Project Managers: Integrating sustainability and technology
Nigel Rippon, Associate Partner Robinson Low Francis writes for Green Build News
Sustainability is now an integral part of the construction industry. It has become increasingly important to incorporate environmental considerations throughout the design process when planning for the end-use of a new build or refurbishment project. It’s clear that while environmentally-friendly materials and technology might previously have been a novel, optional extra, they are now vital components. It is essential that project managers (PM) consider technology to ensure that sustainability is at the core of a construction project. From the outset, the project’s sustainability objectives must be clearly understood by all stakeholders involved.
With this is mind, PMs need to ensure they fully understand what is required of their project in relation to sustainability. A further challenge is keeping up to date with continually evolving sustainability legislation. With the correct expertise and a well informed brief there are opportunities for project managers to advise their team and client to ensure changing legislation does not negatively impact the success of a project. For example, the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) ratings now directly influence the business case of a project and as such have become an essential financial consideration rather than just a “nice to have”.
Established from the outset, sustainability objectives ensure project managers understand what the client wants to achieve and is in a position to advise accordingly. For example, on specific projects we have incorporated the BREEAM process into the critical path of the design programme. The more knowledgeable a PM is on particular sustainable technologies the better placed they are to advise the client on how to use the correct technologies to reduce the carbon footprint of a project and ongoing operational costs.
The role of the PM is also to direct clients to experts who can provide advice on the specifics of sustainable technologies. Using this expertise PMs are able to further support the successful integration of technology throughout the design process to achieve environmental credentials, such as a BREEAM Excellent rated building. These credentials are becoming particularly desirable as agents are increasingly advising that good performing buildings are easier to market and are by their nature more efficient.
The £13.5 million redevelopment of St Barnabas Hospice in Worthing, West Sussex is an example of a project which Robinson Low Francis (RLF) is leading as the project manager and is driving sustainability from the start. By incorporating a full delivery service including programme, risk, financial, legal and quality management, the hospice is set for completion in summer 2010.
The client dictated that sustainability was addressed from the very outset and an extensive range of technologies have been deployed. This includes the incorporation of ground source heat pumps, a sedum roof and sustainable drainage – all to be included within the original budget. The wider site includes meadow and wetland features providing enhanced biodiversity. A Combined Heat and Power (CHP) unit will be installed in the hospice, a highly economic way of providing heating and power to the building. CHP is one of the most effective means of reducing running costs and building related CO2 emissions for a building of this type.
Hugh Lowson, Chief Executive St Barnabas Hospice commented: “Finding an organisational partner that can fulfill a vision is challenging at the best of times. In choosing Robinson Low Francis, St Barnabas Hospices found such an advocate willing to tenaciously work around numerous obstacles. RLF managed a team of experts to bring the client’s dream to fruition – a state of the art, purpose built hospice, delicately merged into the local landscape.”
The Commission for Architecture and Built Environment (CABE) added: “We appreciate the care with which the scheme has been designed and the clear thinking about how to best allow users to benefit from the landscaped spaces around the building. We support the very positive strategy to achieve environmental sustainability.”
A good project manager will anticipate future requirements and ensure that sustainable technologies are on the client’s agenda to be addressed at the outset of a project. This should be combined with a strong, well researched business case and clear communication to all stakeholders. It is essential that sustainability and the use of appropriate technology should not be an afterthought but included in the initial project budget. It is vital that PMs understand the importance of appropriate technology in relation to sustainable design – lack of knowledge on their part can lead to catastrophic implications on the project’s overall cost, time frame and quality.