Low Carbon Design Expertise

ACDP has built on the capabilities of its team of low carbon consultants with our recent accreditation to the Design Register of CIBSE (Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers).

Energy saving and environmental impact are increasingly important factors in building construction and management. We can now enhance our service to clients with expert advice on improving energy efficiency, reducing carbon emissions and, where feasible, incorporating renewable energy through the effective design of commercial and residential buildings.

This complements our existing expertise as CIBSE accredited low carbon Simulation specialists. Low Carbon Design consultants are required to be experienced in the application of Part L of Building Regulations, in using CIBSE Guide F for building design and operation as well as employing the CIBSE Code of Practice and Sustainability Policy. Gaining this high level qualification requires stringent training and examination and is required for all planning applications.

Environmental Expertise Recognised

ACDP have improved their environmental credentials with the accreditation of one of their environmental engineers to the Low Carbon Consultants register, an important initiative launched by the Chartered Institute of Building Service Engineers (CIBSE) to tackle sustainability.

Enhancing ACDP's expertise in energy efficiency and environmental management, the Low Carbon Consultant's role is as a Simulation Specialist, emphasising their expertise in Part L of Building Regulations and specifically in the use of the IES (Integrated Environmental Solutions) software programme for calculating carbon dioxide emissions. The scope of this specialisation covers all building services such as HVAC, hot water services, renewable energy and lighting.

Becoming a Low Carbon Consultant requires intensive training and passing an examination at CIBSE, which is followed up by annual training courses to keep abreast of latest developments in the field.

Tesco Values Awards After 18 months of operating on a workstream basis for Tesco, ACDP has been presented with its second Values Award. With three full time refrigeration engineers working for Tesco stores throughout the UK, ACDP has shown itself innovative and committed to adding value to its services. This has meant finding ways to proactively introduce improvements into Tesco processes and these have included initiatives to save energy and cut maintenance and operating costs. The award has recognised the value that our people have contributed to their business and follows the annual review of workloads undertaken by Tesco last October. The first Tesco Values Award for ACDP was recently made to our refrigeration consultant Amrit Hathi, recognising substantial cost efficiencies made during a major store refit at Rotherham. As specialist refrigeration consultant, ACDP managed the timeline and process to achieve a customer friendly development, keeping to specifications and exceeding expectations for savings on budget. The Tesco NWT (Natural Works Team) has consistently appreciated the benefits of our commitment and support. The Values Award to Amrit was specifically given for a major saving he achieved by identifying existing refrigeration equipment in a recently closed Tesco outlet in Slough that was suitable for use in the Rotherham store. Tesco values include "Be energetic, be innovative and be first for customers" and "Look after our people so they can look after our customers". We have been glad to support these aims in a number of practical ways.

ACDP fleet goes greener

ACDP has ordered four new Toyota Prius vehicles to join those already in our 30-vehicle fleet. These advanced petrol/electric hybrids are justifying their reputation for fuel efficiency and low emissions for our drivers, using the petrol engine for the open road and electrical power for urban driving cycles and reversing. We are glad to be able to use vehicles that make a positive contribution towards environmental improvement in transport as part of our environmental policy.

For a company that is focused on producing energy efficient design solutions, acquiring the Prius vehicles has been a logical step. Added bonuses for drivers of the environmentally friendly Prius include low benefit in kind company car tax, low Vehicle Excise Duty and exemption from paying the London Congestion Charge. The company also benefits from reduced Class 1A National Insurance contributions and the vehicle qualifies under the ECA scheme (see below) for 100% first year capital allowances.

Enhanced Capital Allowances (ECAs)

Under the ECA scheme, businesses investing in energy saving products can claim 100% first-year capital allowances on their spending. Qualifying expenditure can include the actual costs of buying the equipment as well as direct costs such as installation and transport of the equipment to the site. ECAs can provide businesses with a helpful cash flow boost, shorten the investment’s payback period and also provide long-term energy savings.

ACDP are currently identifying and evaluating opportunities for claiming ECAs on behalf of a number of clients. This service not only identifies products which are eligible for these allowances, but also makes available spreadsheets summarising all relevant cost information which can be easily incorporated within our clients’ tax returns.

Working in conjunction with the supply chain and our clients, ACDP positively encourage the development and specification of products which are eligible for ECAs. These products are inherently energy efficient and provide long-term financial benefit as indicated by life cycle cost analysis.

	ACDP wins Marks and Spencer Award Over 170 people attended the Marks and Spencer supply chain conference in London last year. Aimed at reviewing their processes, the conference focused on supply chain initiatives to move Marks and Spencer forward in the retail sector. In recognition of some of their suppliers, Marks and Spencer made four awards of which ACDP won the award for innovation.
Constantly reviewing Marks and Spencer’s business, ACDP identified several areas including lighting, refrigeration, energy management and environmental issues as key business areas for services design improvement. Click Here to view Marks and Spencer Article Please click Here for more information on the importance of lighting within the retail environment

ACDP Sponsors Industry

ACDP are keen to promote our industry by sitting on various industry panels. Working with Institutes such as CIBSE, Industry Best Practice and BSRIA, ACDP works closely with other companies to gain more awareness in the industry.

BSRIA

Having just assisted on the steering group for the recently completed BSRIA "Estimating" and "Rules of Thumb" guides, ACDP are currently chairing a new steering group for ‘Matching Building Services to Business Needs’.

This project will promote the needs of clients through the design process to assist informed discussions with property advisers and facilities managers about choosing the right buildings and services.

The ultimate goal is for buildings to accurately reflect the actual needs of business, the level of services they require and fit with operation and maintenance capabilities.

This project is due for completion in October 2004.

More recently ACDP have joined the BSRIA World-Class Benchmarking and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) project. This is a 2-year project, which will study initiatives around the world by individual companies, and official benchmarking schemes through private sources or trade bodies.

The key objective of the study is to look at companies who are exemplary in certain areas, build up a picture as to what is measured, how it is done and how this is implemented into the business processes, making them successful. Based on the research BSRIA will issue a strategic report and a set of KPIs, which other companies can learn from and benchmark against.

CIBSE Patrons

ACDP is an active member of The CIBSE Patrons Group and also sits on the steering committee. CIBSE Patrons Group is a network of companies involved in the Building Services sector, who are concerned to support areas of activity such as promoting education and best practice in the Building Services Engineering profession. The aim is to support the work and development in the Institution in areas where funding is not otherwise available, and which enhances the overall activities of the Institution.

The Patrons supports these aims by instigating workshops and steering groups with CIBSE and other industry institutions. ACDP currently assists in some of these activities.

Industry Best Practice

ACDP is a member of the regional Best Practice club, which exists to help the construction industry improve its efficiency, its quality, and its competitiveness. The programme's main aims are to raise awareness of the benefits of adopting Best Practice; to provide guidance and advice to organisations and to ensure they have access to the knowledge and skills required to implement change."

The industry is constantly changing as a result of new legislation and public awareness. By being active members of these professional bodies, ACDP remains abreast of these changes, offering our clients the best practical advice on their projects and investments.

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