Ove Arup Foundation

In 2006 The Ove Arup Foundation made a grant of £2,000 to Upkeep, an independent charity that educates people about how to look after their buildings. Based at the Building Centre off London's Tottenham Court Road, Upkeep promotes good practice in the construction, maintenance and repair of all types of buildings.

A permanent exhibition shows full-size examples of best practice and provides guidance on the correct use of products and how maintenance and improvements can be properly carried out.

"Many people feel daunted by their lack of knowledge about buildings," says Upkeep director Annette McGill, "with the result that they avoid doing maintenance and their properties deteriorate. What Upkeep does is show property owners how they can ensure their buildings function more efficiently and last longer."

Upkeep also runs training courses and seminars, and has been educating young people for over 25 years. Students at schools, colleges and universities make use of the Upkeep resource to see practical details about construction and to look at issues relating to the maintenance and sustainability of materials and designs. Upkeep also coordinates a national network, CFM, for people carrying out facilities management in the voluntary sector.

"While much Government policy concentrates on the supply, location, design and sustainability of new buildings," says Richard Haryott, Chairman of The Ove Arup Foundation, "the implications of repair and maintenance of the far greater existing stock are often overlooked. Organisations like Upkeep have an important role to play in this regard."

For more information about Upkeep, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and visit the website at www.upkeep.org.uk.