Climate change is an issue for governments and businesses alike, with both wrestling with the problem of being competitive whilst being green and sustainable. Energy usage is a major concern as corporations aim to reduce their carbon footprint, and energy costs. This debate is pertinent to the 16% of the
Apart from modern technology having a positive effect on our environment, online gaming and even the great introduction of NoviBet, it has also had an improved effect within the construction industry and the results have been lifesaving. The world is expanding; the need for more resources increasing and the construction industry
The World Green Building Council (WorldGBC) will use the 10th annual World Green Building Week (23-29 September 2019) to focus on end-to-end carbon emissions created across the building and construction industry, highlighting the need for the sustainable production, design, build, use, deconstruction and reuse of buildings and their materials. Today,
Axalta, a leading manufacturer of powder and liquid coatings has opened a new Colour Experience Room in London, where architects and designers can explore its extensive range of powder coatings for metallic substrates. As part of the London Festival of Architecture 2019, Axalta is hosting a sensory colour experience at
Stephen George + Partners LLP (SGP) has completed work on 44 Retirement Living apartments and 58 Retirement Living Plus apartments at Ilkley, West Yorkshire, for McCarthy & Stone North East. Scholars Place is the largest scheme to date for McCarthy & Stone North East, consisting of Priestley Court, a circa
In recent years, the research for innovative solutions for home furnishings has made it possible to enhance the value of leather, using it as a covering for different areas of the home. In addition to the classic sofas and armchairs, leather can also be used to cover the walls of
Queens Parade, Bangor is set to undergo a major £50m redevelopment which will see the area transformed into a revitalised, sustainable and contemporary seafront. TODD Architects are the designers behind the new waterfront redevelopment, working closely with North Down & Ards Borough Council, the Department for Communities NI and the developer
There has been a great reaction to the recent launch of Sidey’s new-look website. Scotland’s strongest fenestration company has already received superb feedback and attracted hundreds of new visitors. The website has been designed to show Sidey’s impressive range of products to all market sectors, comprehensively catering to homeowners, trade,
Savills has today, (04 June 2019), announced the acquisition of London-based workplace consultancy and design studio KKS. The acquisition will create a new UK based client service for the international real estate advisor providing a strategic link to enhance its occupier services, landlord leasing, mixed-use development and building & project
Energy Assets Utilities (EAU) is generating growth in the peaking plant market, recently working alongside project managers Stag Energy, and Keekle Power, to bring a 20MW gas peaking plant online near Southampton to help National Grid balance its power requirements. The plant will enable Keekle Power to provide low cost,
Climate change is an issue for governments and businesses alike, with both wrestling with the problem of being competitive whilst being green and sustainable. Energy usage is a major concern as corporations aim to reduce their carbon footprint, and energy costs. This debate is pertinent to the 16% of the UK not serviced by the main gas grid, which relies on alternative fuels to meet its energy needs. For the majority of off-grid operations, this means a choice between oil, LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) or LNG (liquefied natural gas) for high-volume commercial applications. But what exactly are the differences between these fuels – and what should off-grid users consider when making decisions about their energy supply? Here, business gas supplier, Flogas, take a look at the issue: Oil and climate change With the Committee on Climate Change urging the UK government to legislate as soon as possible to reach net zero emissions by 2050, the pressure is on all industries to adopt greener energy policies. What this means for off-grid businesses in practical terms is moving away from conventional, carbon-heavy fossil fuels. When considering the key features of oil, it’s not hard to see why it’s becoming an outdated off-grid option: •Increased carbon emissions: As a major contributor to climate change, the burning of oil for heating and cooking purposes releases far higher levels of carbon into the atmosphere than more efficient off-grid fuels like LPG. •Cost: Through a combination of factors such as dwindling oil reserves, environmental pressures and strained international relations, the price of oil remains volatile. This makes it difficult for businesses to forecast the cost of fuel and can cast doubts over the future of their supply chain. •Maintenance: Due to its viscous nature, machines that operate on oil often take a large amount of maintenance to ensure they are running at optimum performance. This can also mean messy repairs if anything goes wrong. Looking at LPG and LNG With so many factors now working against businesses that are still using oil, it’s no surprise that many are now looking for an alternative fuel supply. The good news is that there are viable off-grid alternatives that offer compelling economic, environmental and logistical benefits. LPG and LNG are two such fuels. So, what are they, and how do they compare to oil? •Chemical makeup – LPG is a blanket term for two types of natural gas (Propane and Butane) and is a natural by-product of gas and oil extraction (66%) and oil refining (34%). LNG is composed primarily of methane and is created by cooling natural gas to an extremely low temperature (-162°C). •Finance: Businesses can make immediate savings when switching to LPG or LNG through a reduction in energy usage. •Carbon emissions: LPG and LNG have the lowest CO2 emissions of any 0ff-grid fossil fuels: LPG emits 36% fewer than gas oil, 22% fewer than kerosene and 17% fewer than heating oil. It also emits no black carbon (a significant contributor to climate change). •Cleaner air: LPG and LNG are clean, smoke-free burning fuels, that emit fewer pollutant emissions, including NOx, Sox and particulate matter (PM). •Compliant: Because they’re cleaner, LPG and LNG help businesses to meet carbon and pollutant reduction targets set out in the Clean Growth Strategy, ULEZ, Marpol and Medium Combustion Plant Directive. •Efficiency: With a higher calorific value per tonne than other liquid fuels, an LPG and LNG flame can burn hotter, releasing energy quicker. When used in conjunction with the likes of a steam boiler this can produce even greater efficiencies. •Extensive supply: LPG and LNG are in global abundance, so business owners can rest assured that they will have a dependable source of energy when they need it most. Flogas will be significantly increasing the UK’s total LPG storage capability with its new Avonmouth storage facility – the largest of its kind. •Easy Installation: For businesses looking to switch from oil to gas, the process isn’t complicated. Specialist LPG companies can design and install a replacement heating system to meet your business’ needs. From the initial brief process to installation and even the removal of your old oil tank, with the right supplier there’s the option to have everything taken care of with minimal downtime. •Versatility: One of the main attractions of LPG is its versatility. From leisure and hospitality to agriculture and industrial heating, and even fuel for forklift trucks and fleet vehicles, LPG can be used as an energy supply for all manner of industries. A brighter future? As the cleanest, most efficient and effective fuel compared to conventional off-grid fuels like coal, oil and electricity, switching from oil to LPG (or LNG) could help businesses energy savings, ensuring compliance with government energy policies, and cutting down on maintenance time. Sources
Apart from modern technology having a positive effect on our environment, online gaming and even the great introduction of NoviBet, it has also had an improved effect within the construction industry and the results have been lifesaving. The world is expanding; the need for more resources increasing and the construction industry busier than it has ever been before. This has made it necessary for construction workers to reap the benefits of the very thing that has made it necessary for more buildings, malls, hotels and the like; modern tech. Taking a look under the hood of modern tech shows us why and how it has played a positive role within the inner workings of every scenario involving construction and buildings. Safety and Security The use of modern tech has reshaped the construction industry in terms of workers safety and security. Construction work is incredibly hazardous and workers have even been known to receive danger pay, more money for more life threatening tasks. Imagine operating from the very top of a scaffold, or imagine working on constructing the world’s tallest buildings facing severe weather conditions. Modern technology has allowed for the manufacturing of tools and equipment which have the ability to reach the same heights that humankind can. Rather than risking a life, tools can be used to do the work of men and women. Speed Unlike living in the 1800’s or even two decades ago, buildings are constructed faster than they ever have been in the past. Not only are buildings quicker to piece together but more workers can be employed and put onto a manageable payroll. Being able to manage and hire more staff reduces the time it takes to build these sites. Efficient The use of modern tech has also enables us to build more energy efficient buildings thanks to the use of solar panels and greener building. As the planet is continuously striving to improve or living conditions to benefit the environment, building demands become more necessary rather than wanted. Using Construction scheduling software also helps increase speed and risk management at your job site. With a good software package, you can achieve a 75% increase in execution certainty and a 40% increase in planning efficiency. Along with the ability to schedule and analyze your project’s risk in real-time and better understand the possible outcomes of the project, you’ll be armed with everything you need for the most efficient construction project you’ve been involved with yet. Software and Mobile Applications The software solutions that have been developed for the intended purpose of building developments and construction includes mobile accessibility which allows users to garner a better understanding of what is required for the project. For example, preconstruction and scheduling can be streamlined into a productive projection which is necessary to determine the length and the difficulty of constructing modern and efficient buildings. Being a mobile application, users are usually allowed to edit and change docs with all changes being made in real time for a more accurate prediction of what is to be expected in terms of constructing what is desired. As modern tech progresses and changes, we know it is heading into a more positive era than it currently stands in today. This gives many something to look forward to while benefiting from the positive aspects of this tech. Construction and building is necessary to keep our economy efficient, but we need to keep our environment safe also and modern tech allows for this.
The World Green Building Council (WorldGBC) will use the 10th annual World Green Building Week (23-29 September 2019) to focus on end-to-end carbon emissions created across the building and construction industry, highlighting the need for the sustainable production, design, build, use, deconstruction and reuse of buildings and their materials. Today, buildings and construction together account for 36% of global final energy use and 39% of energy-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions when upstream power generation is included. Operational emissions from buildings account for 28% overall, while the remaining 11% are attributed to embodied carbon emissions, which refers to carbon that is released during material manufacturing and the construction and demolition process. The issue of addressing embodied carbon emissions is becoming increasingly important to the building and construction industry as major organisations look to collectively achieve net zero carbon along the entire lifecycle of a building. A detailed report put together by WorldGBC will outline the pressing issues around embodied carbon in the industry, presenting a vision for a net zero carbon construction future and a call to action to radically transform processes right along the planning and construction supply chain. The report will help to raise awareness of this vital issue and will highlight examples of leadership and best practice from across the sector. In the report, WorldGBC will call for urgent action, recommending specific steps that business, government and civil society can take to help shape a net zero carbon future for the whole lifecycle of all buildings. The report will be released during World Green Building Week in September 2019. The focus for this year’s World Green Building Week campaign dovetails with the issue of air pollution, which is the theme of this year’s World Environment Day taking place this Wednesday, 5 June. Green building is one key solution to improve air quality in the built environment. The energy used in material manufacture, construction and operation of buildings must come from clean, renewable sources of energy and not from burning carbon-emitting fossil fuels, which exacerbate global warming, pollute the air and damage human health. On Wednesday 5 June, WorldGBC Chair, Lisa Bate, will speak at the UN Environment’s World Environment Day event in New York on a panel about innovative solutions to reduce air pollution in the building sector. She will use the UN Environment platform to formally launch this year’s campaign, Building Life. Cristina Gamboa, CEO, World Green Building Council says: “This year’s focus for World Green Building Week on the full lifecycle of buildings is key to promote innovation and accelerate the abatement of emissions from buildings, which stand at 39% of total emissions worldwide. The construction industry will find in the campaign ways to address the carbon footprint of buildings and identify how to accelerate market transformation. Only by having an end to end understanding can our green building movement truly help contribute to the decarbonisation of the built environment. We look forward to engaging with our Green Building Councils and their members in lively and exciting ways that can genuinely make a difference to awareness around this pressing issue beyond our own industry.” Niklas Nillroth, Vice President Environment & Sustainability Volvo Construction Equipment says: “Within Volvo Construction Equipment we are excited to participate in this year’s campaign dedicated to total emissions reduction. Volvo has partnered with WorldGBC since 2016 and this has given us insights and opportunities to share our own sustainability findings and initiatives. We truly believe that partnerships in the construction value chain is a prerequisite for success in reducing total emissions. The World Green Building Week is a great opportunity to take this to the next level.” Stephen Smith, Executive Director, Multiplex says: “We need specific, evidence-backed actions from all stakeholders in the construction industry to generate positive, sustainable outcomes for our people, our communities and our environment. Embedded sustainability efforts clearly result in a positive impact on business performance and Multiplex is very proud to be leading the way. World Green Building Week is a great opportunity for us to explore and hopefully enable sustainability solutions with our business partners and peers.” WorldGBC will be looking to its global network of green building and construction industry experts to act as ambassadors throughout the week to promote action on total emissions and the whole life cycle of buildings. This will take the form of proactive media opportunities, hosting events, publishing reports, thought leadership articles and manifestos, making net zero carbon building commitments, and promoting the week on social media platforms using the hashtag #buildinglife. For the last decade, World Green Building Week has been a global platform to help raise awareness of green building and shape responses to some of the most pressing issues relating to the implementation of sustainable practices in the construction and building industry. These issues have included net zero carbon buildings and green homes. WorldGBC’s green homes campaign in 2018 reached over 155 million people from the green building community and beyond. WorldGBC is on a mission to achieve green buildings for everyone, everywhere. Their global network of almost 70 national Green Building Councils believes that green buildings can help combat climate change, as well as achieve numerous other wider social, economic, environmental and health benefits. WorldGBC’s vision is to help shape a future in which every building in the world is net zero carbon, eliminating the buildings and construction sector’s reliance on fossil fuels which are causing irreversible damage to the planet. In order to achieve this vision, the buildings and construction industry must take urgent action and consider the impacts of design and procurement decisions on the emissions associated with materials and construction processes. For more information, please visit https://www.worldgbc.org/worldgreenbuildingweek
Axalta, a leading manufacturer of powder and liquid coatings has opened a new Colour Experience Room in London, where architects and designers can explore its extensive range of powder coatings for metallic substrates. As part of the London Festival of Architecture 2019, Axalta is hosting a sensory colour experience at The Building Centre on Thursday 13th June. Having presented Colour Experience Rooms in France, Belgium and Poland in the past, Axalta has decided to bring a showroom to London this year as it’s a creative capital and a well-recognised design hub. The sensory experience will showcase Axalta’s vast powder coatings colour palette, whilst also testing the boundaries of the five senses. Visitors will be invited to the Colour Experience Room to identify colour, one sense at a time, and experience just how the senses can elicit an emotion and how colour is a key component in that choice. Berlin-based Designer and Art Director, Ramin Nasibov, will be offering Axalta-filtered headshots of guests during two sessions on the day, alongside other sensory experiences. “Colour has no boundaries – indeed it has the capacity to take you to new and exciting places by capturing your senses and igniting your imagination.” commented Dami Babalola, Architecture Colour Expert and curator of the workshop. “Our sensory experience will show you just how colour can stimulate every one of your senses – taste, touch, smell, sight and hearing.” Editors and journalists are invited to an exclusive workshop from 11am to 12 midday, with public events being held at 1pm-2pm and again at 6pm-7pm. As space is tight, places are limited so visitors are invited to register their attendance by emailing dami.babalola@axalta.com The wide colour palette of Axalta’s powder coatings have been specifically designed for the architectural field and are well-recognised for their high-tech product quality and extensive range of textures, gloss grades and effects, and this will be brought to life in the showroom. For more information about Axalta Coating Systems and all parties involved, please visit: @axaltapowdercoatingsemea, @raminnasibov, @londonfestivalofarchitecture @thebuildingcentre About Axalta Axalta is a leading global company focused solely on coatings and providing customers with innovative, colourful, beautiful and sustainable solutions. From light OEM vehicles, commercial vehicles and refinish applications to electric motors, buildings and pipelines, our coatings are designed to prevent corrosion, increase productivity and enable the materials we coat to last longer. With more than 150 years of experience in the coatings industry, the 14,000 people of Axalta continue to find ways to serve our more than 100,000 customers in 130 countries better every day with the finest coatings, application systems and technology. For more information visit axalta.com and follow us @Axalta on Twitter and on LinkedIn.
Stephen George + Partners LLP (SGP) has completed work on 44 Retirement Living apartments and 58 Retirement Living Plus apartments at Ilkley, West Yorkshire, for McCarthy & Stone North East. Scholars Place is the largest scheme to date for McCarthy & Stone North East, consisting of Priestley Court, a circa 3,940m² GIA Retirement Living scheme and Chesterton Court, a circa 5,850m² GIA Retirement Living Plus scheme. SGP’s plans for the spacious one and two bedroom apartments will redevelop a challenging, vacant brownfield site into a vibrant mixed use scheme that balances employment and residential uses. SGP’s involvement began with the masterplanning of the 3.58 hectare site, owned by McCarthy & Stone and Spooner Industries, into six discrete and complementary uses, namely Retirement Living and Retirement Living Plus apartments, a 77 bedroom care home, office block, two extensions to Spooner Industries Ltd and a children’s nursery (later amended to an office), together with associated parking and landscaping. SGP’s work continued after planning permission was granted in December 2016, taking the McCarthy & Stone Retirement Living and Retirement Living Plus projects from feasibility through to completion. McCarthy & Stone’s Retirement Living developments provide exclusive high-quality owner-occupied apartments for those aged 60 and over, offering residents independence with peace of mind. Their Retirement Living Plus apartments are for the over 70s and offer thoughtfully-designed, low-maintenance, private apartments with beautiful communal areas for socialising. SGP’s careful consideration of material use and fenestration created a contemporary but sympathetic design with beautifully landscaped gardens and external areas, responsive to the local area and fitting for a key site seen by hundreds of people every day via the nearby train line. Says Dean Payton, Associate at SGP: “Although Tesco pulled out of their planned Superstore, local feeling was still sensitive to new proposals for this important site, which is overlooked by local landmark the Cow and Calf rocks high on Ilkley Moor and has Networks Rail’s busy Wharfdale line adjacent. We worked closely with McCarthy & Stone’s in-house planning consultant and the local planning authority, as well as staging public exhibitions to encourage community participation, addressing local concerns by commissioning additional studies and incorporating into the planning submission.” The site required SGP to pay close attention to site levels and its association with the adjoining railway line needed close collaboration between the design and site teams and Network Rail. SGP used Revit from early concept stage massing through to project completion, modelling the whole site to the existing surveyed and proposed levels allowing accurate contextual elevations, eye-level perspectives and solar studies. The latter were beneficial for alleviating residents’ concerns about possible over shadowing of their properties and for assessing the scale of development from the highway. Concludes Graeme Kynman, Development Manage at McCarthy & Stone: “This was a complex site, with multiple sub-site clients and their consultants demanding a coordinated site design and exemplary communications. We are extremely proud to have successfully brought this stunning development to completion.”
In recent years, the research for innovative solutions for home furnishings has made it possible to enhance the value of leather, using it as a covering for different areas of the home. In addition to the classic sofas and armchairs, leather can also be used to cover the walls of the rooms, giving each room a unique style and elegance. Through this short guide, we will embark on an interesting journey in the leather’s world, discovering the different types, their average duration, their advantages and disadvantages and learning how to clean it to keep it in excellent condition. How long does leather last? Being a natural coating, leather does not have a universally recognized average durability: in fact, its “longevity” is influenced by many factors, not least the conditions in which the animals from which it was derived used to live. In fact, different habitats can determine a different aesthetic rendering of the product: for this reason, it is advisable to inquire about the origin of the leather regarding the product with which it was made, with the aim of collecting as much information as possible about the origin of your furniture accessories. Another aspect to consider in relation to the durability of the leather is its natural evolution over time, due to both the use of the product, the type of leather with which it was made and finally, the maintenance. To give a concrete example, the covering of a sofa or an armchair on which you sit on often will wear out more quickly. Similarly, the use of cleaning products that are not suitable for cleaning the leather and the exposure of the product to atmospheric agents or direct sunlight may affect the durability of the upholstery. Types of Leather Not all leathers are the same; on the contrary, there are different types, which are distinguished by the quality of the raw material, but also by the processing method they have undergone, the colours and the finishings. The main types of leather are: Full grain: it is soft and resistant at the same time, it is the most valuable part of the hide, that is the outer layer. Natural/printed grain: again these are high quality leathers, processed naturally or printed. While some small defects may be visible on natural grain leathers, such as a scar, printed leathers are generally more uniform, since the pressing due to the printing process helps to give homogeneity to the surface. Nabuk: this term refers to a type of leather in which the first layer (skin) of the animal is preserved and subjected to a specific shaving. It is soft, delicate and extremely pleasant to the touch. Crust: this is the lower layer that is obtained by splitting the full grain leather. Regenerated: the lowest quality leather, made from waste leather of about 80% and the remaining 20% using mixed compounds. Advantages and disadvantages Choosing leather as a covering for your home is a decision that has many advantages, even if you have to consider some negative aspects. Definitely to be considered among the advantages are the versatility, the sturdiness, the elegance and the incomparable aesthetic impact that characterize a leather product, especially if it is made with high quality leathers, produced by professionals of the sector. Moreover, leather (unlike fabric) is also suitable for those who suffer from allergies to mites, because it does not absorb dust and lint. On the other hand, a product made of fine leather can have a high cost, requires special attention and meticulous maintenance and does not have a high degree of permeability. Maintenance and cleaning For leather upholstery, good maintenance is essential. Most leathers are cleaned by wiping them with a white cloth moistened with a few drops of mild soap and then drying them with a normal dust cloth. It is a procedure to be carried out only 3 or 4 times a year; the dusting, on the other hand, must be carried out on a weekly basis. As far as anilines are concerned, extremely valuable leathers that do not show any trace of chemical substances, in order not to alter their splendid beauty, a weekly dusting with a soft and dry cloth is sufficient. Finally, any substance that accidentally comes into contact with the leather product must be removed as quickly as possible to prevent it being absorbed.
Queens Parade, Bangor is set to undergo a major £50m redevelopment which will see the area transformed into a revitalised, sustainable and contemporary seafront. TODD Architects are the designers behind the new waterfront redevelopment, working closely with North Down & Ards Borough Council, the Department for Communities NI and the developer Bangor Marine; a consortium including Farrans and the Karl Group. The new proposed redevelopment plan includes the refurbishment of existing commercial properties and creating outside events space, Marine Gardens Public Realm combining External Events Space, Cafes, Sheltered Promenade & Kiosks, Beach, Seafront Lawns, Children’s Play Area & Water Feature; Hotel; a Destination/Cinema Building; Residential Units; Commercial/Retail/Restaurant Space; Office Space; a Play Zone; Refurbishment of Existing Commercial Properties; Car Park; and Marketplace & Courtyard Squares. “TODD Architects are delighted to announce our involvement as the architects behind this £50m transformative scheme of Queens Parade, Bangor, working closely with North Down & Ards Borough Council, The Department for Communities NI and Bangor Marine consortium. This exciting opportunity will see the area regenerated into a revitalised, sustainable and contemporary seafront, enhancing Bangor’s appeal as a top Northern Ireland destination. “ Peter Minnis, Director, TODD Architects The planning process has commenced, with work expected to begin in 2020.
There has been a great reaction to the recent launch of Sidey’s new-look website. Scotland’s strongest fenestration company has already received superb feedback and attracted hundreds of new visitors. The website has been designed to show Sidey’s impressive range of products to all market sectors, comprehensively catering to homeowners, trade, new build & developers and local authority & housing associations. With fresh page designs and stunning photography, a simple navigation process and upgraded content, the site has been developed to be tablet and mobile friendly, enabling visitors to find the information they need easily, whatever platform they are using. Containing in-depth information on the products and services that Sidey provide, news, history, accreditations and other resources, each different sector on the site also features the relevant information for that market, including specific product details, downloads and case studies. “It was vital that the new site would be able to accommodate all the different aspects of our business and make available the necessary information that each market sector needs,” says Mandy Gunn, Sidey’s Marketing & Bid Writing Manager. “Not only have we achieved that, the site looks great and is easy to use across all platforms. We know that a huge percentage of people now use mobile phones to access the internet and we’ve reflected that in our design. “The hard work we put into the planning, development and content of the website has worked well and we’re very pleased with the results. “Not only have we seen a significant increase in traffic, but we’ve also had lots of great feedback from visitors to www.sidey.co.uk.”
Savills has today, (04 June 2019), announced the acquisition of London-based workplace consultancy and design studio KKS. The acquisition will create a new UK based client service for the international real estate advisor providing a strategic link to enhance its occupier services, landlord leasing, mixed-use development and building & project management offering to deliver an all-encompassing solution focused on creating a better occupier experience. Established in 2004 by CEO Katrina Kostic Samen, alongside partner Caroline Pontifex, KKS now employs 26 members of staff. At Savills, Katrina will assume the role of director, head of workplace – strategy and design, in addition to continuing her position as President of the British Council for Offices (BCO) until July this year, remaining thereafter as BCO Immediate Past President. Caroline will be appointed as director, workplace experience. As a recognised and best in class leader in development & occupier strategy and interior architecture design, KKS provides innovative solutions based on detailed research and experience to major developers and tenants in the financial, legal, insurance, media and corporate sectors across the globe. James Sparrow, CEO of Savills UK and EMEA, comments: “This is an incredibly important and strategic acquisition for our business that will see Savills and KKS come together to create a new workplace centre of excellence, offering a comprehensive end-to-end solution for our clients from inception to completion.” Jeremy Bates, EMEA head of Occupational Markets at Savills, says: “This acquisition is directly driven by future workplace trends, challenges, opportunities and demands. There is an obvious synergy between the two businesses and we are thrilled to welcome Katrina and her team to Savills.” Simon Collett, head of Professional Services at Savills, adds: “By fusing best in class real-estate advice with a best in class design and delivery capability, this new service line will focus on providing superior client value and success, as well as giving Savills a market-leading competitive advantage in the workplace arena.” Katrina Kostic Samen, CEO of KKS, says: “The growth and success of KKS is a reflection of the passion of our team who are constantly driving to deliver a first class client service and push the boundaries to embrace new innovations. The occupier is the heart and soul of any building and, in Savills, we feel we have found like-minded people with the energy and motivation across a global network to take the occupier experience to the next level. We are very much looking forward to collaborating and innovating to redefine the workplace and build better performing communities for occupiers.”
Energy Assets Utilities (EAU) is generating growth in the peaking plant market, recently working alongside project managers Stag Energy, and Keekle Power, to bring a 20MW gas peaking plant online near Southampton to help National Grid balance its power requirements. The plant will enable Keekle Power to provide low cost, dispatchable power to the local distribution system and fulfil its Capacity Market obligation. Peaking plants are being created across Britain and come into operation when there is a peak in demand for power from the electricity grid. EAU is one of the leading utility network construction businesses working in the sector, having completed more than 40 such schemes. The latest project involved the design and construction of a particularly complex gas infrastructure, including a 140m directional drill under the main Southampton railway line to connect the site to the gas network. The 10 gas fired reciprocating engines generating the electricity required a gas load of 54MW at around 250mb inlet pressure. Dennis Habergham, EAU Design & Technical Manager, said that a root protection area meant open-trench digging works were not feasible, so a non-intrusive directional drilling approach was employed instead. “The undercrossing of the railway was another one of the major challenges,” said Dennis. “We originally planned a total drill length of 120m passing 7m below the track level, but we had to contend with an unforeseen World War II concrete structure, which meant going deeper and extending the drill length to 140m. The completed supply pipeline was then connected to an IP to LP gas regulator/ meter skid also installed by EAU.” Joe Grant, Project Manager at Stag Energy, said that peaking power plants were playing an increasingly important role in balancing the nation’s power requirements due to the increased volume of intermittent renewables which require balancing. “This plant will provide power to local homes and businesses at times of high demand or unexpected drops in supply,” he said. “The site was selected for its proximity to the nearby electricity sub-station and was originally going to be a diesel site, but regulatory change meant it was then developed as a gas operation. We spoke to a number of contractors, but Energy Assets had a wealth of experience in technically challenging projects and we are really pleased with the job they have done here.” EAU spotted an opportunity in the peaking plant market around four years ago and has since developed a specialist design and network construction team that has gone on to complete more than 40 schemes on behalf of operators. Nathan Schofield, Sales and Marketing Director at EAU, commented: “In addition to our established gas network construction and metering operations, we have also extended our in-house electrical design capability, so that we can deliver a true ‘end-to-end’ service for peaking plant customers. Today, we are one of the leading utility network design and construction companies in this sector in Britain.” Picture shows the peaking plant near Southampton (aerial image). www.energyassets.co.uk