DSSR Senior Management Meeting – Nov 2022
17 December 2022
DSSR Senior Management Meeting – Nov 2022
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The Directors were delighted to be joined by senior staff for two days of workshops at Wetheral, Carlisle.
The Directors of DSSR were delighted to be joined by senior staff from across the UK for a two-day session of workshops and future-planning for the company.
DSSR hosts a series of senior management meetings throughout the year to reflect on the performance of the business, identify objectives for the organisation, and ultimately create a clear vision for the future of the company.
The workshops were kicked off by our brand consultants, The Seed Project, who are in the process of supporting us through the next stages of DSSR’s brand evolution.
Seed hosted a great session, with fantastic contributions from all involved, during the course of which we set out targeted outcomes that will help us take the next steps in our brand journey–the first of which will be the launch of a newly developed DSSR website in early 2023.
The second day was focused on DSSR operational matters, assessing the company’s performance and planning for the future. This session was led by presentations from Bill Chalmers, Gordon Smith, David Guilfoyle, Matthew Day, and Fiona Williamson. Between them, a range of important topics were covered–including a thought-provoking input from Fiona, our Sustainability Lead, on ‘Meeting Net Zero Carbon Within the Construction Industry’.
The workshops were rounded off by a talk from guest speaker, Alexis Conran, the TV and Radio Presenter and Actor known for roles in The Real Hustle and winning Celebrity MasterChef.
Massive thanks to all the staff who took part, with particular thanks to the Seed Project and Alexis Conran!
World Mental Health Day
7 December 2022
World Mental Health Day
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DSSR recognises the importance of talking about mental health, breaking the stigmas surrounding the topic, and treating it the same as we would physical health.Mental health problems exist in our lives, families, workplaces and communities, impacting everyone.
In years gone by, employers who wanted to be more pro-active in terms of supporting their employees’ mental health would provide on-site counselling or annual seminars on this topic. These methods do have some impact, but rely of staff being physically present on the workplace; many workplaces have already changed to accommodate more flexible working patterns, including remote working and hybrid working. At DSSR we have recognised this and are reviewing what else we can do to effectively support our staff. - Fiona Eadie | DSSR HR Manager
World Mental Health Day is a chance to talk about mental health in general, how we need to look after it, and how important it is to talk about things and get help if you are struggling.
As the Mental Health Foundation says:
We must do as much as possible to prevent mental ill-health – as individuals and as a society. Protecting our mental health is easier than you might think. We can all do it, every day and with simple activities that help us feel OK, we’re better able to cope with life.
DSSR showcases sustainable building service design at the IHEEM Conference
4 December 2022
DSSR showcases sustainable building service design at the IHEEM Conference
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Thank you to everyone who stopped by the DSSR exhibition at the IHEEM Healthcare Estates conference last week.
Thank you to everyone who stopped by the DSSR exhibition at the IHEEM Healthcare Estates conference last week to discuss the latest innovations in building services design for the healthcare sector.
We thoroughly enjoyed meeting and talking to our clients and other visitors over the insightful and productive two-day event—covering everything from the future of modular healthcare design, to how DSSR is helping the NHS to decarbonise its healthcare facilities.
We would like to pass on our congratulations again to Jonathan Day for being a finalist in the IHEEM awards under the Apprentice of the Year category.
After the events of the last few years, this was a great opportunity to learn about the latest developments in the design of healthcare environments and the significant impact that innovative design can have on our critical facilities.
We are proud to be in a position to deliver healthcare environments which are safe, efficient and effective for patients, staff and visitors.
DSSR now sponsors the Centre for Sustainable Healthcare (CSH). This registered charity develops knowledge and resources to support the NHS and other health systems to reach net zero carbon and broader sustainability goals.
A successful IHEEM completed, including a great awards night. Excellent opportunity to catch up with so many clients, past and present, and looking forward to seeing you all again next year.
Thank you to all involved, and our guests, #BCA #IHP #Northmores
Matthew Day | DSSR Director
IHEEM Conference
The two-day Conference and Exhibition at the prestigious Manchester Central Complex is the UK’s largest event for the healthcare engineering and FM sector.
The Institute of Healthcare Engineering & Estates Management (IHEEM) is a professional membership organisation specialising in the Healthcare Estates Sector, licenced by the Engineering Council to support individuals achieving CEng, IEng or EngTech status.
XPO Logistics submit plans for 100% carbon-neutral
9 November 2022
XPO Logistics submit plans for ‘100% carbon-neutral’ warehousing and distribution development
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DSSR has contributed to the design of the new facility which is intended to satisfy a market-proven requirement for large-scale warehousing facilities in the region, responding to increased e-commerce demands.
Global logistics provider, XPO Logistics, recently submitted the necessary planning application for a £40 million logistics hub. DSSR has been appointed to the design team to provide Energy, Sustainability and MEP Design Services relating to the new 300,000ft2 facility and biodiversity enhancements across the 40-acre site in Motherwell.
Approximately one-third of the development site is planned to be occupied by the warehousing facilities and associated built infrastructure; the remaining portion is reserved for biodiversity enhancement measures and improved public access.
DSSR is proud to have provided the Net Zero Carbon Energy Strategy in support of the planning application.
The facility is aspiring to net zero carbon for operational energy, achieved through creative building design measures and the introduction of low and zero carbon technologies—including roof-mounted solar panels.
A forward-thinking firm with a legacy in low-carbon building design, DSSR has contributed to numerous sustainability firsts throughout its 75 years—including significant renewable energy projects.
We remain committed to reducing carbon emissions and energy consumption through each commission to which we contribute.
Spokesperson for XPO Logistics:
“The exciting development will provide significant benefits to the local community, with this investment of [circa] £40m creating almost 500 net new jobs, delivering a 100 per cent carbon-neutral facility.”
DSSR’s Daniel Pollard Now a Member of IHEEM
9 September 2022
DSSR colleague Daniel Pollard is now a member of the Institute of Healthcare Engineering and Estate Management (IHEEM).
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Everyone at DSSR would like to congratulate our colleague Daniel Pollard who has now been granted membership to the Institute of Healthcare Engineering and Estate Management (MIHEEM).
This follows from his achievements last year, namely becoming an Incorporated Engineer (IEng), a member of CIBSE (MCIBSE), and becoming an Authorised Person for Medical Gas Pipeline Systems HTM 02-01 (APMGPS).
DSSR displays a strong commitment to skills and training, including those in Traineeships and Apprenticeships. DSSR regularly employs trainees from school and supports them through College and University, from NQ’s and HNC’s to Masters Degrees.
This support for young engineers is extended to those still in school, as every year DSSR brings on Summer Placements and internships into each of its offices.
DSSR actively participates in training events in schools; we are also STEM Ambassadors, encouraging students to consider further study of STEM subjects and progression into related careers, inspiring the next generation of STEM professionals.
DSSR Registers to Develop New Standards for Net Zero Carbon
21 August 2022
DSSR has registered to support the implementation of the NZCB standard by taking part in a beta test.
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Sustainability & Building Modelling specialists from DSSR recently attended the Project Launch for a UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings (NZCB) Standard.
DSSR has registered to support the implementation of the NZCB standard by taking part in a beta test where we would look at the operational energy used by buildings.
Operational Carbon vs. Embodied Carbon
DSSR specialises in the design of building services, so our focus is on eliminating or reducing the carbon output caused by the building’s day-to-day operation. This is referred to as a building’s ‘operational carbon’.
DSSR affects operational carbon by reducing the level of energy a building needs to use in order to function and, where possible, only using energy generated from renewable sources.
This new standard will set out metrics by which net zero carbon performance is evaluated, as well as the necessary performance targets / limits which need to be met.
This standard is a significant milestone in the UK’s journey to Net Zero Carbon, and as a specialist in sustainability, it is very exciting to have the chance to contribute to its development.
This will be a standard 100% designed by the industry, for the industry.
Carina McKinney, DSSR Associate
Read more here: https://www.nzcbuildings.co.uk
BT’s Sustainable Greenmarket Office Now Under Construction
14 July 2022
BT’s Sustainable Greenmarket Office Now Under Construction
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Construction has now begun on the new Dundee offices of BT, the Greenmarket development, which has been designed to meet the highest environmental standards.
Construction has now begun on the new Dundee offices of BT, the Greenmarket development, which has been designed to meet the highest environmental standards. DSSR is proud to be part of the design team for this iconic project, part of the £1 billion project to regenerate the city’s waterfront.
DSSR is responsible for the delivery of the MEP building services design, Sustainability Consultancy and BREEAM Assessor services.
The Greenmarket project has received a Platinum rating, the highest WiredScore Certification possible, in addition to its outstanding environmental credentials of a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating and an EPC ‘A’ rating.
Air-source heat pumps provide low carbon energy for domestic hot water, heating and cooling—with a 1 MW Standby generator providing the development with a diversified power supply. Utilising 100% decarbonised electricity, Greenmarket has been designed to meet operational Net Zero Carbon.
As part of the BREEAM assessor services for this 75,000 sq ft office building, the cost and carbon life cycle of the building and its component services have been assessed allowing the resources consumed and the impact on the environment during its construction and operation to be minimised
BREEAM standards provide guidance to ensure new construction projects deliver high-performing, and sustainable, newly-built assets that support commercial success, whilst also creating positive environmental and social impact.
Rob Shuter, chief executive of BT Enterprise:
“We have got more than 1,100 BT folk working in Dundee, and they are in an office environment that I think has got a little bit dated…We wanted to give them a better location to work in, and use that opportunity also to modernise the environment for more collaborative working [that is] better suited to hybrid [and] virtual working.
“It has opened up the opportunity also to participate in the regeneration of the waterfront, and our location there is kind of the last piece of the jigsaw puzzle of that whole £1bn project. [It is] a really good confluence of things coming at the same time.”
Rob Shuter, chief executive of BT Enterprise, and Kate Forbes MSP at the Greenmarket site for the new BT offices.
A healthy and happy working environment is crucial to well-being and has a significant impact on business productivity. To this end, DSSR has worked with the design team to place wellbeing at the forefront of the building’s design.
Greenmarket benefits from enhanced acoustic measures, high levels of fresh air ventilation with heat recovery, enhanced building fabric to reduce heat demand, space for cycle storage from street level, and attractive and functional changing, drying and shower facilities to encourage active travel. All floors benefit from excellent daylighting and views on all elevations.
“DSSR is pleased to be working again with the Crucible Alba Group on this key development for Dundee. The developers aspirations to provide a sustainable development has been embraced by the project delivery team with all aspects of sustainable development being recognised. We are looking forward to seeing the site fully occupied.”
DSSR Regional Director, Fiona Williamson
Mr Shuter took part in a ground-breaking ceremony for the new building yesterday with Kate Forbes, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Economy.
Ms Forbes said:
“The state-of-the-art facility will provide nearly 1,000 quality jobs that will support individuals, communities and businesses to be better connected, whilst benefitting from technological innovation. This latest investment reinforces Dundee’s standing as a centre of technological excellence with a highly skilled workforce.”
Interview with DSSR Sustainability Specialist, Rachel Mason
1 March 2022
Interview with DSSR Sustainability Specialist, Rachel Mason
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Rachel Mason, a Sustainability Specialist with DSSR, was recently interviewed by travelling photography studio, LAPORTRA.
This follows from his achievements last year, namely becoming an Incorporated Engineer (IEng), a member of CIBSE (MCIBSE), and becoming an Authorised Person for Medical Gas Pipeline Systems HTM 02-01 (APMGPS).
DSSR displays a strong commitment to skills and training, including those in Traineeships and Apprenticeships. DSSR regularly employs trainees from school and supports them through College and University, from NQ’s and HNC’s to Masters Degrees.
This support for young engineers is extended to those still in school, as every year DSSR brings on Summer Placements and internships into each of its offices.
DSSR actively participates in training events in schools; we are also STEM Ambassadors, encouraging students to consider further study of STEM subjects and progression into related careers, inspiring the next generation of STEM professionals.
“If you’re going to design buildings that are fit for purpose and that are going to stand the test of time, and are correct for each individual occupant or client – you need to consider sustainability.”
Rachel: My job title is Sustainability Specialist, however, the role itself is not strictly limited to sustainability and is actually quite varied. I work for DSSR, an engineering consultancy, so the main aim of my role is to advise DSSR’s clients and our design teams on a wide range of sustainability issues within the built environment.
Some people automatically consider ‘challenges’ a bad thing; for me, the core of my job is constantly dealing with new challenges, but I have always considered it a positive thing that I get to tackle unique sustainability issues across a broad range of projects.
Part of my role is being a BREEAM Assessor, which is a certification scheme for new buildings that sets benchmarks for standard categories of development (e.g. commercial buildings, offices, schools). To perform this role, it is essential to be involved from the very beginning. Sustainability can cover everything and anything from waste to the materials used in the building, so my priority is to have early engagement with the design team to find bespoke solutions which are correct for each building.
Each project is very different, each site is unique, and so their challenges require bespoke solutions which are specifically tailored to the situation. From a sustainability perspective, my priority is to work closely with the design team—getting them on board and really engaging them—in order to ensure sustainability challenges are considered from the earliest design stage.
Defined by the Brundtland Commission as ‘meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, sustainability relates to everything.
For a building to be designed well, it really needs to consider sustainability. However, despite its crucial importance, the topic of sustainability is poorly understood, which can lead to it being framed as an ‘eco add-on’. That being said, I think increasingly people are seeing that climate change is affecting us more and more, with increased visibility in the news of flooding, food shortages, and rising temperatures. The consequences of unsustainable practices have become ever more apparent.
To frame the importance of sustainability within the construction industry, it helps to consider that the built environment accounts for 45% of total UK carbon emissions—with 32% of landfill waste coming from the construction and demolition of buildings.
Currently, there is a big push to focus on significantly reducing carbon emissions through sustainable practices—such as the ‘Net-Zero Carbon’ target set by the Scottish Government—and we really need to get there.
I have seen projects which haven’t focused on sustainability, and I have seen the consequences of that approach. Some projects are money-driven, rushed across the line into occupancy in order to achieve a quick turnaround. However, in addition to the negative impact on the environment caused by this kind of approach, the resulting structure is far more likely to be of a lower quality than one which considers sustainability.
When sustainability is integrated into the design and build process, you’re designing a building that has less of a negative impact on the environment in the short term and will stand the test of time in the long term. Occupants within a considered environment are generally going to be a lot happier and more comfortable, benefiting from better air quality, comfortable ambient temperatures, increased natural light – they are simply going to have a much nicer environment, which will increase productivity.
It’s not necessarily ‘business advice’, as just good life advice: always keep an open mind. If you truly want to achieve something—if you work hard enough and keep an open mind—you will often find a way to achieve it.
Quite often, you will come up against negativity, and people who are, for one reason or another, resistant to what you are trying to do. The best thing you can do when faced with a challenge like that is to adapt, innovate, and keep finding a new way of doing things.
“It is a really exciting time to be working within this sector, with sustainability and the importance of responsible practices in the public eye like never before. The effects of climate change are terrible, affecting us all, and we all have a part to play in that—I’m just glad that my job is focused on that.”
Personally, I am glad that DSSR appreciates that sustainability is not a stand-alone or begrudgingly tacked-on element within the design process. It requires a holistic approach, starting at the beginning, building from the ground up, looking at the options available, and making bespoke solutions. Whether you’re building a school or assisting a contractor at the construction stage, a successful project will integrate sustainability throughout its design, construction, and operation.
That’s what I probably enjoy most about my job. No two days are the same; I could be involved at the very beginning of a project, working with the architects to do calculations to and design a bespoke energy strategy, or I could be way down the line, helping a contractor at the handover stage to manage their construction waste, or helping to pick the right building materials from the correct suppliers.
