Kenneth Booth
62% of the public think infrastructure projects are poorly communicated – they want more information

62% of the public think infrastructure projects are poorly communicated – they want more information

How can the government attract private investment to improve UK infrastructure? The Institution of Civil Engineers has published a new policy paper, Paying for Britain’s Infrastructure System, with key findings for government and decision makers to improve public perception of infrastructure projects, increase value for money, and achieve better outcomes

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Ayesa Engineering Acquires Australian & UK based firm ADP Consulting

Ayesa Engineering Acquires Australian & UK based firm ADP Consulting

Ayesa engineering, a global leader, has acquired ADP Consulting, a leading sustainability-focused engineering consultancy. This deal marks Ayesa’s entry into Australia and further bolsters its UK presence. Founded in 2011 by Laurent Deleu and Jason Afford, ADP Consulting is recognised for its strength in enabling clients to transition to a

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Evolve Estates Expands Portfolio with Longbridge Acquisition

Evolve Estates Expands Portfolio with Longbridge Acquisition

Evolve Estates, part of M Core, has added to its growing portfolio with the acquisition of Park Point, a prominent mixed-use development in Longbridge town centre. Completed in 2013, Park Point covers 66,382 sq ft and features a 75-bed Premier Inn hotel, eight ground-floor retail and leisure units, and three

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Pulse Fibre welcomes new gigabit broadband requirements for Scottish homes

Pulse Fibre welcomes new gigabit broadband requirements for Scottish homes

Pulse Fibre, a leading provider of next-generation broadband, has welcomed the Scottish Government’s recent legislation requiring all new homes to be gigabit broadband-ready, calling it a vital step forward in ensuring homes are equipped for the demands of modern living. “This requirement should have already been standard,” said Robert Buckingham,

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East West Rail Strengthens Leadership with Key Appointments

East West Rail Strengthens Leadership with Key Appointments

East West Rail (EWR) is bolstering its leadership team with two significant appointments, reinforcing its commitment to delivering one of Britain’s most transformative rail projects. New Railway Operations Director Joins the Team Ben Rule has been named Railway Operations Director, bringing over 25 years of experience across high-profile rail projects.

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East Midlands contractor completes Holden Kia dealership in Norwich

East Midlands contractor completes Holden Kia dealership in Norwich

Build and fit out contractor Cold Developments has completed the refurbishment of a Holden Kia dealership in Norwich. The dealership on Barker Street, north of the city, is now open to the public following a transformation to reflect Kia’s global rebrand. Its new brand identity was introduced in 2021, featuring

Read More »
Lidl Expands UK Footprint with New Developments in York and Somerset

Lidl Expands UK Footprint with New Developments in York and Somerset

Lidl’s ambitious expansion across the UK continues, with two major new supermarket developments underway in York and Somerset. The retailer is investing millions in its property portfolio, strengthening its presence in key locations to meet growing consumer demand. York Welcomes Third Lidl Store Construction is now in progress on a

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Latest Issue
Issue 328 : May 2025

Kenneth Booth

62% of the public think infrastructure projects are poorly communicated – they want more information

62% of the public think infrastructure projects are poorly communicated – they want more information

How can the government attract private investment to improve UK infrastructure? The Institution of Civil Engineers has published a new policy paper, Paying for Britain’s Infrastructure System, with key findings for government and decision makers to improve public perception of infrastructure projects, increase value for money, and achieve better outcomes for the public. Ahead of the Spending Review and the 10-Year Infrastructure Strategy, these findings give the government clear priorities to focus on. These include clarifying its infrastructure investment plans, improving delivery and project skills within government, and communicating the benefits of infrastructure investment to the public. What does the public think? Public support for infrastructure investment is key. However, polling commissioned by the ICE found that: While the public believes the government should pay for most major infrastructure projects, it does not trust the government to deliver. The public understand that infrastructure investment can deliver benefits, despite low trust. There’s a clear desire for more information, especially about how projects are funded. Why private finance? With limited public funds available and a commitment to spark economic growth through infrastructure investment, the government wants to leverage private finance to improve the UK’s transport, water, and energy systems after decades of underinvestment. However, there’s strong, global competition for private finance and many investors see the UK as a high-risk environment compared to similar countries. To develop its insights, the ICE sought views from infrastructure professionals on alternative funding models, what the government should do to make the UK an attractive place to invest, and what requirements should be in place to ensure the best outcomes for the public. Julie Wood, ICE Vice President and chair of the steering group for the paper said, “The ICE’s findings give the government clear levers to pull to spark growth through infrastructure investment. Modification to, or new funding models aren’t the answer, rather, the government needs to focus clarifying its plans, prioritising projects, and improving delivery to boost investors’ confidence. There’s also a clear desire from the public to get more information about why projects are needed, how they will be paid for, and what the benefits will be. This information should be at the heart of all infrastructure project communication.” Polling was conducted by Opinium Research with a nationally representative sample of 2,007 UK adults in February 2025. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Ayesa Engineering Acquires Australian & UK based firm ADP Consulting

Ayesa Engineering Acquires Australian & UK based firm ADP Consulting

Ayesa engineering, a global leader, has acquired ADP Consulting, a leading sustainability-focused engineering consultancy. This deal marks Ayesa’s entry into Australia and further bolsters its UK presence. Founded in 2011 by Laurent Deleu and Jason Afford, ADP Consulting is recognised for its strength in enabling clients to transition to a net zero carbon future. This led the company to bring its expertise to the UK by opening an office in London in 2023. Founded nearly 60 years ago, Ayesa provides multidisciplinary services across 80 technical disciplines and operates in key sectors, including energy, buildings, water, and transportation. Currently ranked #11 among the UK’s top ground engineering consultants, Ayesa has a proven track record in major infrastructure projects such as London’s Silvertown Tunnel, HS2 and One Mayfair, and is ranked globally as the top 24 for transportation and the top 20 for water infrastructure. This acquisition strengthens Ayesa’s expertise in sustainable design within the built environment. It forms part of Ayesa’s growth strategy for its Engineering division in English-speaking markets, where it already has a strong presence with 8 offices in the UK and 3 in Ireland. By joining forces, ADP Consulting’s specialised expertise will complement Ayesa’s global reach and capabilities. Together, their combined strengths in sustainability, renewable energy, transportation, data centres, and innovative building practices will drive smarter, more sustainable development worldwide. John Byrne, Country Manager of Ayesa UK and Ireland, commented: “ADP Consulting brings a proven track record in delivering award-winning Mechanical, Electrical, and Public Health systems, as well as sustainable design, including retrofitting and repurposing existing infrastructure. Their expertise strengthens Ayesa’s offering in the UK and Ireland, enhancing our end-to-end capabilities.” Daniel Johnson, Director of ADP Consulting in the UK; said “This partnership strengthens our ability to deliver integrated engineering solutions with a full in-house capability for the built environment. Together, we’ll help UK developers navigate the complexities of creating high-performance, environmentally responsible buildings that meet stringent regulatory requirements and stand the test of time.” Growth strategy The acquisition of ADP Consulting marks the latest in a series of strategic moves by Ayesa´s Engineering Division, following the 2022 purchase of the Irish-UK based engineering firm ByrneLooby and the recent acquisition of CORE (Spain) in January. In total, this represents the eleventh corporate transaction of the group—following A&M Capital Europe’s majority investment in 2022—to strengthen its technological capabilities, geographic reach, and sector diversification. This approach has driven historic growth, with Ayesa’s revenue reaching nearly €800 million in 2024 and backlog exceeding €1.5 billion. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Evolve Estates Expands Portfolio with Longbridge Acquisition

Evolve Estates Expands Portfolio with Longbridge Acquisition

Evolve Estates, part of M Core, has added to its growing portfolio with the acquisition of Park Point, a prominent mixed-use development in Longbridge town centre. Completed in 2013, Park Point covers 66,382 sq ft and features a 75-bed Premier Inn hotel, eight ground-floor retail and leisure units, and three storeys of office space. Notable tenants include Costa Coffee and Greene King Brewing. Situated around six miles south of central Birmingham, Park Point is a key part of the wider Longbridge town centre regeneration project. Joe O’Keefe, co-founder of Evolve Estates, highlighted the appeal of the site: “We were attracted to the mixed-use nature of Park Point, the income profile, location, and the variety of tenants across different sectors. “Longbridge is one of the UK’s largest regeneration schemes, with further investment planned to bring new jobs to the area. Its excellent transport links and strong local services make it a strategic location. With our expertise in managing diverse assets, this acquisition represents an exciting opportunity.” Avison Young advised Evolve Estates on the deal, while Savills represented the vendor. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Pulse Fibre welcomes new gigabit broadband requirements for Scottish homes

Pulse Fibre welcomes new gigabit broadband requirements for Scottish homes

Pulse Fibre, a leading provider of next-generation broadband, has welcomed the Scottish Government’s recent legislation requiring all new homes to be gigabit broadband-ready, calling it a vital step forward in ensuring homes are equipped for the demands of modern living. “This requirement should have already been standard,” said Robert Buckingham, Operations Director from Pulse Fibre. “When similar laws came into effect in England in December 2022, the opportunity to establish a nationwide standard was missed. However, this is an important step in ensuring that new homes across Scotland are prepared for the digital future.” The rise of smart homes and technology-reliant lifestyles has highlighted the need for robust broadband infrastructure. Pulse Fibre, already deploying 10Gb full-fibre broadband, not only complies with current regulations but also futureproofs developments, ensuring they can support technological advancements for years to come. Challenges and Opportunities for Developers and Providers Pulse Fibre acknowledges that developers and broadband providers may face challenges in implementing the new regulations. Installing high-speed infrastructure, especially in rural areas, can be costly and logistically complex. Developers must also balance upfront investment costs with ensuring that broadband infrastructure remains adaptable to future technological needs. To support developers, Pulse Fibre offers unique solutions like its Construction Mode, enabling developers to prepare smart homes with full broadband functionality before homeowners move in. Additionally, Day One Connectivity ensures that new homes are internet-ready from the moment they are occupied, setting a new benchmark for convenience and reliability. Pulse Fibre emphasises that collaboration between developers and broadband providers is critical to achieving these standards effectively. This includes early engagement, leveraging government incentives, efficient construction coordination, and embracing open network models that allow multiple service providers to operate on shared infrastructure, driving competitive pricing for homeowners. The new regulations promise an enhanced digital world for homeowners, with gigabit broadband providing better reliability and performance, empowering homeowners to support internet-heavy lifestyles, including smart home technology and streaming services. However, Pulse Fibre is advocating for further regulatory reforms to streamline gigabit broadband deployment. These include improving open network access and addressing high infrastructure fees that can slow progress. “Pulse Fibre is ready to partner with developers to meet these new standards, offering innovative and scalable broadband solutions that enhance connectivity while ensuring long-term adaptability,” Robert Buckingham added. “Together, we can build communities that are ready for the digital future.” For more information visit: www.pulsefibre.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Businesses set for windfall at Manchester Airport’s Meet The Buyers event

Businesses set for windfall at Manchester Airport’s Meet The Buyers event

Small and medium sized businesses from across Greater Manchester and Cheshire will have the opportunity to connect with key prospective clients at Manchester Airport’s annual Meet the Buyers event next month. More than 300 attendees representing over 150 companies are expected to be at the event on Thursday 13 March, including procurement teams from major names in the aviation, hospitality and construction industries like Manchester Airports Group (MAG), Holiday Inn & ibis budget, Bethell, Arup, and AmcoGiffen. Meet the Buyers will once again be hosted at Manchester Airport’s Runway Visitor Park. Last year’s event at the same venue saw more than £6m-worth of deals struck and organisers are hoping to see a similar windfall for local businesses this year. A waiting list is currently in operation for prospective suppliers, who will get guaranteed face-to-face time with buyers’ procurement teams as part of the organised event schedule. Guest speakers and a range of workshops and presentations are scheduled throughout the day, parallel to the exhibition in the Runway Visitor Park’s main hangar. These include talks and interactive workshops delivered by representatives from MAG and Manchester City Council. Marcella M’Rabety – Group Head of Social Sustainability, Manchester Airport says… Our Meet the Buyers event is back by popular demand this year, following the success of last year’s event. We know how much small and medium sized businesses from across our region value the opportunity to meet face -to-face with large prospective purchasers, including Manchester Airport. We are very proud of our role as a key economic enabler, not just for Greater Manchester but the wider region, and this event is an important part of how we achieve that.” Councillor John Hacking – Executive Member for Employment, Skills and Leisure, Manchester City Council – says… “Manchester City Council is delighted to support the successful Manchester Airport Meet the Buyers event. This event is more than just a commercial opportunity; it’s a vital platform for fostering community connections and empowering local businesses, including SMEs. “By facilitating meaningful interactions between Manchester-based businesses and a diverse range of suppliers, the event helps to strengthen the local economy and promote inclusive growth. It’s a key part of our City’s Economic Strategy – Investing in Success, ensuring that the benefits of economic development are felt by all members of our community.” Interested parties can register here: https://www.manchestermtb.co.uk/. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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East West Rail Strengthens Leadership with Key Appointments

East West Rail Strengthens Leadership with Key Appointments

East West Rail (EWR) is bolstering its leadership team with two significant appointments, reinforcing its commitment to delivering one of Britain’s most transformative rail projects. New Railway Operations Director Joins the Team Ben Rule has been named Railway Operations Director, bringing over 25 years of experience across high-profile rail projects. His expertise will be instrumental in shaping the operational framework for EWR as the project continues to develop. “We are very excited to welcome Ben to East West Rail. Ben will play a key role within the company, and his proven track record in the rail industry will be invaluable as we continue to refine our plans.” – David Hughes, CEO, East West Railway Company. Ben will join later this year to oversee operational planning, ensuring the railway delivers a seamless and efficient service. Engineering, Technical and Safety Director Appointment EWR has also appointed Andrew Went as its new Engineering, Technical and Safety Director. Currently Head of Rail Engineering at Arup and a Board Member of the Railway Industry Association, Andrew brings extensive expertise in rail infrastructure. “With consistent backing from consecutive governments, we are progressing with detailed designs for the railway. Andrew’s unparalleled experience will be vital as we continue to develop and refine our plans to reconnect Oxford, Milton Keynes, Bedford, and Cambridge.” – David Hughes, CEO, East West Railway Company. Andrew will take up his role in the spring, leading EWR’s design and engineering work ahead of the upcoming Statutory Consultation and Development Consent Order submission. A Transformational Project for the Region East West Rail is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to enhance connectivity across Oxford, Milton Keynes, Bedford, and Cambridge. By providing a fast, sustainable, and affordable transport solution, the project is set to drive economic growth, with forecasts suggesting it could boost the local economy by £6.7 billion per year by 2050. These appointments mark a crucial step forward in ensuring EWR delivers long-term benefits for communities, businesses, and the wider region. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Understanding the Significance of Pressure Calculations in Construction and Engineering

Understanding the Significance of Pressure Calculations in Construction and Engineering

It is difficult to overstate the fundamental role that pressure plays in construction and engineering applications – and therefore, the importance of carrying out relevant and accurate pressure calculations. After all, when it comes to all manner of processes in these fields – such as designing foundations on soil, plumbing systems, deep excavations, pipelines, and concrete formwork – the structural integrity and stability of a given project can be greatly impacted by the fluid pressure exerted upon it. Inevitably, then, there is routinely a need across such operations to not only account for pressure factors, but also to undertake quick and accurate calculations and conversions of units of pressure. So, let’s outline some of the vital things to know about the contribution pressure calculations make to construction and engineering processes. What Do We Mean By ‘Pressure’, Anyway? Let’s start from the very beginning. As explained by BBC Bitesize to a KS3 physics audience, pressure can be defined as “a measure of how concentrated (or spread out) a force is.” This source further explains that “the amount of pressure exerted on an object depends on the force applied and the surface area it is spread over.” An Introduction to The Units Used to Calculate Pressure As construction and engineering professionals are more than familiar with, various units can be used to calculate pressure. Indeed, it doesn’t take much effort to perform a quick Google search and find an online pressure conversion calculator for bar, psi, and more. So, let’s take a look at some of those units: In What Ways, Then, Are Pressure Calculations Applied in Engineering and Construction? The following are examples of situations in which the ability to rapidly and precisely calculate pressure can be hugely important: Pressure calculations and conversions, then, are far from a merely “nice to do” across a broad range of specialised and demanding engineering and construction applications. Instead, these calculation processes must be regarded as no less than critical to the success, longevity, and safety of all manner of projects.

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East Midlands contractor completes Holden Kia dealership in Norwich

East Midlands contractor completes Holden Kia dealership in Norwich

Build and fit out contractor Cold Developments has completed the refurbishment of a Holden Kia dealership in Norwich. The dealership on Barker Street, north of the city, is now open to the public following a transformation to reflect Kia’s global rebrand. Its new brand identity was introduced in 2021, featuring a new logo that reflects its position as a leader in electrification. As part of its rebranding, Kia designed the ‘Kia Store’ to revolutionise the look and feel of its dealerships. Two distinct zones separate the new showroom, comprising a ‘customer zone’ featuring wood accents and comfortable seating areas, and a ‘display zone’, showcasing the latest Kia models. The Kia ‘Showcase’ is an interactive system which allows customers to take an in-depth virtual tour of any Kia model. Nottingham-based Cold Developments undertook the strip out and fit out of the dealership over a 10-week period. Works included the respray of external cladding and shop front, a new HVAC system and suspended ceiling, decoration throughout, new lighting and doors, new partitions and glazed curtain walling to form the sales office, new hygienic internal cladding, new customer toilets, and the installation of wall panelling, display screens and furniture. Luke Burrows, MD at Cold Developments, said: “We are specialists in commercial fit out and create spaces that truly impact the customer experience. With our skilled team we deliver our services for well recognised brands throughout the UK and enjoy seeing our finished projects being used by our clients and their customers. “Thank you to the Holden Kia team for working with us in Norwich. The dealership has been transformed to a welcoming, comfortable and innovative space which perfectly reflects Kia’s brand and its fleet.” Darren Anderson, GM at Holden Kia Norwich, said: “This transformation marks a new era for Holden Kia Norwich.  Our customers can now view our models in a state-of-the-art environment that is welcoming, comfortable and has the latest technology. Great to see the work of Cold Developments now in use by our customers.” Cold Developments is active on refurbishments, fit outs, enabling works and extensions across the UK and have worked with leading brands within automotive, service stations, town and shopping centre retail, convenience retail, food and beverage and leisure. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Lidl Expands UK Footprint with New Developments in York and Somerset

Lidl Expands UK Footprint with New Developments in York and Somerset

Lidl’s ambitious expansion across the UK continues, with two major new supermarket developments underway in York and Somerset. The retailer is investing millions in its property portfolio, strengthening its presence in key locations to meet growing consumer demand. York Welcomes Third Lidl Store Construction is now in progress on a brand-new Lidl supermarket at Monks Cross in York, set to become the city’s third branch. Built on the former TK Maxx site next to Sainsbury’s, the store will feature a 1,516m² sales area, a bakery, the popular Middle of Lidl aisles, and modern customer facilities, including baby-changing amenities. Sustainability is a key focus for the project, with solar panels providing renewable energy and seven electric vehicle charging points installed in the car park. New trees will also be planted as part of the landscaping effort. Lidl GB’s regional head of property, Liam Schofield, said:“It’s fantastic to see construction underway at our newest York store. As well as creating dozens of jobs, this store will give residents even greater access to our high-quality, affordable products in an area where we’ve seen increasing demand.” With completion expected before the end of 2025, the store will bring 40 new jobs to the local community. New Lidl for Bridgwater’s Growing Community Meanwhile, in Somerset, Lidl is set to open another supermarket on the southern outskirts of Bridgwater. Located within the rapidly developing Bridgwater Gateway area near the M5, the store will provide a convenient shopping destination for hundreds of new homes and businesses planned for the site. Somerset Council has approved the plans, with construction expected to begin later this year. The development will include 105 parking spaces, cycle access, and a new pedestrian crossing over Wilstock Way. Lidl has committed £31,200 towards this crucial infrastructure, ensuring safer access for residents of the nearby Wilstock and Stockmoor housing estates. Dan Templeton, director of Planning Potential, speaking on behalf of Lidl, said:“This improved crossing point will help customers visiting the store from the Wilstock and Stockmoor area, making it easier for them to access local amenities.” This latest project follows Lidl’s recent investment in the expansion of the Strawberry Line active travel route alongside its new, larger store in Wells. Lidl’s Property Growth Strategy With these two new locations, Lidl is demonstrating its commitment to strategic growth across the UK. By investing in modern, accessible, and eco-friendly stores, the supermarket chain is not only creating new jobs but also enhancing local infrastructure and retail options for communities. As construction progresses in both York and Somerset, Lidl continues to cement its position as one of the UK’s fastest-growing supermarket brands. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Vattenfall IDNO electrifies the world's first industrial-sized, carbon-neutral laundry

Vattenfall IDNO electrifies the world’s first industrial-sized, carbon-neutral laundry

The world’s first carbon-neutral industrial laundry has been connected to the electricity grid by Vattenfall IDNO. Stretching across 20,000 square feet in Swindon, the ‘Big Blue 1’ site operated by Oxwash is run entirely on renewable energy and biogas. Operations at the site are environmentally sustainable, including the entire process from packaging used to transport laundered items, to power for their electric vans and e-cargo bikes. Big Blue 1 also uses wet cleaning techniques which drastically reduce water and energy consumption as well as filtering out plastic microfibres, setting them apart from traditional dry cleaners that rely on harmful chemicals like ‘Perc’, which are banned in several countries. The contestable works, the building of the system needed to connect Big Blue I to the point of connection to the grid, were completed by SmOp Cleantech. Vattenfall IDNO will operate and maintain the assets needed for that connection, such as a 1 MVA 11kV/LV Substation and enclosure (transformer and ancillaries), LV Metering and LV cables. These electrical connection and assets mean Oxwash can now process over 15 million items a year, whilst eliminating the production of CO2 at the site. Stewart Dawson, Managing Director at Vattenfall IDNO said: “We are proud to support Oxwash with their Big Blue project. We urgently need to electrify as many of the UK’s industrial processes as possible in order to reduce carbon emissions and drive rapid progress towards net zero. The Oxwash carbon neutral project demonstrates how achievable it is to switch away from fossil fuels to clean power and we congratulate them for taking this bold step to create the world’s first carbon-neutral laundry. We have a great working relationship with SmOp Cleantech and look forward to adopting more of their projects and driving UK electrification forward together.” Stephen Alabi, Lead Project Engineer, at SmOp Cleantech, said: “Delivering the 11kV grid connection for Big Blue I was a simple project for us, but it’s a great example of how industry can drive sustainability. This project demonstrates what’s possible when business commits to carbon neutrality. It’s been a privilege to help power Big Blue I and to be part of setting a benchmark for the sustainability of large-scale industry in the UK.” Dr. Kyle C. Grant-Talbot, Founder & CEO, Oxwash Ltd said: “The delivery of the 11kV point of connection by SmOp, which is being adopted by Vattenfall, is a critical milestone for Big Blue I, enabling us to power the world’s first industrial-sized, carbon-neutral laundry entirely on renewable energy and biogas. The collaboration has been excellent, allowing us to scale our mission and our laundry business without compromising our planet. At 20,000 square feet, Big Blue I sets a new standard for industrial operations – carbon neutrality at this scale is not only achievable but essential if we are to reach net zero in time.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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