A leading mechanical and electrical contractor has started work on a key renewables project that will save more than 34,500kg of CO2 emissions. Atherton-based Ash Integrated Services is installing more than 500 solar panels on behalf of Stockport Council at Endeavour House, a depot building on Bredbury Park Way, owned
Renewable developers Vattenfall and ScottishPower Renewables have unveiled the first completed kittiwake nesting structures to support consented offshore wind farms. Global kittiwake population has been estimated to have fallen by around 40% since the 1970s, so the kittiwake hotels are vital to protect the species. The nests will be able
The rapid growth and development of the offshore wind sector offers a huge opportunity for the UK supply chain. But what does this opportunity really mean and what is the UK supply chain? A vast number of offshore wind projects, alongside tidal stream, solar and other renewables, are set to
Heat the Streets, a project coordinated by Kensa Utilities, has moved onto its next phase with the installation of ground source heat pumps in newly built apartments in Carlyon Bay near St Austell. The renewable heating project enables developers to get ahead of the Future Homes Standards, set out by
With the threat of climate change being high, many people want to help in their own way. As a building owner, you are in an excellent position to make significant changes to your building. The general opinion is that integrating these innovations into the building can get expensive. However, modern
GMG Energy of Halladale in Sutherland has won the Best Natural Capital project category, sponsored by Pentland Floating Offshore Wind Farm, at the Scottish Highland Renewable Energy Conference (SHREC) Awards 2022. GMG Energy is an innovative, environmentally conscious business whose mission is to provide customers in the North with much-needed
A leading mechanical and electrical contractor has started work on a key renewables project that will save more than 34,500kg of CO2 emissions. Atherton-based Ash Integrated Services is installing more than 500 solar panels on behalf of Stockport Council at Endeavour House, a depot building on Bredbury Park Way, owned and operated by Totally Local Company. The M+E firm is also installing 24 car ports, three electric vehicle charging points and battery storage, and it will also deliver associated civil engineering works and assist with the installation of a substation. The project will generate approximately 230kWh and the energy will power Endeavour House directly, with any excess transferred to the battery. A key challenge for Ash will be completing the scheme safely and on schedule while operating on a live site, with frequent waste vehicle movements as part of MOT, servicing, and repair work. Stockport Council is seeking to become a carbon-neutral city region by 2038 and appointed Ash to deliver the Endeavour House project following a competitive tender process. Co-founder and co-director at Ash Integrated Services Antony Grace said: “This complex scheme is ideal for our skillset and builds on our previous renewables projects on live sites. “We will have a team of six, including an apprentice, working on the electricals side, with another five delivering the civils to lay cables. “With the installation of the car ports as well as liaising closely with Electricity North West on the substation, there are many layers to this development, and we’re excited to have started on site.” The scheme is scheduled to complete at the end of May and will be future proofed to allow the council to further its sustainability credentials. Antony added: “We will be connecting the new substation to the workshop area as well as removing the existing supply and inserting a new panel. “The latest infrastructure and technology is being used, including the use of larger cables to handle higher usage in the future, such as with the investment of electric waste vehicles.” Endeavour House is one of two key schemes kick-started by Stockport Council this spring, with the view they will act as the blueprint that will help it and other local authorities to learn how best to retrofit renewables onto existing buildings. Cllr Mark Roberts, cabinet member for climate change and environment at Stockport Council, said: “In March 2019, Stockport Council declared a climate emergency and pledged support for the Greater Manchester Five Year Environment Plan. “These two projects are just the start of fulfilling that commitment and this is a fantastic example of one of the many solutions available to organisations and businesses in the borough to decarbonise our society.” Cllr Grace Baynham, cabinet member for highways, parks and leisure services, said: “This is very welcome news and it is so important that we make provision to decarbonise in order to future proof our services. “This is another big step forward in our commitment to become a carbon neutral borough.” David Hughes, CEO at Totally Local Company, which operates out of Endeavour House, said: “The introduction of solar panels at TLC’s site in Bredbury is a great step forward in our target to decarbonise our operations and, by adopting the latest technologies, builds on our current green agenda. “We’re proud to support Stockport Council’s target to be carbon neutral by 2038.” Supported by a capital grant from the European Regional Development Funding (ERDF), as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020, this funding has come about by working jointly as a consortium with five Greater Manchester authorities under the Unlocking Clean Energy in Greater Manchester (UCEGM) programme. For more information, visit www.ashintegratedservices.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Renewable developers Vattenfall and ScottishPower Renewables have unveiled the first completed kittiwake nesting structures to support consented offshore wind farms. Global kittiwake population has been estimated to have fallen by around 40% since the 1970s, so the kittiwake hotels are vital to protect the species. The nests will be able to accommodate around 430 pairs of kittiwakes and will help preserve the species for years to come. A research programme was undertaken and an advisory group – which included representatives from Natural England, RSPB, East Suffolk Council and the Marine Management Organisation – was convened to improve success. Based on the expert advice, the nesting structure has been designed in a way that replicates the best conditions for nesting and factors in conditions such as aspect, the amount of sunshine and shelter, and the size of the nesting shelves within. Measures have also been taken to protect the nesting kittiwakes from predators – such as predator-proof fencing at the bottom to protect against mammals like foxes and an overhanging roof to protect against aerial predators. While kittiwakes are known to be tolerant of human activity, the artificial nests are sited well away from the town and active port at the outer harbour to minimise interaction with human activity and property. The construction of the nesting structure would not have been possible without invaluable support from Associated British Ports, Port of Lowestoft, on whose land the ‘hotel’ is built and J.Murphy & Sons who carried out the construction. The environment is important to both Vattenfall and ScottishPower Renewables and this development will help to compensate for the potential impacts on breeding black-legged kittiwakes in North Yorkshire by ensuring they have a safe nesting area. Separate to the nesting requirement, Vattenfall is also looking to support and work closely with the Lowestoft Kittiwake Partnership and has made a £50,000 a year funding commitment for five years. This will help the Partnership to engage with and provide advice and support for local business and residents living alongside nesting kittiwakes, as well as money for cleaning up after kittiwakes, installing safe preventative measures to protect buildings, and creating alternative nesting sites where kittiwakes won’t come into conflict with people in Lowestoft. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The rapid growth and development of the offshore wind sector offers a huge opportunity for the UK supply chain. But what does this opportunity really mean and what is the UK supply chain? A vast number of offshore wind projects, alongside tidal stream, solar and other renewables, are set to go ahead over the next 10 years – including projects linked to ScotWind, INTOG and the Celtic Sea leasing round. Not only will these projects propel the country towards its net-zero targets, but they will also help to create greater energy independence through a strong and sustainable domestic renewable energy supply. But with a UK Government target to reach 50GW of offshore wind installed by 2030, there are challenges as well as opportunities, ahead. There is significant pressure on both industry and governments to make sure this rapid expansion in offshore renewables is matched with tangible benefits for the UK economy. For the UK to fully reap the economic rewards of offshore energy development, new and innovative ways of working are needed to prepare UK companies for future deployment. The supply chain is made up of people – their skills and knowledge, as well as technology – the engineering and AI of the future, and innovation. All of these are needed to make offshore installation a reality. The UK supply chain is local, regional and national, but strategic collaboration is needed to realise the opportunity across coastal communities, regional boundaries and national interests – joining together people, technology and innovation. As demonstrated by the various leasing rounds mentioned, the UK has successfully established a project pipeline, but the focus also needs to be firmly on ensuring we are developing the right skills pipeline. Industry and government have an important part to play but we should be open to innovative new ideas as we invest in and attract the skills needed for the near future. At ORE Catapult we are supporting the UK supply chain by working with companies that are developing new products and services for the market, de-risking offshore projects to secure future jobs, and addressing the various stages of supply chain growth with programmes that support companies from concept to commercialisation. We support innovation and the development of technology and provide programmes that allow ideas to become a reality.
Heat the Streets, a project coordinated by Kensa Utilities, has moved onto its next phase with the installation of ground source heat pumps in newly built apartments in Carlyon Bay near St Austell. The renewable heating project enables developers to get ahead of the Future Homes Standards, set out by the government, and install highly efficient, renewable heating. “I was pleased to meet the team from Kensa and see their innovative project in Carlyon Bay. The Heat the Streets initiative is an excellent one and it was useful to hear more about the benefits of ground source heat pumps as an energy supply method that will be critical to help the country achieve its green energy goals for the future,” commented Cornwall Councillor for Mevagissey and St Austell Bay, James Mustoe. “It is good to see Kensa working with a range of properties across Cornwall, New and old, private, and social rent, to showcase the flexibility of the ground source heat pump and the ease in which it can be installed and then left in situ. I look forward to seeing this work continue as a viable option for a greener and cleaner energy future for Cornwall.” To motivate developers switch to renewable heating, Kensa Utilities has decided to pay for the ground array infrastructure through Heat the Streets. This means that they can install ground source heat pumps in their developments for less than the costs of air source heating. Although air source heat pumps cost less to install than ground source, they can suffer corrosion damage at coastal locations such as Carlyon Bay, this increases maintenance costs and reduces the lifespan of the equipment. These new apartments will benefit from ground source heat pumps which are located inside, away from the elements. Better yet, the heat pumps are manufactured by a Cornish company just twenty miles from site. Heat the Streets will soon enter its most ambitious phase street by street retrofit of ground source heat pumps in the Cornish village of Stithians. Kensa Utilities are replacing existing heating systems in the village with efficient Cornish made heat pumps, with no upfront costs to the homeowners. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction Industry News
With the threat of climate change being high, many people want to help in their own way. As a building owner, you are in an excellent position to make significant changes to your building. The general opinion is that integrating these innovations into the building can get expensive. However, modern technology can allow the addition of renewable tech easily. Here are some tips on how to do it. Solar energy The easiest way to integrate when it comes to renewables is solar energy. First, there is the use of passive solar energy. It refers to the indirect usage of the sun as an energy source. For example, you can consider adding more natural lighting to your building as a passive use of solar energy. Instead of paying for interior lights, you can install bigger windows and mirrors for better daylight lighting that can save you a lot of money. Another passive use is solar heating through better insulation and intelligent positioning of windows. This approach can be a big help during the summer months. For a more active use of solar energy, there is the installation of solar panels for the building. It should be easy to find a solar company in Manchester that can do the installation for those based in the area. It is a great way to use the rooftop space if you don’t have a penthouse. In addition, the electricity your panels can generate will cut down on the external energy consumption of your building. Wind energy Another easily accessible renewable method for a building is wind energy. Natural ventilation through the use of wind catchers can be a good alternative to mechanical ventilation and even air conditioners. If you position them in the right places, your building will always feel like it has fresh air moving through it. A building still in the design stage could also use clever design for better air movement. For example, large spaces connected to hallways naturally draw in the air so that you can encourage natural movement. For example, you can place an atrium in the direction of prevailing winds. This position allows the surrounding spaces to have cold air because of the windows while warmer air collects in the atrium. The temperature difference then encourages the hot air to spread out into the nearby space while the colder air rushes in. Geothermal energy While many think geothermal energy requires a nearby volcano or hot spring, the earth’s natural properties can provide some renewable energy. It is because the temperature below ground is much different from above it. Using a heat pump, you can pump in cold air to push warmer underground air to heat a building. You can also do the opposite with hot air passing underground and dispersing its higher temperature so you can cool a building. It takes some planning, but this approach can help reduce HVAC costs a lot. Final thoughts Adding renewable energy to your building is not as complex as it initially appears. The pointers above should give you an idea of integrating renewables into your building’s systems. You can assure yourself that you are doing your small part in fighting climate change.
GMG Energy of Halladale in Sutherland has won the Best Natural Capital project category, sponsored by Pentland Floating Offshore Wind Farm, at the Scottish Highland Renewable Energy Conference (SHREC) Awards 2022. GMG Energy is an innovative, environmentally conscious business whose mission is to provide customers in the North with much-needed timber-based products and to do so in a sustainable manner. Its business activities are characterised by an approach to sustainability which enhances the natural capital of the Highlands while at the same time meeting local needs as well as reducing unnecessary road miles. Established in 2016, GMG Energy operates a state-of-the-art sawmill on a farm in the Halladale Strath between Tongue and Thurso, producing kiln-dried logs, chip and sawdust for consumers and wholesalers. It makes door to door deliveries throughout the north Highlands and manufacture timber products for agricultural businesses, builders and consumers. It also supplies bark for garden centres, sawdust for livestock and dried chip for supply to local businesses and councils. The business is committed to replacing every log of timber it uses, planting about 20,000 trees in 2021. As a result, businesses across the North and the Islands can reduce their carbon footprint by sourcing locally. For founder director, Malcolm Morrison, being recognised for his company’s achievements has been a big boost for his team. He said: “It has been an honour to be recognised. We entered with goodwill as we are a fairly new business and we didn’t expect to win. But to have won is such an honour and will help us establish ourselves more as a renewable energy business within the region.” An integral part of GMG Energy’s business is to supply to local people and make sure that they have access to affordable energy. Malcolm and his business want to help tackle issues such as fuel poverty, so for him supplying renewable energy to the local community and helping them as best they can, is what drives his business. “We have such a vast source of renewable energy within the north of Scotland, so to ensure that our local community is benefitting from that and the systems that are set up for them to receive affordable energy is really important to us. “We want to help people and make sure that our business is giving back to the community. “I want to thank Harper MacLeod and Highland News and Media for holding the conference and awards. “It’s such an incredible opportunity for people to come together and look at the solutions to climate change and how we as a region can work together to overcome rising energy prices. I also want to thank the sponsor of the category as, without them, our award would not have been possible.” He continued: “The most important people are the people working in our business as they make it. They give us productivity, their time and, without them, this business would not run. Our team gets my utmost thanks and I am so grateful for each and every one of them.”
