Plans for Greener office fit-out
December 2009
Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics) has launched a new web-based system rate the environmental impact of an office fit-out.
The free assessment scheme called “Ska Rating” focuses only on fit-outs. It consists of 99 good-practice reduction and efficiency measures for energy and carbon dioxide, waste, water, pollution, transport, materials and wellbeing.
A fit-out is then awarded a gold, silver or bronze ranking. Rics stated that the main feature of the Ska Rating is its design which makes it accessible even for the smallest organisation,
Companies wanting a quality-assured certificate will be able to commission a formal assessment from a qualified Ska Rating assessor. The on-line version is, however, free.
“Greener fit-outs are more important than ever, as they account for around 10% of all construction projects” comments Michelle Williams from Artemis Solutions Group who specialise in recruiting for the Facilities Management sector.
Since around £64.5 billion is spent on construction in the UK, ten percent of it would be significant. There is growing pressure for property occupiers and owners to improve the sustainability of existing stock as well as new buildings.
Michelle Williams from Artemis Solutions Group who specialise in recruiting for the Facilities Management sector comments “There is a great benefit in adopting Ska rating launched by Rics for office outfit as it will be ecologically beneficial to all concerned.”
