Work Matters: Management focus - Putting a ceiling on energy use
Karen Faux
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
An environmentally-conscious nursery has topped its green agenda with a fixture that has transformed the setting, says Karen Faux.
Le Monde Petit Day Nursery in Burnley, Lancashire, has reduced its carbon footprint with the installation of a new suspended ceiling that uses low-energy lighting. The single-storey, open-plan premises previously had a ceiling that let out heat and made the nursery dark.
Managing director Jennie Bracewell says, 'The new ceiling has been up for a month now and everyone is feeling the benefits. Disruption to the nursery was minimal while the work was being carried out, and it only took a week to complete. It has transformed the atmosphere of the indoor environment, making it lighter and giving it a calm feel.'
Ms Bracewell says that some parents were initially unconvinced that it was worth going to the expense of getting it changed. 'However, they are really impressed with it now,' she says. 'The ceiling has also made a big difference to the acoustics and staff don't have to compete with the echo effect that we used to have. It is generally much quieter than before.'
This month the nursery, which is part of a four-strong chain, is celebrating its 20th birthday and is about to embark on a new quality award scheme with Lancashire's Step into Quality. Ms Bracewell says that green issues have increasingly moved to the top of its agenda, reflected in the way it recycles materials and grows its own food.
'As a nursery we are extremely conscious of our effect on the environment,' she says. 'We are delighted to have done something practical to improve to make our premises more energy efficient. The new ceiling has reduced our carbon footprint by 25 per cent, or by 17 tonnes.'
Energy-saving support
The Carbon Trust provides specialist support to businesses and the public sector to help cut carbon emissions, save energy and commercialise low carbon technologies.
This includes specialist advice and finance to help operations cut their emissions. So far it claims it has helped its customers save around 23 million tonnes of carbon and around £1.4 billion in energy costs.
Businesses may be able to borrow between £3,000 and £10,000, interest-free. Loans are given on the basis that anticipated energy savings will offset the repayments. New equipment should quickly pay for itself, allowing companies to make savings year-on-year.
The Climate Change Act sets a target for the UK to reduce carbon emissions to 80 per cent below 1990 levels by 2050.
Further information
