SOLARTECH DEVELOPS PIONEERING PHOTOVOLTAIC CAR PORT SYSTEM FOR WALTHAM FOREST COUNCIL

SolarTech Ltd, one the UK’s leading renewable energy specialists, has designed and installed an innovative new photovoltaic (PV) carport system for Waltham Forest Council, thought to be one of the first of its kind to be used to generate electricity by a Borough Council.

The bespoke system of mono and dual wing cantilever solar carports was specially designed for the Council staff car park adjacent to Juniper House in Walthamstow, as there was insufficient space to accommodate a conventional PV system on the roof of the building.

Not only do the solar carports provide cover for 17 vehicles, without any reduction of the existing car parking space, but the 27kWp PV arrays can also generate approximately 21,600 kWh worth of solar energy per year. This can be used to provide free electricity for the Council office buildings, whilst generating a significant income from the Government’s “Feed-in tariff” scheme that pays an enhanced rate for this electricity (even if it is used by the Council).

There is also the option of integrated electric car chargers, which could help encourage the use of electric vehicles in the future.

As principal contractor, SolarTech was responsible for the delivery of the bespoke designs, including structural calculations and planning applications, through to fabrication, supply and installation of the arrays, all of which were completed within a limited five week time frame. The company is also providing a maintenance contract.

“This is a highly innovative and cost effective solution, which has made the most of our available space to produce renewable energy on-site, whilst helping reduce CO2 emissions, and demonstrating the Council’s ongoing commitment to a greener future through investment in renewable technologies,” said Trevor Brown, Project Coordinator for Waltham Forest Council.

SolarTech has also delivered a number of conventional solar PV arrays for the rooftops of the surrounding civic buildings in support of the Council’s ongoing strategy to provide energy from renewable sources across the Borough.

“Our ‘Sola-Port’ solar car ports are an excellent investment for local Councils, or anywhere that offers extensive car parking facilities, as they supply free solar electricity, as well as earning additional income from the Government’s feed in tariff scheme, which can then be reinvested into projects for the benefit of the community,” said Shaun Taylor, managing director of SolarTech.

SolarTech has extensive experience of working with both public and private sector organisations. The company offers a wide choice of renewable technology solutions from photovoltaic (PV) electricity, including solar car port options, solar hot water, through to biomass, ground and air source heat pumps and wind power, which can be fully integrated and tailored to meet the specific needs of clients and individual projects.

Read more...

EUROVIA IS 'BEST OF THE BEST'

Eurovia UK, the leading highway and infrastructure service provider, was awarded first prize in the Company Driver Safety category at the ‘Fleet Safety Forum Best of Best Awards for Excellence 2012’. Eurovia won first prize for implementing initiatives to promote safe driving among its staff members. Eurovia were also highly commended in the category Fleet Safety Innovation, which is awarded to the fleet service operator that has developed a pioneering approach to fleet safety with greatest success.

“Road safety is incredibly important to Eurovia,” says David Campbell, Eurovia’s Health, Safety and Environment Director. “We are constantly working to ensure the highest possible safety for our employees across the business and it is such a great achievement to be rewarded for our efforts. We are delighted to have won first prize for Company Driver Safety as well as been highly commended for Fleet Safety Innovation. The awards demonstrate our continued dedication and commitment to the well-being of our employees and those on the road alike.”

The Award ceremony was held at the Macdonald Burlington Hotel in Birmingham, on the 14th June.

The award success came hot off the heels of the Group’s safety campaign and competition “Drive for Life”. Launched in May 2011, the aim of the seven-month campaign was to raise awareness of road risk and to reduce the environmental impact through promoting alternative means of transport. The campaign, judged a success, saw a 30% reduction in overall driving incidents during 2011, which reflects the success of the campaign.

Eurovia’s ongoing commitment to the safety of its employees and road safety is reflected in its Corporate Responsibility strategy to further enrich, challenge and improve the company.

Read more...

Sheehan’s opens new construction & demolition recycling plant plus holds open days

Sheehan’s opens new construction & demolition recycling plant plus holds open days : 11th to Friday 14th September 2012

Oxford based Sheehan Haulage & Plant Hire, in conjunction with CDE Global, is holding a series of open days from the 11th to 14th September 2012, to showcase its newly commissioned construction & demolition waste recycling plant.

With sustainability and recycling high on the agenda of Government and Local Authorities across the UK, Oxford based public works and civil engineering contractors, Sheehan Haulage & Plant Hire, recently installed a new construction & demolition waste recycling plant.

The new multi-million pound facility, which was more than five years in the planning, was manufactured, installed and commissioned in June 2012 by CDE Global, the world leading supplier of washing equipment for quarries and mines, at Sheehan’s 150 hectare ‘Dix Pit’ recycling site on the outskirts of Stanton Harcourt in Oxfordshire.

As a result of the investment, 100,000 tonnes per year of construction & demolition waste from Oxford and the surrounding areas will be diverted from landfill and turned into high value construction aggregates, recycled sands and sub soil. The facility will be used to process construction, demolition and excavation waste from Sheehan’s own projects with additional waste being accepted from as far afield as Greater London. The output is turned into re-useable materials for future construction projects – 50% of which Sheehan’s currently uses on its own projects.

The new CDE Global waste recycling plant is able to process general building rubble, excavation and demolition material into a range of clean aggregates and shingles. These include 3.3mm, 6mm, 10mm, and 40mm grades, which primarily can be used for pipe bedding, with ranges of washed general building sand, fine grade soil and vibro piling material also being produced. In addition, the plant is able to remove other erroneous matter, including wood, plastics and metals which are then sent on for further recycling, while extracted water is reused and re-cycled as part of the washing process.

“Sheehan’s is striving to be better environmental stewards, and we endeavour to sustain natural resources wherever possible,” states Tara Sheehan, Financial Director of Sheehan Haulage & Plant Hire. “By processing all of our own construction & demolition waste and increasing the volume of local third party waste, we are already able to produce and supply recycled sand and sustainable aggregates to many local companies, in addition to meeting much of our own requirements for construction materials in the region.”

The construction & demolition waste is initially loaded into a feed hopper of the CDE Global solution and ferrous material is removed by an overband magnet and pre-screened to remove other erroneous material. Following an initial rinsing through an Aggmax™ unit to liberate sand particles, these are then sent to an Evowash™ unit for the first washing phase. Larger pre-screened material is then sent to the Rotomax™ logwasher for scrubbing and material is discharged to a dewatering screen, with further liberated sand particles recovered for final aggregate rinsing.

The screened and washed aggregate is then discharged to the triple deck Prograde™ that grades aggregates into 5-10mm / 10-20mm / 20-40mm / +40mm material. Waste water is re-cycled and filtered through the Aquacycle™ thickener with silt particles being removed and the waste sludge sent to a concrete buffer tank. Further filtering that creates a filter cake of approximately 90% dry solids content and all residual water is recycled back to the washing plant.

Read more...

CWISC Competent Persons Scheme Notifications Up A Third

In the first six months of 2012, just under a quarter of a million Cavity Wall Insulation installations were carried out under the Cavity Wall Insulation Self Certification scheme (CWISC) - a 36% increase in installations under the scheme compared to the first six months of 2011.

The CWISC scheme is operated and administered by the Cavity Insulation Guarantee Agency (CIGA) in association with the British Board of Agrément. The scheme provides homeowners with the comfort of knowing that work by registered contractors is not only covered by the CIGA Guarantee but complies with building regulations requirements.

Registered installers under the scheme must meet detailed technical requirements and are subject to regular independent inspections and surveillance of work. Under the Scheme a certificate of conformity is sent to the homeowner shortly after completion of the installation.

Gerry Miller, Chief Executive of CIGA, commented: “Qualifying installations also receive the CIGA independent 25 year Guarantee against defects in materials and workmanship. To date, CIGA has issued nearly 5 million guarantees, which, in conjunction with the certificate of conformity with building regulations, provides householders with complete peace of mind.”

The CWISC scheme was officially launched 1st October 2010.

Read more...

2000th Rå Build for H+H

H+H’s Rå Build method of aircrete construction has recently been specified for the 2000th time at a Linden Homes development in Northfields, Colchester, demonstrating the popularity of the system. Originally the build method was to be timber frame, however, the specification changed to aircrete due to the cost saving available.

Craig Hart, MD of specialist contractor Hart Construction explains: ‘Linden Homes was frustrated with timber frame and it was decided that we should use a faster, more robust method and one that was more cost effective. By switching to Rå Build we were able to save in excess of 10% as we can get the inner shell of a masonry home built very quickly.’

The 265 houses and 100 apartments in the second and third phases of Northfields are being constructed using H+H blockwork and Celfix thin joint mortar. The external walls are solid aircrete using 3.6 and 7.3N/mm² 200mm thick Plus Blocks insulated with 150mm EPS insulation finished with a Weber Therm XT render system giving U-values down to 0.19 W/m²K. Separating walls use two leaves of 100mm Jumbo Bloks, complying with Robust Detail E-WM-10.

The Rå Build method uses the fast setting Thin Joint system with large format blocks to build the inner aircrete leaf directly to full storey heights - with intermediate floors and roof installed - ahead of the external brickwork or cladding. This provides a fast, stable and weatherproof shell, allowing first fix trades early access whilst the external cladding is completed. Further time is saved by the use of retrofitted joist hangers, avoiding any block cutting at floor level, and enhancing air permeability levels.

The housing scheme is set within a new sustainable neighbourhood to provide new homes, an attractive open park and school with useful transport links for the local community. The homes will be offered for private sale, some under the Government’s NewBuy scheme, with an additional allocation for social housing.

Craig continues, ‘We have worked with H+H for over 13 years and we are always impressed with the results that can be achieved with their product. The work being carried out at Linden Homes, Northfields has only confirmed my high opinion of the company.’

Properties available at Linden Homes, Northfields include ‘The Ardleigh’ a two bedroom-terraced house and ‘The Farnham’ a three bedroom-terraced house. Both styles have an open plan layout with a separate kitchen area and additional sliding door access to the rear garden. There is a three bedroom - detached house style available with a similar layout. The development also features Waltham Place, a three-storey apartment building consisting of private apartments, ranging from studio flats to two bedroom flats.

Read more...

LARKFLEET TARGETS RENEWABLE ENERGY FOR SOCIAL LANDLORDS WITH NEW APPOINTMENT

The Larkfleet Group has appointed a new business development manager to help secure contracts for renewable power generation such as solar panels and for energy-saving technologies such as insulation and heat pumps.

Steven Redshaw will work across several group companies including Lark Energy, Eco Building Products and Deepings Plumbing and Building Supplies, integrating their products and services into a single proposal for local authorities and housing associations.

Steven joins the Bourne-based Larkfleet Group from Skanska Residential Development where he was a senior design manager. Prior to that he held technical and managerial posts with Jacobs Engineering, Stamford Homes and Capita.

He has BTec qualifications in mecatronics (mechanical and electrical engineering) and building studies and is an associate member of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists.

Ian Greenfield, operations director at Eco Building Products, said: “Steven’s strong technical background will help us in addressing the needs of social landlords which want to make their homes more energy-efficient, cut energy bills for their tenants and reduce their overall carbon footprint.”

Steven added: “This is a tremendously exciting time to be involved in the renewable energy industry. The expertise within the Larkfleet Group means I will have a really powerful proposition to put to landlords in terms of technology, procurement and experience.”

Read more...

SCAPE APPOINTS FAITHFUL+GOULD TO LEAD ASSET MANAGEMENT, SURVEYING AND DESIGN SERVICES FRAMEWORK

Local authority controlled company Scape has appointed Faithful+Gould, a global construction project and cost management consultancy, as the lead supplier in a major, four year, National Asset Management, Surveying and Design Services Framework (AMSandDS).

The new framework supercedes Scape’s design framework which has been successfully providing professional design services since 2008. The scope has widened and enables UK public sector bodies to have instant access to a complete suite of professional construction consultancy services. These include asset management; construction design and management consultancy; building surveying; architecture, structural engineering; building services engineering and planning.

Public sector organisations can use the framework to supplement their own resources when delivering property and construction projects. Feedback highlighted that many state funded organisations like the flexibility of being able to choose how they can access support – either as an external consultancy or an in house service – so that option was retained in response to demand.

Scape awarded Faithful+Gould the contract, which commences on 1st September, on the basis of a high quality submission and the most competitive price. The framework has the potential to generate and contribute a total construction and projects value of £1bn to the Public Sector over a four-year period.

Mark Robinson, Scape’s Chief Executive Officer, commented: “We’re delighted to be working once again with Faithful+Gould in delivering a more holistic solution to our public sector clients. Many have told us about the difficulties they are facing in managing their estates with reduced budgets and fewer staff. We took the opportunity to respond to that challenge.

“By cutting out wasteful procurement processes, and offering a full range of design and technical services at an affordable price, authorities up and down the country will be better placed to access expert advice to achieve their facilities management programme targets in future.” 

Jon Sealy, Faithful+Gould’s UK Managing Director, commented: “Appointment to the new Asset Management, Surveying and Design Services framework represents a significant opportunity for Faithful+Gould, our supply chain and our SCAPE partners. It is rewarding that they have acknowledged that we were successful because of our high quality submission and the fact we also offered the public sector real value for money. We recognise these are hugely important factors and this valuable contract is a strong addition to our public sector portfolio.

Faithful+Gould was selected for a second term by Scape following a competitive OJEU compliant process. This saw six private sector firms compete for the contract at full tender stage.

Scape specialises in providing a range of national and regional procurement frameworks so that the UK public sector can procure construction services more quickly and efficiently without having to go through lengthy and costly OJEU processes. The firm also offers a range of tried and tested pre-designed building solutions across sectors including education, health, leisure and blue light services.

Read more...

Kier welcomes students to help expand environmental initiatives

Repairs and maintenance provider Kier welcomed two university students to further extend the work its team does to be environmentally conscious, while carrying out work for social housing tenants across Lincolnshire.

The new recruits, Freddie Bell and William Green, both aged 20 and from the Boston area, are working with the Kier team to help develop a strategy of environmentally friendly work practices and cultural change while gaining invaluable on-site experience.

By carrying out home visits alongside Kier employees, meeting with work schedulers and analysing data including fuel costs, mileage and productivity, Freddie and William have begun to understand the nature and implications of working within such a large team. Both have been working with Kier management to develop strategies to enhance the behaviour of team members, for example how to plan the most efficient routes between jobs in order to reduce fuel consumption.

Freddie, who is currently studying at Brunel University London, commented: “With the job market being in its current state, it has never been more important for students to enhance our understanding of the work environment and to gather valuable experience. This placement allows me to put into practice the analytical skills my degree has taught me, and to apply what I’m learning into a busy work environment.”

William, who studies at the University of Birmingham, expressed: “I wanted to do the work placement as it gave me the opportunity to work on a live project with Kier. This has allowed me to not only develop my project management skills, but has taught me how to collate and learn new information quickly."

Kier senior operations manager in Boston, Heidi Thompson, said: “At Kier we strive to provide valuable work experience placements for young people to help them find a way in to what is currently a very competitive job market. The ideas and initiatives William and Freddie have already devised are really strong and we feel their fresh outlook on the challenges our business faces and will support our drive to reduce carbon and be a more environmentally friendly business.”

In the first year of the five-plus-five-year contract in Boston, Kier carried out more than 15,000 repairs on local homes, over 2,000 of which were emergencies. The company, which employs 80 staff from within the Boston, Lincoln, Grimsby and Nottingham areas, is also providing benefits to the local community.

Earlier this year, four Kier employees in Boston embarked on a 33-mile sponsored cycle ride from Lincoln to Boston for the company’s nominated charity, The Butterfly Hospice, to help raise enough money for the hospice to achieve its goal of opening to patients by September 2012.

Despite the bad weather, the team (joiner Pete Booth, team leader Dean Brookes, customer services team leader Trisha Sweeney, and operations manager Bob McMath) raised an impressive total of £770 for the charity.

Read more...

ISG Secures Further £4.7 Million Scheme With Octave

ISG has been awarded a £4.7 million project to construct a development of 40 residential units for existing client, Octave Homes.

The new project, which starts on site in September in the East Sussex town of Hailsham, will see the contractor carry out a 57-week programme involving the construction of a mix of 40 residential units, 19 of which will be marketed by Octave Homes, with the remainder offered for shared ownership or rental by Affinity Sutton Housing Association.

Located in a popular residential south side area of the town, the houses will be of timber frame construction and feature a range of architectural finishes, including brick cladding, tile and render. The development has been designed to Code 3 for Sustainable Homes standard and includes two-, three- and four-bedroomed houses in a variety of detached, semi-detached and terrace house types, all of which will have a high quality internal specification.

ISG’s Ian Gifford, managing director – South East, commented: “Generating repeat business is an important indication of the confidence clients have in our ability to consistently deliver high quality construction solutions. This mixed-tenure scheme plays to our considerable strengths in the residential sector, further demonstrating our ability to deliver outstanding homes in a considerate and environmentally sustainable manner.”

Read more...

New BM TRADA Q-Mark Fire Door Maintenance Scheme provides specifiers with complete peace of mind

BM TRADA Certification has launched a new Q-Mark scheme for Fire Door Maintenance to complement its Fire Door Manufacturer and Fire Door Registered Installer Schemes.

Working closely with sister company Chiltern International Fire (CIF), BM TRADA has responded to considerable demand from both specifiers and installers to introduce this new scheme, which meets all the complex demands of on-site maintenance required under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order.

The Q-Mark Fire Door Maintenance scheme has been developed as a result of extensive consultation and a three-month pilot programme.

Commenting on the new scheme, Simon Beer, Product Certification Manager - Doors and Windows, BM TRADA Certification, said: “Previously we have operated an installation scheme that demonstrates competence to install. This new scheme now helps to ensure that the ongoing performance of a doorset is maintained after the initial installation.”

The specific requirements of the scheme include initial training, delivered through CIF’s ‘Fire Doors Explained’ - incorporating additional installation and maintenance modules, followed by a written exam; initial audit; and ongoing surveillance audits. Accepted Repair Techniques are a key part of the scheme, allowing maintainers to repair moderate damage, with traceability back to supporting evidence.

Simon adds: “Together with the Fire Door Manufacturer scheme and Fire Door Registered Installer scheme, the specifier can now be confident that the product, its installation and on-going maintenance are all covered by Q-Mark third party certification.”

Read more...

ISG Books £61 Million Center Parcs Woburn Forest Scheme

ISG has secured the £61 million contract to build the accommodation element of the new Center Parcs holiday village development in Bedfordshire. Center Parcs Woburn Forest is the operator’s fifth UK village and the project sees ISG deliver 625 lodges across the 365 acre site, which is scheduled to open to guests in spring 2014.

Commencing in November, the 59-week fast-track scheme involves the construction of two, three and four bed lodges, built using off-site manufactured timber frames, structural insulated timber wall panels and traditional tiled roofs. Various styles of accommodation will be available to guests, including Woodland, Executive and Exclusive lodges.

Following the format of existing Center Parcs villages, the accommodation will be configured around woodland clusters, with linked lodges forming each cluster. Careful consideration has been given to the environmental performance of each lodge, which will be built using sustainably sourced timber and benefit from modern insulation materials.

This latest win sees ISG building upon its relationship with Blackstone, owner of the Center Parcs business and the Nido student accommodation brand. Within London, the contractor has successfully delivered Nido schemes at Notting Hill and Spitalfields, with the latter project valued at £120 million and, at 34-storeys tall, is the world’s tallest student accommodation hall.

ISG’s Craig Tatton, managing director – UK Construction, commented: “There has been a great deal of interest in this high profile development and I’m delighted that ISG has emerged as Center Parcs’ contractor of choice. Delivering 625 lodges across such a large site over an accelerated timeframe is a logistically challenging undertaking, especially when you factor in the restricted woodland setting and simultaneous infrastructure development works on site.

“Our extensive experience of off-site construction and just in time delivery solutions will prove critical to the success of this scheme, as will be the adoption of direct learning from our Olympic projects, in terms of waste management implementation and fostering positive behavioural change from our workforce.”

Martin Dalby Center Parcs’ CEO said: “High quality accommodation is a huge part of the Center Parcs experience, so we are delighted to have signed this very important contract with ISG. We are looking forward to work commencing on our new lodges later this year.”

Read more...

Ritchie Bros to sell complete crushing plant, mining equipment and trucks in unreserved Dubai auction

Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers will sell a 2004 SBM STE160x130 closed circuit jaw/impact crushing plant along with hundreds of other equipment items and trucks during a three-day unreserved equipment auction in Dubai, UAE from September 27 – 29, 2010. The highly automated plant includes primary and secondary crushers, screens, generators, conveyors, a control house and more.

It will be sold as one auction lot, with no minimum bids or reserve prices on Day 1 of the auction (Monday, September 27th).

“It’s unusual to find a complete crushing plant of this size and in this condition for sale,” said Steve Barritt, Regional Manager Middle East, Turkey and the Red Sea, Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers. “The fact that it will be sold without minimum bids or reserve prices, just like every other item we sell at our auctions, makes it an extraordinary opportunity. If you’re in the market for a large industrial-sized plant, make sure you register to bid at our upcoming auction – because this plant will be sold to a new owner on auction day, regardless of price.”

The primary crusher is capable of running quarry material of up to 1.2 meters using a sensor-equipped dumb hopper and a hydraulic reciprocating feeder. This allows the plant to automatically feed the single toggle STE 160x130 primary jaw crusher, manufactured by MFL. The secondary crusher consists of two identical lines, each consisting of sensor-regulated hoppers, a crusher and two screens capable of producing 1,000 tons of finished products.

The three-day unreserved auction in Dubai will also feature a variety of used and unused construction and mining equipment, including crawler tractors, wheel loaders, articulated dump trucks, rock trucks, generator sets and many more items. All equipment items will be sold to the highest bidders with no minimum bids or reserve prices.

Ritchie Bros. will continue accepting equipment consignments in the coming weeks; owners interested in selling their equipment in the auction can phone the Dubai site to discuss their options.

Auction details
· Location: Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers’ Dubai auction site: Jebel Ali Free Zone, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
· Dubai auction site phone: +971.4.812.0600
· Time and date: Monday, September 27 to Wednesday, September 29, 2010. Auction starts at 9:30 each day (crushing plant will be sold September 27).
· Interested buyers can visit and inspect the crushing plant at its current location on Saturday, 25 September 2010. For more information, contact Steve Barritt at sbarritt@rbauction.com or +971.50.650.9540.
· Registration to bid is free. Interested buyers can bid in person at the Dubai auction site; online in real time at www.rbauction.com; or by contacting the Dubai auction site to place a proxy bid in advance.

Read more...

ISG Secures Sheffield Teaching Hospital Scheme

ISG has secured its latest project via the Sheffield Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust Contractors Framework, taking a £1.5 million scheme to deliver a new endoscopy decontamination unit at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital. The contractor framework encompasses refurbishment and new build projects across the Trust’s five teaching hospitals in Sheffield.

Occupying an underused area of the hospital previously used for storage, the new unit will enable the Trust to relocate endoscopy services to a purpose-built facility that incorporates an endoscopy suite, two operating theatres and associated preparation areas. The unit will be handed over to the hospital in two phases, with the operating theatres delivered in November and the endoscopy suite at the end of the year.

To form the new unit, ISG will carry out a comprehensive strip out of the existing accommodation and rationalise and reconfigure space within the hospital. The unit is being created adjacent to laboratories and busy out-patient areas within a live hospital environment and effectively segregating the works is an essential element of the project. The scheme includes a major mechanical and electrical package, with complex interfaces with the hospital’s existing infrastructure.

ISG’s John Gittins, managing director - North East, commented: “The framework procurement methodology is ideally suited to complex, phased live environment projects, where high quality contractors can engage with clients at an early stage to ensure a successful project outcome. The Sheffield Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust framework has been instrumental in driving efficiencies throughout the supply chain and reducing the time taken to get schemes to site, as well as promoting shared knowledge and the delivery of best practice solutions.”

Read more...

Government confirms support for anaerobic digestion at ADBA Conference

Building on its inaugural conference in 2009, ADBA's (The Anaerobic Digestion and Biogas Association) second national conference in London attracted the industry’s leading players to a packed day of speakers and discussions. ADBA's "Maximising the Value" conference saw its Chairman Lord Rupert Redesdale urge members to play their part in DECC’s and DEFRA’s AD Action Plan, which has already reached its first draft.

Landia’s UK & Eire Director commented: “Lord Redesdale was right when he said about the need to shout the loudest. ADBA has made massive strides since it was formed less than 18 months ago. This second national conference shows just what can be achieved by an active association that makes such a sustained effort. There are now close to 200 members, which speaks for itself”.

Ofwat’s Mark Worsfold (Head of Strategy) discussed the regulator’s remit for sludge and the vital need to collect data for the challenging choices regarding its full deregulation.

Speaking for the Environment Agency, Howard Leberman (Senior Advisor on Industry Regulation) broke news that in April, some AD regulation will be relaxed, including the distances from dwellings, workplaces and conservation sites that biogas plants can be built.

Lord Marland, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State DECC confirmed the Government's support for anaerobic digestion. He said he was determined for the industry to expand and for it to take in additional waste streams. Lord Marland also praised the efforts of ADBA and its members, stating that the Government was looking forward to working with them to further develop the sector.

Read more...

Jersey's sand and gravel quarry takes delivery of a new Terex Finlay 683 Supertrak

A Jersey-based sand and gravel quarry has taken delivery of a new Terex Finlay 683 Supertrak from Finlay Plant Southern. Simon Sand & Gravel Limited – a fifth generation, family-owned quarry situated at St Ouen’s Bay on the west coast – has been supplying the island’s building trade since 1909.

The Terex Finlay 683 Supertrak is being used for the secondary screening and processing of quarried gravel once it has been removed from the sand.

Tracked for full mobility, the machine is fitted with a double deck live vibrating grid. It is producing stockpiles of 16-50mm, 8-16mm, less than 8mm aggregate and backfill. The double deck live vibrating grid, removes all oversize material before the final grading screen.

John Dunne, managing director of Finlay Plant Southern, a Finlay Group company, said: “Simon Sand & Gravel Limited bought the new 683 Supertrak to compliment the other machines they are using.

“We have been dealing with the company for over five years now and have supplied, amongst other things, a Terex Finlay 390 dry screener as well as three Terex Finlay 532 stockpilers, so we were pleased to be able to continue our association with them.”

Jason Simon, owner of Simon Sand & Gravel Limited, said: “Because the equipment Finlay supplied us previously had performed exceptionally well it was an easy decision to return to them for a new machine.”

“We required a mobile screener capable of being moved around the quarry with ease and being on tracks the 683 was the perfect choice.”

“Having just started selling the products from the 683 we’re getting very favourable reports from our customers – It’s always good to receive their approval.”

Read more...

New iPhone application gives quick access Cat product information from a mobile phone

New mobile websites and applications put rental equipment details, used equipment inventory and new machine specifications at the fingertips of anyone who wants the information, without the need to sit down in front of a computer.

Caterpillar is making it easier and quicker for customers to access Cat® product information from their mobile phones. Customers with internet enabled mobile phones can find their nearest Cat dealer or they can visit the mobile version of the Cat Rental Store. For a view of used equipment inventory, they can use a new iPhone application to access CatUsed.com.

Many features of cat.com are available on the mobile version of cat.com. Specifications for machines, attachments and engines, as well as the compatibility of machines and attachments are features of the site. The site also allows comparing two machines, and it shows specs of non-current models. In addition, a customer can submit a request for quote on any machine or attachment.

The Cat Rental mobile site enables customers to find the local Cat Rental Store using the GPS built into the phone. The website enables customers to view specs and rental rates for machines, attachments and allied products in participating dealers’ rental fleets. The information includes compatibility of machines and attachments, and it shows non-current machine model specs if the dealer has the machines in the fleet. A customer can even submit a request for a rental quote.

The iPhone application for CatUsed gives shoppers the capability to browse photos, inspection reports and other essential details about earthmoving, construction, paving, electric power and work tools available for sale from Cat dealers around the globe. An English language version of the CatUsed iPhone app was released to test market in the fourth quarter of 2010. As a result of feedback, Caterpillar added a visual dealer locator capability based on Google Maps. A mobile web version of CatUsed.com is scheduled for full operation in the first quarter this year

Read more...

CONTRACT FOR A57 TODWICK BYPASS AWARDED TO RINGWAY

Following the decision from Local Transport Minister, Norman Baker, to conduct an improvement programme on the dual carriageway at the A57 in Rotherham, Ringway, a leading highway construction provider, has successfully been awarded the contract which is estimated to be worth £14m.

The scheme, which will be carried out on behalf of Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, will provide a new dual carriageway, approximately 1.6km in length, running from junction 31 of the M1 to the junction with the B6463.

“Our successful bid for the A57 contract is fantastic news and comes after many years of working within effective partnerships with Rotherham” says Kevin Graham, Divisional Director of Ringway, “It will give us the opportunity to use our local workforce and knowledge to really improve this vital part of the South Yorkshire road network.”

The A57, in its current state, is said to be one of South Yorkshire’s most notorious accident blackspots. The new dual carriageway will improve safety and also relieve major trafficking issues in the area. It is also thought that the improved access will bring increased investment into the area, unlocking the economic growth potential in Dinnington.

The works are expected to begin on site in August 2012, with the new road to open by December 2013.

Read more...

FB Chain Ltd – leading manufacturer and supplier of leaf chain, anchor bolts and chain sprockets to the materials handling industry

The next time your conveyors are undergoing routine maintenance – or have had to be stopped to repair a fault – take a few moments to count the teeth on the power chain’s sprockets.

If the conveyor was acquired at any time within the last 30 years, the chances are that the chains that drive it will be running on sprockets with an even number of teeth.

“About two decades ago when Asia emerged as a centre for conveyor manufacturing, a number of companies based their designs on existing product ranges which featured non-standard chain sprockets with an even number of teeth. The manufacturers considered that this offered greater choice when designing conveyor systems, but it created a problem,” explains Peter Church, managing director of Letchworth-based FB Chain Ltd – a leading manufacturer and supplier of leaf chain, anchor bolts and chain sprockets to the materials handling industry.

He continues: “Before the 1980s it was rare to see any sprockets with an even number of teeth – and that was for good reason.”

“A sprocket with an odd number of teeth will offer at least double the service life of a sprocket with even teeth,” Peter Church explains.

“In simple terms, if a sprocket has an even number of teeth, the same tooth will be engaged by the same rollers on each rotation. This leads to uneven wear on the chain and sprocket and a shortened service life for both components.

“There is very little price difference between even and odd-toothed sprockets so it is perhaps surprising that even toothed sprockets have become so widely accepted.”

FB manufacture and stock a full range of standard sprockets and platewheels for all simplex, duplex and triplex roller chains. Larger sprockets suitable for the many varied types of metric and imperial conveyor chain are available on short delivery lead times.

Read more...

LARKFLEET HOMES’ AND KEYSTONE DEVELOPMENT’S RETIREMENT COMMUNITY WINS NATIONAL HOUSING ACCOLADE

The Croft, an age-exclusive retirement development by Larkfleet Homes and Keystone Developments, has won a national housing award.

The development, located on North Road in Bourne, Lincolnshire, won a HAPPI (Housing our Aging Population Panel for Innovation) Award at the national Housing Design Awards.

The HAPPI award celebrates the innovative approach to the design of older people’s housing with a specific focus on the users’ living experience.

The judges believed The Croft development met the government’s objectives in helping the older population live a longer and happier life. By attracting the older generation to new exclusive retirement developments such as The Croft, the current housing crisis is also helped as larger houses are made available for growing families.

Larkfleet’s managing director Karl Hick was present at the awards ceremony to collect the winners’ certificate. He said: “We are delighted to receive this award for The Croft development in Bourne. Larkfleet and Keystone have worked hard to ensure that The Croft provides an outstanding environment for retirement living. It is the perfect place to live for people who prefer enjoying life rather than having the worries associated with managing a home.

“The history of the site, coupled with the high quality properties and excellent grounds maintenance, will help sustain property investments and the future value of the homes.

“I would also like to thank South Kesteven District Council and Louise Cooper Architects for their assistance in the development and planning of The Croft.”

Karl was also invited to deliver a presentation on design aspects and residents’ facilities at The Croft to senior figures in the housing industry before the awards ceremony.

The Croft development consists of 68 one and two-bedroom bungalows and two and three-bedroom chalets, arranged around attractively landscaped courtyards in the grounds of The Croft – a historic former ‘manor house’. Within the manor house a two-bedroom apartment is available.

The Croft is being marketed as not only a place to live but as a community of like-minded people who enjoy a lifestyle full of possibilities. Homeowners at The Croft will be able to live the life they want to lead, in a secure and caring environment.

As part of The Croft development, the existing manor house is being restored and will act as the ‘hub’ of this new community to provide residents of the 68 retirement properties with access to a variety of services and facilities.

As The Croft is right in the centre of Bourne, many local amenities including a local supermarket, a doctor’s surgery and a bus stop are only a short walk away, as are many shops and restaurants.

With so many excellent facilities in the area, such as a nearby leisure centre, residents can easily pursue activities such as golf, gardening, craft groups and health and well being classes.

Karl added, “Larkfleet is hoping to develop similar schemes in Oakham, Whittlesey and Baston. We welcome comments from local communities about this type of development and how we can continue to meet the local need.”

Also in Bourne, Larkfleet Homes has recently begun work on its Abbeyfields development which will comprise two and three bedroom properties with prices starting at just £125,000.

There will be 108 properties including 33 affordable homes of which 13 will be offered through shared ownership and 20 through affordable rent.

Properties at Abbeyfields are perfect not only for first-time buyers but also for buyers who are looking to downsize and young families looking for a high quality new home. Abbeyfields is situated in an existing residential area and is close to the town centre, Bourne’s secondary and primary schools and various sports facilities.

People who are interested in purchasing a property at The Croft are encouraged to visit the site on North Road in Bourne or contact the sales team at The Croft sales office.

Read more...

Shelagh McNerney responsible for overseeing Oldham College’s redevelopment and refurbishment programme

Oldham College has appointed Shelagh McNerney to the post of director of programmes and regeneration responsible for overseeing the College’s redevelopment and refurbishment programme. Shelagh’s role will be to create a vision for the College ensure its redevelopment has a lasting positive social and economic impact in Oldham.

Shelagh is a town planner with over 25 years experience across the regeneration, development and construction industry in both the public and private sector and has led large public sector partnerships across the north west. She has worked in large and small master planning and architecture companies and worked for hundreds of clients across the country from large and small developers, local authorities, community groups and government agencies in Liverpool, North Wales and across the local authority and development industry.

Shelagh is a board director on the national Considerate Constructor Scheme and will bring the very best practice to the benefits of the College in its curriculum as well as through its capital programme.

Shelagh, who started her new role this May says, "I am honoured and excited to be leading a programme of change in Oldham College which will see very practical improvements to the environment for staff and students with very limited funds. I am committed to aligning all capital spend to the College's education vision and ensuring every penny is spent wisely and efficiently. I feel this role brings all my professional experience together as building work, master planning and community benefit are my favourite subjects."

Read more...