Andrew Smith, managing director of ceiling manufacturer OWA’s UK division, takes a closer look at how supply chain collaboration can support contractors working on Cat A commercial fit out contracts.
Designing for deconstruction is a worthy aim for any project, but especially for Cat A fit-outs where the ceiling lifespan might be relatively short and there has quite rightly been significant debate across the industry about the potential wasteful practices of this type of interior fit out. My own involvement as a member of FIS’s Sustainability Leadership group has given me even greater insight in to the challenges, and opportunities, that those working in the interiors sector are facing in the quest to reduce the environmental impact of our work. Sustainability is a complex issue, and one that does require further discussion, but what is clear is that this is a conversation that product manufacturers also need to be a part of.
Increasingly many commercial schemes feature a variety of different designs for ceiling spaces, from conventional metal or mineral suspended ceilings to exposed soffits with canopies, rafts or baffle systems. Such ceiling systems also form a key part of most Cat A fit outs – and can contribute significantly to the amount of waste that is generated when such early fixtures and fittings are removed to make way for the more bespoke Cat B installations.
But I believe that there doesn’t have to be a complete sea change in the industry’s approach to Cat A before we can collectively take steps to minimise waste and improve efficiencies. Early engagement with product manufactures is the ideal place to start as it encourages all those involved in Cat A, Cat A+ and even Cat B fit outs to look beyond the standard product selection process to find less wasteful solutions within the supply chain. Plus, by making such changes on these types of commercial schemes, as an industry we can more widely adopt this best practice and innovation on different projects. After all, Cat A may have become a focus but sustainability is a design feature that all schemes can benefit from.
Ask us about recyclability
One of the best ways that manufacturers of ceiling systems can help is to invest in creating products that can be fully recycled at the end of their operational life, however short this may be, to reduce the amount of Cat A products that are sent to landfill each year. Many manufacturers like us already offer recyclability as standard but as awareness of embodied carbon emissions becomes more widespread, so too does the need to look at other ways to reduce environmental impact throughout a product’s entire life. This could be by manufacturing metal ceiling systems from low carbon steel made from using less carbon intensive methods such as electric arc furnace technology, or using more natural materials in the construction of mineral ceiling tiles. Reducing waste of course is not limited to Cat A projects. With sustainability such an important focus for all buildings, both residential and commercial, recyclability is an area that needs to see more investment and more awareness to support the scale of the construction industry’s decarbonisation targets.
Ask us about reuse
As well offering fully recyclable products, many ceiling systems manufacturers have been working hard to support contractors in reducing the amount of product that is sent to landfill each year by operating a take-back scheme. This is where a manufacturer will reclaim materials to either resell as ‘nearly new’ or donate to charitable and community causes. A key part of making this approach a success however is ensuring that ceiling systems and products can be easily demounted without being damaged. This leads to one of the most important ways that manufacturers can help, and the core reason why early engagement is so important – providing contractors with advice on product choice.
Ask us for advice
A traditional Cat A fit out will always be at the mercy of time and budget constraints, with the only real requirements of the chosen suspended ceiling being to conceal service utilities and provide basic acoustic performance. However, considering different design options is advantageous especially as new products are being developed by manufacturers all the time.
For example choosing a more stylish ceiling system such as an acoustic canopy that can be easily demounted and relocated as needed ensures that flexibility is considered from the start. Although Cat A fit outs don’t usually consider the specific acoustic requirements of the building’s future tenant, working with manufactures to identify cost-effective ways to provide improved sound proofing and sound absorption could in turn minimise the need for major Cat B modifications. Similarly, considering how the ceiling system can be adapted or remodelled to support different integrated lighting systems could help future-proof more commercial interior schemes.
The increasing popularity of Cat A+ fit outs, which offer a more ‘ready to go’ interior space that can be occupied quickly and without the need for potentially expensive Cat B modifications, are also opening up new possibilities for choosing ceilings with more longevity. Here it makes sense to consider the durability of a ceiling system, not only in terms of how easy it can be repaired if needed, but also how easy it is to keep clean.
These are all performance questions that manufacturers can assist with and by starting the conversations early, hopefully discussions around the use of suspended ceilings in Cat A, Cat A+ and Cat B fit outs will continue to evolve. So too will be wider conversations about improving the sustainability of ceilings systems used in a variety of buildings. There really is no time to waste.
For more information please visit www.owa-ceilings.co.uk
