Sustainability

As a leading company of Consulting Engineers, SVM is keenly aware of the international concern surrounding the effects of human activity on the environment and the damage that this has caused in the past and potentially will cause in the future. SVM takes a serious and informed interest in the influence its business activity has on the environment and is committed to minimising them as much as possible without adversely affecting its business.

SVM recognises the responsibility it has for the protection and welfare of its employees, clients and society at large. The Company is also aware of its responsibilities under the Environmental Protection Act and will use its best endeavours to comply with the letter and spirit of the Act.

Clients

SVM is committed to achieving the most appropriate solutions to any brief, by striking a balance between conflicting environmental and commercial requirements. Where possible SVM will:

• Produce designs to standards which will help to reduce the levels of carbon and other harmful gases released into the atmosphere.
• Constantly seek out clean, energy efficient technologies to be used in designs.
• Recommend the use of environmentally sound materials wherever possible, i.e. products obtained from sustainable sources.
• Reduce the environmental impact arising from the consumption of energy, as far as practical.
• Make contractors, suppliers and anyone with whom we work aware of the company's commitment to reducing the negative impact on the environment of its activities and encouraging them to do the same.

Education

SVM will seek to educate and inform both clients and staff on environmental awareness, encouraging them to adopt environmentally sound best practices where practicable. It will continue to keep staff and clients up to date with the latest developments in environmental issues - technically, legally and commercially. SVM will encourage open dialogue on issues relating to the environment with people and bodies with whom it has dealings.

In house

SVM will adopt environmental practices in respect of the day to day operation of its business and premises where practicable. These practices will include:

• Promotion of environmental awareness throughout the business
• Reduction of energy consumption and improved energy efficiency,
• Minimising the generation of waste and disposing of it in a responsible manner

Low Energy Design

SVM utilise a range of measures to review and manage sustainable issues.  These commence with an initial consideration of the building footprint to avoid relocating existing services or contaminated land.  This follows with a review of the design to incorporate passive or low energy solutions wherever possible whilst meeting the requirements of the brief.  This holistic review is undertaken in conjunction with the full project team and considers the following major areas extending beyond design stage into procurement and construction:

• Energy Conservation via natural lighting, natural ventilation
• Energy recovery e.g. use of photovoltaic cells, heat / coolth recovery
• Effective control systems to maximise energy efficiency and equipment life
• Whole Life Costing of key options for mechanical plant solutions
• Water conservation e.g. via spray taps or other water saving devices, with consideration for grey water recycling
• Passive materials to avoid heat build up e.g. solar shading or window design in conjunction with the architect including use of thermal mass
• Selection of environmentally friendly materials as part of the design
• Consideration to locally available materials and Contractors as part of the procurement stage

Renewables

A variety of renewable energy technologies have been featured in SVM projects, examples of these are:

• Solar Hot Water
• Photovoltaics
• Wind Turbines
• Biomass boilers
• CHP systems
• Ground Source Heat Pumps

Other Sustainable Solutions

A variety of other sustainable solutions have been featured in SVM projects, examples of these are:

• Rainwater Harvesting Systems
• Sustainable Urban Drainage Solutions (SUDS)