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    Green Trust sustainability services

    GREEN TRUST | Solutions for Sustainable Building,
    Energy and Environmental Transitions

    We’d like to introduce our Green Trust services, designed to ensure the sustainability of buildings, installations, and infrastructures. 

     

    Our goal is to address challenges related to climate change and energy concerns, modifying both new and existing structures.

    Since 1953, the SOCOTEC Group has partnered with forward-thinking businesses to ensure the sustainability of buildings, installations, and infrastructures across Europe. 

    In our pursuit of building trust for a safer and more sustainable world, we recognise the pressing issues of climate change, resource usage, and environmental impact.

    To promote sustainable building practices, we are committed to acting in the best interest of your business, thinking long-term, sustaining materials, and preserving the planet. 

    Our Green Trust services align with the six environmental objectives outlined in the European Taxonomy, a key outcome of the Green Deal.

    What are the six environmental objectives of the European Taxonomy?

    Mitigation of climate change

    Adaptation to climate change

    Sustainable use of water

    Circular economy

    Reducing pollution

    Protecting biodiversity

    Green Trust by SOCOTEC

     

    Our Green Trust services in Europe

    To qualify as a Green Trust service, it must meet the following criteria:

    • Focus on reducing the environmental impact and optimising the energy efficiency of buildings, installations, equipment, and engineering structures.
    • Include actions that comply with EU standards or have undergone environmental impact assessments by CSR experts from the Testing Inspection Certification inter-professional bodies.
    • Is a service provided by our experts, a trusted third party, who will provide you with a full, independent audit report on the condition of your installations, buildings, and equipment in terms of regulations, standards requirements, building-related risks, and target performance.

    A greener tomorrow: Our Green Trust services in the UK

    Designed to align with the UK's sustainability goals outlined in the Environmental Plan, and the European Taxonomy, our services extend beyond sustainable. Covering the broader built environment, including infrastructure development and de-carbonised energy installations, we contribute to improving air and water quality while preserving plant life, trees, and wildlife. All these efforts aim to create a sustainable future.

    Environmental impact assessments

    Energy, air and carbon footprint

    Environmental Impact Assessments

    Energy audits and reducing our carbon footprints are important tools for assessing the environmental impact of your activities and determining necessary measures for reduction.

     

    Our expertise also aligns with the UK Government's commitment to achieving clean air by 2040 and halving the effects of air pollution on health by 2030.

     

    Our experts are here to support your Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) approach.

     

    Our experts can assist in:

    Energy audits and reducing our carbon footprints are important tools for assessing the environmental impact of your activities and determining necessary measures for reduction.

     

    Our expertise also aligns with the UK Government's commitment to achieving clean air by 2040 and halving the effects of air pollution on health by 2030.

     

    Our experts are here to support your Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) approach.

     

    Our experts can assist in:

    Biodiversity and health

    Environment

    Biodiversity and health

    Organisations, regardless of size or function, impact the environment. Our experts work with you to anticipate health, safety, and environmental risks, offering services such as pollution risk measurement and assessment with environmental science.

     

    In line with the UK's dedication to clean and plentiful water, our teams assess and reduce damaging water abstraction, ensuring compliance with environmental standards. We are ready to support the reversal of marine biodiversity loss and contribute to securing the wildlife value of its ecosystems.

     

    We offer:

    Organisations, regardless of size or function, impact the environment. Our experts work with you to anticipate health, safety, and environmental risks, offering services such as pollution risk measurement and assessment with environmental science.

     

    In line with the UK's dedication to clean and plentiful water, our teams assess and reduce damaging water abstraction, ensuring compliance with environmental standards. We are ready to support the reversal of marine biodiversity loss and contribute to securing the wildlife value of its ecosystems.

     

    We offer:

    Green building

    Sustainable Building

    New Construction, Renovation and Refurbishment

    Acknowledging the significant environmental impact of the building and real estate sector, we aim to limit this impact by creating efficient and sustainable buildings. We advocate for the use of sustainable building materials and innovative design practices, ensuring your buildings meet environmental standards while positively contributing to their surroundings.

     

    Key areas of sustainable building expertise include:

    Acknowledging the significant environmental impact of the building and real estate sector, we aim to limit this impact by creating efficient and sustainable buildings. We advocate for the use of sustainable building materials and innovative design practices, ensuring your buildings meet environmental standards while positively contributing to their surroundings.

     

    Key areas of sustainable building expertise include:

    Infrastructure sustainability

    Development of Rail Infrastructures

    Infrastructure Sustainability

    In promoting sustainable mobility, we offer expertise covering the entire life cycle of railway structures. From railways to metros and tramways, we support the development of sustainable transportation.

     

    Explore how we can support rail and transport industries.

    In promoting sustainable mobility, we offer expertise covering the entire life cycle of railway structures. From railways to metros and tramways, we support the development of sustainable transportation.

     

    Explore how we can support rail and transport industries.

    Energy alternatives

    Decarbonising Energy

    Energy Alternatives

    As energy demand rises, so do greenhouse gas emissions. We understand the importance of clean energy in the UK's low-carbon transition.

     

    We can support with:

    As energy demand rises, so do greenhouse gas emissions. We understand the importance of clean energy in the UK's low-carbon transition.

     

    We can support with:

    Trust & Tech by SOCOTEC: Sustainability through Data and Technology

    Our Trust & Tech initiative utilises data and technology to enhance sustainability and energy efficiency. By collecting data through sensors and IoT devices, you can identify and address sources of waste, reducing consumption and minimising environmental impact.

    Our team provides sensors and monitoring systems to collect data on energy consumption, equipment performance, and the sustainability of infrastructures and buildings.

    We believe in creating a better understanding of sustainability in the built environment. Our experts are dedicated to providing insights, guidance, and transparent information to empower you in making informed decisions that align with sustainable building practices.

    Learn more

    What is a sustainable building practice?

    Sustainable building services are an integral part of the green building movement, focusing on creating structures that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout their life-cycle. These services include various stages of a building's life, including planning, design, construction, operation, and even demolition.

     

    The core of these services lies in the application of sustainable construction methods, which include:

    • Using renewable and recyclable materials: This contributes to reducing the carbon footprint of the construction process.
    • Reducing embodied energy in building materials: Selecting materials that require less energy to produce helps minimise the overall energy consumption.
    • Reducing energy consumption of the finished building: This is achieved through energy-efficient design and the integration of low-carbon technologies.
    • Protecting natural habitats during and after the construction phase: Sustainable building services ensure that construction activities have minimal impact on surrounding ecosystems.

     

    In the UK, sustainable building services are often centred on retrofit residential de-carbonisation works, which involve upgrading existing buildings to enhance their energy efficiency, reduce their carbon emissions, and improve their overall sustainability. Such services are not only beneficial to the environment but also have significant economic advantages, helping building owners save on energy costs and enhance the value of their properties. 

    The role of design in sustainable construction

    In sustainable construction, design serves as the blueprint for creating environmentally responsible and resource-efficient structures. Effective design strategies include:

     

    • Efficient Space Utilisation: Optimising space usage reduces the need for excess materials and energy, which in turn minimises the environmental footprint of a building.
    • User Involvement: Engaging end-users during the design process ensures the finished building not only meets their needs but also performs optimally.
    • Preservation of Surrounding Environment: Sustainable design also considers the impact on the surrounding environment, aiming to preserve it as much as possible.
    • Resource Conservation and Cost Efficiency: A key aspect of sustainable design is the conservation of resources and enhancement of cost efficiency. This is achieved through the use of sustainable materials and energy-efficient systems, which also contribute to the long-term durability and resilience of the building.

     

    Design is not only about aesthetics but also about functionality and sustainability. Our experts at Green Trust are equipped with the knowledge and skills to deliver design solutions that seamlessly integrate sustainability into every aspect of a building.

    Materials considered for sustainable building

    The choice of materials significantly influences the sustainability of a building. Apart from traditional materials like wood and stone, many modern, more sustainable alternatives are gaining popularity.

     

    • Bamboo: This rapidly-growing plant can be harvested within four to five years, making it a top choice for sustainable building.
    • Recycled Materials: Post-consumer recycled materials such as reclaimed wood and composite frames made from wood shavings and recycled plastics are also extensively used.
    • Cob: A mixture of clay-based soil, water, straw, and occasionally sand, is an ancient, still-used material for creating walls and floors.

     

    Materials like bendable concrete and vinyl provide budget-friendly and efficient options. While concrete is praised for its longevity and thermal stability, the high carbon emissions during its production call for greener alternatives.

     

    The use of these materials not only reduces the environmental impact but also enhances the healthiness of the living environments.

    What are the sustainable building maintenance practices?

    Building maintenance is crucial to the longevity and efficiency of a structure. Implementing sustainable practices in this area involves a series of strategies designed to minimise environmental impact and optimise resources. Waste management is an essential part of a building's operation and maintenance plan, involving a comprehensive audit of the type and amount of waste produced.

     

    The use of advanced technology, such as IoT devices and smart sensors, allows for continuous monitoring and control of systems, aiding in the identification of potential areas for energy usage improvement.

     

    Another key aspect is the focus on health and safety, ensuring the well-being of building occupants while also promoting the reuse and recycling of building components. 

    Want to find out more about our Green Trust solutions? Contact us

    For more information about Green Trust by our experts, please feel free to get in touch. We're here to support your journey towards a more sustainable future.

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