Important Eco-Champion updates and a career moo-ve

Many of our residents will know that for the past few years, Capital Space have been striving to reduce our carbon footprint. To that end, we appointed eco-champions at each of our business centres to represent green initiatives and to help us identify any ways we can make our business better for the planet. A few of our eco-champions have important updates about initiatives that will be implemented in our centres.  

Where does our shredded waste go? 

All centres have been asked to check the credentials of their shredding companies, to understand what is happening to your shredded paper waste. Currently, Harlow use ‘Shred Station,’ whose paper waste is converted to toilet paper. We are keen to use similar schemes at our other centres. We will keep you updated with any changes or findings regarding how your waste is recycled. 

Sensors and timers for a sustainable workplace 

We have employed instruments such as PIR – Passive Infrared – sensors, and timers across a few of our centres, so that electricity is only being used when necessary to much success so far. And now, our workspaces in Chelmsford and Harlow will be next to get the green treatment. At Chelmsford, the large hallway on the first floor will be getting a green makeover. The air con is getting a timed switch, and the team is investigating sensor lights. 

Similarly, at our site in Harlow, we realised that the light and fan are continuously on in the shower room and advised the team to install a PIR sensor in this area. PIR sensors are also being considered for the meeting rooms at our Harlow business centre.  

Milton Keynes identifies ways to save energy 

The team at our Milton Keynes Business Centre have been working hard identifying many energy-saving and green initiatives to help make the centre better for the planet. They have made strides towards this goal in several areas:  

Over the past year, the centre has made some small changes to energy use that have made a big difference. For example, all lighting timings on PIR sensors have been reduced from 20 minutes to 5 minutes; and heating was turned off at the beginning of May – earlier than in previous years. The centre also reduced the running hours of the boiler. All this led to an outstanding reduction in energy usage from 10,917Kw in May 2023 to 1,119Kw in May 2024. We are extremely proud of them.  

Milton Keynes residents, get your unwanted office furniture ready. We have set up a collection point as part of Oxfam’s ‘Second Hand September’ initiative so we can recycle any used furniture items as well as unneeded stationery and office supplies. We have been delivering suitable items to the local hospice charity shop to raise funds. 

The team is not only promoting the health of the planet, but the health of residents also. The smoking shelter adjacent to the car park in front of reception is being converted into a bicycle bay. The structure will need a make-over. The existing frame is getting a shiny new coat of paint, and we will fit cycle racks and install a green roof to top it all off. This work is courtesy of one of our new Milton Keynes residents.  

Centre manager Matt Roberts said: “This not only improves the aesthetics of the front of our building but also encourages cycling to work and supports our environmentally friendly agenda.” 

Star attraction heads for pastures new 

Fans of the iconic space cow Ann-drommeda  have discovered that she is no longer the smiling face that greets residents as they enter the Milton Keynes business park.  

Ann began her stay at Milton Keynes in 2017 as part of the “Herd About MK” project, where she and 49 of her herd-mates took over the town to celebrate Milton Keynes’ 50th birthday. 

Sheepishly, we must admit that Ann the cow was proving too difficult and time-consuming to repair, so she has been put out to pasture. Her spot has been taken by new raised planters and seating to enhance the entrance to the site. 

Ann’s current plans for retirement, however, will not see her idle: we have offered her to online customer: Harry’s Rainbow, MK’s nominated charity which brings support and resources to bereaved children. We hope that the children will be able to make a piece of art out of her and that she will continue to provide the same joy and spark the same connections that she has between all of us during her stay at the business park. 

For all her years of service and dedication, we thank Miss Drommeda and wish her well in her new role. 

If you are a SME looking for a flexible, serviced workspace, get in touch.