Environmental Testing

At GBNS, we work closely with our Environmental Testing Associates to provide additional services in this field and to offer one point of contact for all your needs. This includes sophisticated air monitoring within the workplace, to detect MMMF (Man Made Mineral Fibre), total respirable dust, lead and other heavy metals. Other investigations carried out are testing soil samples from Contaminated land for:

• Asbestos
• Lead
• Arsenic
• Zinc
• Cadmium

and other metals. 
 

Air Quality Monitoring

When you bring air into a building you are required to comply with the following:

"effective and suitable provision shall be made to ensure that every enclosed workplace is ventilated by a sufficient quantity of fresh or purified air".
"Air which is introduced should, as far as possible, be free from impurity which is likely to be offensive or cause ill-health".

How can you be sure you comply with the above without "Air Quality Monitoring".
 

Air Monitoring Services

• Indoor Air Quality Testing
• Air handling Plant Inspection
• Surface Swabs (Bacteria, Yeast & Mould)
• Ductwork inspection & Reporting
• Differential Pressure Measurements
   

Water Testing

Whatever water systems you may have: Process Cooling, Sealed Water Systems or Domestic Services GBNS Partnership Limited have the resources, skills and extensive experience to assist. We offer a full range of services based on the latest guidelines including the New Approved Code of Practice "The control of Legionella bacteria in water systems".

Water Monitoring Services

• Legionella Risk Assessments.
• Independent bacterial analysis including Legionella and Pseudomonas species.
• Independent chemical water analysis.
• Water Treatment Audits.

Energy Performance Certificates

The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) Regulations (2007), aimed at reducing the UKs carbon emissions, require non-domestic properties to have an Energy Performance Certificate. This provides an energy rating outlining the efficiency of the building.

An assessor will conduct a full survey, producing a floor plan and recording details on the structural characteristics, age and condition of the property as well as its services such as the heating, lighting and air conditioning.

The building will be split into zones (ie retail space, offices, storage) with the uses of individual areas recorded.

The collected data is inputted into a programme called SBEM (Simplified Building Energy Model). This provides an analysis of the buildings' energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions.

A recommendations report advises on changes that can be made to improve energy efficiency and states the potential energy rating. Whilst these do not have to be followed, they will help to lower running costs and possibly improve the appeal of the building to potential buyers and tenants.

An EPC is valid for 10 years unless any refurbishment works are undertaken changing the fabric of the building or its services.

Example certificate: www.communities.gov.uk/documents/planningandbuilding/pdf/319282.pdf

Display Energy Certificates

Buildings over 1000 square meters that are occupied by public service operators will also need to hold a Display Energy Certificate (DEC). This must be on show in a prominent position clearly visible to the public using the building.