buildings that better meet the wellbeing needs of current and future generations.
“The new PAS that is being developed will clearly establish and set out those specific improvements that are needed to ensure healthier building services, more effective design, better building quality and what an appropriate ongoing long-term maintenance approach should cover. BSI is pleased to work with EFT and help support the Wellbeing of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015.”
The PAS will
- recommend the review process to allow the monitoring, Measuring & Reporting on a buildings wellbeing performance and built environment.
- determine technical detail which will be defined by the steering group.
- provide the requirements for the measuring, monitoring and reporting of key factors for wellbeing performance ratings commercial and residential properties. It is applicable to all forms of Non-Domestic building renovations and new build developments both public and private sector.
