environment uk

environmentalbuild autumn 2010 1

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Autumn 2010 www.enuk.net

2 environmentalbuild autumn 2010

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environmentalbuild autumn 2010 �

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A surge of investment in new energy sources will be needed to ensure our energy security and reduce reliance on fossil fuels in the decades ahead, says Chris Huhne, Secretary of State for Energy.

The Government has launched the consultation on the coalition’s revised draft national policy statements on energy. They show that we expect over half the new energy generating capacity built in the UK by 2025 to come from renewable sources. A significant proportion of the remainder will come from low carbon sources such as nuclear and fossil fuels with carbon capture and storage.

Chris Huhne said: “We urgently need investment in new and diverse energy sources to power the UK. We’ll need renewables, new nuclear, fossil fuels with CCS, and the cables to hook them all up to the grid as a large slice of our current generating capacity shuts down. The market needs certainty to make this investment happen, and we are determined to clear every obstacle in the way of this programme.

“So today we are setting out our energy needs which will help guide the planning process, so that if sound proposals come forward in sensible places, they will not face unnecessary hold-ups”.

Amongst other things, this month’s issue of Environmental Build includes a focus on organisations who are amongst the country’s leading lights in promoting renewable energy – the Ground Source Heat Pump Association and the Combined Heat and Power Association.

Ground source heat pumps make use of renewable energy stored in the ground, providing one of the most energy-efficient ways of heating buildings. They are suitable for a wide variety of building types and are particularly appropriate for low environmental impact projects.

Combined Heat and Power systems provide a low-carbon heat supply which has the potential to make a significant contribution to the UK’s renewables target and the decarbonisation of the UK energy economy.

As the government continues to increase its emphasis on the use of renewables, organisations such as these are leading the way to a cleaner, greener Britain.

Lesley Coward – [email protected]

NEWS

4 Surface water addressed at new war memorial site

RAINWATER HARVESTING

4 Tapping in to a valuable free resource

SOLAR PHOTO-VOLTAIC ENERGY

5 Beware false prophets

UKLPG

6 UKLPG calls on government to promote clean and greener transport fuel

GROUND SOURCE HEAT PUMP ASSOCIATION

7 Turning up the heat on the competition

COMBINED HEAT AND POWER ASSOCIATION

8 Flagship event for industry leader

MOTORING

11 New Transit offers affordable low emissions

Wayne TaylorAdvertising Manager

Tel: 0161 850 1678

Mob: 07739 113871

Email: [email protected]

All other enquiries: Tel: 0161 850 1680 Fax: 0161 834 00773rd Floor, Blenheim Court, Carrs Road, Cheadle, Cheshire SK8 2LA

Copyright EnvironmentalBuild.All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be copied, reproduced or transmitted in any form without prior permission of EnvironmentalBuild.Views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher. EVK

CONTENTSEnvironment matters


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Surface water addressed at new war memorial sitee Challenging ground conditions, including poor natural drainage and

surface water ponding, inherent at the site of new a Commonwealth war memorial in Fromelles northern France, have been overcome by a water management system developed by ACO Water Management. The land around Fromelles typically consists of heavy clay but by using a network of land drains linked to a high capacity attenuation cell created using ACO StormTank, the memorial site, together with its adjacent car park and access road, are kept clear of surface water while the surrounding areas remain unaffected by any additional run-off from the new areas of hardstanding.

“The ground conditions presented a number of technical challenges,” explains Neill Robinson-Welsh, Business Manager at ACO Water Management. “Although located on an incline the site has limited natural drainage due to its heavy clay soil. This combined with a high water table across the surrounding area, means that the chosen location is prone to frequent surface water ponding.”

To ensure that the site remains open year round, ACO has developed a fully integrated sustainable drainage system that is in balance with the natural surface water conditions in the area. Run-off from the site and the surrounding fields is first captured in a network of land drainage channels. These take intercepted water to a 60m3 ACO StormTank attenuation cell that holds and controls the release of run-off to an adjacent brook.

“Hydrological conditions placed tough limiting values on the depth of attenuation tank we could use. To achieve the capacity required we needed to maximise the void volume within the tank to ensure it could be

accommodated within the available space.” Says Neil Robinson-Welsh. “An orifice outlet from the tank is sized to control discharge volumes. It was a critical element of the design as the delicate surface water environment in the surrounding area could easily be disturbed by uncontrolled stormwater surges from land surrounding the memorial site.”

ACO StormTank’s innovative design uses high strength central pillars and side walls to provide load bearing capacity and structural integrity. A completed tank only requires side panels at its perimeter to provide lateral support. The result is a totally barrier free interior void that can be easily accessed, inspected and cleaned. The free flow of storm water entering the tank also avoids having to use expensive pipe manifolds and additional pipework to distribute flow evenly.

The ACO StormTank at Fromelles is configured to attenuate all the water it receives. To achieve a watertight, stable installation, the tank is encased in an impermeable welded geomembrane.

A silt tunnel has also been incorporated within the tank which directs the ‘first flush’ of any storm straight through the system to a downstream manhole where larger debris can be captured and removed. This alleviates the possibility of the system becoming blocked by ensuring that sediment is not allowed to accumulate within the system over the long term. n

For further information contact ACO Technologies, ACO Business Park, Hitchin Road, Shefford, Beds SG17 5TE; tel: 01462 816666; email: [email protected].

Tapping in to a valuable free resourcee Rainwater Harvesting involves collecting water from rain, storing it,

and using it as a free resource. Systems can be very simple or more complex. Large systems have big

above or underground tanks, filters and pumps which will not only feed into gardens and irrigation systems, but also into other non-potable uses such as toilets, washing machines and even showers and baths.

Some of the larger systems have photo voltaic panels to generate the power to drive the pumping and water management systems that ensure it is topped up by mains water when rainwater is scarce.

Large systems can be subdivided into two types – Header Tank Systems

and Direct Pump Systems.Header Tank Systems require a header tank to be installed, are highly

reliable, can easily revert to mains supply if rainwater is scarce and are operated by a simple control system. However the pressure may be too low for some washing machines, and flush toilets may take a while to fill.

The majority of commercially available systems are Direct Pump Systems that do not require a tank and generate a good pressure suitable for washing machines – that are used to the pressure from a direct mains feed – and for car wash equipment and garden hoses. However, the control mechanism is likely to be more complex and expensive. n

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Beware False Prophets

e Since the publishing of the FIT (Feed in Tariff) there has been a lot of interest in Solar Photo-Voltaic (PV) which allows

your energy supplier to pay you an income for generating your own electricity, for either your own use or exporting back into the grid. Many people are being approached with regard getting a PV system fitted for free, so why would this be a bad thing?

Well, if all you care about is saving roughly 40% of your electricity, and don’t care about the ownership of the system, then nothing.

The truth is, you will be locked into a legal agreement where you are giving away a guaranteed index linked tax free income of 8% to 10% per annum. Basically, investment banks have

PV (Photo- Voltaic) for free?

Sounds too good to be true?

Well…. it is

There is no free lunch

If you are in any doubt, we would urge you contact us for more details.Stephen Belfield, Heating Manager.

Contact us on Tel: 0800 009 3449 Fax: 01432 268 680 Email: [email protected]: www.dgi.org.uk

realised there are few palaces where they can get this return on investment, and therefore the have gotten into bed with installation companies to offer free installations, as long as you sign over the right to claim the Feed in Tariff for yourselves.

Domestic and General Insulation Limited offer you the opportunity to get the full benefit by installing a high specification, backed by a guarantee of return and efficiency, that secures both savings on energy bills but also pays you the full index linked income. Since the FIT table was published, interest has seen competition drive down the installation price, but more significantly the market is seeing many ‘B’ rated panels being fitted in place of ‘A’ panels. n

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environmentalbuildeUKLPG calls on government to promote clean and greener transport fuele The UKLPG – the trade association for the LPG industry in the UK

– has called on the House of Common’s Transport Committee to encourage consumers to choose clean and greener transport fuel

by supporting a long term commitment to the fuel duty differential between LPG, petrol and diesel.

LPG autogas is sold more cheaply than petrol or diesel and the cost of converting a car can be recouped over time through savings at the pump. This difference in price is a result of the different rates of fuel duty charged on the different fuels. The duty differential is a proven policy measure that delivers emissions reductions with no direct impact on public spending.

The LPG autogas industry is worth over £150 million to the UK economy and employs over 900 people. It is a retrofitted solution providing immediate opportunities for consumers to reduce their emissions by converting to LPG. Other solutions, such as electric vehicles, are only adopted where members of the public purchase a new car.

Robert Shuttleworth, Chief Executive, UKPLG, said: “UKLPG expects a significant growth in the use of Light Commercial Vehicles (LCV) as the economy recovers from recession and we would like to see more support for LCV fleet operators looking to convert to LPG, through national or regional incentive schemes.

“LPG’s refueling infrastructure was rolled out without the need for Government subsidy, reflecting the commitment of the LPG industry to the UK market, unlike alternative fuels, such as electricity or hydrogen, both of which require significant government investment. If alternatives to conventional fuels are not considered, we fear that opportunities to reduce emissions of pollutants, speedily and economically, could be wasted.”

UKLPG represents companies who are LPG producers, distributors, equipment and service providers, and vehicle converters. UKLPG was formed by the merger of the LP Gas Association (LPGA) and the Association for Liquid Gas Equipment and Distributors (ALGED) in January 2008. It is dedicated to the safe and effective development of LPG and takes a leading role in the consultation and negotiation with legislators and policy makers. n

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environmentalbuilde Turning up the heaton the competitione The Ground Source Heat Pump Association (GSHPA) aims to

encourage the growth and development of the ground source heat pump industry in the UK and help to set and safeguard standards.

The association, which grew out of the Ground Source Heat Pump Club, was launched in 2006 and its principal aims are to encourage the growth and development of the industry by promoting the efficient and sustainable use of ground source heat pumps and raising awareness of the benefits of their use. They aim to assist in the development and practice of sound industry-related standards including training.

In addition, the association provides information on GSHPs via a telephone helpline and website (www.gshp.org.uk) and from time to time produces presentations to promote the industry to key audiences.

The GSHPA continues to work with all the interested parties such as the Energy Saving Trust, government and other trade bodies to improve the heat pump knowledge and skills base.

All members of the association are bound by a strict Code of Ethical Practice to regulate their conduct.

What are ground source heat pumps?

Ground source heat pumps provide a new and clean way of heating buildings in the UK. They make use of renewable energy stored in the

ground, providing one of the most energy-efficient ways of heating buildings. They are suitable for a wide variety of building types and are particularly appropriate for low environmental impact projects.

They do not require hot rocks (geothermal energy) and can be installed in most of the UK, using a borehole or shallow trenches or, less commonly, by extracting heat from a pond or lake. Heat collecting pipes in a closed loop, containing water (with a little antifreeze) are used to extract this stored energy, which can then be used to provide space heating and domestic hot water.

In some applications, the pump can be reversed in summer to provide an element of cooling, but these systems are not currently eligible for UK grants.

The only energy used by ground source heat pump systems is electricity to power the pumps. Typically, a ground source heat pump will deliver three or four times as much thermal energy (heat) as is used in electrical energy to drive the system. For a particularly environmental solution, green electricity can be purchased.



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Report welcomed The GSHPA welcomes the Energy Saving Trust (EST) heat pump report

‘Getting warmer: a field trial of heat pumps’ which provides very useful information on how domestic heat pumps perform when retrofitted to existing houses.

The report reaffirms the messages and ongoing work of the association, especially that well designed, installed and commissioned heat pumps perform well and provide both high levels of comfort and customer satisfaction. It also highlights that performance is sensitive to installation and commissioning practices and the level of instruction given to the householder.

The report confirms that well installed heat pumps can achieve carbon emissions savings and reduced heating bills particularly when installed off the gas grid, replacing fuels such as electricity, LPG and oil.

As well as highlighting good practice, the report documents some inadequate heat pump installations and this further highlights the importance of well designed, installed and commissioned systems. Poor systems resulting from the inadequate training of installers will lead to poor performance and unsatisfied householders. n

Flagship eventCHPA Annual Conference and Awardse The flagship event for the Combined Heat and Power Association,

(CHPA) is Integrated Energy 2010, the CHPA Annual Conference, Awards and Gala Dinner.

The conference focuses on opportunities and challenges facing the CHP and district heating sector, and takes the opportunity to celebrate innovation, success and best practice at the Awards and Gala Dinner on the evening of the same day.

The conference will be held on Thursday 25th November 2010 at One Great George St, Westminster, Central London and will be followed by the CHPA Annual Awards and Gala Dinner at Gibson Hall in the heart of the historic City of London.

The conference will look at the specific role and future of community energy, CHP, district heating and pioneering models for their delivery, all of which helps towards a highly efficient, cost and environmentally friendly approach to energy delivery.

Attendees will learn about the commercial, social and policy opportunities and challenges that currently face the sector. The programme will examine: opportunities for local low carbon and renewable energy in 2010; the role of CHP and district heating at the heart of an energy system undergoing transformation; prospects for the sector up to 2050, and the business, environmental and social case for adopting a more integrated approach to energy.

This includes a focus on project delivery, and the benefits that a tailored approach to local energy delivery can provide, ensuring attendees leave with the relevant know-how to unlock their own projects – cutting costs and CO2.

Speakers are leading experts in their field and include: Gregory Barker MP, Minister of State for Energy and Climate Change; Bob Wigley, Chairman, Green Investment Bank Commission; David Kennedy, Chief Executive, Committee on Climate Change; Lord Phillip Hunt, Labour Shadow Energy Minister; Zac Goldsmith, Conservative MP; Julian Rush, Science Correspondent, Channel 4 News and Neil Bentley, CBI Director, Business Environment.

Attendees can learn about the latest commercial, policy, technological, engineering, social and planning issues; the cost savings and sustainability benefits of an integrated approach to energy, and will also have the opportunity to engage with over 200 senior decision makers. These include leading energy, utilities and service providers, the public sector, local and regional government, industry and business, government departments and innovative consultancies.

Innovation, success and best practice from across the sector will then be celebrated at the CHPA Awards and Gala Dinner, directly following on from the conference earlier in the day.

The awards enable organisations to receive recognition as pioneers and champions of energy and environmental best practice and are classified into five categories:

1. Innovation – recognising a major area of innovation in the sector. 2. Champion – recognising an outstanding contribution to the

advancement of combined heat and power and/or district heating and cooling in the United Kingdom. Open to both organisations and individuals.

3. Industrial and Commercial – recognising exemplary CHP and/or

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for industry leaderdistrict heating and cooling projects in an industrial or commercial setting.

4. Community and Residential – recognising exemplary CHP and/or district heating and cooling projects in a community or residential setting.

5. Public Sector – recognising exemplary CHP and/or district heating and cooling projects in the public sector.

The CHPA is the leading advocate of an integrated approach to delivering energy services using combined heat and power and district

heating.The association has over 100 members active across a range of

technologies and markets, and is widely recognised as one of the leading industry bodies in the sustainable energy sector.

The CHPA works to promote a greater awareness and understanding of CHP and district heating and to create a strong, dynamic and sustainable environment for its members and the communities, businesses and households they serve. n

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Together we can care for the environmentFord ECOnetic series

Ford ECOnetic brings you a range of vehicles that are as fuel efficient as possible today, without compromising their practicality or your driving experience.

With their optimised engines and transmissions, you can benefit from the best possible CO2 performance,coupled with excellent fuel economy and low cost of ownership.

Polar Ford WarringtonWinwick Road, Warrington WA2 7NYTel: 08433 179235 Fax: 01925 240717Email: [email protected] or [email protected]/dealers/warrington

Stoneacre YorkJockey Lane, Monks Cross, Huntingdon, York, North Yorkshire YO32 9GYTel: 01904 625371 Fax: 01904 640234Email: [email protected]

GK Group MansfieldSherwood Avenue, Sherwood Oaks Business Park, Southwell Road West, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire NG18 4GFTel: 08448 563252 Fax: 01623 415430Email: [email protected]

Official fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/100km): Ford Transit ECOnetic TDCi 11PS shown: urban 31.7 (8.9), extra urban 45.6 (6.2), *combined 39.2 (7.2). Official CO2 emission 189g/km. Vehicle is shown for illustration purposes only and fatures optional equipment at extra cost. 12% efficiency gain based on a direct comparison of combined MPG figures between the Ford Transit ECOnetic and The Ford Transit 280S 115PS.


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• Optimised rolling resistance tyres (215/75R16) and low friction oil• Green shift indicator light• Modified engine calibration• Standard 70mph speed limiter• Improvements over the standard 115PS 280S of 24 g/km CO2

• New low-drag wheel covers

n Incorporating low CO2 technology, the new Ford Transit ECOnetic is based on the front-wheel drive Transit 280 panel van with short

wheelbase and 2.2-litre 115PS Duratorq TDCi engine.Target fuel economy is 39.2mpg, while average CO2 emissions are a best

in class 189 g/km.Following the launch of ECOnetic models in Ford’s Fiesta, Focus and

Mondeo passenger car ranges, the company is now continuing this affordable low CO2 approach in the commercial vehicle market. In addition to the new Transit ECOnetic, an ECOnetic version of its compact workmate, the Fiesta Van, is also now on sale.

Steve Kimber, commercial vehicles director, Ford of Britain, said: “We appreciate that our commercial vehicle customers have a clear interest in saving fuel and lowering their cost of ownership. At the same time, environmental friendliness is also growing in importance for them, and with the new Transit ECOnetic they can achieve both.”

Available as an option, a closed-loop, coated Diesel Particulate Filter (cDPF) enables Transit ECOnetic to satisfy the Euro Stage V emissions standards. The 115PS engine reaches its peak power at 3,500rpm, and delivers a maximum torque figure of 300Nm at 1,800 to 2,000rpm.

The Transit ECOnetic features the Durashift six-speed manual transmission (VMT-6). This offers a wider range of available gear ratios over the prior Durashift five-speed transmission, allowing better fuel economy

at all speeds, while the power and torque upgrade offers rewarding performance on demand.

The ‘shorter’ gearing in first gear allows for improved pull-away performance, while the ‘longer’ gearing in top provides improved highway fuel economy (around 10 per cent better compared with the combined NEDC figures), with reduced engine revs for a range of speeds and loads for the standard Transit configuration. For the ECOnetic version, longer gearing has been achieved through the fitment of a 4.36 final drive ratio.

Standard on the Transit ECOnetic is Ford’s Electronic Stability Program (ESP) system, including Hill Launch Assist (HLA). It also has a generous array of standard equipment, including the Ford Audio 6000 unit as well as load box safety equipment, including a full steel bulkhead and solid tie down hooks. Additional features, such as a trip computer (to monitor fuel performance), rear parking sensors and a new rear view camera with overhead seven-inch colour display, can also be ordered.

The Transit ECOnetic is as practical as any Transit. It offers 1,097kg gross payload (the standard Transit 280S van is 1,092kg), and the same load box volume of 6.5 cubic metres – using the SAE method of volume calculations.

Detail engineering for the Transit ECOnetic included reducing the availability of the heaviest options such as a second sliding door. However, all standard and optional safety and comfort features are available. q

New Ford Transit ECOnetic delivers affordable low CO2 technology

TransitECOnetic– what’s different?

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