A new research and development centre is taking shape in Hull, as a major manufacturer continues to invest in its long-term future in the city. Ideal Heating’s UK Technology Centre will support the development of low carbon technologies, including heat pumps, and drive further innovation in the way homes can
A new Chair in Energy appointment by the University of St Andrews heralds a groundbreaking era in battery technology research, crucial for addressing the climate emergency. The University of St Andrews, in partnership with the Faraday Institution, is delighted to announce the appointment of Professor Venkataraman Thangadurai as its new
ACS Stainless Steel Fixings (ACS) has collaborated with Tenmat – a leading manufacturer of passive fire protection materials and components – to set a new standard for masonry support. In a bid to help developers, contractors, architects and specifiers create safer and more sustainable buildings, the pair have formed a
Square Mile Farms are bringing farming back into the heart of the city through the stunning location of Devonshire Square. A vibrant five-acre square home to some of London’s most exciting restaurants and businesses, located a stone’s throw from Liverpool Street and Spitalfields Market. From late June through to July,
Loughborough, UK: Energy engineering solutions provider BRUSH Group has opened a multi-million-pound world-class transformer test cell facility at its transformer manufacturing facility in Loughborough, Leicestershire, UK. The facility, housed in a huge former workshop at the firm’s iconic Falcon Works in the Leicestershire town, will put newly built power transformers
The UK faces several challenges in achieving its net zero ambitions by 2050. Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research), Carl Perrin, highlights three of them and what we, at Coventry University Group, are doing to ensure a cleaner tomorrow. The UK is committed to achieving net zero carbon by 2050. This statement has
Wales & West Utilities commissions study on hydrogen infrastructure to determine the viability of Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles to UK consumers. Costain, the infrastructure solutions company, has been selected by Wales & West Utilities (“WWU”) to lead a study exploring how hydrogen refuelling stations can be integrated into the UK’s
Start-ups tackling some of the world’s biggest sustainability challenges have the chance to supercharge their business and pilot their technology with Amazon, as part of the third edition of the Amazon Sustainability Accelerator. The 15 starts-ups from across Europe will benefit from a four-week programme featuring expert-led workshops, specialised mentorship,
A new study from Juniper Research, the foremost experts in smart cities markets, found the total number of EV (Electric Vehicle) charging points globally will grow by 194% over the next five years; rising from 21.8 million in 2024. The research found private EV sales have slowed in the last
PROCODE BOSS PLEDGES TO FINISH BRITAIN’S SMART ROLLOUT The UK’s first Smart Innovation Superhub has opened in the heart of the UK’s Silicon Beach, ready to fast-track the smart rollout through to completion with long-awaited and life-changing innovation. Procode is Great Britain’s first Smart Innovation Superhub which brings together a
BDC 319 : Aug 2024
A new research and development centre is taking shape in Hull, as a major manufacturer continues to invest in its long-term future in the city. Ideal Heating’s UK Technology Centre will support the development of low carbon technologies, including heat pumps, and drive further innovation in the way homes can be heated sustainably. After a competitive tender process, Ideal Heating appointed Henry Boot Construction as lead contractor on the project. The project is backed by more than £2m of seed capital funding from Humber Freeport, having been identified as a significant project which will help the region decarbonise its industries and transition to a net zero economy. The steelwork for the UK Technology Centre is now in place, with work on the new facility moving forward at pace. Craig Finn, Director at Henry Boot Construction said: “We are delighted to be delivering this significant technology centre in Hull. “Sustainability and innovation are at the heart of our business, so it’s a pleasure to be working with a company that shares these values, alongside playing our part in contributing to a greener future for the UK. “Like us, Ideal Heating is always looking to integrate new technologies and be at the forefront of the sector — in particular, trying to deliver more innovative low-carbon solutions — so this partnership was the perfect fit.” Ideal Heating Chief Operations Officer, Jason Speedy, further emphasised the importance of innovative technologies: “The UK Technology Centre represents a significant investment in more ways than one. “We’re part-way through a £60m development programme at our National Avenue headquarters in Hull, largely focused on heat pump production, distribution and innovation. The R&D facility forms a key part of that programme. “But, more than that, the UK Technology Centre signals a new chapter in our 100-plus years of history in Hull. It will enable us to continue the evolution of the products which will heat homes for decades to come.” The UK Technology Centre will provide a purpose-designed new home for Ideal Heating’s expert R&D team, which has an increasing range of engineering roles related to design, development, electronics, simulation and product testing. The 38,000 sq ft facility will house a heat pump testing area, workshop spaces and a training room, as well as new laboratory facilities. In addition to increasing Ideal Heating’s R&D capacities, the Technology Centre will boast excellent sustainability credentials, with roof-mounted solar panels and air source heat pumps. LED lighting and controls will also help to reduce energy consumption within the building and high-performance building fabrics will reduce heat loss. The facility is set to be operational in early 2025 and will house a range of simulators, test rigs and environmental chambers, all of which will advance the efficiency and performance of Ideal Heating’s product portfolio. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A new Chair in Energy appointment by the University of St Andrews heralds a groundbreaking era in battery technology research, crucial for addressing the climate emergency. The University of St Andrews, in partnership with the Faraday Institution, is delighted to announce the appointment of Professor Venkataraman Thangadurai as its new Chair in Energy. Professor Thangadurai, who joins St Andrews from the University of Calgary in Canada, has been awarded a Faraday Institution Adjunct Professorial Fellowship. The Faraday Institution Adjunct Professorial Fellowship programme is designed to enable universities in its community to attract leading battery scientists to the UK or promote new people to contribute to fields related to energy storage research. Professor Thangadurai’s research interests involve the design and preparation of novel solid electrolytes exhibiting fast oxide ion, lithium ion, and sodium ion conduction and mixed ionic-electronic conduction based on inorganic crystal structures. His work primarily explores novel solid electrolytes, electrode materials, and interfaces to enhance battery performance, safety, and longevity. By addressing key challenges in energy storage, his research aims to facilitate the adoption of more efficient and sustainable energy technologies, contributing significantly to the advancement of renewable energy systems and electric vehicles. The newly created position of Chair in Energy at St Andrews will see Professor Thangadurai bring his extensive expertise to the University’s School of Chemistry. His leadership will significantly enhance the St Andrews research capabilities and contributions to sustainable energy solutions, the development of technological spin-out opportunities and Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs). This strategic appointment aligns with St Andrews dedication to advancing global energy sustainability through cutting-edge research and innovation. Professor Thangadurai’s research will look to the future of battery technology, playing a critical role in combating the climate emergency by enhancing energy storage solutions, essential for integrating renewable energy sources like solar and wind into the power grid. Speaking about his appointment, Professor Thangadurai said: “I am delighted to be given this opportunity to continue my research at St Andrews, working with the world’s leading researchers in battery and renewable technologies. The support of the Faraday Institution in making this role a reality shows the commitment to the development of next generation of battery technologies so we can make a real change in the world, playing our part in tackling the climate emergency that impacts us all. The work we will continue and develop at St Andrews will ensure safe, sustainable, renewable energy solutions for generations to come.” Professor Thangadurai, will also work with colleagues from the School of Chemistry, including Professor John Irvine CBE, as part of the Faraday the NEXGENNA research project into sodium-ion batteries. The Faraday Institution’s NEXGENNA project is accelerating the development of sodium-ion battery technology by taking a multi-disciplinary approach incorporating fundamental chemistry right through to scale-up and cell manufacturing. Its aim is to put on the path to commercialisation a sodium-ion battery with high performance, low cost, that has a long cycle life and is safe. Professor Thangadurai will deliver the keynote address at the 24th International Conference on Solid State Ionics in London on Friday 19 July. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
ACS Stainless Steel Fixings (ACS) has collaborated with Tenmat – a leading manufacturer of passive fire protection materials and components – to set a new standard for masonry support. In a bid to help developers, contractors, architects and specifiers create safer and more sustainable buildings, the pair have formed a joint venture to create a new iteration of Intex™ 4-in-1 Masonry Support system – the first combined masonry support system combining four critical components in one easy-to-fit design. Ahead of launch – and in a bid to give the industry confidence in the product – ACS invested £65,000 in advanced testing of Intex™ something that recently culminated in certification from Kiwa, a renowned global leader in Testing, Inspection, and Certification. The Kiwa mark solidifies the product’s credentials and will help developers secure warranties in the future as ACS managing director David Flannery explained: “Intex™ is a game-changing product for the sector; combining masonry support, cavity tray and wall ties, in one, with an added intumescent cavity fire barrier mechanically fixed to the cavity tray for exceptional fire protection. “It has been created to overcome challenges around cavity congestion, incompatible parts and incorrect installation. Intex™4-in-1 Masonry Support is over 40% faster to install than traditional methods such as masonry support, cavity tray, cavity fire barrier and wall ties which means significant labour cost savings – with projections of 29% cost savings on labour and 4% overall. The product is ergonomically designed, making it easy for installers to handle and fit, with the added bonus of reducing deliveries and storage space onsite by up to 32% as well as reducing congestion by up to 60%. This gives complete peace of mind that components are compatible and every one of them is doing its job.” The news comes a year after Intex™ was first launched to market and specified on several schemes, including residential projects in London. ACS has since invested £350,000 across R&D, now collaborating with Tenmat to evolve the product and share best practice. Each business has a longstanding track record, with ACS celebrating its 40th year in business and Tenmat bringing 100 years’ experience in working with advanced composite materials for safety critical applications. Mark Davies, Sales Director of Tenmat added: “Unlike many new product development projects, where there are often challenges and setbacks to overcome, the two teams came together and maintained open and honest communication to keep a focus on the end goal. “Intex™ 4-in-1 Masonry Support system represents an industry first of utilising compact, low profile intumescent materials to provide an integrated cavity barrier solution to a masonry support bracket and cavity tray. “We are delighted to partner with ACS to bring this product to market having both identified an acute need for something new and innovative. Intex™ 4-in-1 Masonry Support system and its Kiwa certification will help the industry and represents a market-first for utilising compact, low profile intumescent materials to provide a pioneering solution.” David concluded: “This partnership was born not just out of respect and shared expertise, but of a real desire to assimilate our collective experience to take the industry forward. “We each bring different skills, experience and strengths to the partnership which makes for a great synergy; our two teams are united by a shared focus on innovation and developing solutions that simplify complex industry challenges with advanced composite materials for safety critical applications.” Find out more about Intex™ 4-in-1 Masonry Support System here: https://acsstainless.co.uk/products/4-in-1-masonry-support-system/intex-4-in-1-masonry-support/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Square Mile Farms are bringing farming back into the heart of the city through the stunning location of Devonshire Square. A vibrant five-acre square home to some of London’s most exciting restaurants and businesses, located a stone’s throw from Liverpool Street and Spitalfields Market. From late June through to July, Square Mile Farms will be creating an immersive urban farming experience, where it will grow a selection of fresh herbs and vegetables, sharing the harvests with the local community through a programme of events. Devonshire Square is home to a selection of wonderful restaurants with cuisines from across the globe. Square Mile Farms is collaborating with two of the restaurants where the chefs will be using the herbs to create classic Italian dishes and modern Indian street food. Enoteca da Luca’s executive chef Giuseppe Ferreri will prepare a classic dish from Liguria – Trofie al Pesto, utilising fragrant basil grown in the urban farm. Workers at Devonshire Square, and its visitors, will be able to sample the dish at aperitivo time (5-6pm) on Tuesday 2 July. Moving to a different continent executive chef Raju Ramachandran of Cinnamon Kitchen will be creating a range of inspired canapés incorporating freshly picked herbs including stir fried shrimp with red chard, thyme flavoured chicken tikka with coriander, and Indo Chinese stir fried chilli paneer in gem lettuce. visit the urban farm on 16July 12.30-13.30pm if you don’t want to be disappointed. Andy Booth, director of offices at Devonshire Square, says: “Nuveen is delighted to partner with Square Mile Farms to provide a new urban farm for the City of London this summer. Devonshire Square is a green oasis in the heart of the City, and this concept adds another dimension to the garden aesthetic that makes the Square such a tranquil haven for workers and visitors. Seeing locally produced goods, grown and harvested has multiple benefits, from educating children, and learning opportunities for local people, to being used as ingredients for our varied restaurants ” During the summer there is a huge outdoor screen in one of the Devonshire Square courtyards which will be showing all the big sporting events which of course includes Wimbledon. We can’t promise a Briton in the final, but we can promise ice cream from Cinnamon Kitchen. During Wimbledon matches visitors will be treated to a deliciously refreshing lemon basil ice cream using organic lemons and basil grown in the urban farm. Patrick Dumas CEO of Square Mile Farms says “There can be nothing more satisfying than freshly grown produce, harvested by hand, that you have watched grow and flourish in front of you. Joining together to enjoy the bounty and sharing the experience has long been part of the human experience. Our indoor community farm represents a significant step towards sustainable urban living and community engagement”. As well as the restaurant collaborations Square Mile Farms will also be hosting walk in workshops, running cooking demonstrations and sharing with the local community and schools to show how we can all live more sustainably, while still being able to enjoy the food we love. Square Mile Farms will be growing 10 different crops using its advanced hydroponic growing systems, delivering fragrant flavours, all grown ultra-locally. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Loughborough, UK: Energy engineering solutions provider BRUSH Group has opened a multi-million-pound world-class transformer test cell facility at its transformer manufacturing facility in Loughborough, Leicestershire, UK. The facility, housed in a huge former workshop at the firm’s iconic Falcon Works in the Leicestershire town, will put newly built power transformers through their paces before being shipped out to BRUSH customers. Key customer representatives joined BRUSH employees for the official opening of the test cell which features a high-voltage acoustic test area with 12-metre-high doors. From this new testing facility, BRUSH has the capability to conduct a comprehensive range of tests on its transformers, ensuring they surpass the high standards of performance the company’s customers have come to expect. With dedicated storage for up to four of BRUSH’s biggest transformer units, the facility allows the company to significantly increase its production capacity to meet the UK’s fast-growing demand for power transformers as the country gears up for decarbonisation. The test cell also enables BRUSH to offer the most comprehensive suite of routine and type tests for transformers up to 170kV, both new builds and retrofit units. Energy efficient by design, with a whole raft of health and safety features, the purpose-built, high-capacity space is both IEC (BSEN) and ENA compliant. Nicolas Pitrat, CEO of BRUSH Group said: “We’re seeing rapidly increasing demand for power transformers from all segments of our customer base in the UK, from power networks operators and renewable energy producers to public infrastructure providers and commercial developers. “Opening of our new world-class test cell here in Loughborough allows us to keep pace with that demand and play our part in the domestic supply chain, enabling energy producers and consumers to connect to the grid and accelerate towards net zero. “I’m really proud of what the team at BRUSH has achieved with this latest investment, and especially pleased with our team of new engineering apprentices who have come on board to support our growth including operating the new test cell.” The range of tests offered includes winding resistance, CT tests, core and frame insulation, capacitance and insulation power factor, short-circuit impedance, load loss / no-load loss, applied voltage, NVD bushing capacitance, impulse test, temperature rise test, hot spot measurement, SFRA, RSO, tank vibrations and sound levels. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The UK faces several challenges in achieving its net zero ambitions by 2050. Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research), Carl Perrin, highlights three of them and what we, at Coventry University Group, are doing to ensure a cleaner tomorrow. The UK is committed to achieving net zero carbon by 2050. This statement has been echoed repeatedly in recent years, yet there remain several serious challenges to this ambitious mission. To mark Net Zero Week and with a new Labour government coming into power, it seemed an appropriate time to explore some of these challenges and discuss how Sir Keir Starmer might go about addressing them in the months and years to come. The first is centred around energy and technology uncertainty. Concerns remain about the role of key energy alternatives like hydrogen. There are doubts around the removal of greenhouse gases and carbon leakage, and the pathway to net zero has been scrutinised with questions persisting over the mix of technologies and energy sources required to achieve it. Through our research into green battery technology, hydrogen power and future transport we are committed to working with partners to ease this uncertainty and deliver solutions to complex environmental concerns. Research is just one side of the coin, however, and we must continue to build partnerships in education, industry and policy to develop a positive narrative around green energy and emerging technologies. Net zero strategy The UK emissions trading scheme (EMS) is central to the net zero strategy but addressing carbon leakage remains a challenge. Policies like the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) or a Mandatory Product Standard would certainly be a step in the right direction. They would help ensure the UK not only has optimal environmental policies for decarbonisation but is also putting in place preventive measures to ensure these emissions are not shifted elsewhere. These are steps we are taking within our university group through our Decarbonisation Strategy. As a document, this informs our net zero carbon response by not only providing a route map to reducing emission but also placing targets on our Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions in the years to come. Finally, to reach net zero carbon, electricity will have to get cleaner and there will need to be a lot more of it. Electricity demand is expected to rise as more systems including cars, buses and, in some circumstances heating, will be running on electrical power. Greenpower Park Located at the heart of the UK’s manufacturing industry, the Greenpower Park is a trailblazing centre of excellence for electrification, battery technology and manufacturing, and represents a perfect example of what must become the norm if we are to produce and deliver cleaner, more efficient electricity. As a university group, we’re incredibly proud to be directly involved in this ground-breaking location which seeks to foster the UK’s growing battery ecosystem by offering an all-in-one solution for battery research, industrialisation, manufacturing, testing, recycling and electrified logistics. Researchers at Coventry University Group are attempting to meet these three major challenges head on at a national and international level, helping communities and habitats to regenerate themselves by engaging with citizens, with businesses and with technology. Our commitment to creating better futures for the communities around us is at the heart of much that we do and it is imperative that we, along with our partners in academia, industry and government continue to address these issues and deliver innovative solutions for a cleaner tomorrow. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Wales & West Utilities commissions study on hydrogen infrastructure to determine the viability of Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles to UK consumers. Costain, the infrastructure solutions company, has been selected by Wales & West Utilities (“WWU”) to lead a study exploring how hydrogen refuelling stations can be integrated into the UK’s existing gas network. The research, funded by Ofgem, will explore the potential of using the UK’s natural gas network – which provides energy to homes, businesses, and large industry – as hydrogen fuelling infrastructure in anticipation of increased demand for zero emissions vehicles. Specifically, the research will consider infrastructure solutions which increase the viability of hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs). These low emission vehicles could be a sustainable alternative to traditional petrol and diesel vehicles, thanks to hydrogen having a similar refuelling process. The technology offers advantages for heavy-duty vehicles which typically have high daily mileage and limited refuelling windows. The study is part of a WWU initiative called HyDrive, which seeks to address the lack of hydrogen refuelling infrastructure across Wales and the south west of England. Costain’s researchers will consult key regional stakeholders to understand current road transport demands, model and forecast future demands on the network, and recommend potential locations where existing petrol stations could be converted to hydrogen refuellers. The report’s insights into the economics of implementing the technology, and how it will impact consumers in a future transition, will point the way for gas distribution networks to work with hydrogen producers and refuelling infrastructure providers to help deliver demonstrable long-term savings for consumers as part of the energy transition. Laura Hughes, energy sector director at Costain, commented: “Hydrogen will play an important role in the UK’s decarbonisation and energy transition ambitions. Through its HyDrive initiative, Wales & West Utilities is leading the way and our research will help improve understanding of the hurdles which need to be overcome to make hydrogen-powered vehicles a reality. “Costain has a rich catalogue of expertise in this field and a deep understanding of how to handle hydrogen safely. This will ensure the report is grounded in practical implementation and ultimately delivers robust, actionable findings”. Matthew Hindle, head of net zero and sustainability at Wales and West Utilities added: “HyDrive is a hugely important initiative for us as we seek to reduce carbon emissions across Wales and the south west of England. Having successfully trialled a hydrogen van earlier this year, one of the challenges was the lack of hydrogen refuelling in the area. The trial required us to set up a bespoke hydrogen refuelling eco-system and clearly highlighted the need for permanent infrastructure if FCEVs are to become a reality. HyDrive will help identify the ways in which our extensive gas network could support hydrogen refuelling in the future. “For this project we were seeking a partner who could demonstrate an immediate, detailed understanding of our requirements, complete with a relevant portfolio of experience. Costain ticked all boxes. The lack of hydrogen refuelling infrastructure is not confined to our region and we’re optimistic the project will produce a model which can be used by the broader industry and accelerate the sector’s complicated but pressing road to net zero.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Start-ups tackling some of the world’s biggest sustainability challenges have the chance to supercharge their business and pilot their technology with Amazon, as part of the third edition of the Amazon Sustainability Accelerator. The 15 starts-ups from across Europe will benefit from a four-week programme featuring expert-led workshops, specialised mentorship, a tailored curriculum and access to a network of entrepreneurs in the sustainability sector. This year, for the first time, they also have the opportunity to pitch their technology for a trial in Amazon’s European operations, opening doors to future partnerships and Europe-wide implementation, earning them up to €2m each. The 15 selected start-ups span a diverse range of geographies and demographics, headquartered across 10 countries and together employing more than 600 people. From tackling issues arising from fast fashion, to reusable packaging and AI, the start-ups are focused on scaling their business in one of three categories: circular economy, energy in buildings, and packaging. Since launching in 2022, the Accelerator has supported more than 25 start-ups across the UK and Europe, provided over US $1 million in grants and credits, and helped participating businesses increase total sales on average by 700% and raise over €18.7 million to date. This year, Dublin based HT Materials Science joins the Accelerator. Founded in 2018, the start-up has developed a simple retrofit solution that improves heating and cooling systems. The technology can be added to any existing commercial and industrial heating and cooling system, reducing energy consumption and enabling cost savings. “Building operations pose one of the most vexing challenges in the fight against climate change. Between 1990 and 2020, energy used for cooling tripled and will continue to increase as global economies expand and temperatures rise,” said Thomas Grizzetti, CEO of HT Materials Science, “Our Maxwell heat transfer fluids offer an immediate, cost-effective way to reduce the energy consumption of environmental and industrial cooling and heating systems by up to 15% while significantly reducing CO2 emissions. We believe Amazon’s Sustainability Accelerator Program will help us expand our reach to more clients and facilities around the world that can benefit from Maxwell.” In the UK, three start-ups join the Amazon Sustainability Accelerator: ACS Clothing, Cheesecake Energy and Breathe Batteries. Glasgow-based ACS Clothing works with renowned brands and retailers like The North Face and Timberlandto extend the life of garments via its cleaning and repair service. Cheesecake Energy, a University of Nottingham spinout, has developed a technology system that stores surplus energy generated by a solar power plant during the day, to provide access to renewable energy for the site during non-solar producing hours. Based in London, Breathe Batteries, has built a software that can be used in any lithium-ion battery to enhance its performance and improve the charging time and lifecycle. The Amazon Sustainability Accelerator is a four-week programme designed to help start-ups navigate the challenges of scaling a sustainability business. Participants will meet and work with experts in Amazon’s Sustainability, Climate Pledge Fund and Climate Pledge Friendly teams, attend workshops, receive mentorship and €10,000 worth of AWS Activate Credits. For the first time this year, start-ups will have the opportunity to pitch to key decision makers for the chance to integrate their cutting-edge innovation directly into parts of Amazon’s business. During the four weeks, they will benefit from tailored support to help align them to Amazon’s needs and goals, following which they will pitch their pilots. Three start-ups will be selected to partake in an eight to ten week programme to scope their pilot with the intention to launch, earning them a potential contribution from Amazon of between €50,000 to €2 million, depending on duration and scope. “I’m so excited to welcome 15 ambitious start-ups to join the Amazon Sustainability Accelerator this year, including our first ever Climate Tech Pilot,” said Zak Watts, Amazon’s International Director of Sustainability. “The scope of businesses involved means we can support even more entrepreneurs to reach their potential. Not to mention the one-of-a-kind opportunity to test their technology directly with parts of Amazon’s business. It is our mission for the Amazon Sustainability Accelerator to be the best programme of its kind in the world for entrepreneurs to pioneer and scale cutting-edge sustainable solutions.” This year’s expanded Amazon Sustainability Accelerator is a partnership with EIT Climate-KIC, Europe’s leading climate innovation agency, and innovation strategy consultants Founders Intelligence, part of Accenture. The Amazon Sustainability Accelerator start-ups were chosen from hundreds of applications, with each of the selected start-ups bringing an innovative solution, strong sustainability credentials, and high growth potential to the table. The later-stage start-ups have moved beyond prototype testing and are working towards generating initial revenue and growing operations, having been selected from three key areas: circular economy, energy in buildings and packaging. Ezra Konvitz, Director & Head of Accelerators, Founders Intelligence: “We love finding the ways major companies can work with leading start-ups creating the future. The incredible start-ups and technologies that are part of the Pilot Challenge cohort give cause for hope – if we can help them find the best ways to work with Amazon’s scale we’ll achieve a game-changing impact.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A new study from Juniper Research, the foremost experts in smart cities markets, found the total number of EV (Electric Vehicle) charging points globally will grow by 194% over the next five years; rising from 21.8 million in 2024. The research found private EV sales have slowed in the last year due to a number of factors, including range anxiety and reduced government EV purchase subsidies for consumers. Government support has shifted to building charging infrastructure, with new initiatives including the On-street Residential Chargepoint Scheme in the UK, and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in the US, being some of the key driving factors in expanding charging networks. An extract from the new report, Global Electric Vehicles Charging & Batteries Market 2024-2029, is now available as a free download. Support of Rapid Charging Technology Is Critical to Success The research identified the long duration of charging sessions and the impracticability of charging on the go as key barriers to wide-scale EV adoption. It urges service stations and retail outlets to take advantage of government EV charge point initiatives by installing rapid DC (Direct Current) chargers. By doing this now, infrastructure providers will avoid paying for costly upgrades in the future. Rapid DC chargers typically charge up to 150kW compared to fast chargers, which cannot charge beyond 22kW. This results in newer EV models, such as the Porsche Taycan and Hyundai IONIQ 6, becoming a more appealing option for potential adopters, due to reduced charging times via public charging services. The study predicts that the US and UK will be the largest two adopters of this emerging technology; accounting for over 45% of infrastructure by 2029. In addition to the significant improvements in charging times, the integration of rapid DC chargers also aligns with the advancements seen in electric vehicle testing. As more rigorous and comprehensive tests are conducted, it’s evident that faster charging capabilities are not only beneficial for consumer convenience but also enhance electric vehicles’ overall performance and reliability. This improved infrastructure and vehicle technology accelerates the transition to electric mobility, reinforcing the necessity for stakeholders to invest in rapid charging solutions. About the Research Suite The new market research suite offers the most comprehensive assessment of the electric vehicle charging & batteries market to date; providing analysis and forecasting of over 56,500 datapoints across 60 countries over five years. It includes a ‘Competitor Leaderboard’ and examination of current and future market opportunities. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
PROCODE BOSS PLEDGES TO FINISH BRITAIN’S SMART ROLLOUT The UK’s first Smart Innovation Superhub has opened in the heart of the UK’s Silicon Beach, ready to fast-track the smart rollout through to completion with long-awaited and life-changing innovation. Procode is Great Britain’s first Smart Innovation Superhub which brings together a team of 300+ developers – many with two decades of experience in this space – to deliver smart enhancements and solutions designed to improve the standard of living for UK citizens and cut public spending. The Smart Superhub’s innovations are expected to benefit at least a third of smart-enabled households by the end of next year. Ian Burgess, Managing Director of Procode, is the leading innovator in the smart space, being the driving force behind the UK’s first ever specialist Smart Pay As You Go (PAYG) supplier, Utilita. More recently, Ian and his team have created the UK’s first smart data communications adapter to rectify the inefficiencies and connectivity black spots consumers have been forced to endure by the national smart network operator. He comments on the launch: “The government’s 2013 smart rollout began with the intention of smart-enabling every home and business in the UK. It failed because it was back to front – a bit like giving every household a car, but a decade before roads had been invented. The features and benefits associated with becoming smart-enabled just weren’t there, and as a result only half of the UK’s households accepted one and a large cohort refused to accept one. “For more than two decades our agile team has been pushing smart experimentation barriers to identify solutions and technologies that can provide a better standard of living for each individual household, and more holistically, for us all as a nation moving towards net zero. Our innovations have provided evidence that smart connectivity is the solution to many of the UK’s biggest challenges.” Examples of Procode’s Pioneering Innovations Bill Bullen is founder and CEO of the Luxion Group, parent brand of Procode, Utilita Energy, and Canary Care Smart Independent Living. He comments: “Innovating socially responsible and financially beneficial features to make smart meters a must-have is a far more economical way to complete the rollout. We have created a 300-strong team to deliver innovations that will give the smart rollout the shot in the arm that it so desperately needs. “As the CEO and founder of the ninth largest domestic energy supplier, we have successfully smart-enabled 95% of our households and we have done so by innovating the smart PAYG offering so that it’s too good to miss out on. The launch of Procode is an extension of that – adding indisputable value to the lives of those who choose to have a smart meter.” The UK’s slow-moving smart rollout journey Smart Energy Great Britain is a not-for-profit company which is fully funded by the UK’s domestic energy suppliers as per the Conditions of Electricity & Gas Supply, Electricity Distribution and Gas Transporter Licences.[1] After missing its original 2019 target to complete the rollout, the government adjusted its deadlines a further three times and reduced its target installation levels for smart meters from “all homes and small businesses” in 2019, to its current target of 74.5% of homes and nearly 69% of small businesses to have smart meters by the end of 2025. At the end of March 2023, more than a decade after the rollout started, only 57% of all electricity and gas meters were smart.[2] The UK’s own ‘Silicon Beach’ Procode’s Smart Innovation Superhub is based in Eastleigh, Southampton – the heart of the UK’s thriving Silicon Beach – ranked by CBRE as the European tech sector’s fifth largest supercluster.[3] Procode joins major technology innovators such as Starling Bank, Amazon, IBM’s R&D Hub and startups such as Aquark and Audioscenic. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
