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, and the implementation of the principles of the circular economy, has partnered with The British Training Board to help 100 veterans and service leavers to gain skills and work opportunities beyond the Armed Forces.
The British Training Board helps former members of the Armed Forces embark on a new career outside of the military. EFT Consult has partnered with the company to assist in the delivery of a program that will see 100 ex-service personnel trained in the circular economy, facilities management and building services to help them enhance their skills and career prospects.
The program will deliver on 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. In accordance with this initiative, the training provided by EFT Consult will subsequently offer companies a better working environment, help to reduce waste and improve organisational well-being, all while providing veterans with a fulfilling career and enhanced skills base.
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. EFT Consult launched the South West Wales branch of the Circular Economy Club last year, which is a not-for-profit international network of over 3,100 circular economy professionals and organisations from over 100 countries.
Chris Jenkins, director of EFT Consult, said:
“We are honoured to be supporting this great initiative in partnership with The British Training Board. Not only will this training be incredibly beneficial to those making the transition into civilian life or seeking a more fulfilling career after serving in the forces, but it will also improve those organisations that adopt these important principles. This is about creating a truly ethical, responsible and self-sustainable society while giving back to those who have served.
“We look forward to seeing veterans and the ex-forces community benefit from this global opportunity within the circular economy and facilities management sectors.”
EFT Consult, a building services consultancy specialising in innovative technologies for the built environment, and the implementation of the principles of the circular economy, has signed the Armed Forces Community Covenant to show its support of the Services community in the Swansea region.
EFT Consult, based in Swansea, pledged its support to those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces and their families through signing the Armed Forces Community Covenant on 14 May at Swansea’s Guildhall. Its backing of the covenant, chaired by Swansea Council, seeks to encourage local communities to support the Service community in their area and nurture understanding and awareness amongst the public of the issues affecting the Armed Forces community.
The support of the Armed Forces Covenant complements EFT Consult’s dedication to 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 importance of the well-being of the Armed Forces community to EFT Consult is further demonstrated by the company recently agreeing to provide training to 100 veterans and service leavers, to help them to gain skills and work opportunities beyond the Armed Forces. The company has also employed former Services-personnel, recognising the wide variety of skills held by those who have served in the forces.
Adrian Matthews, consultant at EFT Consult, said:
“I’m proud to be a part of a company that supports the Armed Forces community. The signing of the covenant solidifies EFT Consult’s dedication to this important part of our community and wider society. As an ex-serviceman myself, it is incredibly rewarding to be involved in an innovative and forward-thinking company that operates holistically to improve the well-being of Wales, while recognising and valuing those who have served our country.
“I have no doubt we will continue to build upon our work to help those who have left or are leaving the forces, as this is in line with EFT Consult’s ethos of improving social, economic, environmental and cultural well-being.”
EFT Consult has been recognised as one of the most innovative businesses across Wales within the construction sector, with it being listed in the Construction Wales Innovation Index 2019.
The Construction Wales Innovation Index is a new initiative in association with Construction Futures Wales to support and celebrate some of Wales’ most innovative businesses in the construction sector and built environment. The initiative looks particularly at the supply chain to draw attention to the depth of the sector and its relevance to the future economic prosperity.
EFT is one of 33 companies in Wales to be listed in the index, with each business having been assessed by a handpicked panel of experts.
Chris Jenkins, director of EFT Consult, commented:
“We are very proud to have been recognised amongst a small group of leading businesses within the 2019 Construction Wales Innovation Index. Innovation is at the core of our business’ ethos as it allows us to welcome new ideas, develop strategically and lead our industry in Wales with a future-proof approach.
“Technological advances are clearly a significant factor in innovation in the built environment. I believe it is our team’s willingness to adopt these technologies to improve sustainability, efficiency and wellbeing that has enabled us to receive this recognition.”
EFT Consult is pleased to announce that it has been shortlisted for an Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA) industry award.
EFT has been recognised for its outstanding performance over the past year, with its work on the Little Bryn Gwyn project in Gower highlighting the company as a worthy candidate for the Best Energy Solutions Project award.
The company was selected as part of the project team to construct a 30-bed double storey eco-learning centre for residential programmes, outdoor learning and environmental education. The scheme was constructed from multiple sustainably sourced products and needed to operate off-grid where possible. The building services systems therefore included multiple energy saving technologies such as ground source heat pumps, mechanical ventilation heat recovery (MVHR), high efficiency LED lighting, lighting controls, smart zonal heating control, smart electrical vehicle charging, as well as an onsite sewage treatment plant for all waste water. Provision for future connection to a solar PV system was also provided.
Only 21 businesses from the electrotechnical and engineering services industry have been shortlisted within the ECA Industry Awards 2019. Each shortlisted business will attend the prestigious awards event on Friday 7 June at the Hilton Bankside in London.
The ECA is an organisation that represents excellence in electrotechnical and engineering services across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. EFT has been a member of the ECA for many years and is also an approved member of the ECA Commercial Associate scheme.
Chris Jenkins, director of EFT Consult, commented:
“We are thrilled to have been recognised by such a leading industry body through being shortlisted for the Best Energy Solutions Project award for our work at Little Bryn Gwyn.
“Our focus is always on delivering the highest quality service to our customers on every project we undertake, and to have this acknowledged through our work on this highly sustainable project is incredibly important for the company and our team. It was a privilege to be involved in such a successful and state of the art project, which is not only energy efficient, but will enable its occupants to improve their quality of life and wellbeing. We look forward to joining the other high performing businesses at the awards event in June.”
EFT Consult, which launched the South West Wales branch of the Circular Economy Club last year, organised a special meeting in early March for screenings of the world’s first feature-length documentary film about the circular economy, entitled ‘Closing The Loop’.
These events were held at UWTSD’s Construction Wales Innovation Centre on Tuesday 5 March and Carmarthen Business School on Wednesday 6 March.
The Circular Economy Club (CEC) is an international network of over 3,100 circular economy professionals and organisations from over 100 countries.
The documentary provided a range of examples and insights for our global society and the environment including what we make, buy, consume, throw away, recycle and reuse. The film also advocates how an economy can be moved to a more circular approach through meaningful change.
By keeping resources at their highest value for longer, the film provokes solutions to the problems we and future generations will face imminently and in the future.
Following the screenings, the audience had the opportunity to discuss the film with an invited panel, including Adrian Matthews, organiser and consultant at EFT Consult, Adrian Rabey from The British Training Board, Julia Chesney-Roberts from Riversimple, Dr Tyra Oseng-Rees from Oseng-Rees Reflection, Dr Ben Reynolds from Urban Foundry, Dr Sandra Dettmer, Economics lecturer at UWTSD and Ade Sobola, student at Carmarthen Business School. The events were chaired by Dawn Lyle from 4theregion, with Barry Liles OBE, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Skills and Lifelong Learning) at UWTSD, welcoming members to the Swansea event.
Adrian Matthews, organiser of the Swansea CEC events and circular economy consultant at EFT Consult, said:
“After screening the film in Swansea and Carmarthenshire, I was blown away by the energy, passion and wisdom in the room. It is self-evident that the guiding principles of a socially-minded circular economy has the ability to couple resilient like-minded people and communities together in order for society as a whole to contribute towards the aims and objectives of the Wellbeing of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015, now and in the future.
“It is great to have a consensus to prioritise and normalise circular economy practices through effective and easy-to-understand storytelling, supported by an intrinsically-linked education, training and job system that recognises the importance of creating a truly ethical, responsible and self-sustainable circular economy that works for everyone – economically, environmentally, socially and culturally. The key to unlocking a circular economy approach is to embed best available practices and techniques into public sector procurement.
“I’m really glad to hear the students enjoyed attending their first Global Circular Economy Club screening session and I look forward to organising Circular Economy Club mapping sessions after the Easter Break.”
Around 25 professionals gathered for Wales’ first global online festival last week dedicated to bringing together the circular economy community from across South West Wales. The event helped organisations understand the theory and application behind the concept of the circular economy.
EFT Consult, a specialist in building services design consultancy and the implementation of the principles of the circular economy, officially launched the Circular Economy Club in Swansea on 14th November 2018 with the support of 4theRegion – a new regional engagement project for South West Wales.
Held at the new Construction Wales Innovation Centre at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David Waterfront Campus in SA1, the event brought together professionals and businesses interested in sustainability, the bio-based economy, the built environment, valorisation of waste, and the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015.
The Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 is the first act of its type in the world that puts the well-being of people, resources and the planet at the heart of policy, key-decision-making and shared resource-values.
As part of the event, attendees were shown a number of inspiring short films curated by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, and discussed the progress the region is making towards implementing a circular economy strategy for future generations to benefit from now and in the future.
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 Circular Economy Club (CEC) is a non-profit international network of over 2,600 circular economy professionals and organisations in over 60 countries. The CEC is headquartered in London, coordinated by volunteers.
EFT Consult, is the official organiser of the Circular Economy Club in the City & County of Swansea, reflecting the company’s determination to help the regional economy become more circular and sustainable for generations to come.
Through its work with companies and organisations in the built environment across Wales and beyond, EFT deploys circular economy principles to help building owners and managers manage, maintain and renovate their facilities in line with the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015.
Dave Kieft, managing director of EFT Consult, said:
“Circular Economy practices are not only beneficial to people and the environment, but offer cost-savings and efficiencies for all businesses and organisations in our region, as well as aligning them with the law in terms of the Well-being of Future Generations Act. It is an economic, social and environmental ‘no-brainer’ that we move our economy towards a circular model, which is why we have formed the Swansea Circular Economy Club and intend to play our part in encouraging everyone to take the principles on board.”
Adrian Matthews, Circular Economy consultant at EFT, added:
“The beauty of the Circular Economy model is that it serves the well-being of everyone in a sustainable way. Businesses can grow and be environmentally responsible, in a way that also helps to regenerate businesses and the economy – through circular economy and well-being principles, through local sourcing, and through the use sustainable materials, products and services.”
Dawn Lyle, founder of 4theRegion, who facilitated the event, said:
“We see the move towards a circular economy as a fundamental part of how our regional economy develops over the next few years. There are great rewards at stake for businesses and regions prepared to lead the way in embracing circular economy principles. That’s the message, and that’s why we’re so keen to make sure everyone knows what the Circular Economy means and is engaged in the challenge.”
With so many numbers and views being shared about Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon, here’s a short, back-to-basics film by Mark to set out what it will take for the project to happen and what we’re trying to achieve. #NoRegretsDecision #Legacy
Watch the video here: https://www.facebook.com/100010910221660/videos/597919113915091/
EFT Consult is proud to announce that it has become an approved member of the Electrical Contractors’ Association’s (ECA) Consultant and Specifier Associate scheme.
The ECA is an organisation that represents excellence in electrotechnical and engineering services across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. As a member of the ECA’s Consultant and Specifier Associate scheme, EFT Consult is part of a programme that offers the highest level of support and engagement with the ECA and its regions. The achievement means EFT is now also classed as a Commercial Associate and will have even greater confidence when specifying and hiring contractors to ensure the right appointments and decisions are made for project success.
Chris Jenkins, director of EFT Consult, commented:
“We have been a member of the ECA for many years now, but becoming a Consultant and Specifier Associate, as well as a Commercial Associate, shows we are continuing to strive to meet the highest standards with the greatest levels of support. This ensures we are providing the best service to our clients, colleagues and contractors.”
Building services design consultancy EFT Consult, which specialises in well-being, energy and environmental solutions, is partnering with 4theRegion, an organisation set up to promote regional engagement in South West Wales, to run an event that will explore the challenges and opportunities of implementing the principles of the circular economy.
Supported by headline sponsor Schneider Electric, the empowering future generations event will take place at Swansea’s Liberty Stadium on 14 June. The event will bring together approximately 300 professionals, decision and policy makers for a day of inspiration and discussion about the optimum future for the South West Wales region.
Key themes to be addressed at the event include: the circular economy; bio-based economy; healthier buildings, places and people; energy, environment and transport; and education, training and jobs.
A host of leaders from a range of sectors such as well-being, energy, environment and sustainability will speak at the event, including: Sophie Howe, future generations commissioner for Wales; Professor Steve Evans, director of research in industrial sustainability at the University of Cambridge; and Adrian Matthews, well-being and circular economy consultant at EFT Consult.
As energy and environmental engineering specialists, Swansea-based EFT Consult educates its clients on the practical implications of the principles of the circular economy. The firm emphasises the very real difference this circular approach to resource efficiency can make, such as creating better environmental conditions for employees and customers, while also saving energy and money.
The company offers a holistic approach that takes into account economic, environmental health and social well-being principles to enable organisations to work towards becoming self-sustainable whilst saving money and reducing business risk.
Chris Jenkins, director of EFT Consult, commented:
“This is a fantastic event to be a part of and we are thrilled to be partnering with 4theRegion to showcase the importance of the circular economy, in line with The Well-being of Future Generations Act (Wales) 2015.
“Wales is at the forefront of the circular economy and improved well-being as a result of this legislation. Bringing together so many inspiring leaders in this industry is therefore so important to maintain this momentum and help the future of our region in terms of how we can make it more resource efficient while promoting positive well-being. We look forward to discussing the many advantages of implementing the principles of the circular economy and how we can deliver its benefits together for a better future.”
EFT consult attends Innovation Summit in Paris
Members of the EFT Consult team recently travelled to Paris to attend Schneider Electric’s Innovation Summit 2018.
The prestigious event, which took place on 5-6 April, focused on the digital economy and addressed an array of topics in this area including the internet of things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), digitalisation and disruptive technologies.
These key factors within the digital economy are rapidly changing our world and enabling businesses to be more distinguished and efficient. They are also seen as central elements contributing to the fourth industrial revolution, where the lines between the real world and technological world are becoming blurred thanks to technological advancements such as AI.
Over 5000 visitors attended the Innovation Summit from 80 countries around the world, including some of the world’s top entrepreneurs and industry leaders. EFT Consult was one of the select attendees from the UK to attend this worldwide event, showing the company as one of the UK’s leaders in the sector. Inspiring talks were offered by some 70 speakers during the summit, who discussed innovative solutions to power the digital economy.
Chris Jenkins, director of EFT Consult, commented on the event:
“As a strategic partner of Schneider Electric, we were honoured to be one of only approximately 50 attendees from the UK to be at the Innovation Summit in Paris. This impressive event was extremely insightful and rewarding for us as a company that strives to provide the most cutting edge wellbeing and energy management solutions to our clients, therefore helping to inspire a culture of positive wellbeing and healthy working environments.
“Wellbeing, energy efficiency and sustainability are major issues for businesses and the Innovation Summit addressed such matters. How we can use digital advancements to solve the challenges faced by clients were key points highlighted at the Summit, and offered ideas on how we can help businesses to innovate and improve their performance, wellbeing and social value, which is exactly what EFT is all about.
“The event was incredibly useful for us as we aim to continue to implement the latest technologies to offer our clients novel solutions. Such solutions will make their business more resource efficient, differentiated and cost effective for the future, as well as increase health and social value.”
