Veolia Water Technologies has successfully completed a £2.5 million wastewater treatment plant for the Macallan Distillery and visitor centre in rural Scotland. The Macallan owners, Edrington, commissioned the new distillery to provide a much needed increase in volume production to meet the global demand for the world
Network innovation funding should be judged a success based on the quality of the evidence generated rather than business as usual (BAU) adoption. There is limited evidence that Low Carbon Network Fund projects are able to transition to BAU in the short-term, due to the technology readiness
Balfour Beatty has been fined £2.6m after an employee was killed in a trench collapse in Lancashire. James Sim, a 32-year-old from Barry in South Wales, was working under subcontract for Balfour Beatty Utility Solutions Ltd. On the 14th April 2010, he was working in a trench, laying ducting for
The product range caters for different types of landlord, whether they be limited companies or individuals Paragon Mortgages has announced this morning that it has launched six new products aimed at professional landlords. In addition to the new products, the lender also confirmed that it has refreshed its existing range.
19 October 2016 | Herpreet Kaur Grewal Servest Group has won a three-year cleaning contract with a rail operator. Servest will provide comprehensive cleaning services to 102 stations and 150 trains for the Great Western Railway franchise. Around 350 members of staff will be involved in delivering cleaning services to the
In the UK that energy consumption is rising, between 2005 and 2030, energy consumption is believed to increase by 50%. The main reason is with the growing population in the UK and the demand for energy. Together, with supplier of commercial gas, Flogas we take a look at what energy
Independent construction, property and management consultant, Rider Levett Bucknall (RLB) has appointed ex-Amazon logistics industry specialist, Duncan Robertson, as a Commercial Partner to head up the firm’s Industrial Sector in the North. Duncan has over 25 years’ experience in the logistics sector. He has worked for a range of companies
The Government has been investing significantly into the creation of new accommodation for prisoners recently. The Industrial Design Consultancy, or IDC has been working in the same area, focusing on designing a safer seat to be installed in prison cells. The aim of the IDC is to create chairs which
LAR has been celebrating their 20th anniversary recently with a new company brand identity. The leading ambatement specialist maintained a consistent brand image for its first 20 years, and have now released a new, refreshed image that acts as a better reflection of the company’s values and central attributes. LAR
Systemair has announced the launch of Geniox in order to offer a product that can improve the energy efficiency of ventilation systems. Systemair is a leading ventilation company and has launched the new air handling units. It is thought that ventilation accounts for around 40% of a building’s energy consumption,
Veolia Water Technologies has successfully completed a £2.5 million wastewater treatment plant for the Macallan Distillery and visitor centre in rural Scotland. The Macallan owners, Edrington, commissioned the new distillery to provide a much needed increase in volume production to meet the global demand for the world famous Macallan single malt whisky. The distillery needed an enhanced wastewater plant on site to meet the SEPA regulations for discharge into the environmentally sensitive River Spey. Key to the success of the project was valuable experience acquired while working on The Macallan’s previous wastewater treatment plant, plus a wastewater characterisation study prior to the design of the new plant. The knowledge gained and a close working relationship with engineers from The Macallan enabled the Veolia team to forge ahead with a high degree of confidence that they had the right solution. The installation is based on an Idraflot dissolved air flotation (DAF) unit followed by a Biosep membrane bioreactor (MBR). The water treatment plant has built in future proofing and can be easily upgraded as demand for the whisky increases. Edrington’s UK Engineering Manager, George McKenzie, said: “Based on Veolia’s experience we expected to achieve a good quality discharge – certainly well within the consent limits – and that we have done”, he says. “In addition the new plant has a much higher level of automation which means reduced operator involvement.” A version of this article first appeared on wwtonline Source link
Network innovation funding should be judged a success based on the quality of the evidence generated rather than business as usual (BAU) adoption. There is limited evidence that Low Carbon Network Fund projects are able to transition to BAU in the short-term, due to the technology readiness level of many of the projects being undertaken, according to the UK Energy Research Centre (UKERC). The UKERC said, in a review conducted with Hubnet into the outcomes of the LCNF, that many projects included prototype development and academic modelling, suggesting lower technology readiness levels (TRL) than set out in the LCNF governance, inhibiting the ability to be adopted in the short-term as BAU. It said: “We do not see the focus on lower TRL innovation and lack of transition to BAU as a negative per se; the critical aspect is the quality of evidence that can be expected and what kinds of decisions this subsequently informs.” The report added that the funding has kickstarted an important revival in research, development and demonstration by electricity distribution operators, which has delivered “significant learning” and potential for network cost reduction and improvements in service. It said that without the funding innovation is likely to have been “stagnant at best and non-existent at worst” and recommends support is continued so network operators can consolidate their position as leading research into smart grids. UKERC co-director Keith Bell said: “The electricity networks… face major challenges from changes to the generation mix and future demand for electricity for heating and transport. The challenges aren’t insurmountable but they need to be met cost-effectively. “The LCNF has been extremely important in re-energising the network companies’ interests in innovation and providing a platform for finding out what things should be done differently.” Source link
Balfour Beatty has been fined £2.6m after an employee was killed in a trench collapse in Lancashire. James Sim, a 32-year-old from Barry in South Wales, was working under subcontract for Balfour Beatty Utility Solutions Ltd. On the 14th April 2010, he was working in a trench, laying ducting for new cable for the offshore windfarm that was being built off the coast of Heysham. An investigation by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) found that the trench was dug to a depth of 2.4 metres without any shoring. Mr Sim was killed when he became trapped in the trench after it collapsed on him. It has taken six years for the case to reach its legal conclusion but yesterday (6th May 2016) Balfour Beatty Utility Solutions Ltd pleaded guilty to safety offences at Preston Crown Court. The court heard that Balfour Beatty failed to adequately risk assess the works or control the way in which the excavation took place. HSE inspector Chris Hatton said after the hearing: “The level of this fine should serve as a warning to industry not to ignore health and safety matters. “Balfour Beatty failed to adequately assess, plan and supervise the work being undertaken. Trench collapses are easy to prevent, and it is disappointing that James’ life was lost in such a tragic way. “The family has shown great patience and support throughout this investigation which is a credit to both them and James’ memory.” Balfour Beatty Utility Solutions Limited, of Park Square Newton, Chambers Road, Chapeltown, Sheffield was found guilty of breaching Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, Regulation 31(1) of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 and Regulation 3(1)(a) of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 and was fined £2.6m with £54,000 costs. Balfour Beatty has a stated commitment to Zero Harm on its sites. However, this is the company’s second seven-figure fine this year following fatalties on its sites. Earlier this year Balfour Beatty Civil Engineering was fined £1m after a road worker was killed on the A2 in Kent while repairing traffic barriers. [See previous report here.] This article was published on 6 May 2016 (last updated on 6 May 2016). Source link
The product range caters for different types of landlord, whether they be limited companies or individuals Paragon Mortgages has announced this morning that it has launched six new products aimed at professional landlords. In addition to the new products, the lender also confirmed that it has refreshed its existing range. Included in the new products are two-year fixed rates starting at 3.40% with a 1.50% product fee at 65% LTV for single self-contained units, and 3.75% with a 1.50% product fee at 65% LTV for HMOs and multi-unit blocks. Three new five-year fixes are available from 4.20% with a 1.50% product fee at 65% LTV for single self-contained properties – for both individual and limited company landlords. Paragon’s stepped fixed rate products are included in the range. The five year fixed rate products can either increase in rate each year until the end of the product term, or decrease dependent on the landlord’s preference. John Heron, Managing Director of Paragon Mortgages, said: “We have re-dated our existing product range and then added six new fixed rate products. The product range caters for different types of landlord, whether they be limited companies or individuals. The stepped rate products have been created to allow landlords that extra flexibility with their financial planning. With tax liabilities increasing from April 2017, a stepped rate product which moves from a higher rate to a lower rate could help landlords plan for a rise in their tax bill. However, intermediaries will need to talk to their landlord customers to ensure they fully understand how these products work and whether they would be suited to their circumstances.” Source link
19 October 2016 | Herpreet Kaur Grewal Servest Group has won a three-year cleaning contract with a rail operator. Servest will provide comprehensive cleaning services to 102 stations and 150 trains for the Great Western Railway franchise. Around 350 members of staff will be involved in delivering cleaning services to the entire network, encompassing station cleaning and train cleaning, across a large geographical spread. This will include turnaround and in-transit cleans, as well as cleaning the trains at the depot overnight ready to go back into service the following day. Great Western Railway operates train services across the west, from Penzance to Paddington and across the South, South-West and Wales. Source link
In the UK that energy consumption is rising, between 2005 and 2030, energy consumption is believed to increase by 50%. The main reason is with the growing population in the UK and the demand for energy. Together, with supplier of commercial gas, Flogas we take a look at what energy sources make up the market and how much we depend on them. Fossil Fuels It still remains that fossil fuels is one of our highest energy sources in the UK. It is made up of natural gas, and coal, it is a reliable form of energy that has supplied both domestic and commercial needs for many years. Coal There have been 3 major coal power stations that have been shut down in the last year which lead to coal electricity generation plummeting from 22.6% to 9.2%, which it’s at its lowest output in 80 years. Natural Gas Natural gas can provide power whenever it is needed, making it a reliable energy source. The existence of gas power stations increased 45% between 2015 and 2016. This may down to the collapse of coal generated energy. In regards to emissions, natural gas emits 45% less carbon dioxide than coal and 30% less than oil. This means that the impact that it brings to the environment is not as extreme as alternate forms of fuel. Gas can provide energy for variety of different reasons because it’s a multi-use energy source. It can be used for domestic purposes such as cooking, heating and drying as well as being able to generate electric power, power vehicles, produce plastics and many more useful purposes. Gas is the most available energy source on a worldwide scale and is extracted by many countries for use, through using a drilling method. Renewable Renewable Energy is an increasing source of energy in the UK and Worldwide. There are many counties that are investing in solar panels and wind farms to generate electricity in new ways. However, there are many that believe this is a less reliable source of energy and we could never 100% rely on it. Windpower Wind farms provide this energy that depends on the strength of the wind at the time of generation. It was reported in 2016 that windfarms across the UK generated more electricity than coal power plants produced and also produced more power than solar panels. Solar Power Solar Panel is becoming an increasingly used power source worldwide. The UK is leading in Europe with the growth of solar energy produced. With the whole of Europe, solar provides 4% of all electricity demand. The UK government made a decision on cutting incentives for householder to fit solar panel and for solar farms to be built. So, this resulted in amount of solar power installed in 2016 dropping by around 50% compared to the year before. Like wind power, solar energy depends on the availability and intensity of sunlight and is not a fully reliable source. Nuclear Power Nuclear power Is also a large energy source in the UK. It was reporter in June 2017 that is accounted for 23.2% of energy generated in the UK. This energy source is also reliable as it can provider power whenever it is needed. It does give carbon dioxide emissions but can be harmful if there are accidents on site. Based on research, it’s revealed that natural gas is the most reliable, accessible and resilient supply of energy around the globe. Even though renewable energy is on the rise, it is not always able to provide power and this can be problematic in some situations. https://www.gurufocus.com/news/99381/the-worlds-most-reliable-energy-source https://www.edfenergy.com/future-energy/challenges/reliability https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/mar/07/solar-power-growth-worldwide-us-china-uk-europe http://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2017/06/07/uk-sets-new-renewable-energy-record-wind-solar-surge/ http://www.brighthubengineering.com/power-plants/114797-pros-and-cons-of-natural-gas-use/ http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/science/aqa_pre_2011/energy/mainselectricityrev7.shtml
Independent construction, property and management consultant, Rider Levett Bucknall (RLB) has appointed ex-Amazon logistics industry specialist, Duncan Robertson, as a Commercial Partner to head up the firm’s Industrial Sector in the North. Duncan has over 25 years’ experience in the logistics sector. He has worked for a range of companies both in the UK and internationally including: Tesco, Sainsbury and Ashton Smith Associates. Most recently he was EU Standards and Programme Manager for Amazon EU where he was responsible for developing standard designs, process and cost for the various Amazon Fulfilment Centres and Logistic Centres across Europe. “The Logistics and Industrial sectors are growing markets for RLB and ones where RLB’s expertise of project management, programme management and cost consultancy have real impact and help manage efficiencies. I am delighted to be joining the team in Manchester at such an exciting time,” says Robertson. Dean Sheehy, Director at RLB, added: “We are very pleased to welcome Duncan to RLB. His extensive experience and knowledge of the logistics market will be a great addition both to our business and our customers across the UK.” RLB is currently working with a range of industrial/ logistics customers including: IM Properties, Verdion, iPort Doncaster, SEGRO, Harworth Estates, Royal Mail, Morrisons, M&S, Amazon and Lidl.
The Government has been investing significantly into the creation of new accommodation for prisoners recently. The Industrial Design Consultancy, or IDC has been working in the same area, focusing on designing a safer seat to be installed in prison cells. The aim of the IDC is to create chairs which are suicide and vandal resistant as well as fire retardant and still cost-effective to produce. On top of all this it is important for the IDC to design a chair that is difficult to hold or throw in order to avoid the furniture being used as a weapon. The IDC is the world’s leading consultants for product development and has been using its creativity, insight, experience and expertise in order to deliver the best possible products while also offering the best possible profits for their clients. The company has ISO compliant processes and facilities in London and Shanghai, and the company has a range of experts in research, design, mechanical and electronics engineering as well as rapid prototyping. The consultants at the IDC are sued in order to create award-winning products that are available on the global market. Thousands of these newly designed chairs have already been installed by HM Prison Service in cells throughout the country, and the design is now available to order from the IDC. It is thought that Prisoner Suicide is the main problem that the prison service face. The prisoners that are deemed to be high-risk have to be housed in specialised cells in order to offer extra security and protection. Because of the challenges faced with prisoner suicide, the chair that has been developed by the IDC is safer than traditional furniture. The design has smoother surfaces and ligature points in order to protect against both suicide and vandalism. The IDC used their depth of knowledge of materials and processes in order to select the right materials that would be able to withstand an impact and abrasive attack while also being able to conform to the strict requirements that are in place for fire, smoke and toxicity.
LAR has been celebrating their 20th anniversary recently with a new company brand identity. The leading ambatement specialist maintained a consistent brand image for its first 20 years, and have now released a new, refreshed image that acts as a better reflection of the company’s values and central attributes. LAR are committed to delivering high quality service that is trusted and professional to their customer, and wanted to create a more up to date brand image that was an illustration of this. The colours for the company’s branding has remained the same however the logo and marketing materials used by the business have been altered. Over the course of the last ten years, LAR has steadily grown, and is now ten times the size it was 20 years ago. The company has recently consolidated their position and have decided that it was time for the company to receive a fresh new look after two decades of operation. Alongside this new branding in celebration of the company’s milestone, LAR will also be holding several events. These different celebratory events include a charity bike ride that has recently taken place as a part of ARCA charity week as well as a corporate event at York races. A team from the company will also exhibit at the Asbestos: The Truth Conference which takes place in Manchester in November. As well as this momentous milestone, LAR has yet another reason to celebrate, as the business has recently been named awarded the ARCA Gold Training Award, the National Training Award and the ARCA Gold Site Audit Award. These accolades have been given to the company as recognition for the significant efforts that are put in by the LAR team. The company has managed to secure the ARCA Gold Site Audit Award for the fourth year in a row, and is the only contractor in the UK to manage this. The company are keen to continue developing and investing in the business and see that the company continues to deliver high quality service to their customer for the next twenty years.
Systemair has announced the launch of Geniox in order to offer a product that can improve the energy efficiency of ventilation systems. Systemair is a leading ventilation company and has launched the new air handling units. It is thought that ventilation accounts for around 40% of a building’s energy consumption, this means that there is significant potential in this area of construction to improve. The changes that have taken place in the construction industry means that the new buildings are better insulated in order to save the owner or tenant money on heating. This insulation increases the need for ventilation, which is then required to perform at a higher level to achieve the ideal indoor climate. Ventilation has also been highlighted as one of the focus points of the Ecodesign directive which has come from the European Commission. This directive is implemented in three steps. The first step took place on January 1st 2016 and the next are planned for 2018 and 2020. It is important that energy efficiency remains at the forefront of design and development, therefore any ideas that can improve energy consumption are welcomed. The Geniox air handling unit is delivered in modules and can be assembled by installers on the site. Systemair has offered a delivery solution that reduces delivery and improves the product handling and service for customers. The new system has a different casing to the ones designed by the company previously. The casing of this unit is more aesthetically pleasing and thermally insulated panels have been developed and used in construction in order to have high tightness values and therefore reduce thermal bridging. The casing has also been created to comply with the class D1 and airtightness class L2. These classifications are better than previous units launched by Systemair. Systemair has in the past delivered a number of different brands in air handling units. However, this new range has now been spread across the entire company. The widespread use of this system meant that Systemair is able to deliver an excellent level of service to customers no matter where they are located or what industry they are in.
