1. For more information please contact:
Don McCarthy – Regional Manager Clients
T: +44 7824 815 896
E: DMcCarthy@globalskm.com
www.globalskm.com
HIGHER EDUCATION CAPABILITY STATEMENT
www.globalskm.com
We provide strategic advice that helps our clients to improve
the performance of their projects and enhance return on
investment, enabling more informed decision-making. We
engineer and design practical solutions, anticipating barriers
to implementation so that our designs can be delivered to
schedule and budget, and endure the test of time.
We are not just engineers, scientists, designers, consultants
and project deliverers. We are people who strive to deliver
outcomes which make a difference – economically, socially
and environmentally – to ourselves, our clients and the
communities in which we live and work. We do this by
finding smart solutions to our clients’ challenges.
Sinclair Knight Merz is a leading projects firm,
with global capability in strategic consulting,
engineering and project delivery. Founded
in 1964, it operates in three regions: Asia
Pacific, the Americas and EMEA, deploying
some 7,000 people from more than 40 offices
while serving the Buildings and Infrastructure,
Mining and Metals, Power & Energy and Water
& Environment sectors.
SKM INTRODUCTIONSKM INTRODUCTION

2. www.globalskm.comPAGE 11
ONGOING SUPPORT
VISION
MASTERPLANNING
FEASIBILITY
APPLICATION
DESIGN
ONGOING SUPPORT
PAGE 2
Case Study
Loughborough University Parking and Travel Plan
Programme Management
SKM CB has provided a full range of travel planning services
for Loughborough University, including designing and hosting
comprehensive staff and student travel surveys, writing the
University’s Travel Plan and their Car Parking Management
Strategy, and helping to implement both elements.
The travel plan focuses on encouraging staff to walk, cycle
and use public transport, with a wide range of targets
encompassing both regular and occasional travel. SKM CB
developed a clear action plan highlighting the measures to be
implemented to ensure their targets are met.
On the parking management side, we have implemented a
web-based permit applications system (ParkIT) that helps to
save time in dealing with criteria-based permit applications.
The application can be fully customised and deals with
multiple sites and car parks. SKM CB has also managed the
installation of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR)
technology.
The travel plan and car parking management strategy have
both played an important part in helping the University to
reduce their environmental impact and congestion on-site,
while encouraging and enabling staff and students to make
sustainable travel choices.
“LU has worked with [SKM] CB over the last 12 months on all
aspects of Travel Planning. Projects have included surveying
staff and students to inform the updated Travel Plan,
supporting and advising the University on delivery of a car
park management strategy and ensuring planning conditions
can be met by the University going forward. CB has met all
targets and deadlines set by the University and continually
offered flexibility in their approach.”
Sustainability Manager, Loughborough University
Case Study
UCLAN
Performing Arts Centre
SKM was appointed by contractors ROK to provide the
structural engineering for the performing arts centre at the
University of Central Lancashire.
The client’s brief was to provide a new media centre for use
by several departments as a rationalisation of the existing
media and performance faculties which were spread across
the campus. The new media centre was required to support
performing arts and media studies and the incorporation of
functional spaces including video editing suites, television
studios, dance studios and theatres as well as split teaching
facilities.
The brief presented numerous challenges including the
added complexities of being located adjacent to a canal
and a disused railway line and the design solution had to be
respectful of potential future development of the canal.
The acoustic performance of the functional spaces presented
a huge challenge and required each of these spaces to be
independently ventilated to mitigate sound transfer between
adjacent teaching and learning areas.
To achieve the clear spans within the functional spaces,
long span cellular steel beams were adopted. These were
designed to be integrated with a complex ventilation strategy
and designed with consideration to the vibrational effects
associated within these performance areas.
SKM also carried out a Part L Building Regulations
assessment to assess how the building, designed to meet the
2002 regulations, would perform against the 2006 revisions.

3. PAGE 10 www.globalskm.comPAGE 3
SUPPORTING YOUR VISION
The quality and accessibility of the University estate is
fundamental to attracting the next generation of prospective
students. Competition between Universities is at an all-time
high with the optimum use the estate under the spotlight. SKM
provide specialist support in the strategic planning, design
and delivery of higher education estates functions.
Our alignment principles are based on:
• Sustainability
embedding solutions across the planning, development
and maintenance of the estate
• Estate optimisation
improving the quality and accessibility of the Estate,
such as reducing the amount of unnecessary car parking,
providing energy efficiency and low carbon solutions
• Consultation
ensuring solutions are designed, tested and influenced by
key stakeholders
• Buildings
ensuring individual buildings match up to the site wide
sustainability aspirations
• Legacy
future proofing on site infrastructure and ensuring
the connectivity of the site is linked to the wider local
community
• Innovation
ensuring that new technologies and ideas are considered.
Working with SKM offers the benefits of a holistic and multi-
disciplinary environmental, transport and engineering team
that will optimise the synergies related to higher education
site and infrastructure planning, engineering design,
environmental assessment, energy and transport strategies.
We pride ourselves in our ability to put sustainability into
practice and can bring experience that goes beyond strategy
development through to project design and delivery.
ONGOING SUPPORT
SKM provide a range of Estates and Facilities Management services under sustainability, transport, parking,
procurement and programme/ project management support. Our solutions help to ensure that University Estate
Directors can optimise use of the estate for teaching and learning without having to allocate unnecessary space to
additional car parking capacity.
In the context of a long term Estates Strategy, it is not uncommon for Universities to set ambitious target to reduce
carbon emissions by 50% in 2020 (compared to 2005 base levels). The achievement of this strategy requires the
identification, quantification and prioritisation of a wide range of energy and carbon reduction opportunities from
buildings across multiple campuses, covering diverse activities including laboratories, lecture theatres, cafes and
accommodation.
SKM identify energy and carbon reduction opportunities through detailed building surveys and their benefits assessed
using the building models. This also allowed the impact of multiple options to be more accurately quantified.
Additionally, as Carbon Trust Standard assessors, SKM regularly calculate and verify scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions
for leading UK companies who are recertifying under the Standard. We have also calculated carbon footprints under
specific legislative criteria, including the Carbon Reduction Commitment.
SKM will help you implement a first class sustainable transport system by understanding the balance between parking
revenue, business operations, needs of users and local transport conditions. We have worked with several colleges
and universities to develop and implement car parking management strategies, such as Durham University, the
University of Leicester and Loughborough University.
Case Study
Renewable Energy Strategy for Glasgow Caledonian
University
In line with their Sustainable Campus Master Plan, Glasgow
Caledonian University wanted to understand the options
and associated costs and benefits of different renewable
energy technologies that would be suitable for their main
campus. The options also included low carbon technology,
such as Combined Heat and Power (CHP) system, and the
development of a district heating system.
SKM was commissioned to carry out a review on renewable
energy options. The study involved collating and analysing
energy consumption data, developing building specific
energy profiles and assessing the viability of various
renewable technologies (both building specific and site wide)
for cost and carbon savings. The preferred option (gas fired
CHP and district heating) was developed addressing strategic
context, business needs, benefits, economic (quantitative
appraisal), procurement, risks and project plan. The business
case was presented and gained approval from the University
Court. SKM have now been retained as a specialist advisor
to work alongside various framework contractors in the
design, procurement, construction and commissioning of the
scheme.
Client Benefits of this Approach
• Financial and delivery models – The analysis highlighted
the various financial and delivery models which could
be used by the University to deliver a CHP/DH scheme,
highlighting the risks and rewards associated with each
• Policy Framework – The approach identified the changing
policy framework and provided insight into the possible
impacts of Renewable Heat Incentives and Feed in Tariffs
incentives.

4. PAGE 4 www.globalskm.comPAGE 9
MASTERPLANNING OUR WORK - PROJECT EXAMPLES
At SKM we consider sustainability should be at the heart
of masterplanning process. It reflects our desire to provide
advice and solutions that deliver enduring value. We take a
step back from the technical detail to examine the broad,
holistic context for sustainability integration for a project at
both current and future timescales. This enables us to design
and deliver developments that are iconic, functional, efficient
and adaptable whilst embedded within the local community
means that sustainability needs to be integrated from the
initial vision and a driver for decision making throughout the
design process.
Our team of sustainability specialists works closely with
clients and design teams from the original concept designs to
ensure that the proposals developed take full account of policy
requirements and deliver schemes that will achieve exemplary
standards of sustainability and environmental performance.
In order to embed this philosophy effectively SKM has
developed a well-structured and proven sustainability
assessment process known as ‘Sustainability by Design’ that
facilitates integrated, strategic thinking. This involves in depth
analysis of the requirements of students, staff and members
of the local community to ensure that our projects meet their
needs whilst maximising environmental and social benefits.
Another major set of considerations that SKM leads during the
masterplanning stages is the approach to transport and traffic
considerations and land use planning. SKM acquired Colin
Buchanan and Partners in 2011 to provide these services.
SKM Colin Buchanan (SKM CB) is a leading international
planning, urban design, transport and economics
consultancy, totally integrated into the SKM group. SKM
CB is unique amongst consultancies, in that it combines
a strong planning and urban design skills capability with
traffic and public transport and a rigorous economic
approach. SKM CB delivers the multidisciplinary approach
required to solve masterplanning, estates rationalisation
and transport problems, with different specialists working
closely together in teams based on the needs of each
project.
Case Study
SITRAN Research Laboratory
‘SITraN’ (otherwise known as the ‘Sheffield Institute for Translational
Neuroscience’) is set to become a world centre for research into Motor
Neurone Disease. This project will occupy some 2750m2
of a sloping
brownfield site on the edge of Sheffield University’s campus, adjacent to
a quiet residential area.
The proximity of existing housing lead the local planning authority to limit
the building height to two storeys (this being the height of the buildings
previously located on the site), resulting in a building approximately 60m
long x 22m wide. A palate of well detailed materials including stonework,
timber, render and glazing will be used to break up the visual impact
of the 60m long elevation. The visual impact of the building is further
reduced by stepping the upper floor back slightly, resulting in a roof
terrace adjacent to the office and administration areas located at the
upper floor level. The laboratories are all located at lower ground floor
level, which is partly built into the sloping site by the use of an in-situ
retaining wall along the rear elevation. Due to the significant building
services requirements associated with the laboratories, a steel frame
construction based on ‘Slimflor’ beams was adopted involving setting the
precast concrete floor units at upper floor and roof levels within the depth
of the ‘Slimflor’ beams, resulting in no downstand beams and hence
uninterrupted horizontal distribution of services. A steel frame was more
practical for a tight site, as well as minimising the period of construction,
and hence disruption to the adjacent residents.
Unusually for a brownfield site, the depth of made ground was relatively
low and the levels of contamination were insignificant, resulting in a very
economic sub-structure solution based on a groundbearing concrete
slab, strip footings to the building perimeter, and shallow pad footings
at column positions. A gas resistant membrane will be installed to
overcome potential mine gases associated with deep coal mines in the
area. The stability of the sloping site had to be checked, and the existing
on-site roads regraded to enable safe access for both construction
personnel and end users (particularly the disabled).
Case Study
Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) 2007-2010
SKM Colin Buchanan (CB) was commissioned by MMU
to provide highways and transportation advice to seek
planning approval for the amalgamation of its campuses.
The transport work was a key piece in the Strategic
Development Framework gaining approval from Manchester
City Council in 2010.
As part of the Transport Assessment, parking studies
were undertaken in order to assess the present situation
and potential effects of the amalgamation on off and
on-campus parking. SKM CB undertook in depth student
travel surveys which fed into the Transport Assessment
and Travel Plan. We recognised that obtaining accurate
travel information for students is difficult through past
experience of low response rates to surveys. Because of
this we developed a new ‘hands-up’ survey technique. This
involved understanding all teaching patterns of each course
taught at each campus and selecting lectures to attend that
would create a representative sample. This survey method
ensured a larger and more representative response than
obtained from university students in the past.
As part of the Transport Assessment for the city centre
campus, options were investigated for pedestrianising a
road to link the two parts of the campus together. This
was undertaken with the vision of making the campus
environmentally friendly and encouraging sustainable travel.

5. PAGE 8 www.globalskm.comPAGE 5
OUR WORK - PROJECT EXAMPLES FEASIBILITYDESIGN ENGINEERING APPROACH
Transportation considerations:
SKM can help shape masterplans in the HE sector by
understanding and testing options for campus expansion or
consolidation. Our transport strategies are always developed
taking advantage of any spare capacity in transport provision
in the vicinity of the site. We then undertake further analysis
looking to achieve modal shift to reduce costs of external
highway works. Through detailed analysis of the impacts
of individual development phases, we can identify the most
appropriate point for implementation of the various transport
schemes and also identify the scope for works to be deferred
subject to monitoring the impacts of the completed phases.
Engineering approach:
Our approach and methodology providing engineering
solutions starts with testing the client’s ‘must-haves’ on each
project and making sure we deliver those. Our clients have
strong visions of what their projects should be both in terms
of function requirement but also the buildings identities.
A review of the masterplan, the history of its development
and a visit to the site provide us with excellent insights into
the development to date. A review of this decision making, to
understand and enhance helps us understand the challenges
in delivering the clients vision. In our approach at this stage
we believe that considering longer term aspirations now, the
cost and quality and ultimately the vision can be managed and
delivered.
Working with some of the best visionary architects we have
refined our approach to engineering solutions to test and
develop briefs. For us it’s about being able to ask the right
probing questions, in a timely manner that enhances the
process for the client and its team to deliver a best for project
set of outcomes.
Our motivation with clients is to strive towards efficient,
elegant and economical engineering solutions. This reflects
back what our clients expect from us: To present solutions
which are clear, supportive of their aspirations and help
deliver the project vision.
1. Critical Success Success means different things to each of us. Our engineering design solution must address these
and our solutions need to balance all of them.
2. Revisiting the brief Reminding ourselves what our aspirations are, and reviewing progress against those is often
over looked by some. Our approach is to regularly review the brief, taking the time to check progress, review the design
development and provide formal and informal environments for our client to review and access our progress.
3 Understanding potential risks As technical specialists, good designers understand risks associated to their completion
of tasks. However, identifying how those risks affect others, and how they are communicated and then mitigated is a
critical point. We believe that a holistic understanding of project risks and how the impacts of our actions affects others
are key.
4. Relationships and collaborative working Our belief is that project environments should encourage openness,
collaboration, and working to resolve the project issues – with a common aim of providing ‘best-for-project’ outcomes.
5 Value Value is a term that almost always means something different to people. Our role is to identify value as
understood by our client, our design partners, and wider project stakeholders and address it through design.
6. Innovation The most successful projects are those where innovative thinking and application has been a central
component. Keeping this component focused on ‘best-for-project’ outcomes allows us to express design flair and
innovation whilst ensuring it delivers real value. Innovation could be simplifying the construction sequence, minimising
working at height, or adjusting the design to suit a better program of site activities.
Often our best engineering design solutions are those that are supported by a collection of factors and considerations that
link together. Our approach to engineering is influenced by those around us (clients and stakeholders), by limiting factors
(such as financial or physical project restraints) and project briefs (both for today and the future).
There are numerous influences that can be considered. Here are six that we regularly address:
2
Revisiting the
brief
3
Understanding
Potential
Risks
4
Relationships
& Collaborative
working
DESIGN
ENGINEERING
1
Critical
Successes
6
Innovation
5
Value
Case Study
Masterplan image as prepared by Stride Treglown
University of the West of England Transport services
SKM has been providing transport masterplanning support
to the University of the West of England (UWE) for the past 4
years. This has culminated in the submission of a planning
application for a 25 year Masterplan for a University Campus
fit for the 21st century on a 58ha site.
In the lead-up to the submission, SKM has assisted with the
decisions on ancillary uses on the site, providing key advice
to the University on access strategies and the appropriate
levels of commercial development that could be accessed via
the congested road network. The application as submitted
provides for UWE’s academic requirements but also protects
the commercial value of the land.
The Masterplan includes a Sustainable Transport hub which
will include the largest bus station in South Gloucestershire
and will facilitate interchange with Bristol’s Rapid Transit
Scheme, as well as cross-city and national bus services.
The Masterplan includes a joint venture between UWE and
Bristol Rovers Football Club applying for a football stadium on
the site. The car park is proposed to be shared, used by the
university on weekdays and the football club on matchdays.
SKM also advised the University on sustainable access
to the Campus. Detailed analysis has been undertaken to
inform the Travel Smart Project - a stream of measures to
be introduced to encourage staff and student to access the
campus in a sustainable manner.

6. www.globalskm.comPAGE 7
APPLICATION OF CONCEPTS
We believe we have a pivotal role in the design team. We must influence, challenge, debate and lead the design team
towards pragmatic but imaginative solutions which deliver the client best value.
This role is most important, providing engineering support to the development of the project concepts. We believe
in investing the time to understand the detail of the requirements of the other disciplines. Most design concepts are
achievable, but our skill is in supporting and adjusting these into realistic, holistic proposals which are deliverable within the
client’s budget and programme parameters. We pride ourselves as consultants who will push the design team to achieve
the best value designs. Having a solid understanding of how the application of these concepts can be translated into
construction tasks and ultimately then whole life maintenance issues is a key for us.
Key to the delivery of a successful project is collaborative working where the entire team, including the client, the
professional team, the contractor and key sub-contractors can freely contribute to the design and procurement processes.
A key focus we bring to projects we are involved with is the application of concepts that continue throughout the entire
program of the project – not just at the commencement.
In these early stages of developing and testing the concepts it is important we prepare a range of possible design solutions
in collaboration with the various design disciplines. In some cases, the involvement of specialist sub-contractors in the
development of these scheme proposals helps address some of the buildability issues.
Sustainable practices are fairly well developed in the construction industry and SKM’s capability is broad and experienced.
Working with our sustainability consultants we can focus on issues ranging from embodied energy, to carbon reduction
strategies and supporting behavioural change needs. Considering sustainability from the concept of project briefs is a core
part of what we do.
PAGE 6
Case Study
University of Surrey – Learning Research Centre
The Learning Resource Centre is located in
the heart of the Main Campus at the University
of Surrey. It is wedged between the Library
Building and the Main block of lecture
theatres. To the front and back are pedestrian
routes. The road access was at the end of a
cul de sac.
The project involved the demolition of a poor quality canteen
building that was founded on a series of very large unreinforced
concrete foundations. The site also had a reinforced concrete
services tunnel running across the site. This 2 metre wide by 3
metres deep tunnel carried all the core services that served most of
the main campus and which could not be relocated nor disrupted.
The top of the tunnel corresponded with the ground floor level of the
new building.
In order to facilitate the programme and to ensure that the ‘noisy’
elements of the programme were carried out during the university
vacations, the contract was split into two phases with the demolition
and the piling contracts were combined into one. SKM provided the
design input as well as acting as Contract Administrator.
One of the major challenges of this part of the works was dealing
with the large foundations. Their size and the time and to break
them up into manageable sizes for their removal, resulted in leaving
them in position and design a piling layout that work around these
obstructions. Despite the adverse weather conditions these works
were completed on time and to budget.
On the four storey building SKM acted as the Employer’s Engineer
taking the project was completed.
The brief for the building, which served primarily as a library, was
also intended to house a series of language laboratories, cafeteria
area and a retail outlet. There was a requirement to recognise that in
the early part of the 21st Century that far more emphasis would be
placed on students IT as a means of learning.
The end product in structural engineering terms was a flat slab
concrete framed building. The requirement was to have a clear
concrete soffit to the slabs. Precast concrete ‘Cobiax’ planks were
specified to form these soffits.
The building was quite heavily serviced, there was also a
requirement to incorporate some of these into those of the existing
library. There was a requirement for a high level of integration
between that of the M and E requirements and that of the structure.
The building also comprised a series of double volume study spaces
that allowed in significant amounts of natural light into the study
areas. The various spaces were located around a feature atrium.
The project achieved a BREEAM ‘Very Good’ rating.
Case Study
Oxford Brookes University Carbon Estates Strategy
In the context of a long term
Estates Strategy, Oxford Brookes
University has set an ambitious
target to reduce carbon emissions
from its building estate by 50%
by 2020. The achievement
of this strategy requires the
identification, quantification
and prioritisation of a wide
range of energy and carbon
reduction opportunities from over 60 buildings across
five campuses, covering diverse activities including
laboratories, lecture theatres, cafes and accommodation.
With limited available energy data, SKM provided a
robust analysis of energy reduction opportunities for
each building by constructing a mathematical energy
model using IES <Virtual Environment> software. This
enabled the baseline annual energy consumption of
each building to be established and broken down into
end-use such as lighting, heating and equipment loads.
Using the standard SBEM profile data, the models were
verified by Oxford Brookes against actual energy data
and models adjusted by SKM to achieve an accuracy
of greater than 90%. This detailed understanding of the
energy requirements of each building provided a robust
foundation upon which the impact of specific energy
efficiency measures could be based.
This approach is similar to the methodology proposed
for the assessment of non-domestic Green Deal funding
and established measures that would meet the ‘Golden
Rule’ criteria.
Energy and carbon reduction opportunities were
identified through detailed building surveys and their
benefits assessed using the building models. This
also allowed the impact of multiple options to be more
accurately quantified.
Individual benefits from all the buildings were then
amalgamated into a sophisticated financial tool.
This provided the University with an interactive cost
benefit analysis resource that prioritises the different
opportunities and assists with the business case
decisions needed for investment in the University’s
estate.
The University now know what needs to be done to meet
its 50% carbon reduction target.

7. www.globalskm.comPAGE 7
APPLICATION OF CONCEPTS
We believe we have a pivotal role in the design team. We must influence, challenge, debate and lead the design team
towards pragmatic but imaginative solutions which deliver the client best value.
This role is most important, providing engineering support to the development of the project concepts. We believe
in investing the time to understand the detail of the requirements of the other disciplines. Most design concepts are
achievable, but our skill is in supporting and adjusting these into realistic, holistic proposals which are deliverable within the
client’s budget and programme parameters. We pride ourselves as consultants who will push the design team to achieve
the best value designs. Having a solid understanding of how the application of these concepts can be translated into
construction tasks and ultimately then whole life maintenance issues is a key for us.
Key to the delivery of a successful project is collaborative working where the entire team, including the client, the
professional team, the contractor and key sub-contractors can freely contribute to the design and procurement processes.
A key focus we bring to projects we are involved with is the application of concepts that continue throughout the entire
program of the project – not just at the commencement.
In these early stages of developing and testing the concepts it is important we prepare a range of possible design solutions
in collaboration with the various design disciplines. In some cases, the involvement of specialist sub-contractors in the
development of these scheme proposals helps address some of the buildability issues.
Sustainable practices are fairly well developed in the construction industry and SKM’s capability is broad and experienced.
Working with our sustainability consultants we can focus on issues ranging from embodied energy, to carbon reduction
strategies and supporting behavioural change needs. Considering sustainability from the concept of project briefs is a core
part of what we do.
PAGE 6
Case Study
University of Surrey – Learning Research Centre
The Learning Resource Centre is located in
the heart of the Main Campus at the University
of Surrey. It is wedged between the Library
Building and the Main block of lecture
theatres. To the front and back are pedestrian
routes. The road access was at the end of a
cul de sac.
The project involved the demolition of a poor quality canteen
building that was founded on a series of very large unreinforced
concrete foundations. The site also had a reinforced concrete
services tunnel running across the site. This 2 metre wide by 3
metres deep tunnel carried all the core services that served most of
the main campus and which could not be relocated nor disrupted.
The top of the tunnel corresponded with the ground floor level of the
new building.
In order to facilitate the programme and to ensure that the ‘noisy’
elements of the programme were carried out during the university
vacations, the contract was split into two phases with the demolition
and the piling contracts were combined into one. SKM provided the
design input as well as acting as Contract Administrator.
One of the major challenges of this part of the works was dealing
with the large foundations. Their size and the time and to break
them up into manageable sizes for their removal, resulted in leaving
them in position and design a piling layout that work around these
obstructions. Despite the adverse weather conditions these works
were completed on time and to budget.
On the four storey building SKM acted as the Employer’s Engineer
taking the project was completed.
The brief for the building, which served primarily as a library, was
also intended to house a series of language laboratories, cafeteria
area and a retail outlet. There was a requirement to recognise that in
the early part of the 21st Century that far more emphasis would be
placed on students IT as a means of learning.
The end product in structural engineering terms was a flat slab
concrete framed building. The requirement was to have a clear
concrete soffit to the slabs. Precast concrete ‘Cobiax’ planks were
specified to form these soffits.
The building was quite heavily serviced, there was also a
requirement to incorporate some of these into those of the existing
library. There was a requirement for a high level of integration
between that of the M and E requirements and that of the structure.
The building also comprised a series of double volume study spaces
that allowed in significant amounts of natural light into the study
areas. The various spaces were located around a feature atrium.
The project achieved a BREEAM ‘Very Good’ rating.
Case Study
Oxford Brookes University Carbon Estates Strategy
In the context of a long term
Estates Strategy, Oxford Brookes
University has set an ambitious
target to reduce carbon emissions
from its building estate by 50%
by 2020. The achievement
of this strategy requires the
identification, quantification
and prioritisation of a wide
range of energy and carbon
reduction opportunities from over 60 buildings across
five campuses, covering diverse activities including
laboratories, lecture theatres, cafes and accommodation.
With limited available energy data, SKM provided a
robust analysis of energy reduction opportunities for
each building by constructing a mathematical energy
model using IES <Virtual Environment> software. This
enabled the baseline annual energy consumption of
each building to be established and broken down into
end-use such as lighting, heating and equipment loads.
Using the standard SBEM profile data, the models were
verified by Oxford Brookes against actual energy data
and models adjusted by SKM to achieve an accuracy
of greater than 90%. This detailed understanding of the
energy requirements of each building provided a robust
foundation upon which the impact of specific energy
efficiency measures could be based.
This approach is similar to the methodology proposed
for the assessment of non-domestic Green Deal funding
and established measures that would meet the ‘Golden
Rule’ criteria.
Energy and carbon reduction opportunities were
identified through detailed building surveys and their
benefits assessed using the building models. This
also allowed the impact of multiple options to be more
accurately quantified.
Individual benefits from all the buildings were then
amalgamated into a sophisticated financial tool.
This provided the University with an interactive cost
benefit analysis resource that prioritises the different
opportunities and assists with the business case
decisions needed for investment in the University’s
estate.
The University now know what needs to be done to meet
its 50% carbon reduction target.

8. PAGE 8 www.globalskm.comPAGE 5
OUR WORK - PROJECT EXAMPLES FEASIBILITYDESIGN ENGINEERING APPROACH
Transportation considerations:
SKM can help shape masterplans in the HE sector by
understanding and testing options for campus expansion or
consolidation. Our transport strategies are always developed
taking advantage of any spare capacity in transport provision
in the vicinity of the site. We then undertake further analysis
looking to achieve modal shift to reduce costs of external
highway works. Through detailed analysis of the impacts
of individual development phases, we can identify the most
appropriate point for implementation of the various transport
schemes and also identify the scope for works to be deferred
subject to monitoring the impacts of the completed phases.
Engineering approach:
Our approach and methodology providing engineering
solutions starts with testing the client’s ‘must-haves’ on each
project and making sure we deliver those. Our clients have
strong visions of what their projects should be both in terms
of function requirement but also the buildings identities.
A review of the masterplan, the history of its development
and a visit to the site provide us with excellent insights into
the development to date. A review of this decision making, to
understand and enhance helps us understand the challenges
in delivering the clients vision. In our approach at this stage
we believe that considering longer term aspirations now, the
cost and quality and ultimately the vision can be managed and
delivered.
Working with some of the best visionary architects we have
refined our approach to engineering solutions to test and
develop briefs. For us it’s about being able to ask the right
probing questions, in a timely manner that enhances the
process for the client and its team to deliver a best for project
set of outcomes.
Our motivation with clients is to strive towards efficient,
elegant and economical engineering solutions. This reflects
back what our clients expect from us: To present solutions
which are clear, supportive of their aspirations and help
deliver the project vision.
1. Critical Success Success means different things to each of us. Our engineering design solution must address these
and our solutions need to balance all of them.
2. Revisiting the brief Reminding ourselves what our aspirations are, and reviewing progress against those is often
over looked by some. Our approach is to regularly review the brief, taking the time to check progress, review the design
development and provide formal and informal environments for our client to review and access our progress.
3 Understanding potential risks As technical specialists, good designers understand risks associated to their completion
of tasks. However, identifying how those risks affect others, and how they are communicated and then mitigated is a
critical point. We believe that a holistic understanding of project risks and how the impacts of our actions affects others
are key.
4. Relationships and collaborative working Our belief is that project environments should encourage openness,
collaboration, and working to resolve the project issues – with a common aim of providing ‘best-for-project’ outcomes.
5 Value Value is a term that almost always means something different to people. Our role is to identify value as
understood by our client, our design partners, and wider project stakeholders and address it through design.
6. Innovation The most successful projects are those where innovative thinking and application has been a central
component. Keeping this component focused on ‘best-for-project’ outcomes allows us to express design flair and
innovation whilst ensuring it delivers real value. Innovation could be simplifying the construction sequence, minimising
working at height, or adjusting the design to suit a better program of site activities.
Often our best engineering design solutions are those that are supported by a collection of factors and considerations that
link together. Our approach to engineering is influenced by those around us (clients and stakeholders), by limiting factors
(such as financial or physical project restraints) and project briefs (both for today and the future).
There are numerous influences that can be considered. Here are six that we regularly address:
2
Revisiting the
brief
3
Understanding
Potential
Risks
4
Relationships
& Collaborative
working
DESIGN
ENGINEERING
1
Critical
Successes
6
Innovation
5
Value
Case Study
Masterplan image as prepared by Stride Treglown
University of the West of England Transport services
SKM has been providing transport masterplanning support
to the University of the West of England (UWE) for the past 4
years. This has culminated in the submission of a planning
application for a 25 year Masterplan for a University Campus
fit for the 21st century on a 58ha site.
In the lead-up to the submission, SKM has assisted with the
decisions on ancillary uses on the site, providing key advice
to the University on access strategies and the appropriate
levels of commercial development that could be accessed via
the congested road network. The application as submitted
provides for UWE’s academic requirements but also protects
the commercial value of the land.
The Masterplan includes a Sustainable Transport hub which
will include the largest bus station in South Gloucestershire
and will facilitate interchange with Bristol’s Rapid Transit
Scheme, as well as cross-city and national bus services.
The Masterplan includes a joint venture between UWE and
Bristol Rovers Football Club applying for a football stadium on
the site. The car park is proposed to be shared, used by the
university on weekdays and the football club on matchdays.
SKM also advised the University on sustainable access
to the Campus. Detailed analysis has been undertaken to
inform the Travel Smart Project - a stream of measures to
be introduced to encourage staff and student to access the
campus in a sustainable manner.

9. PAGE 4 www.globalskm.comPAGE 9
MASTERPLANNING OUR WORK - PROJECT EXAMPLES
At SKM we consider sustainability should be at the heart
of masterplanning process. It reflects our desire to provide
advice and solutions that deliver enduring value. We take a
step back from the technical detail to examine the broad,
holistic context for sustainability integration for a project at
both current and future timescales. This enables us to design
and deliver developments that are iconic, functional, efficient
and adaptable whilst embedded within the local community
means that sustainability needs to be integrated from the
initial vision and a driver for decision making throughout the
design process.
Our team of sustainability specialists works closely with
clients and design teams from the original concept designs to
ensure that the proposals developed take full account of policy
requirements and deliver schemes that will achieve exemplary
standards of sustainability and environmental performance.
In order to embed this philosophy effectively SKM has
developed a well-structured and proven sustainability
assessment process known as ‘Sustainability by Design’ that
facilitates integrated, strategic thinking. This involves in depth
analysis of the requirements of students, staff and members
of the local community to ensure that our projects meet their
needs whilst maximising environmental and social benefits.
Another major set of considerations that SKM leads during the
masterplanning stages is the approach to transport and traffic
considerations and land use planning. SKM acquired Colin
Buchanan and Partners in 2011 to provide these services.
SKM Colin Buchanan (SKM CB) is a leading international
planning, urban design, transport and economics
consultancy, totally integrated into the SKM group. SKM
CB is unique amongst consultancies, in that it combines
a strong planning and urban design skills capability with
traffic and public transport and a rigorous economic
approach. SKM CB delivers the multidisciplinary approach
required to solve masterplanning, estates rationalisation
and transport problems, with different specialists working
closely together in teams based on the needs of each
project.
Case Study
SITRAN Research Laboratory
‘SITraN’ (otherwise known as the ‘Sheffield Institute for Translational
Neuroscience’) is set to become a world centre for research into Motor
Neurone Disease. This project will occupy some 2750m2
of a sloping
brownfield site on the edge of Sheffield University’s campus, adjacent to
a quiet residential area.
The proximity of existing housing lead the local planning authority to limit
the building height to two storeys (this being the height of the buildings
previously located on the site), resulting in a building approximately 60m
long x 22m wide. A palate of well detailed materials including stonework,
timber, render and glazing will be used to break up the visual impact
of the 60m long elevation. The visual impact of the building is further
reduced by stepping the upper floor back slightly, resulting in a roof
terrace adjacent to the office and administration areas located at the
upper floor level. The laboratories are all located at lower ground floor
level, which is partly built into the sloping site by the use of an in-situ
retaining wall along the rear elevation. Due to the significant building
services requirements associated with the laboratories, a steel frame
construction based on ‘Slimflor’ beams was adopted involving setting the
precast concrete floor units at upper floor and roof levels within the depth
of the ‘Slimflor’ beams, resulting in no downstand beams and hence
uninterrupted horizontal distribution of services. A steel frame was more
practical for a tight site, as well as minimising the period of construction,
and hence disruption to the adjacent residents.
Unusually for a brownfield site, the depth of made ground was relatively
low and the levels of contamination were insignificant, resulting in a very
economic sub-structure solution based on a groundbearing concrete
slab, strip footings to the building perimeter, and shallow pad footings
at column positions. A gas resistant membrane will be installed to
overcome potential mine gases associated with deep coal mines in the
area. The stability of the sloping site had to be checked, and the existing
on-site roads regraded to enable safe access for both construction
personnel and end users (particularly the disabled).
Case Study
Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) 2007-2010
SKM Colin Buchanan (CB) was commissioned by MMU
to provide highways and transportation advice to seek
planning approval for the amalgamation of its campuses.
The transport work was a key piece in the Strategic
Development Framework gaining approval from Manchester
City Council in 2010.
As part of the Transport Assessment, parking studies
were undertaken in order to assess the present situation
and potential effects of the amalgamation on off and
on-campus parking. SKM CB undertook in depth student
travel surveys which fed into the Transport Assessment
and Travel Plan. We recognised that obtaining accurate
travel information for students is difficult through past
experience of low response rates to surveys. Because of
this we developed a new ‘hands-up’ survey technique. This
involved understanding all teaching patterns of each course
taught at each campus and selecting lectures to attend that
would create a representative sample. This survey method
ensured a larger and more representative response than
obtained from university students in the past.
As part of the Transport Assessment for the city centre
campus, options were investigated for pedestrianising a
road to link the two parts of the campus together. This
was undertaken with the vision of making the campus
environmentally friendly and encouraging sustainable travel.

10. PAGE 10 www.globalskm.comPAGE 3
SUPPORTING YOUR VISION
The quality and accessibility of the University estate is
fundamental to attracting the next generation of prospective
students. Competition between Universities is at an all-time
high with the optimum use the estate under the spotlight. SKM
provide specialist support in the strategic planning, design
and delivery of higher education estates functions.
Our alignment principles are based on:
• Sustainability
embedding solutions across the planning, development
and maintenance of the estate
• Estate optimisation
improving the quality and accessibility of the Estate,
such as reducing the amount of unnecessary car parking,
providing energy efficiency and low carbon solutions
• Consultation
ensuring solutions are designed, tested and influenced by
key stakeholders
• Buildings
ensuring individual buildings match up to the site wide
sustainability aspirations
• Legacy
future proofing on site infrastructure and ensuring
the connectivity of the site is linked to the wider local
community
• Innovation
ensuring that new technologies and ideas are considered.
Working with SKM offers the benefits of a holistic and multi-
disciplinary environmental, transport and engineering team
that will optimise the synergies related to higher education
site and infrastructure planning, engineering design,
environmental assessment, energy and transport strategies.
We pride ourselves in our ability to put sustainability into
practice and can bring experience that goes beyond strategy
development through to project design and delivery.
ONGOING SUPPORT
SKM provide a range of Estates and Facilities Management services under sustainability, transport, parking,
procurement and programme/ project management support. Our solutions help to ensure that University Estate
Directors can optimise use of the estate for teaching and learning without having to allocate unnecessary space to
additional car parking capacity.
In the context of a long term Estates Strategy, it is not uncommon for Universities to set ambitious target to reduce
carbon emissions by 50% in 2020 (compared to 2005 base levels). The achievement of this strategy requires the
identification, quantification and prioritisation of a wide range of energy and carbon reduction opportunities from
buildings across multiple campuses, covering diverse activities including laboratories, lecture theatres, cafes and
accommodation.
SKM identify energy and carbon reduction opportunities through detailed building surveys and their benefits assessed
using the building models. This also allowed the impact of multiple options to be more accurately quantified.
Additionally, as Carbon Trust Standard assessors, SKM regularly calculate and verify scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions
for leading UK companies who are recertifying under the Standard. We have also calculated carbon footprints under
specific legislative criteria, including the Carbon Reduction Commitment.
SKM will help you implement a first class sustainable transport system by understanding the balance between parking
revenue, business operations, needs of users and local transport conditions. We have worked with several colleges
and universities to develop and implement car parking management strategies, such as Durham University, the
University of Leicester and Loughborough University.
Case Study
Renewable Energy Strategy for Glasgow Caledonian
University
In line with their Sustainable Campus Master Plan, Glasgow
Caledonian University wanted to understand the options
and associated costs and benefits of different renewable
energy technologies that would be suitable for their main
campus. The options also included low carbon technology,
such as Combined Heat and Power (CHP) system, and the
development of a district heating system.
SKM was commissioned to carry out a review on renewable
energy options. The study involved collating and analysing
energy consumption data, developing building specific
energy profiles and assessing the viability of various
renewable technologies (both building specific and site wide)
for cost and carbon savings. The preferred option (gas fired
CHP and district heating) was developed addressing strategic
context, business needs, benefits, economic (quantitative
appraisal), procurement, risks and project plan. The business
case was presented and gained approval from the University
Court. SKM have now been retained as a specialist advisor
to work alongside various framework contractors in the
design, procurement, construction and commissioning of the
scheme.
Client Benefits of this Approach
• Financial and delivery models – The analysis highlighted
the various financial and delivery models which could
be used by the University to deliver a CHP/DH scheme,
highlighting the risks and rewards associated with each
• Policy Framework – The approach identified the changing
policy framework and provided insight into the possible
impacts of Renewable Heat Incentives and Feed in Tariffs
incentives.

11. www.globalskm.comPAGE 11
ONGOING SUPPORT
VISION
MASTERPLANNING
FEASIBILITY
APPLICATION
DESIGN
ONGOING SUPPORT
PAGE 2
Case Study
Loughborough University Parking and Travel Plan
Programme Management
SKM CB has provided a full range of travel planning services
for Loughborough University, including designing and hosting
comprehensive staff and student travel surveys, writing the
University’s Travel Plan and their Car Parking Management
Strategy, and helping to implement both elements.
The travel plan focuses on encouraging staff to walk, cycle
and use public transport, with a wide range of targets
encompassing both regular and occasional travel. SKM CB
developed a clear action plan highlighting the measures to be
implemented to ensure their targets are met.
On the parking management side, we have implemented a
web-based permit applications system (ParkIT) that helps to
save time in dealing with criteria-based permit applications.
The application can be fully customised and deals with
multiple sites and car parks. SKM CB has also managed the
installation of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR)
technology.
The travel plan and car parking management strategy have
both played an important part in helping the University to
reduce their environmental impact and congestion on-site,
while encouraging and enabling staff and students to make
sustainable travel choices.
“LU has worked with [SKM] CB over the last 12 months on all
aspects of Travel Planning. Projects have included surveying
staff and students to inform the updated Travel Plan,
supporting and advising the University on delivery of a car
park management strategy and ensuring planning conditions
can be met by the University going forward. CB has met all
targets and deadlines set by the University and continually
offered flexibility in their approach.”
Sustainability Manager, Loughborough University
Case Study
UCLAN
Performing Arts Centre
SKM was appointed by contractors ROK to provide the
structural engineering for the performing arts centre at the
University of Central Lancashire.
The client’s brief was to provide a new media centre for use
by several departments as a rationalisation of the existing
media and performance faculties which were spread across
the campus. The new media centre was required to support
performing arts and media studies and the incorporation of
functional spaces including video editing suites, television
studios, dance studios and theatres as well as split teaching
facilities.
The brief presented numerous challenges including the
added complexities of being located adjacent to a canal
and a disused railway line and the design solution had to be
respectful of potential future development of the canal.
The acoustic performance of the functional spaces presented
a huge challenge and required each of these spaces to be
independently ventilated to mitigate sound transfer between
adjacent teaching and learning areas.
To achieve the clear spans within the functional spaces,
long span cellular steel beams were adopted. These were
designed to be integrated with a complex ventilation strategy
and designed with consideration to the vibrational effects
associated within these performance areas.
SKM also carried out a Part L Building Regulations
assessment to assess how the building, designed to meet the
2002 regulations, would perform against the 2006 revisions.

12. For more information please contact:
Don McCarthy – Regional Manager Clients
T: +44 7824 815 896
E: DMcCarthy@globalskm.com
www.globalskm.com
HIGHER EDUCATION CAPABILITY STATEMENT
www.globalskm.com
We provide strategic advice that helps our clients to improve
the performance of their projects and enhance return on
investment, enabling more informed decision-making. We
engineer and design practical solutions, anticipating barriers
to implementation so that our designs can be delivered to
schedule and budget, and endure the test of time.
We are not just engineers, scientists, designers, consultants
and project deliverers. We are people who strive to deliver
outcomes which make a difference – economically, socially
and environmentally – to ourselves, our clients and the
communities in which we live and work. We do this by
finding smart solutions to our clients’ challenges.
Sinclair Knight Merz is a leading projects firm,
with global capability in strategic consulting,
engineering and project delivery. Founded
in 1964, it operates in three regions: Asia
Pacific, the Americas and EMEA, deploying
some 7,000 people from more than 40 offices
while serving the Buildings and Infrastructure,
Mining and Metals, Power & Energy and Water
& Environment sectors.
SKM INTRODUCTIONSKM INTRODUCTION