Total Environmental Network Ltd

Tosh offers WHSmith cool savings
This article was written by H&V NEWS June 24 2000.
A demand for energy savings and a desire for reliability have prompted WH Smith to install Toshiba Super Multi VRF (variable refrigerant flow) and single split air conditioners throughout its refurbished headquarters building near Swindon.

Opened in 1967, the Greenbridge campus of single storey office accommodation, tower block and warehouse facilities is a living testament to the adventurous nature of 1960s architects.

The single storey building is clad in light green steel sections, and was dubbed the "Peppermint Palace" by the 600 employees who inhabit the site. The tower block, which houses the company's administration and distribution staff, was decorated in a much less startling manner with cream steel panels.

A system of overhead walk-ways, swirling corridors and a wind sculpture made out of giant pencils marks out the building's origins in another era, but WH Smith is bringing it right-up-to-date with an ambitious refurbishment programme to improve the comfort conditions and get energy consumption under control.

The latest in air conditioning technology is being deployed in the six-storey office tower in the shape of a Toshiba Super Multi heat recovery system charged with environmentally friendly HFC refrigerant R407C and installed by Somerset-based-contractor, TOTAL ENVIRONMENTAL NETWORK.

This system is proving its versatility and flexibility because it is gradually being extended as the refurbishment programme moves from floor to floor. All outdoor units at Greenbridge are foot-mounted and no structural strengthening was required. "The Super Multi is an excellent system to install because of its flexibility," says Total Environmental Network's Peter Carter. "And the roof mounted kit fitted into the lift!"

Originally, the building relied on a standard wet heating system to control internal temperatures, but conditions were proving increasingly uncomfortable for staff, particularly in the summer.

At the foot of the tower block and next to the warehouse runs an office "corridor" which houses the logistics staff who administer the distribution of supplies to the WH Smith retail chain. This open-plan space has been refitted as office accommodation with 17 single split Toshiba air conditioners, which are centrally controlled to minimise energy wastage.

Environmental Policy
Total Environmental Network Ltd supports the environment by recycling all
florescent tubes as per Special Waste Regulations.
Florescent tubes are no longer allowed in landfill sites as they are now classed as
hazardous waste because of their toxic content ie. mercury, cadmium and lead.
A special waste company, who recycle the contents, collect all our tubes and
lamps.
The benefits are: -
·        Minimise health & safety risks
·        Reduced reliance on quarrying/mining
·        Improved site management
·        Reduce waste to landfill
·        Demonstrate best environmental practice
·   Fully meet Duty of Care responsibility under the 1990 environmental Protection Act 1990, which state that users of tubes and lamps have a duty of care to take all responsible steps to look after this waste and prevent illegal disposal.
All our air conditioning units are de-gassed by our own engineers and sent back
to our supplier.
The metal units are sent to the local scrap merchant for recycling.

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