Celebrating the Career of Tony Williamson
21 April 2023
Celebrating the Career of Tony Williamson
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Retirement of DSSR Associate Tony Williamson
Please join us in congratulating DSSR Associate, Tony Williamson, who after a 40-year career (including 16 years with DSSR), has officially hung up his Ductulator and decided to enjoy early retirement.
Tony is greatly loved across DSSR for his warmth, humour, and endearing personality—to say nothing of his wide breadth of engineering knowledge, attention to detail and preparedness, and the outstanding organisational skills he demonstrated across the unbelievable range of projects he has been involved in across the world.
Everyone at DSSR wishes him an excellent and well-deserved retirement.
DSSR Donate Easter Eggs to Local Disability Charity
6 April 2023
DSSR Donate Easter Eggs to Local Disability Charity
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DSSR Donates Easter Eggs to Local Disability Charity
Recently, Kirsten and Bill visited a local charity, Possobilities with a view to helping them out with some sponsorship.
Over the last 33 years, Possobilities has developed into one of the most respected voluntary organisations in Glasgow. They have a proven track record of offering support and respite to disabled and vulnerable people in our community.
Possobilities give members with disabilities access to the resources they require and support them to grow, learn and develop so that they can achieve their goals within society rather than feel isolated in their own homes. Their purpose-built centre at Possobilities gives their members confidence to grow in a safe environment at their own pace while also encouraging them to try new things.
When we visited, they were contemplating whether or not they could afford Easter, so staff in Glasgow had a whip-round and delivered over 100 eggs in time to brighten up their easter.
We will be doing more with this excellent charity; they are clearly operating at the margins where small donations can make a big difference. We’ll keep you in touch with our plans as they develop.
Interview with Emma Meng, Sustainability Assistant
11 January 2023
Interview with Emma Meng, Sustainability Assistant
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DSSR sits down with Emma Meng, the most recent addition to our Sustainability team, to get her thoughts on working with DSSR, the increasing prominence of Net Zero targets, and the future of the industry.
“In my opinion, the term sustainability I quite clear; to be sustainable, it must meet the needs of the current generation without compromising the needs of future.”
My job title is a Sustainability Assistant. In my role, I mainly assist with BREEAM certifications. As a newly qualified BREEAM Assessor, I have just begun working on my own BREEAM projects, which I am very excited about.
While I was born and raised in the US, my mom is Manx and I have lived in the UK for a short period before. I always planned on moving back permanently, and after visiting Glasgow for the first time, I thought the city would be a good personal fit for me – it’s turned out to be a great decision!
My experience at DSSR has been a learning experience! I have gained so many different skills since starting work here. Even though I have two degrees in sustainability-related fields, seeing the real-world applications of my studies has taught me so much about the field that I could have never learned in the classroom.
MEP consultancies like DSSR can help companies to achieve net zero carbon by specifying low and zero carbon technologies for the buildings they are designing, as well as encouraging other companies to procure materials with low embodied carbon and encouraging the use of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs).
In my opinion, the term sustainability is quite clear. When something is sustainable, it meets the needs of the current generation without compromising the needs of future generations. If you take that concept and apply it to the three tenants of sustainability (People, Planet, Profit), you have the entire field of sustainability: making sure people’s physical and mental health, financial health, and the health of the environment are strong today and will continue to thrive in the future. While clear, it is also definitely quite a broad term, but I think it works to start the conversation that hopefully leads to a better understanding of concepts such as energy efficiency and the circular economy.
Net Zero is a concept that was virtually unheard of in 2012, but is now dominating energy conversations from both the public and private sectors. I think the growth of Net Zero as a concept reflects the growing consensus about how dire the climate emergency is, as companies now realize that just recycling waste and planting a few trees each year isn’t enough. In the near future, I would expect to see the majority of both SMEs and large corporations set Net Zero targets, and begin taking significant action to reach these targets.
To me, radical change is the only answer for businesses and governments. This radical change may be uncomfortable for these institutions, but this will help make sustainable choices on an individual basis easier. Beyond this, even if there is some discomfort that comes along with reducing one’s own personal carbon footprint, it is important also to think about the discomfort that comes from not taking any action at all. While we are pretty lucky up in Glasgow, much of the rest of the world is being faced with more and more uncomfortable, dangerous, and outright deadly weather conditions, from record heatwaves to more and more frequent “once in a lifetime” storms.
This is difficult for me to answer, as I am typically working with people who have already chosen the more sustainable option by choosing to have their building BREEAM certified. I do think in general more and more people are turning to more sustainable solutions to save money. For example, getting electric vehicles in response to rising petrol prices, or installing air-sourced heat pumps to save on energy bills.
An article in the Guardian stated, “The word ‘sustainability’ should be banned from technical and political discourse; it has become so corrupted as to not only be meaningless, but to actually obscure the real issues that must be dealt with.”
Others have said it is far from meaningless, but that it has become “such a broad term, it has become very generic”, used in place of better terms i.e. energy efficiency or the circular economy.
Ripon Cathedral Fire Alarm Replacement
10 January 2023
Ripon Cathedral Fire Alarm Replacement
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DSSR Harrogate office was given the opportunity to provide consultation and design services to replace the Cathedral’s existing fire alarm system.
DSSR Harrogate office was given the opportunity to provide consultation and design services to replace the Cathedral’s existing fire alarm system; a complex project with a key focus of maintaining the aesthetic heritage of this beautiful, historic building.
The existing fire alarm system had significantly exceeded its expected lifespan and needed replacing to ensure that a building of this historical importance and stature was protected from fire.
For this project, a combination of point detectors were used in key areas; the library and in each tower, while infrared beam detectors were used to cover the larger space within the main Cathedral Hall. To maintain the appearance of the building, fire alarm devices were installed in discreet locations and colour matched to their background to ensure they were as unobtrusive as possible.
Working closely with the client was crucial in this complex project in order to reassure all parties concerned that wireless fire detection technology was suitable and reliable and was therefore a robust and fail-safe system to install.
Once the installation of the system was complete, a smoke and incense test was undertaken with the client and fire brigade. This was to ensure that false alarms would be avoided by the normal functions of the building, and that early detection would be achieved.
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
