DHF (Door & Hardware Federation) has announced the creation of a new Commercial Department, established to support the organisation’s on-going growth, and in particular, its training offering. Marketing Manager, Patricia Sowsbery-Stevens, has been promoted to the post of Commercial Manager, and will oversee the new department’s development, with an emphasis
It’s been the best ever start to a year for East Midlands demolition firm AR Demolition, with record turnover and profits in the first half of 2018. In the six month period to July the company saw turnover rise by 54% compared to the same period in 2017, with year-on-year
Continuing to transform the London skyline, Aggregate Industries has returned to the capital, this time for the £250m redevelopment of 100 Liverpool Street, where once again Lytag has proved the go-to concrete solution for high-end refurbishments and new builds. As part of the wider Broadgate campus adjacent to Liverpool Street
Bury, Lancashire-based steel fabrication specialists, Wm. Hare Group has taken delivery of its first-ever Volvo truck – a brand-new FM-460 6×2 tractor unit with Globetrotter cab – which will be used for inter-depot and site deliveries across a large part of the UK. Paul McNicholas, Customer Solutions Manager at Thomas
Benoy has completed its first development with e-commerce giant Alibaba – the new Ali Centre in Hongqiao, Shanghai. Benoy was appointed as the Interior Designer, Signage and Wayfinding Designer and Retail Planner for the development. Located in the business district of Hongqiao, Shanghai, the new Ali Centre covers three plots and
The independent hire firm, Alide Hire, has invested in two, award winning, X-Splash wash bays supplied by Trime UK. X-Splash is an ecological, flexible cleaning system for plant and machinery. The system prevents soil pollution and contamination of drains, from oil, grease, and similar chemical contaminants. It features a modular
Hiab, part of Cargotec, is proud to introduce the next generation of hooklifts, the MULTILIFT Ultima, with several industry-first innovations that will enhance productivity, ease of use and operational safety. Hiab is the market leader with its MULTILIFT XR range, the predecessor of the now launched MULTILIFT Ultima. “The Terho
Viridian Solar announces that its Clearline Fusion BIPV roofing system has completed the full suite of European fire testing for external spread of flame and has been accredited to have the highest fire resilience in all tests: Broof (T1), Broof (T2), Broof (T3) and Broof (T4) The solar panels and
A leading trade body event will be charting the changing perspectives, current challenges and emerging issues in the UK’s professional invasive weed control sector. The Property Care Association’s 2018 International Invasive Weed Conference takes place at The Slate, University of Warwick, on 22 November. This year’s event has attracted high-profile
Abtec Building Technologies (Abtec BT) has recently completed a project to install a connected lighting system at a newly constructed brick factory in the East Midlands. Ibstock Brick, an Ibstock PLC company, has built a new factory capable of producing 100 million bricks a year, helping to address the UK’s housing shortage.
DHF (Door & Hardware Federation) has announced the creation of a new Commercial Department, established to support the organisation’s on-going growth, and in particular, its training offering. Marketing Manager, Patricia Sowsbery-Stevens, has been promoted to the post of Commercial Manager, and will oversee the new department’s development, with an emphasis on streamlining training course booking processes and delivering the very best service and value to its members. With responsibility for overseeing both marketing and training functions, Patricia, who has worked at DHF for three years, will be tasked with taking the trade association’s training department ‘to the next level’, including offering online booking facilities for all training courses and ensuring that new entrants into the industry are presented with the opportunity to become proficient with the necessary accreditations, qualifications, such as NVQ, and CSCS cards. DHF, established in 1897 and committed to raising standards, is renowned industry-wide as the ‘go to’ place for technical advice and training. Regarded as a ‘centre of excellence’ with an expert team of professionals that can provide help and support across all sectors, DHF’s distinguished training programmes provide delegates with a deeper understanding of legislation affecting supply, installation, maintenance and repair. To date, more than 2300 delegates have successfully completed one of its four training courses and earlier this month, DHF moved its head office premises to ‘The Barn’ at ‘Shuttington Fields Farm’, a larger office space with a state-of-the-art Training Academy, demonstrating its continued commitment to training. “Training remains one of DHF’s biggest growth areas,” says Patricia. “The creation of a new Commercial Department will enable us to co-ordinate and restructure our training offering to ensure our programmes continue to provide both members and non-members with the support, technical expertise, information and knowledge they need to operate in their chosen sector, successfully and compliantly. Currently, DHF has four training courses on offer: the well-established two-day Diploma courses for Automated Gates and Industrial & Garage Doors, the one-day Industrial & Garage Door Certificate course, and now the recently-launched one-day Automated Gate Safety certificate course. Additionally, DHF will continue to work with BRE on the Fire Door Inspection training courses. I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to develop this department and look forward to a new and exciting chapter in DHF’s continuing expansion.” “Patricia has more than proved her value as a key member of DHF’s senior management team; she was therefore the logical choice for taking the association’s training provision forward,” said DHF’s CEO, Bob Perry. “In a year that has seen tremendous growth and a move to improved office facilities, we look forward to the next stage for DHF and congratulate Patricia on her new position.” For further information about DHF’s training provision, please visit: https://www.dhfonline.org.uk/training.htm
It’s been the best ever start to a year for East Midlands demolition firm AR Demolition, with record turnover and profits in the first half of 2018. In the six month period to July the company saw turnover rise by 54% compared to the same period in 2017, with year-on-year gross profit increasing by 18%. The figures follow significant investment in new plant and machinery, including £1.5m spent on three new cutting-edge high reach Kiesel machines last year after previous investment of £1m in 2016. Following a period of restructuring and stabilisation, AR Demolition’s managing director Richard Dolman said he was happy with the direction in which the company, based in Carlton near Nuneaton, is now moving. “We didn’t perform as well as I’d have liked in 2017,” he said, “so we’ve worked hard to improve all areas of the business. I’m delighted with how quickly we’ve noticed such a dramatic improvement in financial performance. “Earlier this year we appointed a new board, including a financial director and a commercial director, and we’re currently looking for an operations director to join the team. “We’re introducing some new processes and procedures across all our departments, including some cutting-edge improvements in communications and reporting, as well as strong governance and controls. “It’s all had a dramatic impact on our bottom line. We have seen record turnover and profit for the first half of this year and in turn we have seen strong growth in our forward order book, with much of the custom being repeat business.” In May, AR Demolition was named in the prestigious ‘1000 Companies To Inspire Britain’ report, released annually by the London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG). The report celebrates the UK’s fastest-growing and most dynamic small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). To qualify, company’s revenue between £6 million and £250 million, be operating for at least three years and be among the fastest-growing in their industry sector. Mr Dolman said that he and the leadership team at AR Demolition were keen to develop the company into a new type of demolition contractor, one where quality, safety and innovation – particularly in terms of sustainability and recruitment – were placed at the forefront. He said: “This improved financial performance opens up many opportunities for growth in terms of diversification, new customers, and the continued implementation of innovative techniques. “By helping to advise on and implement better methods of recycling, our industry can make dramatic improvements in the construction sector’s reduction of its carbon footprint. “We’re pioneering the first ever master’s degree in demolition at the University of Wolverhampton and we’re working closely with local schools and colleges to offer work experience and placements so we can find and retain the best talent out there. “And by investing in the Kiesel machines, which provides our clients with the benefits of massive operational efficiencies, as well as helping with carbon reduction, we are implementing innovative technology which showcases the future of AR Demolition and the industry as a whole.”
Continuing to transform the London skyline, Aggregate Industries has returned to the capital, this time for the £250m redevelopment of 100 Liverpool Street, where once again Lytag has proved the go-to concrete solution for high-end refurbishments and new builds. As part of the wider Broadgate campus adjacent to Liverpool Street station, the high-profile redevelopment strips the original building back to its structural frame, demolishing 50% of it and rebuilding new infills in structural steel with the addition of three new floors to create modern, mixed-use space. Once complete, it will provide 520,000 sq ft of office and retail space and a new rooftop terrace offering outstanding views over the city. For main contractor, Sir Robert McAlpine, a key requirement of the project was to source a concrete solution which would enable more floors to be cast without compromising the dead load of the overall structure. The obvious choice, then, was to use Lytag from Aggregate Industries’ highly innovative lightweight aggregate solution, which can effectively reduce the composite deck concrete slab load by approximately 25% over normal weight control while offering the same level structural performance – enabling 100 Liverpool Street to – literally — reach new heights. Made from secondary aggregate, Lytag also offers a much more environmentally friendly alternative to standard concrete as thanks to its unique properties, it can help to significantly reduce the amount of material required on a project, along with the associated carbon emission produced in delivery. In total, Aggregate Industries, working with its specialist London Concrete unit, has supplied 5000m3 of Lytag to the project, with the building featuring an array of sustainable features that complement the significantly reduced carbon footprint. As a result, 100 Liverpool Street is expected to receive an Excellent rating in BREEAM. Barry Mellor, Commercial and Technical Manager for Lytag, comments: “The redevelopment of 100 Liverpool Street is a major milestone in Broadgate’s evolution into a world-class, mixed-use destination for London. This project wouldn’t have been structurally or architecturally possible without Lytag and its unrivalled capabilities. Not only did it enable us to take the project from conception to construction, and create a superior sustainable high rise structure but it was also instrumental in helping the building to achieve an Excellent rating in BREEAM.” Peter Watts, Project Manager 100 Liverpool Street at Sir Robert McAlpine, said: “Lytag is a fantastic product which has enabled us to realise our vision for the refurbishment of 100 Liverpool Street and create something architecturally and sustainably outstanding.” For more information on Lytag call 01904 727922 or visit www.lytag.com
Bury, Lancashire-based steel fabrication specialists, Wm. Hare Group has taken delivery of its first-ever Volvo truck – a brand-new FM-460 6×2 tractor unit with Globetrotter cab – which will be used for inter-depot and site deliveries across a large part of the UK. Paul McNicholas, Customer Solutions Manager at Thomas Hardie Commercials Ltd, supplied Wm. Hare Group’s inaugural Volvo prime mover, which features a 3,900mm wheelbase and a 7.5 tonne fixed pusher axle. Powered by Volvo’s D13K 13-litre engine rated at 460hp, the truck also features Volvo’s award-winning, I-Shift automated transmission system, with Long Haul gear changing software. Rear air suspension, a Jost JSK37 cast iron fixed fifth wheel and a drive axle with a ratio of 2.64:1 completes the business end. The FM also comes with the top option, Volvo Gold Service contract for 36 months, which delivers carefree operation and complete peace of mind to operators, like Wm. Hare Group, wishing to focus solely on their own core business and customers. “Before purchasing a new truck, we asked some of our sub-contractors for feedback on truck makes and performance standards,” notes Amie Smith, Transport and Logistics Manager at Wm. Hare Group. “Volvo came back as the top choice for reliability and durability, so we were happy to proceed with the order for an FM-460 with Thomas Hardie Commercials.” Amie adds. “We needed a workhorse to haul steel and fabrications between our network of depots across England. The Volvo FM has been in service since early July and it works mostly night shifts. I’m happy with its performance and so far its fuel returns across the M62 Motorway are impressive and a real improvement on our other two trucks.” Wm. Hare Group’s new Volvo is also proving popular with its driver. “He really loves the FM Globetrotter Cab’s comfort levels and it has proved an easy truck to work with. We’ll definitely consider Volvo again for future fleet purchases,” Amie concludes.
Benoy has completed its first development with e-commerce giant Alibaba – the new Ali Centre in Hongqiao, Shanghai. Benoy was appointed as the Interior Designer, Signage and Wayfinding Designer and Retail Planner for the development. Located in the business district of Hongqiao, Shanghai, the new Ali Centre covers three plots and includes retail, commercial offices and two central squares. The development consists of four buildings covering a gross floor area of over 140,000m2. The lower floors of each will house new online and offline retail businesses which will be accessible to the public, while the upper floors are given to international Grade-A office spaces. The design philosophy behind the Ali Centre was to create an open and interconnected complex conscious of innovation and reflecting the characteristics of mid-to-high-end commercial needs. The overall concept looks at space maximisation, comfortable pedestrian flow and open-air spaces. As the Interior Designer, Benoy brought together simple elegance with science and technology to inform the interior style across each of the buildings. Through the logical division of indoor space, material use, lighting effects, colour application and furniture selection, Benoy’s team reflects a subtle, harmonious, comfortable and modern interior environment in line with Alibaba’s brand. Benoy also worked closely with Alibaba to ensure the retail and commercial office spaces would have their own identity and visibility yet still be united within the Ali Centre development. “Creating a sense of belonging from the outset was critical to our design approach. We wanted to reflect the Alibaba brand as a destination through colour and identifiable design elements from the moment a visitor, guest or worker enters the development,” said Simon Wong, Director at Benoy. Adhering to the design requirements outlined by Alibaba, Benoy created a strong arrival experience across the building’s lobbies – ensuring consistency for the e-commerce brand. The ‘Ali orange’ has been integrated throughout Benoy’s design, with the signature colour applied throughout the reception areas, information desks and elevator halls. Benoy has also introduced playful and eye-catching environmental graphics throughout the development. Such highlights include the oversized building numbering which can be found on the lobby glass curtain walls, the outdoor structural columns as well as the building entrances. The outdoor spatial design has also benefited from Benoy’s applications with the concept of the ‘Orange Ribbon’ applied to the two sunken courtyards which form focal points within the scheme. Extending from the first basement level to the fourth floor, the design connects across the series of interior and exterior spaces, and plays on the notion of brand consistency and visual connection. “The orange ribbon represents Alibaba as a brand which places connectivity at the heart of its approach and has revolutionised the online marketplace for business networks,” said Simon Wong. The Ali Centre in Hongqiao is the first project to be completed by Benoy for Alibaba and sets the foundation for future successful collaborations for the two companies. With the vision to attract top talent and develop an ‘intelligent business district’ within the Greater Hongqiao region, Ali Centre is set to establish itself as an engine for economic and commercial development for this growing area of Shanghai.
The independent hire firm, Alide Hire, has invested in two, award winning, X-Splash wash bays supplied by Trime UK. X-Splash is an ecological, flexible cleaning system for plant and machinery. The system prevents soil pollution and contamination of drains, from oil, grease, and similar chemical contaminants. It features a modular section drainage base with a micro-switch in the rear solids collection tank set to activate the drainage pump when the water reaches a pre-set level. The surrounding area is kept safe from over spray via its large side panels and the anti-slip diamond tread ramp ensures operator safety when loading plant on and off the wash bay work area. The unit comes complete with separation tanks for oil, water and solids. The X-Splash’s ecological qualities have been formally recognised by the internationally respected campaigners, The Green Organisation. Brett Thompson, Alide Hire’s managing director said, “We are a responsible company and take the care of our environment very seriously. So when we decided to upgrade our plant washing facilities at our Bath and Bristol depots, we were immediately drawn to sustainable and recycling attributes of the X-Splash. The X-Splash is well-built, robust and the people at Trime are knowledgeable and gave us a good service.” Alide Hire Services is an independent tool; toilet and small plant hire company with depots in Bristol, Bath and Keynsham. Established in 1981 Alide Hire Services provides a hire service to both the public and private sectors. They have a large fleet of vehicles and range of equipment and deliver throughout the South West area. Alide Hire Services display the strapline “where quality and service still count…” Trime UK believe that installing an X-Splash Wash Bay will work towards eliminating accidental discharge of contaminated water and cut-down on the overall water consumption. This brings together environmental benefits to the wider society and costs savings to the operators. In addition, the Hire Association Europe (HAE) , a leading hire trade association, have confirmed that the anti-pollution features and recycling capabilities, means that the use of an X-Splash Wash Bay will demonstrate a hire firm’s commitment to eliminating water contamination. This is one of elements needed to achieve HAE SafeHire Certification. Trime UK is extending its line of equipment to encompass a range of environmentally biased equipment built specifically for the hire markets. The X-Splash is one of the first products in this expanding range.
Hiab, part of Cargotec, is proud to introduce the next generation of hooklifts, the MULTILIFT Ultima, with several industry-first innovations that will enhance productivity, ease of use and operational safety. Hiab is the market leader with its MULTILIFT XR range, the predecessor of the now launched MULTILIFT Ultima. “The Terho brothers from Raisio, Finland, developed the demountable system in 1947 and turned it into a commercial product in 1949. Ever since this time, the MULTILIFT brand has been the industry leader. With the MULTILIFT Ultima, we reinforce our long tradition of innovation. The MULTILIFT Ultima makes use of state-of-the-art technologies such as cameras, smart sensors, and advanced connectivity features, to make operating the hooklift easier and safer than ever before”, says Henri Janhonen, Director, Sales and Product Business Management at MULTILIFT product line, Hiab. The MULTILIFT Ultima features a number of industry-first innovations that will help operators in every type of loading task: HookliftAssist(TM) offers operators three different levels of camera-based assistance, guiding the load-handling operation. SafePositioning(TM) is a detection system designed to safely slide containers into a pre-set position based on their length. The system automatically stops containers from dropping off rear rollers and prevents damage to other equipment such as truck cranes. Integrated Load Weighing (patent pending) is available with MULTILIFT Ultima ensuring everything required to maximize your payload while avoiding the risk of overload charges. This unique system calculates weight during the loading process, replacing the need to use an auxiliary indicative weighing system with a more cost-effective solution that lets the operator work more efficiently than ever before. FutureTouch(TM) display is an advanced all-in-one interface that lets the operator control every aspect of the hooklift and other on-truck equipment. With the FutureTouch(TM) display, the operator has easy access to diagnostic messages, load indicator and weight information, the Integrated Weighing System, and more, from a single, convenient interface. uControl represents a new era of hooklift control, thanks to the three different control system options that form part of Hiab’s revolutionary uControl platform. uControl Base, Flex and Pro lets Hiab’s customers choose exactly the right level of control for a wide range of modern loading tasks. The MULTILIFT Ultima can be ordered with HiConnect(TM), a connected service for Hiab customers to enhance productivity, efficiency and the safety of their business and the connected Hiab equipment. Clear and simple overviews and graphs help customers monitor status, plan maintenance and improve the operation of each unit and operator. As with all Hiab equipment, the new MULTILIFT Ultima also comes with the option of Hiab ProCare(TM), a flexible service contract designed to secure the uptime of the equipment. Scheduled and preventive maintenance helps retain the same high quality the customer has invested in. Using original spare parts and the highest standards, our global service network takes professional care of every piece of Hiab equipment, reducing the risk of costly breakdowns and unexpected downtime. The MULTILIFT Ultima is ready to receive orders at the IAA exhibition and the first deliveries will start during the fourth quarter of 2018. Please visit us to learn more about the MULTILIFT Ultima at our stand P35 at the IAA exhibition in Hannover, Germany from 20-27 September and join our launch event at the outdoor stand on Thursday 20 September at 12.30 CEST. The event will be also live streamed and available here: https://www.hiab.com/en/multilift/highlights/multilift-ultima/
Viridian Solar announces that its Clearline Fusion BIPV roofing system has completed the full suite of European fire testing for external spread of flame and has been accredited to have the highest fire resilience in all tests: Broof (T1), Broof (T2), Broof (T3) and Broof (T4) The solar panels and roofing kits underwent a battery of different fire-related tests to assess resistance to the spread of flame and roof penetration by a fire that originates externally to the building. “European fire tests are harmonised into one document, but there is no standard single test. For roofing there are four annexes (T1 to 4) describing four different tests. T1 is for Germany and Netherlands, T2 for Scandinavia, T3 for France and T4 the UK and Eire. Building control regulations in different countries will accept different tests. Clearline fusion is the first roof integrated solar system to be tested against all four tests and it has achieved the top rating ‘Broof’ in all of them,” explains KT Tan, Chief Technical Officer at Viridian Solar. Stuart Elmes, CEO at Viridian added: “Our investment in accreditation gives solar installers and housebuilders confidence that Clearline fusion meets building regulations for external spread of flame, wherever they are installing. Because the product is a proprietary system, there are no grey areas and no concerns about whether what is installed is the same as what was accredited. Fire is an area that regulators in many localities are starting to look at very seriously, especially as solar installation volumes increase.”
A leading trade body event will be charting the changing perspectives, current challenges and emerging issues in the UK’s professional invasive weed control sector. The Property Care Association’s 2018 International Invasive Weed Conference takes place at The Slate, University of Warwick, on 22 November. This year’s event has attracted high-profile speakers from across the public and private sector, including the legal field, utilities and local authorities, as well as finance and mortgaging. The focus is on three key themes, identification, assessment and response, with representatives from the GB Non-Native Species Secretariat, the Environment Agency and CABI chairing the sessions. And, as well as looking at invasive plants often on the radar, such as Japanese knotweed and giant hogweed, the focus will also include the emerging issue of other plants including buddleia and bamboo and how to deal with them. The full conference programme, including booking details, can be viewed at https://www.property-care.org/conferences/international-invasive-weed-conference-identification-assessment-response/ ‘Identification,’ the first session of the day, includes input from Ben Aston, of Yorkshire Water, who discusses the most challenging weeds for the water industry, and Dr Johan van Valkenburg, who will present an overview of the invasive, non-native weeds of concern in those countries just over the Channel from us and their potential to impact on the UK. The ‘assessment’ session includes information on mortgaging and finance from Robert Stevens of Nationwide, and health and safety best practice from Colin Liptrot of the Environment Agency. Finally, our ‘response’ to these issues includes Rodger Burnett of Charles Lyndon outlining the Court of Appeal’s take on matters, and details of land remediation tax relief and Japanese knotweed being covered by Alun Oliver of E3 Consulting. A panel debate, ‘Local Authorities and Invasive Weeds,’ concludes the event. Dr Peter Fitzsimons, the PCA’s Invasive Weed Control Group Technical Manager, said: “The conference is seen as a major event for decision makers and those influencing and tackling the issues related to invasive weeds to gain the latest knowledge and insight on the issue. “The content this year is engaging, informative and highly topical, offering a valuable opportunity for delegates including contractors, surveyors, lawyers, public authorities and academics to join with PCA members and share industry-leading insight and best practice.”
Abtec Building Technologies (Abtec BT) has recently completed a project to install a connected lighting system at a newly constructed brick factory in the East Midlands. Ibstock Brick, an Ibstock PLC company, has built a new factory capable of producing 100 million bricks a year, helping to address the UK’s housing shortage. With lighting such a fundamental part of any manufacturing facility, the company wanted to install the latest technologies to help save on costs, energy consumption and CO2 emissions. Ibstock Brick is the UK’s market leader in brick manufacture with 20 factories across the country and a total annual capacity in excess of 750 million bricks. In addition, the firm employs almost 1400 people, with a substantial number in the local Ibstock and Ellistown areas in Leicestershire. Despite the impressive output figures, the UK as a whole is suffering from a housing shortage that is not helped by a lack of bricks. To address the shortfall, it is estimated that a further 400 million bricks will be required annually; a demand that is currently met by imports from continental Europe. In response, Ibstock Brick is increasing its output by constructing one of the most modern brick factories in the world. In fact, the company estimates that the new £54 million facility will increase its production capacity by a further 100 million bricks per annum. Total connectivity All modern factories call for connectivity, and this includes services such as lighting, for which the company was keen to ensure the latest technologies were utilised. “We were introduced to the project by Siemens as we are a solutions partner for their building technologies division,” explains Dave Watkins, director of Abtec BT, a specialist in bringing cost-saving intelligence to buildings. “After an initial chat with Ibstock, at which we had the opportunity to put forward our ideas, we were asked to tender formally for the project, which we duly won.” The solution proposed by Abtec BT was based on a number of class-leading technologies, including LED sources, open platform functionality, sustainability and, of course, connectivity. This proposal contrasted notably to the original brief, which was based on fluorescent lighting. “We had to justify the technology and why Ibstock should go for it,” states Mr Watkins. “However, the advantages of the proposal were pretty apparent and the company soon placed the order.” Demonstrating the payback Abtec BT’s alternative to traditional lighting and controls facilitated the potential to build an energy-efficient building management system. Significant payback on the proposed solution was demonstrated, along with CO2 savings to match. In terms of the actual choice of lighting, the nature of the environment within the factory made this task especially challenging. Specialist conditions meant that the system not only had to be energy efficient, but had to be installed to a very specific standard, a factor that called for careful thought in the design of the concept, as well as consideration for future maintenance requirements. “We proposed DALi light fittings, which were rated to a high IP (ingress protection) with no metal exposed,” explains Mr Watkins. “This is important as a combination of brick dust and moisture in the atmosphere can cause incorrectly specified light fittings to corrode. In addition to their suitability for the operating environment, the use of DALi lighting would also provide the control and feedback needed at the management graphics end of the system.” 300 light fittings In total, Abtec BT calculated the need for 300 light fittings above the 295 x 86m factory floor in order to maintain the necessary lux levels. Contamination from the brickmaking process will of course affect lux levels over time, but the nature of the connected lighting solution proposed by Abtec BT means it is possible to account for this eventuality. “At installation, new lights can be dimmed to counter the fact that they will probably emit lux levels that are too high,” says Mr Watkins. “However, as time passes and the lights get contaminated from factory production processes, so we can dim up accordingly. Having a high understanding of issues such as these helped us to secure the Ibstock contract.” The installation undertaken by Abtec of the electrical elements such as the busbar also had to be carefully selected and installed. Due to the challenging height of the building (over 17m), the sensors used and the location required close scrutiny. Effective energy management Abtec BT’s system has all the elements necessary to provide effective energy management, including presence detection from sensors mounted throughout the factory, automated function and duration testing of emergency lighting, constant daylight control and some scene setting. “Constant light control means that we monitor natural light levels across the whole factory and adjust the DALi lighting accordingly,” says Mr Watkins. “For instance, if the sun comes out and natural light levels improve we can slowly dim the lights [not noticeable by the naked eye], thus generating savings.” In total, energy savings of around 50% are anticipated in comparison with a traditional lighting install, along with an annual CO2 reduction of 170,041 kg. When coupled with the automated emergency testing, further savings are expected, leading to an estimated project payback of less than two years. Open platform “The system installed is open in its approach to technology; KNX has been used for the field based sensors, BACnet for integration to heating and ventilation, and MODBUS to bring in the metering data,” explains Mr Watkins. Importantly, the entire system links to Abtec’s integrated building energy management system, HYDRA, which allows users to easily navigate and visualise logged events. Built on the latest vector graphics platform (HTML5), HYDRA helps users zoom in to the information they need, whether on a PC, laptop, tablet or smartphone. The HYDRA system, with its supervisor control and data acquisition functions, is a window into the heart of a building, as well as a proactive tool giving information to managers so they can make informed business decisions. HYDRA supports OPC, ModBus and BACnet, and allows integration with third-party systems. Data aggregation