Kenneth Booth

Edinburgh Council affordable home programme

The City of Edinburgh Council’s affordable housebuilding programme continues apace with construction starting this week (Tuesday 25 May) on a further 49 new affordable and energy efficient homes for Dumbryden Gardens in Wester Hailes.  Following completion of the Dumbryden Gardens phase one development in November 2019, phase two has commenced on the former Dumbryden primary school site.   Led by construction partner Robertson Partnership Homes, procured through SCAPE Construction, the site combines 35 homes for social rent and 14 homes for mid-market rent and includes a

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The Benefits of 3D Design for Engineering and Manufacturing

Technology is evolving at an incredible pace, with extraordinary new innovations and developments occurring all the time and improving the operations of businesses across many different industries, and one of the most amazing innovations of recent years is the evolution of 3D design and modeling. With the help of 3D

Read More »

Why Water Damage is So Bad for Electronics

There are all kinds of industries that use electrical equipment. Shipping and the music industry are a couple of examples, but there are many more. That electrical equipment has to work exactly as it’s supposed to, or significant problems can arise. Any industry that uses electronics needs to watch out

Read More »

PLANS FOR SKEGNESS GATEWAY URBAN EXTENSION REVEALED

PLANS to transform Skegness with the development of a sustainable urban extension to the west of the town have today (19 May) been revealed. The proposals for Skegness Gateway, to be the subject of a Local Development Order (LDO) with East Lindsey District Council later this year, outline an all-encompassing

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Britain’s energy networks and Ofgem unlock over £300 million to support a green recovery

Leading the green recovery electricity network companies are to invest over £300 million in network capacity for electric transport, clean heat and wider infrastructure development. Following a successful call for evidence, in which local authorities, developers and other parties stated the case for extra network capacity to receive investment, Britain’s energy networks

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How To Determine The Right Location For Your HVAC System

The location of your HVAC system can make a huge difference in the efficiency and effectiveness of your heating, cooling, or climate control. But how do you know where to put it? This article will help you decide how to determine the right location. You can also consult HVAC experts

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How to Avoid Common Safety Hazards at Your Home

Homes are considered a safe place, and the word “shelter” translates to safety and protection. However, you cannot deny some dangers hidden in plain sight at your home. These hazards can lead to injuries if you fail to recognize them on time. Creating a safe environment at home is as

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Latest Issue
Issue 344 : Sep 2026

Kenneth Booth

Edinburgh Council affordable home programme

The City of Edinburgh Council’s affordable housebuilding programme continues apace with construction starting this week (Tuesday 25 May) on a further 49 new affordable and energy efficient homes for Dumbryden Gardens in Wester Hailes.  Following completion of the Dumbryden Gardens phase one development in November 2019, phase two has commenced on the former Dumbryden primary school site.   Led by construction partner Robertson Partnership Homes, procured through SCAPE Construction, the site combines 35 homes for social rent and 14 homes for mid-market rent and includes a number of wheelchair accessible homes. This development, to be completed in Winter 2022, is part of the City of Edinburgh Council’s housing building programme which, along with housing association partners, will contribute to the delivery of 20,000 new homes across the city by 2027. Councillor Kate Campbell, Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, said:  It’s great to see construction starting on another council-led development with more new council houses getting built. Our house building programme has to meet the needs of our communities and so these homes will be accessible, highly energy efficient and some homes will be fully wheelchair adapted. There are so many families in need of permanent, affordable housing, so it’s good that next year these homes will be ready for families to move in and be part of this growing community. Councillor Mandy Watt, Vice Convener, said:  I’m looking forward to seeing the development start to take shape over the course of next year, and bring a range of benefits for the local community through revitalising a disused site and through additional initiatives delivered by our contractor, Robertson Partnership Homes, as part of the project.  Edinburgh has one of the most ambitious house-building plans of any local authority in the UK and these are great example of quality Council-led homes that will be affordable to rent and live in long term. Matt Collins, managing director, Robertson Partnership Homes, said:  Last year we completed 263 new homes for the City of Edinburgh Council’s Small Sites Programme through Scape’s Major Works Scotland framework and are proud to be the delivery partner for the second phase at Dumbryden Gardens.    The City of Edinburgh Council is committed to providing high-quality homes and equal housing opportunities for its residents.  The inclusion of sustainable features which will further benefit the residents underlines the Council’s commitment to the natural environment and the wellbeing of the communities it is creating. Mark Robinson, group chief executive at SCAPE, said: We’re delighted that Robertson Partnership Homes and the City of Edinburgh Council will be delivering energy efficient homes for both social and mid-market rent. SCAPE is fully committed to helping clients achieve their net zero carbon target. Whilst the need for social and affordable housing is ever pressing, it’s important that new homes are delivered which help address the environmental challenges we face, and it’s encouraging to see the City of Edinburgh Council future proof their housing stock.

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The Benefits of 3D Design for Engineering and Manufacturing

Technology is evolving at an incredible pace, with extraordinary new innovations and developments occurring all the time and improving the operations of businesses across many different industries, and one of the most amazing innovations of recent years is the evolution of 3D design and modeling. With the help of 3D modeling and prototyping, it’s possible for engineers, manufacturers, designers, architects, and other professionals across many sectors and spheres to create realistic digital representations of their ideas and creations, being able to test, refine, and enhance those designs on the fly. The advent of 3D modeling is simplifying so much of the engineering and manufacturing world, changing the game entirely for countless companies, helping to save time and money, while also opening new doors of opportunity for businesses worldwide. Here are some of the best benefits. Efficiency The first and perhaps most obvious advantage of using CAD design when compared to more traditional methods of product and part development is quite simply the fact that it is immeasurably more efficient overall. It’s much easier, simpler, and more convenient to create digital representations of ideas and products via the help of CAD software and then to make changes and alterations to those products in the digital space than it would be to actually make a prototype and create lots of different sketches and blueprints of the same product. Speed and Convenience Following on from the previous point, it’s also important to note that 3D modeling and design offer incredible speed and convenience benefits too, helping products and parts get to market a lot faster and helping companies keep up with the rapid rate of competition in their respective sectors. This is so important in the engineering and manufacturing industries, where time is always of the essence and it can be so vital to get products produced, sold, and shipped out to buyers as quickly as possible. Saving Money Another big way in which 3D design and modeling can be of assistance to engineering and manufacturing professionals is by helping them save money. The money that is saved can then be reinvested into other parts of the product development process or other aspects of the business entirely, like marketing and branding. CAD software helps to save money in several ways. First, it reduces the risk of any errors in the design process that could lead to faulty or unusable parts and products. Secondly, it reduces the need for prototypes and physical models of products, allowing for changes and improvements to be made in seconds, rather than hours. Avoiding Mistakes One of the best benefits of making use of 3D design and modeling is to help make designs as perfect and flawless as they can possibly be, without any costly mistakes or little issues that could cause big expenses and inconvenience later on. It’s very common for small and simple mistakes to be made when parts or products are first being developed, but 3D modeling lets you test and inspects your creations on a deeper and finer level than ever before, identifying any errors or areas of weakness and addressing them right away, without the need for several stages of prototypes. Happier Clients and Customers Another huge benefit of making the most of 3D CAD software is how it can help to satisfy a company’s clients or customers, helping to win quotes, get more jobs, build your business’ profile, and strengthen your standing in the industry. Clients and customers can benefit in a lot of different ways from this technology. Firstly, they’ll enjoy seeing 3D model representations of the parts or products they’re interested in ordering, and 3D design makes it easy for them to request changes and customization too. Fine-Tuning Designs and Ideas Yet another of the many advantages of using 3D design and modeling software and programs like Solidworks is the fact that they can help you to truly fine-tune and perfect your ideas in ways you might never have been able to do without this sort of technological aid. Many companies have good ideas, but turning a good idea into a great idea can be a challenge. The 3D design makes this process a lot easier, as it allows you to put your ideas out there into the digital space and then test them, inspect them, analyze them, and improve them. Final Word It’s clear to see that 3D modeling programs have a lot to offer for the engineering and manufacturing industries in particular, and any company wanting to get ahead of the competition should strongly consider a serious investment in this sort of software.

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Why Water Damage is So Bad for Electronics

There are all kinds of industries that use electrical equipment. Shipping and the music industry are a couple of examples, but there are many more. That electrical equipment has to work exactly as it’s supposed to, or significant problems can arise. Any industry that uses electronics needs to watch out for any damage to those components. That damage can come in different ways, but any situation where water comes into contact with electrical equipment is particularly troubling. In this article, we’ll explain why. Water Damage Restoration Before we explain why electrical component water damage can be so devastating, you should understand that there are sometimes steps you might take to fix these problems when they come up. Just because there’s water damage, that doesn’t necessarily mean you have to discard those components completely. Some companies offer water damage restoration techniques, and you can at least contact them so they can have a look at the situation. The rapidity with which you contact these services can often make all the difference. If you can reach out to one of these companies within a day or so after the water’s original contact, they might be able to save the equipment. Water is conductive, though, so you should be very careful as you begin to examine it. Someone electrocuting themselves is the last thing you want. A professional examining that equipment can reveal whether conductivity is still possible. The Corrosion Factor You probably think about electrocution risks when someone brings up water damaging electrical components, and with good reason. If someone electrocutes themselves, they can suffer serious injuries or even die. Also, if something like that happens, you can be sure that OSHA will visit you sooner rather than later to make sure your company didn’t violate any established protocols. Corrosion is also a pressing issue in these situations, though. There are metal components wherever you find electronics, and when water contacts metal, it quickly starts to corrode. That can happen if you leave musical equipment out in the rain, for instance, or if you leave electrical components in a tsunami’s path. The ions you find in water speed up the corrosion process. It might surprise you how much damage just a few moments of contact can do. If the ion content is higher, that will speed up the process. Unless you’re an expert, you won’t know how high the water’s ion content is. However, the corrosion’s speed will be a big hint. The Water’s Impurities The water’s impurities are another factor when they contact electronics. It’s not as though you have purified water in these situations like you’d get out of a Brita pitcher. If it’s rainwater, ocean water, or sewer water that’s flooding your electronics, there are all kinds of impurities present. The water washes over the contact points within your electronics. When that happens, you get corrosion, but you can also get some other unexpected reactions depending on what’s in that water. It’s unrealistic to expect that the electronics are going to respond as they did before their submersion, even if they dry off by the time you get to them and they appear more or less undamaged. You might have a situation where the electronics continue to function even after they came in brief contact with unpurified water. That’s probably not going to last, though. Even if you’re lucky enough that they continue functioning, the water will frequently shorten their usable life by quite a bit. What Should You Do if Water Contacts Your Electronics? As we mentioned, companies can save or refurbish your electronics if water contacts them. You can reach out to these entities, but you’ll want to do so immediately after discovering the issue. The longer you choose to wait, the less likely they can swoop in to save the day. Before you call them, though, it’s best to disconnect the electronics if you can. If you attempt to do so, wear gloves so as to avoid electrocution. If you don’t feel comfortable disconnecting the equipment, you can leave that up to the professionals. If purified water touches your electronics, it’s more probable you can save them since that water does not have as many potentially corrosive elements. It’s hardly likely that a flood of purified water is going to wash over your electronics, though, which is why these salvage companies exist. The takeaway from this is that water can damage electronics, but it’s sometimes possible to save them.

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PLANS FOR SKEGNESS GATEWAY URBAN EXTENSION REVEALED

PLANS to transform Skegness with the development of a sustainable urban extension to the west of the town have today (19 May) been revealed. The proposals for Skegness Gateway, to be the subject of a Local Development Order (LDO) with East Lindsey District Council later this year, outline an all-encompassing scheme that will provide hundreds of jobs, a ground-breaking new college, much-needed amenities and new homes for the area. Sue Bowser of Croftmarsh, said: “We have farmed the land for over 30 years with a long-term view that certain areas of land could be used for development, and we are very excited to see those plans starting to take shape. We believe that the scheme being proposed will act as a catalyst for positive change for Skegness and position the town in its rightful place in the East Midlands as a place with opportunity and ambition. “As a family, we have lived and worked in Skegness for generations and are incredibly passionate about delivering a scheme that we – and the rest of the town – can be proud of, and we believe that what we are proposing will do that. “We have been working hard for a number of months alongside the team at East Lindsey District Council and other stakeholders to put together proposals for Skegness Gateway to ensure that it will be a development exemplar, creating a vibrant new community and we are very pleased to now be able to unveil them.” The 136-hectare site is located to the west of Skegness and is being proposed through an LDO in conjunction with East Lindsey District Council, which is expected to be submitted later this year.  The proposed masterplan includes: around 1,000 new homes, specialist accommodation for older people, a tourism offering, a ground-breaking TEC partnership college, crematorium, employment and commercial land as well as significant green spaces and amenities for local people. Neil Sanderson of Croftmarsh, added: “We believe that Skegness Gateway will offer a real ‘cradle to grave’ opportunity for the town; offering high quality education, opportunities for start-ups, commercial and industrial space as well as places to live, work and play. “We are pleased to be working alongside the team at East Lindsey District Council to help bring this exciting scheme to fruition – creating something that will really put Skegness on the map. In working closely with the council and other partners, we have developed a scheme that we believe will complement the regeneration plans under the Towns Fund deal. “We firmly believe that Skegness Gateway will become a place that helps to bring Skegness to life year-round as it provides significant opportunities for those people already living here, but also serving to attract others to come here to live and work. We are very much looking forward to seeing this scheme progress over the coming months.” Councillor Tom Ashton, Portfolio Holder for Planning at East Lindsey District Council, said: “I’m delighted to see this ambitious proposal being brought forward. It really will be a landmark development for Skegness, providing not just new homes, but a brand new learning facility to support our residents to develop new skills, and further business and employment land to support our local economy. I look forward to working with Croftmarsh over the coming months to help turn these plans into a reality.” Speaking after his latest visit to the site, Matt Warman MP commented: “Skegness Gateway is an exciting example of sustainable planning that has the needs of local people running all the way through it. From homes for new and growing families to a specialist college or purpose built accommodation for older people, this development delivers for all ages while also enhancing and extending our local green spaces.” To find our more about Skegness Gateway, please visit the website at www.skegnessgateway.co.uk or join the conversation on Twitter @SkegnessGateway

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NATIONAL CHRISTIAN BANK RELOCATES TO BEESTON THANKS TO INNES ENGLAND

AN ULTRA modern office space in Beeston has now been let after it was snapped up by Christian owned and run bank Kingdom Bank earlier this month, with commercial property agent Innes England acting for the landlord. Kingdom Bank – which has a history of over 65 years providing UK churches with financial solutions – is relocating from its former head office at Ruddington Fields Business Park due to a requirement for more space as its work expands. Having been acquired in 2020 by a group of independent Christian investors alongside Christian charity Stewardship, Kingdom Bank is seeking to grow the number of churches, Christian workers and charities it serves across the country. Located within the established Boulevard Estate on Padge Road in Beeston, the 4,850 sq. ft suite within Media House will provide open plan office space on the ground floor to accommodate the bank’s growing team of around 30 employees. It is also in a prime commercial location within close proximity to the M1 as well as Beeston town centre and Nottingham city centre. The office building also offers high-end features and amenities such as glass partitioned meeting rooms, a suspended ceiling with inset LED lighting, a stylish communal kitchen and shower facilities, as well as 22 car parking spaces. Ross Whiting, associate director at Innes England, acted for the landlord Venus Estates – a commercial property management and maintenance business based in Nottingham. Ross said: “Although this year has been hugely challenging for a large proportion of businesses across the UK, the office market – which may be surprising to some – has remained relatively stable. The signing of a new 15 year lease at Media House shows that there are ambitious and growing businesses out there that are still looking to expand and relocate to bigger and better offices, despite the challenges and change in working habits over the past year. “With the shift to home working offering more flexibility and appealing advantages, many employers will need to create an office environment that employees want to spend time in – it needs to be modern and stylish, with open plan areas and social spaces to facilitate the collaborative working and team building approach. “Beeston is currently thriving thanks to its £50m Beeston Square development and has proved to be a popular place with local businesses over the last year.  It is great to see Kingdom Bank make the move to Beeston and I am pleased to help our client Venus Estates achieve its full rental potential.” Paul Houghton, chief executive officer at Kingdom Bank, which is well known for holding deposits from Christians and lending to churches, charities and Christian workers across the UK, said: “We are delighted to be leasing Media House as a space in which the work of the Bank can grow in the coming years. We are confident that these new premises will provide us with the environment we need for the exciting ongoing developments in the Bank’s support of Christian work across the UK.” Find out more at http://www.innes-england.com or join the conversation at @InnesEngland.

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SCANLANS LANDS MANAGEMENT CONTRACT AT HISTORIC APARTMENT BLOCK

Property management and surveying firm Scanlans has been appointed to manage a listed apartment block in Bradford which is frequently used as a film set for a variety of popular TV programmes. Law Russell House, on Vicar Lane in the Little Germany area of the city, was built in 1873 as a textile warehouse as Bradford’s woollen industry boomed. The seven-storey, grade II listed building later became offices and then lay empty for several years before being converted by Trajan Estates into 71 apartments following a £4.5m investment. Completed in 2019, the redevelopment has seen the creation of one and two-bedroom flats and studio apartments, with office space and meeting rooms on the ground floor. The apartments are popular with working professionals and students and are fully-tenanted. Law Russell House and other areas of Little Germany are regularly seen on TV in programmes such as Peaky Blinders, Gentleman Jack, Emmerdale and All Creatures Great and Small. Little Germany was given its name after the area was populated by Germans who came to trade in Bradford’s thriving woollen industry in the 19th century. Michael Willans, senior property manager at Scanlans’ Leeds office, said the Law Russell House contract was a coup for the firm. “It’s a brilliant new instruction in a sought-after area and is a superb addition to our growing portfolio of management contracts,” he said. “Law Russell House is an iconic building with bags of history. It’s great to see Little Germany buzzing as regeneration projects such as this take shape. “We’re very proud to be managing the development and partnering with Trajan, and look forward to growing our relationship with the company over the coming months and years.” The site adds to Scanlans’ portfolio of management contracts across Yorkshire, with several new agreements coming on-stream in the next few months. Trajan, which was founded in 2005 by director Owen Carter and is based in Saltaire, Shipley, near Bradford, has completed numerous residential and commercial projects in the north of England. Trajan specialises in preserving heritage buildings and urban redevelopment, focusing on derelict buildings to convert them into living space. Owen said: “Law Russell House was a great personal journey for our company and such a significant listed building deserves first-class management. “As this was our first development on this scale, Scanlans was invited to tender after being recommended by other developers in the area. We’re delighted to have Scanlans working with us, bringing a wealth of expertise.  “We hope this has set the foundations for a strong working relationship for many years to come, as we will be partnering with Scanlans on our future developments too.” Alongside property management services, Scanlans’ Leeds office provides commercial and residential property valuations and surveys, building surveying and LPA Receivership services.

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Caddick progress £25m Rushbond / Advent Stonebridge Mills residential scheme in Leeds

Caddick Construction have started work on a key brownfield residential scheme to deliver 112 homes on the site of the former Stonebridge Mills in Farnley, Leeds, on behalf of developers Rushbond Plc and Advent Developments. The £25m project called Stonebridge Beck and located on Stonebridge Lane includes 82 contemporary style, new build, homes as well as the regeneration of the grade II listed and long derelict former mill buildings and cottages creating a further 30 homes. This high-profile site and former industrial buildings are located close to the Farnley Ring Road and are well known for their historic chimney and water tower which will be retained as a sentinel for the redevelopment.  This extensive 10 -acre site includes the former mill pond as well as a new specially commissioned piece of public art to be situated at the entrance to the development which will act as a visual icon for the building’s industrial heritage. The Caddick construction contract provides a comprehensive regeneration of the site and buildings as well as all hard and soft landscaping, highway access and estate infrastructure. All homes are set beside an extensive new natural parkland idyll alongside the Farnley Beck providing an extensive area of public open space for the residents and community to enjoy which will  become a key focus for the area.  Stonebridge Mills played a key role in the development of Farnley and neighbouring Wortley, dating back to the early 1800s when the water-powered woollen mill was a focal point of the local community. Despite being in some form of industrial use for around 150 years, the site has been derelict for many years. Jonathan Maud commented on behalf of joint developers Rushbond and Advent Developments: “Rushbond and our partners Advent have worked hard to design a really thoughtful and sympathetic regeneration of this long derelict and much-loved Leeds landmark.  We know from our extensive consultations that the community are excited to see this project commence and we are committed to delivering a really high-quality scheme.” Adrian Dobson, Managing Director from Caddick Construction said: “We are delighted to have started work on Stonebridge Mills and are helping to bring this site and historic buildings back to life as well as providing  much-needed housing for the Farnley area. The site’s regeneration will also enable the green corridor along the Farnley  Beck to be extended and run through the development which will be a huge bonus for the local community. Marketing of the homes has now commenced and the developers have already received strong interest from home buyers seeking to relocate to this unique and attractive regeneration project.  Benefitting from the historic surroundings and extensive new beck side park the homes will offer very strong appeal to home buyers.  A collection of conversion and new build homes will be available ranging from 2-5 bedrooms all offering high quality accommodation with private gardens and parking. A particular and unusual feature of the conversion homes will be the spacious mill houses with fabulous high ceilings and huge windows providing superb natural light and views over the Stonebridge Beck and parkland. The contemporary style new build family houses will provide high quality homes set within a semi-rural idyll yet situated less than 3 miles from Leeds City Centre. LSL New homes are marketing the scheme and further information can be sought by calling  07837 116 469. Principal designer and engineer on the scheme are W A Fairhurst & Partners with surveying services provided by BWF. The scheme is due to complete in Summer 2023.

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Britain’s energy networks and Ofgem unlock over £300 million to support a green recovery

Leading the green recovery electricity network companies are to invest over £300 million in network capacity for electric transport, clean heat and wider infrastructure development. Following a successful call for evidence, in which local authorities, developers and other parties stated the case for extra network capacity to receive investment, Britain’s energy networks will now accelerate funding over the next 12-24 months. David Smith, Chief Executive of Energy Networks Association which represents the UK and Ireland’s energy networks businesses said: “With just a few months left until COP26 we are delighted to have been able to bring forward such a crucial enabler of the Prime Minister’s green recovery ambitions. Delivering a green recovery for seas, skies and streets, over £300m of electricity distribution network investment will enable wide-ranging projects which help tackle some of our biggest Net Zero challenges, like electric vehicle range anxiety and the decarbonisation of heavier transport. “This new funding shows the social, economic and environmental benefits that can be brought forward by industry working closely with a flexible regulator.” Projects selected include those in the areas of electric flight, shipping, heating and road transportation. These projects will not only play a critical role in driving a green recovery but will provide a foundation for the emerging technologies needed for a Net Zero future. Details of some of the projects can be found below.  Key case study map Further case studies from across Britain Network operator Location Details Western Power Distribution South West – Truro In Truro Western Power Distribution are replacing two 132/33kV transformers, bringing on 30MW extra capacity for demand and for generation. Reflecting a £2m investment there are a multitude of uses for this new capacity. The area has abundant existing and proposed solar resources as well as a proposed garden village where a number of low carbon technologies are being considered. Crucially, Cornwall is also an area with many homes which do not have access to the gas network. With improved capacity in the county, more homes in Cornwall will have the option of switching to electric solutions. Western Power Distribution Wales Every year the Brecon Beacons are visited by over four million people; that’s four million people who, before long, will need to charge their electric vehicles. As part of the Green Recovery programme, Western Power Distribution are making multiple 11kV network investments through new cabling and substations, representing a £1million investment in Builth Wells and Llandrindod Wells. Whilst not solely intended for electric vehicle charge points, there has been a strong interest in establishing charge points in this area, catering to the rural tourist areas between Brecon Beacons National Park and Shropshire Hills AONB Western Power Distribution West Midlands – Gloucester Services M4 At the Gloucester services on the M4, Western Power Distribution are to build a 11kV network extension via two new cables from Tuffley 33/11kV substation towards Gloucester Services. In short, this allows for an increase of 8MW in demand and 6W in generation. Representing a £1.6m investment this facilitates connection of charging points for electric vehicles along this major, arterial road, as well as other growth in this area on the outskirts of Gloucester. Crucially, the cables will be laid rated at 33kV for efficiencies in future as growth increases – effectively futureproofing the project for the further growth anticipated in the area. Western Power Distribution East Midlands – East Croft Nottingham Nottingham City Council aim to transform the area into the first carbon neutral city by 2028. With that in mind, Nottingham is a known growth area with significant plans for low carbon technology growth in the coming years whilst also handling existing network constraints. To enable this, Western Power Distribution are investing £3.5m in a new 33/11kV substation in the city centre. This investment will provide 24MW of extra capacity for demand and 18MW extra capacity for generation. Electricity North West Windermere Cumbria County Council’s Carbon Management Strategy aims for the county to become “carbon neutral” by 2037. Decarbonisation of transport plans include; tourist activity, which will ensure electric vehicle charging facilities at major tourist carparks, and the replacement of the existing aging diesel Windermere ferry with a new environmentally friendly electric ferry. To accommodate these new low carbon connections in the Windermere lakeside area, Electricity North West plan to invest approximately £700k to install 4km of 11kV cable to enhance the network capacity there before 2022. A further investment of up to £1m is planned to strengthen the upstream 33kV network to ensure the security of this new capacity. Electricity North West St Cuthbert’s Garden Village, Carlisle Building on Carlisle’s designation by the World Health Organisation as a World Healthy City, St Cuthbert’s will be a place that encourages and facilitates a healthy lifestyle. Walking and cycling, supportive neighbourhoods, planned educational facilities and a strong sense of community spirit will all improve health and wellbeing. An objective for St Cuthbert’s is to promote sustainable energy use and the development of renewable energy resources, where feasible. It will also set out to promote energy efficient buildings whilst maintaining thermal comfort levels. Renewable and low carbon heat supplies being considered for the sites include: Solar thermal Air source heat pumps Water source heat pumps Ground source heat pumps Energy from sewers Deep geothermal Energy from waste Industrial waste heat Electricity North West propose to utilise the replacement of the overhead lines that currently traverses the area with cables as an opportunity to uprate the circuits in the area and meet the developments needs for an additional 8.5MW of electrical capacity. The new electrical network will be designed with the requirements to support both electrical consumption and generation in mind, enabling the decarbonisation vision of the Garden Village. As well as installing a higher capacity replacement circuit, Electricity North West plan to install ducts to futureproof the development, enabling future cables to be easily installed, providing the potential for even more capacity. This includes provisions for the connection of electric vehicle charging capacity at Southwaite Service Station on the M6 motorway.

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How To Determine The Right Location For Your HVAC System

The location of your HVAC system can make a huge difference in the efficiency and effectiveness of your heating, cooling, or climate control. But how do you know where to put it? This article will help you decide how to determine the right location. You can also consult HVAC experts like ActronAir to get more insights. 1. Deciduous Trees Deciduous trees are a common tree type, and these types of trees can shed leaves in the fall. When this happens, you’re likely to have an excessive amount of leaves blowing around your yard or driveway, which can clog up the air filter on your HVAC system. If there is more than one deciduous tree in the location, it would be best to place your HVAC system on a roof or higher level. This can prevent cotton wool or pollen from accumulating on the coils. And so before you install your air conditioner, check out for deciduous trees around the compound that may affect the airflow. 2. Shaded Location The HVAC system needs to be in a shaded area. It will keep the equipment cool and running efficiently, which can save you money on your energy bills by reducing how often it has to turn on. The only time this isn’t true is if the location gets too hot or cold outside, rendering that particular spot unacceptable for placement. If you put it in a shady area when it’s too cold, there’s a risk that your HVAC system will be working extra hard and use more energy than necessary, which is costly for you as well as for the environment. 3. Keep It Off Your Dog You’ll want to put a barrier preventing your dog from reaching the HVAC system because it could get in trouble. Some dogs have a habit of chewing on cord and so they can easily be electrocuted or cut their tongue and end up bleeding out as well. Dogs also lick themselves which means there’s always an increased risk for contamination. Plus any fur that’s on the ground will be blown into your ducts and spread around. They can also urinate on the HVAC system, which will cause damage, contamination, and rust. Putting up a barrier like a fence or a hedge will work out just fine when it comes to blocking off your dog. You also need to close any possible loophole that they may squeeze through. 4. Outdoor Activities When determining the right location for your HVAC system, it is important to consider outdoor activities that will be taking place in or around your home. If you’re always in your backyard or patio, then you’ll want to keep the system away from there. If not, then choose a spot that will be most convenient for your family members or guests. You also need to consider how far away it is from the power source and water supply. 5. Blending With Your Landscape You will want to make sure your AC blends into the landscape for a seamless look. This is especially important if you are installing it on an outside wall of your home or near a window. The best way to blend with the surroundings is by painting, brickwork, landscaping, and other exterior treatments. 6. Snowdrifts Don’t put your HVAC system where snowdrifts accumulate. If you live in a region that gets heavy snowfalls, ensure you leave a space between your HVAC and the house for snow removal equipment. That way, if your equipment gets buried in snow, it won’t affect the HVAC and shut it down. 7. Side Or Backyard Placing your HVAC system in the back or side yard is a good option for smaller homes with little space inside. In these situations, it’s best that the unit not face south because this would cause the power usage to spike during summer months and run up energy bills more quickly. 8. Water Runoff Most people install their heating and cooling systems on the roof, but this isn’t always a good idea. If you have a sloped or uncertain roof, it’s possible that water will get into your unit when there is heavy rain. This can damage your HVAC system over time because of rust buildup and other problems associated with excess moisture. To Sum Up… Location is an important factor when it comes to the efficiency and lifespan of your HVAC system. These tips will help you to determine the best location.

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How to Avoid Common Safety Hazards at Your Home

Homes are considered a safe place, and the word “shelter” translates to safety and protection. However, you cannot deny some dangers hidden in plain sight at your home. These hazards can lead to injuries if you fail to recognize them on time. Creating a safe environment at home is as essential as adding furniture and matching decors. If you are not sure how secure your home is, then it is time you start paying more attention to details. Read more to know some of the common safety hazards at home and how to avoid them. Avoiding Electrical Fire According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the US fire department visits around 300,000 homes every year to put out fires. However, by following simple precautionary measures, you can quickly improve fire safety at your home. Check if you have a working safety switch that will turn off the main power when an electrical appliance fails. Look for frayed appliance cords, light switches, and power cords.  Always keep an eye on the power points, which are located close to a water source. Avoiding Slippage and Falls According to statistics, more than one-third of the emergency visits to the hospitals are because of accidental falls and slips. From falling down the staircase to slipping in the shower, sometimes falls can lead to severe injuries and, in some cases, even death. To avoid accidental falls, you must stabilize the stairs by testing the steadiness of the handrails, fix them to the floor properly and check whether there is sufficient lighting in the area. Monitoring CO Levels High exposure to carbon monoxide can cause impaired vision, vomiting, and even death. It is impossible to detect CO by smell, making it one of the most challenging threats to see. However, there are ways to avoid carbon monoxide-related injuries at home. You can install a CO detector at your house, which will alert you if the carbon monoxide level reaches a dangerous high. Other than the detector, ensure that you keep up with regular home maintenance by having an expert service the water heater, HVAC system, and other devices every year. Choking and Strangling Hazards Creating a safe environment at home is very important, especially if you have newborn babies or kids with you. In the US, choking is said to be the fourth leading cause of accidental deaths. Small toys are responsible for the most common safety hazards at homes. To avoid this, you must regularly inspect the toys for any broken or loose parts. It is also essential to have a baby monitor to listen in to any signs of choking. Next to choking, strangling by cords from curtains or blinds is the next common safety hazard for kids. Make sure not to place the kid’s crib or bed under or near a window with hanging cords. Secure the electrical cables and trim the hanging lines in the curtains to avoid accidental strangling. If your house is missing out on even one of the safety measures in this list, it is time you immediately check it out and take the required steps. You will never know when anything can go wrong. So, practice constant vigilance and, more importantly, practice all the safety measures.

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