Today’s data centre managers face the challenge of utilising advanced processing technology to increase efficiency and reduce costs, whilst achieving high levels of availability, all of this in a dynamic, fluctuating demand environment that requires comprehensive infrastructure management. Or, put more directly, the challenge of maximising operating efficiency without compromising performance.

Bob Purdom of Douglas Delabie calls on building services professionals to be conscious of their responsibility when providing efficient water management solutions which go hand-in-hand with enhanced hygiene.

With our underground resources threatened by increasing consumption (water usage has doubled in the last 20 years), water supply is fast becoming an unpredictable, unevenly distributed resource. Effective water management control must be incorporated into all new commercial buildings and as part of building upgrades and refurbishments.

Today's building services sector is focused on creating buildings that are as environmentally friendly as possible. Using sustainable construction materials or installing the latest smart technology systems that monitor and encourage environmental performance are just some examples of steps taken to ensure a building meets the latest environmental green criteria. While these examples centre on what goes into buildings to make them more sustainable, all too often it's waste coming out of buildings, either during the installation phase or through ongoing maintenance, that many contractors fail to consider properly.

The great challenge for any business is how to increase productivity without jeopardising quality. Indeed, in today's competitive market, this quest has an even sharper edge - the demand is to get more value for money while raising quality standards, and at the same time, of course, being lean and green.