EIMissue6

MARCH 2010

ENVIRONMENT INDUSTRY MAGAZINE

I take great pleasure in bringing you the latest issue ofEnvironment Industry Magazine.

This issue, I think we have really managed to up the anteon the quality of the magazine.

I was really pleased with the last issue and thought it wasas good as it could be but as ever, the team at EnviroMediahave pulled out all the stops and this issue is hopefully ofan even higher calibre than I could have hoped for. As forthe editorial contributors, I feel it would be impossible toimprove on what has gone before; we will just have to settlefor the best again. The main focus of this issue is Forestryand Biomass; I wanted to bring you a real authority onforestry and wanted to have comment from the Chair ofthe Forestry Commission, unfortunately as that role hadjust changed hands I thought it would be out of the question.I never thought for a second that I would be introducingthe first Chairwoman of the Forestry Commission,Pamela Warhurst as our contributor on forestry but here Iam doing just that. There was only one first choice towrite about the biomass industry, Stuart Howarth, WoodProcurement Director for Dalkia Bioenergy Ltd, and writingabout bio-energy we have Claire Wenner, Head of Biomassand Transport from the Renewable Energy Association.We also have contributions from John Crowther, TechnicalDirector of Mouchel's Land and Environment Division, andJackie Sadek, Head of Regeneration, CB Richard Ellis andChair of British Urban Regeneration Association oncontaminated land, as well as Thierry Gregorius, GroupData Manager at Landmark Information Group on Mappingand GIS, and Robert Tanner, Principal Investigator CABI,discussing invasive weed species.

Whilst we have been working on this issue there has beena storm brewing in the world of climate change. The sciencebehind the argument for anthropomorphic affected climatechange has been brought into question based on someleaked emails suggesting the conclusions on climatechange may not be accurate. This has become what themedja have helpfully dubbed ClimateGate.

The interesting thing about this whole process is the factthat everybody has failed to notice that the science ofclimate change has become fundamentalism. We havea situation where the minister responsible for our governmental approach to climate change will not acknowledge any opinion which differs to the widely held belief on the cause of climate change.

Recently Jonny Ball was booed off stage by a group ofatheists when he tried to discuss an alternative theory onglobal warming. (I am sure they saw the irony of theiractions afterwards).

Surely the point of science is to adjust its view based onwhat is observed, that the conclusion of scientific findingis not always what was hypothesised.

Many scientific breakthroughs have come about becausescientists disagreed with one another.

Look at the old myth that Bumble Bees shouldn’t be ableto fly - this was based on calculations using the aerodynamictheory of the early twentieth century. Since then therehave been huge advances in aerodynamic understandingand it has been proven that albeit inefficiently, BumbleBees can fly. Had we been unable to prove that BumbleBees are capable of flight we wouldn’t have suddenlybeen bombarded by bees falling from the sky.

Science only explains what is happening, it doesn’t control it.

No matter which climate camp you are in, the one constantis that the climate is definitely changing. Whilst we are inthe midst of arguing whether human activity has affectedthe climate, we are conveniently ignoring the fact thathumans have managed to adversely affect everythingelse. The only reason we have such a thriving environmentalindustry is because we have been so adept at destroyingthe environment.

You only have to look at the devastation of ancient andtropical forests all over the world, the catastrophic effectsof oil spills, the degradation of our natural resources, thecontamination of land and water and even the destructionof our own species to see what kind of impact we have onour environment.

Nothing sums this up more than seeing the corpse of analbatross which has mistakenly fed on plastics.

The massive attention on climate change only masks theother impacts we are having on the planet. The mostannoying thing is that all the things we are being encouraged to do in the name of global warming arethings we should all be doing anyway. Whether you “believe”in climate change or not, when you consider the privilegesand responsibilities we have in the developed world, it isincredulous that we are so wasteful.

Is it too much to ask that we use our energy efficientlyand dispose of our waste responsibly? Apparently it is....

It would be a perfect irony if the biggest environmentalproblem to affect the human race wasn’t caused by us.

Alex StaceyManaging Editor

INTRODUCTION FROM THE EDITOR

Alex Stacey


UK Sustainable Development Association - The National Trust - Pages 26 - 27… A Case Study in Cutting Carbon Emissions … and Costs By Steve Turner

News Pages 04 - 24

Forests to the Fore By Pam Warhurst Page 28 - 30

Anaerobic Digestion By Dr. Nush Mohabuth & David Border Pages 40 - 42

No Wasted Opportunity By Stuart Howarth Pages 36 - 37

Sustainable Wood: The New Solution to Climate Change By Paul Clegg Pages 34 - 35

CONTENTS

Environment Industry Magazine is proud to be the official media partner for the UK Sustainable Development Association.Every effort is made to verify all information published, but Environment Industry Magazine cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissionsor for any losses that may arise as a result. Opinions expressed in articles do not necessarily reflect those of EnviroMedia Ltd. Environment IndustryMagazine welcomes contributions for publication. Submissions are accepted on the basis of full assignment of copyright to EnviroMedia Ltd unlessotherwise agreed in advance and in writing. We reserve the right to edit items for reasons of space, clarity or legality.

EnviroMedia Limited, 254a Bury New Road,Whitefield, Manchester, M45 8QN

Alex StaceyTel: 0161 3410158Fax: 0161 7668997Email: [email protected]

Can We Have a Level Field, Please? By Steve Grant Page 25

Can Biofuels be Sustainable? By Clare Wenner Pages 38 - 39

Wastewater Analysis By Dr. Rakesh Kanda & Gavin Mills Pages 43 - 48

Illegal Logging in the Tropics By Sheam Satkuru-Granzella Pages 31 - 33

Pages 54 - 57 Managing Environmental Data in the Google Age By Dr. Thierry Gregorius


Pages 58 - 62 I Wouldn’t Eat Vegetables From Your Garden If I Were You! By John Crowther

Pages 86 - 87 Sustainability Decluttered By Peter Baxter

Pages 70 - 74 Green Jobs By Katrina Pierce

Pages 51 - 53 Battling the Invasives: Are Natural Enemies the Solution By Dr. Rob Tanner

Pages 64 - 66 Is Sustainability The New Regeneration? By Jackie Sadek

Page 67 Waste Management By Michael Grimes

Page 69 Environment Agency Prosecutions

Page 49 Water Framework Directive By Huw Irranca-Davies MP

Pages 88 - 96 Case Studies

Pages 75 - 84 Sustainabilitylive! Preview


NEWS

Peter Yealands’ aim is to develop the world’s leadingsustainable vineyard and winery. Peter launchedYealands Estate at Blenheim on New Zealand’s SouthIsland in August 2008. Since then he has experimentedwith a range of initiatives to make the Estate as greenas possible. One approach is finding an alternative tousing tractors to mow the grass between the vines.Peter has tried using sheep for this, although the firstbreed he used developed a taste for the grapes. Afterfinding guinea pigs similarly commercially unviable,Peter now uses miniature Babydoll sheep that reach a mere 45-60 cm in height.

Yealands also uses a range of sustainable approachesin its winery. Extensive insulation and heat recoverytechnologies reduce heat loss and recycle energy forre-use. Probes inside and outside the building maintainconstant temperatures, whilst solar panels and windturbines generate supplementary power.

The vineyard has already won accolades for its stanceon sustainability. In April 2009, it received carboNZerocertification from Landcare Research – the largestwinery in New Zealand to obtain this for its organisationand wine products. “There are only a handful of wineriesin the world with carbon neutral certification and sevenof these are in New Zealand,” says Peter. “We’re thefirst in New Zealand to have been measuring emissionssince day one.” Yealands also won the SME BusinessEnvironmental Award at the Energy Efficiency andRenewable Energy Awards in Auckland in May 2009.

Yealands Estate does not just tick the sustainabilityboxes – it has won over 110 medals and awards sinceits inception, including three gold medals and one silvermedal for its Sauvignon Blanc wine at the Air NewZealand Wine Awards. The Estate also produces Riesling, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir wines.

Sheep Like Sustainable Wine

©Jim Tannock 2009


Two CASE CX240B-MH tracked material handlers havebeen purchased by the Newton Aycliffe-based John WadeGroup to meet demand at its rapidly expanding recyclingand waste transfer facilities.

The crawler machines, supplied by local CASE dealer CJLeonard of Guisborough, come complete with factory-builthydraulically raising cabs and are fitted with fully rotationalclam grabs to handle the waste material on site. One ofthe machines is used to sort out the waste that is deliveredto the transfer station before being sent through a varietyof screens and a picking station to be recycled. The othermachine is used to feed sorted waste, including timber,green waste and tyres into shredders.

So far the machines have also proven resistant to theproblems encountered by their predecessors. “It’s a verydusty environment and the machines we had beforewould regularly choke up and shut down. They would alsooverheat, but the CASE machines have proven very reliable.Touch wood, they’ve been no bother,” said Roy Blair,Waste Transfer Landfill Manager.

When backup has been needed it has been providedswiftly by local CASE dealer CJ Leonard. “We’ve had quitea lot of kit from them over the years and we have a goodrapport with them. They’re prepared to go out of their wayto help us with servicing or with supplying spare parts,”said David James, Workshop Manager.

John Wade GroupChoose CASE


A BID TO SAVE THE EARTH

greenauction

Christie’s International, the world’s leading art business,announces “A Bid to Save the Earth” Green Auction. Thisfirst-of-its-kind charity auction will take place on April 222010 to coincide with the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. TheEvening Sale event will be held at Christie’s, RockefellerCenter, New York and be carried live globally via Christie’sLIVE™ on www.christies.com. Proceeds from the sale willbe divided among four leading not-for-profit environmentalorganisations: Conservation International, Oceana, NaturalResources Defense Council and the Central Park Conservancy. All four beneficiary organisations are 4-starrated by CharityNavigator.org, its highest rating for not-for-profit organisations. The four participating not-for-profits have programming and supporters across 150countries and all 7 continents.

Christie’s is partnering with Charitybuzz, the leadingdestination for online charity benefit auctions, to presenta companion silent auction which will be hosted atwww.ABidtoSavetheEarth.org. Christie’s will waive allfees and commissions for the auction. Native Energy,www.nativeenergy.com, a leader in carbon offsetting, willprovide carbon offsets for the entire Green Auction. NBCUniversal, as part of its ongoing environmental initiative,“Green is Universal,” will serve as the official media partnerfor the event. Advertising firm MMB, as Christie’s brandingpartner, created “A Bid to Save the Earth” as the unifyingtheme for this worthwhile and groundbreaking initiative.

The Evening Sale will be a star-studded event with topcelebrities serving on the Green Auction Host Committeethat includes: Leonardo DiCaprio, Harrison Ford, TobeyMaguire, François-Henri Pinault, Salma Hayek, BobFisher, Candice Bergen, Ed Norton, Evelyn Lauder, AlecBaldwin, Zaha Hadid, Brooke Shields, and Matt Lauer.

The live auction will include major works from artistsincluding Keith Tyson, Maya Lin, Subodh Gupta, and OlafurEliasson. Other lots will include coveted celebrity experiences, upscale eco-vacations and exquisite jewellery.Hugh Jackman, Christina Aguilera, and Candice Bergenare just a few of the talented stars offering VIP experiences,with additional luxury items secured daily.

Christie’s Green Auction will set a new standard in co-operation between commercial and not-for-profit organisations. Christie’s is in a unique position to serveas a bridge between the past and the future by linkingthese many spheres of influence in a revolutionary way.

In addition to bidding in the Green Auction, the public isinvited to make a symbolic bid for the environment leadingup to Earth Day this April 22nd. Simply visit www.ABidtoSavetheEarth.org and select from one of fourareas in order to participate in this Call-To Action: Donate,Volunteer, Educate or Green your routine. Guests travellingto New York are encouraged to visitwww.nativeenergy.com to arrange for carbon offsets fortheir travel to the Green Auction, in the hopes of makingthe auction as carbon neutral as possible.

Cloud Choreography by Keith Tyson

ALLU SCREENER CRUSHER for Processing Different Materials• Bioremediation of contaminated soils• Mixing binding agent to soft soils/contaminated soils• Aerating compost• In situ and ex situ stabilisation by mixing additives and aerating

ALLU PM+PF STABILISATION SYSTEMIn situ Mass Stabilisations of peat, clays, sludges and contaminated soils etc.• Processed contaminated soil by adding additivies and aerating• Stabilises: soft soil, clay, peat, sludge etc. into mass foundation• Includes: PM Power Mixer, PF Pressure Feeder & DAC. Data Acquisition Control System

Greater efficiency Lower costs Environmentally friendly


The Golf Environment Organisation is delighted to recognise GolfparkNuolen as the first GEO Certified golf club in Switzerland. With a proudrecord of environmental performance, achieving GEO’s award is further confirmation that both the Golfpark and Superintendent Steven Tierney areat the forefront of sustainable golf course management.

An active gravel pit that began its transformation into a golf course elevenyears ago, Golfpark Nuolen will be extended to 27 holes by 2018. Set in apopular recreation area for the people of Zurich and the Schywz Kanton, thecourse averages over 40,000 rounds in its nine-month season.

Golf Course Superintendent Steven Tierney has been involved in the projectsince ground was broken in 1997. A three-time recipient of GCSAA (GolfCourse Superintendents Association of America) international environmentalawards, Steven is now proud to have achieved long-term accreditation:

“It’s important for modern greenkeepers to seek recognition for theirmanagement practices and publicly represent their social and environmentalresponsibility. There are many awards and accolades available in the industrybut GEO Certification is the most rigorous.

“Our goal is to manage Golfpark Nuolen to the highest international standardsand we’re proud to have achieved this recognition. The golf course, facilitiesand associated nature trails will be enjoyed by golfers, local schools andcommunity groups for many years to come.”

Golfpark Nuolen Leads GEO Certification in Switzerland

The management team at Golfpark Noulen receive their GEO Certificate. Left to right: Arthur Baselgia, General Manager, Golfpark Nuolen; StevenTierney, Superintendent, Golfpark Nuolen; Benjamin Warren, CommunicationsDirector, GEO; David Bily, GEO Accredited Verifier.

Carbon Trading: A Complete Legal Update

Current and future policies, regulation and legal requirements toshape deals and support successful transactions

Outcome and direction postCopenhagen - the new carbonreduction principles, roadmap andagreement going forward.

US federal legislation - how can auniform policy from the US emergeand interact with EU carbon policy?

EU ETS, European RenewableEnergy Directive and REDD - impacton pre and post 2012 trading

New Legislation - grasping thechallenges of the CRC EnergyEfficiency Scheme and keys tosuccessful compliance

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS:

Jane Dennett-ThorpeHead of Branch, CRCDepartment of Energy and ClimateChange

Henry DerwentPresident and CEOInternational EmissionsTrading Association

Documenting trade transactions of variouscarbon assets now and post 2012

21st April 2012

A technical masterclass covering the fullspectrum of documentation issues foremissions trade transactions and the legalprinciples affecting both English andinternational law.

Expertly led by:Andrew Hedges, PartnerNorton Rose

Graham Stuart, Head of Climate Change andEnvironmentBaker & Mckenzie

Peter Zaman, PartnerClifford Chance

Felix Tse, In-House Counsel Gazprom Marketing & Trading

For more information visit:WWW.THELAWYERCONFERENCES.COM

MASTERCLASS

Media Partner

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Conference, 20th April 2010Masterclass, 21st April 2010Central London


| 10 |ENVIRONMENT INDUSTRY MAGAZINE

Everyday grass could provide green fuel A five-year research project has come up with a way ofgenerating green energy from a humble everyday grass.

Researchers at Teesside University's Contaminated Landand Water Centre began the project in 2004 to see whichplants could best be grown on brownfield sites as a way ofimproving unsightly blots on the landscape.

The research by the BioReGen project team has revealedthat reed canary grass can be turned into an excellentfuel for biomass power stations and, on a smaller scale,boilers in buildings like schools.

The native British grass is turned into bricks and pellets.These not only burn well but also don't add to greenhousegases or contribute to global warming.

The team experimented with four types of plant, willowtrees, the current favourite for biomass power stations,and the miscanthus, reed canary and switch grasses.

Dr Richard Lord, Reader in Environmental Geochemistryand Sustainability, said: “The test burnings have shownthat reed canary grass produces a good, clean fuel withoutpicking-up contamination from the soil.

Reed canary grass has great potential because it offers asuitable use for unsightly brownfield sites while producingan excellent fuel at a time when the world is crying out fornew ways of producing green energy.

Our research also suggests that the end product is improvedsoil quality and biodiversity at the greened-up sites.”

Dr Richard Lord, Reader in Environmental Geochemistry andSustainability, (left) with Richard Green, BioReGen Project Officer

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A survey conducted by the RedSquirrel Survival Trust (RSST),which measured public perceptions,indicated that red squirrel numbersmay have remained stable overthe past six months, and in someareas actually risen. This willplease red squirrel enthusiasts,who have had to endure decadesof stories of the relentless declineof this native species. Its resultssuggest that the doom and gloommay be overdone and that with theright support, reds are perfectlycapable of fighting back.

In December 2009 RSST launcheda new survey to monitor people’sperceptions of red and grey squirrelpopulations around the UK. Itasked whether people felt that redand grey numbers in their areawere increasing, decreasing, orshowed no change. Respondentsalso indicated how abundant theyconsidered their local red and greypopulations to be.

The strongest perceptions of anincrease in red squirrel numberswere found in South Cumbria,North East Scotland, the Isle ofWight and along the Sefton Coastin Lancashire. In South Cumbriathere was even a perception thatgrey numbers had decreased,which would be good news forreds since grey squirrels are theprimary reason for their decline.The non-native greys threaten redsby out-competing them for food.Greys also carry the squirrelpoxvirus, which is deadly to reds butto which greys are immune.

RSST’s survey results also clearlyshow that people only consider redsquirrels sightings to be commonin the grey-free areas of NorthernScotland and the Isle of Wight.Correspondingly, where there wasa perception of abundant greysquirrels, such as in South Scotland,this was accompanied by aworryingly low number of reds. © R. L. Wolverton

Survey Suggests Red Squirrel Numbers Were Stable in 2009

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vegetation blanketsfor roof, ground covering and greenwalls

National Trust to cut fossilfuel use by 50% by 2020

Scotney Castle, Kent

A biomass boiler was installed to replace the old oil-firedboiler at Scotney Castle in early 2009 as a low-carbon solution for heating the new visitor reception and tearoom.

Ross Wingfield, Head Warden said: “It runs by burningwoodchip from sustainable Sweet Chestnut coppice, aprocess which is 95% carbon neutral. This means that ofall the carbon dioxide produced while burning the woodchip,95% is absorbed and used by the coppiced trees as theyre-grow.”

To get the maximum benefit from a tree's ability to absorbcarbon dioxide, it is necessary to harvest and recycle thecarbon from young or coppiced trees, as young and growingtrees absorb more carbon dioxide than a fully mature tree.Last year the team at Scotney used wood from Sprivers,another nearby National Trust estate, but in 2010 they arecoppicing Sweet Chestnut from Scotney’s own estatewhich will be used next winter.

Dunster Castle, Somerset

The National Trust’s first renewable energy project on aGrade I listed building, Dunster Castle near Mineheadwas runner-up in the Micropower Awards 2008, thanks toits innovative solar panels which are hidden inside thecastle battlements.

The 24 photovoltaic panels on the roof supply the dailyequivalent of the energy consumed by two family homesand in sunny weather provide most of the castle’s dailyelectricity requirements. Saving almost 3,000 kg of CO2a year, the carbon payback from the overall project isexpected in four years.

The panels are part of a plan to turn Dunster into thegreenest castle in Britain by saving energy across theproperty, as well as reducing water consumption, increasing recycling and promoting green transport.


2010

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Two days of seminars, educational sessions and networking opportunities will bring together the global small wind sector, with focus given to renewable energy policy, international markets, technology awareness, research and educational issues.

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Compostable plastics have a sweet ending

Food packaging and other disposable plastic items couldsoon be composted at home along with organic wastethanks to a new sugar-based polymer.

The degradable polymer is made from sugars known aslignocellulosic biomass, which come from non-food cropssuch as fast-growing trees and grasses, or renewablebiomass from agricultural or food waste.

It is being developed at Imperial College London by ateam of Engineering and Physical Sciences ResearchCouncil scientists led by Dr Charlotte Williams.

The search for greener plastics, especially for single useitems such as food packaging, is the subject of significantresearch worldwide. “It’s spurred on not only from anenvironmental perspective, but also for economic andsupply reasons,” explains Dr Williams.

“Our key breakthrough was in finding a way of using anon-food crop to form a polymer, as there are ethicalissues around using food sources in this way,” saidWilliams. Current biorenewable* plastics use crops suchas corn or sugar beet.

“For the plastic to be useful it had to be manufactured inlarge volumes, which was technically challenging. It tookthree-and-a-half years for us to hit a yield of around80% in a low energy, low water use process,” explains Dr Williams.

This is significant as the leading biorenewable plastic,polylactide, is formed in a high energy process requiringlarge volumes of water. In addition, when it reaches theend of its life polylactide must be degraded in a high-temperature industrial facility.

In contrast, the oxygen-rich sugars in the new polymerallow it to absorb water and degrade to harmless products


New Zealand company, Amalgamate Solutions and Research (ASR), theworld leader in the design and construction of multi-purpose artificial reefs,has announced that it has completed Europe’s first artificial reef on theBoscombe shoreline, just outside of southern England’s coastal town ofBournemouth. The reef was engineered and constructed by ASR, who spear-heads the movement towards environmentally sensitive coastal protection.

ASR was enlisted to help Bournemouth improve its surfing conditions inorder to increase tourism, which is part of the town’s £11 millionBoscombe Spa Village regeneration plan, but the new reef will provide amuch more substantial benefit to the beach-side community. Mimickingnature, the artificial reef provides the same beach protection benefits asnatural reefs – acting as a protective barrier to the coastline to help decreasesand erosion on beaches, as well as creating a new marine habitat.

“At ASR we’re passionate about multi-purpose reefs as the sustainablefuture of coastal protection. Our beaches are facing increasing direct andindirect threats from both humanity and the natural world, with issues likeglobal warming and the rise of the sea level,” said Nick Behunin, ManagingPartner, ASR. “While the initial investment to build a reef is often morethan seawalls and rock jetties, the environmental and economic benefitsof artificial reefs far exceed those of traditional methods – as beaches areprotected without creating blight, marine habitat is enhanced, and beachcommunities get socio-economic benefits from increased recreational use.”

“The Boscombe Spa Village project is already producing a rise in tourism,even before the completion of the reef, re-establishing Boscombe to itsrightful place as a leading destination beach resort. An affluent surfermarket is attracted to the area and, as a result, jobs have been created,the seafront transformed, a new water sports facility created and acommunity revived. The reef is a perfect example of how an innovativefree-to-use project can have such a positive ripple effect in an area,” saidRoger Brown, Director of Leisure Services, Bournemouth Borough Council.“While the reef will improve wave quality for surfers, it’s exciting to knowthat there are underwater benefits too, as sea life, including cuttlefish andspidercrabs, have already been making the artificial surf reef atBoscombe their home.”

New Zealand Company Completes NorthernHemisphere’s First Multi-Purpose Reef

– meaning it can be tossed on the home compost heapand used to feed the garden.

Because the new polymer can be made from cheap materials or waste products it also stacks up economicallycompared to petrochemical-based plastics.

The polymer has a wide range of properties, laying thefield open for a larger number of applications other thanbiorenewable plastic packaging. Its degradable propertiesmake it ideal for specialised medical applications suchtissue regeneration, stitches and drug delivery. Thepolymer has been shown to be non-toxic to cells anddecomposes in the body creating harmless by-products.

The compostable polymer was developed by (left to right) Professor Molly Stevens, Dr Min Tang and Dr Charlotte Williamsat Imperial College London.

©Imperial College London


In November 2009, Environment Industry Magazine wasproud to be the only UK publication to be invited to EcoExpo Asia in Hong Kong. The event had such an impact on us that in November 2010 we will be their official UKsupporting media partners.

The growth of the Chinese economy has had a major impact on the environment but events like Eco Expo Asiashow that there is a great environmental awarenessamongst the Chinese people and a real understanding ofthe problems that have been caused due to such rapid development. Due to this there is a great voracity for theservices of British environmental companies. There is littlequestion that the UK has considerable environmental expertise and it is this expertise that is so sought after inChina.

Eco Expo Asia is a fantastic event to showcase your productsand services and is, without doubt, one of the most fulfill-ing events I have visited. The show itself was remarkablywell organised, the organisers had provided us withtranslators and we were guided to the opening ceremonyand assisted through any potentially difficult obstacles.

The show was opened by the Secretary for the Environmentof the Government of the HKSAR, the Honourable EdwardYau, JP. In his opening speech, he remarked, “The growthof the Expo owes much to the heightened awareness ofthe well-being of the environment. Today’s event is a goodexample that green makes economic sense. There aretremendous business opportunities in going green. It is ademonstration that business can contribute to a betterenvironment.”

The event was officially opened by the organisers, sponsorsand honourable guests watering a hedge.

Eco Expo Asia played host to over 200 exhibitors from 19countries and regions.

The international exhibitors, including a fair number fromBritain, were aiming their services at the rapidly expandingChinese markets. The British contingency was supportedby the UKTI, who organised the UK stand and supported

the exhibitors with advice, access to services and funding.

I was truly surprised by the technology and innovationbeing promoted by the Chinese exhibitors - one of myparticular favourites was the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. The students on the exhibition stand weresome of the most enthusiastic and inspired people I haveever met. They were first year engineering students presenting the final year students’ prototype projectsalong with their own concepts. Some of the ideas were ingenious, in particular a solar heated lunch box, an auto-matic umbrella drier and a device for keeping food warmwith the heat used in cooking. Due to an obviously successful affiliation with Bunhoi Co Ltd the successfulideas can be quickly put into production.

Other exhibitors were promoting even more exciting andinnovative products, such as dehumidifiers which providedfresh drinking water, air conditioning units incorporatingheat exchangers to provide hot water, solar powered golfbuggies and photovoltaic glass which can be used in curtainwalls of high rise buildings making the entire buildinginto a solar cell.

Without Eco Expo Asia, there would be no forum to presentthese developments to the rest of the world. With thetheme, “Transforming the Pearl River Delta into a Green,Quality Living Area”, the event combined the exhibitionwith a conference which offered a fantastic line-up ofspeakers (which, where appropriate were translated intoEnglish).

The crowning glory of Eco Expo Asia is the location; HongKong is one of the most beautiful and exciting cities in theworld. If you ever needed a better excuse to visit....

UK companies wishing to exhibit should contact Philomena Chen at UKTI in Manchester

on +44 (0) 161 875 2328 or by email [email protected]

Further information about the event is available athttp://ecoexpoasia.hktdc.com

Eco Expo Asia


Andy Pag (35, London), the green traveller attempting todrive around the world in a vegetable oil powered bus, isdue to face trial in an Indian court after being arrested on suspicion of terrorism when police found he was inpossession of a satellite phone.

Complex Indian anti-terror laws require satellite phoneholders to obtain a permit, however there is no informationon any Indian Government website*, or at ports of entry,warning foreign visitors about the laxly enforced rule. In afurther twist, Pag’s lawyer, Prateek Kasliwal, has sincediscovered there appears to be no government departmentwhich actually issues permits for satellite phones.

“I’m very sorry and embarrassed I appear to have brokenthe rules. I had no idea. I’ve used this phone in over 30countries and I’ve never been asked for a permit before.”said Pag who has already spent 3 days languishing in policecells and a further 4 days in the harsh prison of Ajmer,Northern India, while the Regional Police and three separateIndian anti-terror forces investigated his background.“But I’m certainly not a threat to India’s national securityand I think the police realised that very quickly lastmonth. I only brought the sat phone because I was worriedabout kidnappings by terrorists in Pakistan. I haven’t usedit at all in India.”

Pag’s arrest in Pushkar, Rajasthan on the 11th of January,was followed by 100 officers sweeping through the townsearching for evidence of terrorist connections to the greenadventurer, who has previously driven a chocolate-poweredlorry to Timbuktu and organised the Grease to Greecerally for cars running on waste cooking oil scavengedfrom restaurants across Europe, to test the viability forsustainable fuels. The night time raid on his vegetable oilpowered eco bus, by 10 armed officers lead by IndianMilitary Intelligence, came amidst heightened security fora visit by the Bangladeshi president to a nearby town 20km away, and Pag is the first person ever to be chargedunder Indian law for possessing a satellite phone.

Terrorists used similar phones during the Mumbai shootings

a year ago, and the heavy handed approach may also be areaction to earlier press criticism of local police after aknown terrorist, David Coleman Headley, evaded captureby Pushkar police twice. The investigating officer, Super-intendent Tak has failed for the fourth time to submitcharges against Pag in time for the court deadline,triggering another delay, citing a busy schedule policinglocal elections as the reason. Supt. Tak pointed out“There are more elections coming up.” hinting that thesituation may again be delayed at the next court deadline,but sources close to the officer suggest the true reason isthat police are waiting for local media interest to diedown, lessening their embarrassment over the arrest.Meanwhile Pag is held in limbo effectively forced to stay inthe region, but with a non-renewable tourist visa thatexpired on the 22nd of February.

When the trial eventually does start, it’s likely to takeseveral days and Pag, currently freed on bail, if convictedcould be sentenced to more time in Ajmer prison whereinmates sleep on cold stone floors and have limited accessto hygiene facilities. “The thought of going back there istruly terrifying. I can’t believe that a Judge would rule prisonis a fair punishment for the easy-to-make bureaucraticmistake I appear to have made, but until the police finishtheir investigation the trial can’t start and I’m trapped inthis catch-22.”

Pag, whose full name is Andrea Pagnacco and has dualBritish and Italian nationality, has so far powered hisround the world journey 16,500km with sustainable fuels,like used cooking oil and biofuels made from waste vegetable oils sourced along the route. Regardless of thetrial outcome, the rest of the trip is now in jeopardy ascourt and legal costs have significantly dented his travelbudget, making it unlikely he will be able to afford tocomplete the global journey. Pag Said “The trip wasgoing so well until this happened, it’s heartbreaking to bedealt such a blow over something so unexpected. I justwish it would get sorted out quickly and reasonably.”

Satellite Phone Lands Green Travellerin Endless Indian Terrorism Trial

*Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of External Affairs, Indian HighCommission in London, Indian High Commission in USA, Visit India,


TheSustainableCity Awards2009

The great and good of the green world gathered on the 18th Februaryat Mansion House for the City of London Corporation’s annual Sustainable City Awards. Winners ranged from Britain’s first organicgastropub and a zoo combating CO2 emissions, to innovative climatechange initiatives by multi-national corporations.

Dubbed the ‘Green Oscars’, this year’s winning projects reflect howthe business community’s ambitions have grown since the awardscheme began in 2001, as early gestures towards more sustainablepractices have been replaced by all encompassing climate changeinitiatives that overhaul traditional business models. Despite UKbusinesses experiencing one of the most challenging of years in 2009,the high calibre of nominees is further evidence that the environmentaland financial benefits of sustainable business practice have remainedhigh on the business agenda.

Simon Mills, Head of Sustainability at the City of London Corporation,said: “It makes business sense to go green, and the range of sectorsrepresented by our winners this year shows how this spirit is beingembraced unilaterally. Sustainable business practice is no longer aniche, but a mainstay movement across the whole spectrum of thebusiness community. Whether it’s an international bank or smallstart-up, businesses want to do their bit towards the one common goal.”

Hosted by David Kennedy, the Chief Executive of the UK’s Committeeon Climate Change, the 12 category winners were chosen by a judgingpanel consisting of environmental and sustainable experts, includingthe Rt Hon. John Gummer, MP, Conservative MP for Suffolk Coastal,Samantha Heath, CEO of London Sustainability Exchange, and PennyShepherd MBE, CEO of UK Social Investment Forum.

David Kennedy said: “It’s crucial we recognise the lengths manybusinesses are going to in their efforts to combat climate change andreduce their carbon footprint. They’re setting an example that othersare evidently following, as applications and interest in the awardsgrow year on year, and the scale of businesses’ sustainable practicecontinues to exceed precedents.”

The highly respected RSA-accredited awards are staged by the authority for the Square Mile financial district and have grown to become the most prestigious sustainability awards in the UK sincetheir launch 9 years ago. The Sustainable City Awards are run inpartnership with 20 organisations including livery companies, tradebodies, voluntary sector organisations and businesses, with representatives from each joining the judging panel to select winnersand runners-up across the award categories.

The awards are part of a feeder scheme for the European BusinessAwards for the Environment, which means the winners have thechance of international recognition for their efforts.

Mansion House - Aerial View

Simon Mills City of London Corporation -Head of Sustainable Development

L-R Claire Stevens David Kennedy Magda CieslakWilliam Swan - Paper Round


Sustainable City Award Category Winner

Access to Goods and Services for Disadvantaged CommunitiesIn association with the Worshipful Company of PattenMakers

Roots & ShootsAwarded for their environmental education programme on issues such as sustainablefood production and biodiversity within local communities in Lambeth and Southwark.

Sustainable BuildingsIn association with the BRE and the Worshipful Company of Chartered Surveyors

John Thompson & PartnersA practice of architects and urbanists recognised for the green refurbishment of their office space in Islington, including natural ventilation, low flush toilets and work surfaces made from plastic derived from yoghurt pots.

Environmental Management of SMEsIn association with the London Sustainability Exchange and the Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners

Paper RoundManaging the recycling for 3,700 London offices, this small business encouragesgreen action amongst its workforce. On site showers and a bike lock-up encouragestaff to cycle to work, and Energy Saving Trust “Smarter Driving” courses are compulsory for its truck drivers.

Adapting to and Mitigating Climate ChangeIn association with Pure, the Clean Planet Trust, andthe Worshipful Company of Fan Makers

Newquay ZooA Thermal Imaging Report of every building on the Zoo site has supported a programme to insulate or rebuild the worst offending buildings that waste energy in the complex. An Eco Map and Plan is in place for every area of the zoo, with energyreduction targets.

Traffic Reduction & Transport ManagementIn association with the Campaign for Better Transportand the Worshipful Company of Carmen (UK wide)

EastitCreated a number of networking partnerships representing over 115,000 employees in the South East to ease congestion and tackle commuting transport issues, rangingfrom a bespoke car share website to shuttle buses carrying an average of 2,000 workers each week.

Sustainable ProcurementIn association with London Remade

Café DirectCafé Direct’s entry concerned ‘Adaptation for Smallholders to Climate Change’, a 3year public private partnership that supports small scale coffee and tea farmers infour countries to adapt to the effects of climate change that are already affectingthem.

Sustainable FoodDuke of CambridgeBritain’s first organic gastropub keeps food miles as low as possible with 80% of freshproduce sourced from the Home Counties and a seasonal menu.

Responsible Waste Management

Land SecuritiesAwarded for their mandatory carbon-offset programme for energy usage associatedwith common parts of the shopping centres the company owns, including lighting, carparks and ventilation.

Sustainable Finance

Jones Lang LasalleLaunched the industry’s first portfolio-level sustainability risk mapping service (TheThird Dimension), which reinvents traditional property investment decision making byenabling investors to compare forecast risk and total return with sustainability. Over£30billion worth of assets are signed up to this service.

The Farsight Award

Société GeneraleAwarded for research conducted by the international financial services provider examining the immense opportunities available to investors in the field of sustainablegoods and services - from green cars to renewable energy and waste disposal.

Sustainable City Award Trophy

Green TomatoesThe first private hire company in the UK to exclusively use low emission vehicles in itsfleet, the business also installed telematics in all of its vehicles enabling sophisticatedassessment of driver performance, and a ride-sharing option to improve operationalefficiency while reducing fares for customers.

Sustain Magazine’s Award

for Leadership in Sustainability

Land SecuritiesAwarded for their mandatory carbon-offset programme for energy usage associatedwith common parts of the shopping centres the company owns, including lighting, carparks and ventilation.

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Environmental instrumentation company Quantitech has been awarded a contract, worthin excess of £1million, to provide advanced air sampling and analysis equipment to themulti-agency air quality cell that has been established following the recommendations of

the Major Incident Investigation Board for the Buncefield incident.

The project was created to develop an air monitoring and modelling capability for major pol-lution incidents affecting England and Wales. Participants include the Environment

Agency, the Health Protection Agency, Public Health Wales, the Met Office, the Healthand Safety Laboratory, the Food Standards Agency and Local Authorities.

Portable monitoring equipment is vital to the success of the project because ofthe rapid response times that have been established by the project. The

Emergency Services will notify the Environment Agency within 30 minutesof a major pollution incident and the Environment Agency will then

convene the Air Quality Cell (AQC).

CHEMET air modelling information from the Met Office will beavailable within 20 minutes with more detailed modelling

provided later.

The Environment Agency will mobilise monitoring teams from one or more ofeight locations and monitoring datawill be provided to the AQC within 2 to6 hours of the incident.

Quantitech instruments chosen for new multi-agency air quality unit

SKM Enviros is the new name for the combinedexpertise of Sinclair Knight Merz (SKM) – a globalengineering, sciences and project delivery firm –and Enviros Consulting – an environmental, sustainability and health and safety consultancy.The launch of the new SKM Enviros business followsthe acquisition of Enviros by SKM from Carillionplc in October 2009.In a resource-efficient, lowcarbon economy, SKM Enviros’ aim is to lead debate, influence policy and shape development toachieve outstanding client success in a moresustainable way.

Cauldron Foods celebrates a fourth year at theheart of vegetarianism as headline sponsor ofNational Vegetarian Week 2010, 24 - 30 May.During National Vegetarian Week Cauldron will be sharing their recipe know-how with consumers,sponsoring Cauldron Local Hero Awards and appearing on point of sale materials. Visitwww.nationalvegetarianweek.org or call 0161 9252000 for free Vegetarian Society and CauldronFoods recipes, meal plans and information on howyou can love the food you eat.

Almost 70% of British diners think that restaurantsaren’t doing enough to tackle social and environ-mental issues with a similar number saying thatthey are more likely to go to a restaurant that was,according to a survey carried out by the SustainableRestaurant Association (SRA). The survey resultscombined with feedback suggests that much moreneeds to be done to meet consumer demand forethical eating. Launching on 28th February 2010 atHotelympia, the SRA is a not-for-profit organisationfocussed on helping UK restaurants to becomeglobal leaders in sustainability. As well as practicaladvice and guidance, it will provide a voice for theindustry via national campaigns, and assistrestaurants in enhancing both their reputationwith customers and ultimately the bottom line.

The Government has recently published a 15 yearstrategy to deliver world class marine science whichwill inform decisions on food and energy security,managing the seas sustainably and climate change.By co-ordinating marine science across Government,devolved administrations and agencies, the UKwill become a world leader in marine environmentscience and expertise. The new strategy, a rec-ommendation from the House of Commons SelectCommittee Report “Investigating the Oceans”, hasbeen developed in partnership with the devolvedadministrations in Scotland, Wales and NorthernIreland and with significant input from organisationsand individuals with marine science interests. Itprovides a direction for future marine science byidentifying three high level priority areas: under-standing how the marine ecosystem functions,responding to climate change and its interactionwith the marine environment and sustaining andincreasing ecosystem benefits.


Groundwater makes up almost 70% of the world’s fresh-water. This vital resource must be preserved for futuregenerations and where necessary remediated. On Thursday,25th March 2010, an all-day conference in London willaddress the challenges, practicalities and aspirations ofthis important area.

Organised by Brownfield Briefing, the Special Challengesto Groundwater Remediation Conference will provide bothan examination of technologies and remediation approachescurrently employed and emerging in the UK, and a look atthe current and forthcoming regulatory drivers. Prestigiousspeakers will investigate the legislative and policy changesalong with the practicalities and latest technologies.

The conference will be as valuable to the new engineermoving into this expanding sector as it will to the seasonedprofessional wishing to keep abreast of developments. Itwill be attended by consultants, contractors, regulatorsand local authorities, environmental scientists, lawyers;and problem holders and end users.

Conference presentations will cover:

What Legislation Drives UK Groundwater Remediation,Present and Future?

Groundwater and Conceptual Site Models

Groundwater quality - Legislative & Policy Changes

Risk Assessment: Challenges and Emerging Issues

Remediation in Systems of Varying Permeability

How Subsurface Conditions Affect the Performance ofGroundwater Remediation

Validation and Rebound Case Study: Tracing to a Successful Chalk Remediation

Technologies: What is Really Being Used Out There?

International Perspectives

Speakers include:

Jeremy Birnstingl, Managing Director, Regenesis

Alistair Kean, Director, IKM Consulting Ltd

Judith Nathanail, Company Secretary, Land QualityManagement

Tony Marsland, Policy Manager, Groundwater Quality& Protection, EA

Mike Rivett, Lecturer in Earth Sciences, University ofBirmingham

Mike Quint, Associate Director, Arup

Mark Stevenson, Service Line Leader, Process Remediation ,URS

Dr. Genevieve Boshoff, Associate, Sirius

Nicky Robinson, Principal Hydrogeologist, Atkins Limited

Thomas Grosjean, Technology Specialist, BP

Cecilia McLeod, Technical Director, Arcadis

Groundwater Remediation - Special Challenges to Protect Vital Source

Three months on from the devastating Cumbriafloods, the Environment Agency has announcedplans to double the number of homes and businesses that receive free flood warnings. Theorganisation has started to issue flood warnings toan extra half a million properties with a landline atrisk of river and sea flooding. The EnvironmentAgency is sending letters out next week to allhomes and businesses which are to be signed up.Subscribers can choose to opt out of the servicebut the Environment Agency is urging everyone tocheck its website for more information aboutpreparing for the risk of flooding.

The Environment Agency and Natural Englandhave become the first regulators to be given newcivil powers that will give them greater flexibilityto enforce environmental law. The range of newcivil powers will increase the options available toregulators and include fixed and variable monetarypenalties and compliance notices. The sanctionswill provide an alternative to criminal prosecutionsfor regulators which is more proportionate andreflects the fact that the majority of non-complianceby businesses is unintentional.

Boart Longyear E&I Drilling Division’s head office andmain depot have moved to larger premises. Their newbuilding and yard has been extensively refurbished andmodified by themselves to provide them with a tailoredbuilding which meets their requirements includingoffice space, meeting room, workshop and storagespace. This move was required as they had out growntheir previous site whilst the new site will enable themto expand further and continue to provide a qualityservice to their Clients.

Boart Longyear are also pleased to announce that theynow have the ability in house to calibrate their ownStandard Penetration Test Hammers in accordancewith Eurocode 7.

New contact details for Boart Longyear E&I DrillingDivision are; Boart Longyear, Unit D, Greenfield Complex, Greenfield Street, Alloa, FK10 2AL

Tel: 01259 727780 Fax: 01259 727781Email: [email protected]


New survey shows England's green energy hot spots

More people are turning to biomass as fuel according to anew survey from the Forestry Commission England.

The Forestry Commission is supporting the use of biomassthrough its woodfuel strategy, which aims to develop thisgrowing market.

The survey has identified almost 2,000 biomass heat boilersin England - an increase of 455 from 2008.

The Yorkshire and Humber region has the most biomassheat boilers in England, with 290 installations out of the1960 identified. This region's boilers are also some of themost powerful in the country, capable of generating 25%of England's biomass boiler heat.

Angela Duignan, the Commission’s Head of Woodfuel Implementation, said:

“More businesses and communities are choosing biomassas source of heat.

Locally-grown woodfuel is a low carbon alternative to fossilfuels and will help the environment locally, by improving

wildlife through woodland management, and globally,through cutting carbon emissions.”

She said that England had more than one million hectaresof woodland and forest but 60% were currently under-managed. By managing these areas for woodfuel produc-tion, landowners could generate an income and improvebiodiversity.

The Commission has a team of regional woodfuel co-ordinators who are supporting the supply chain, fromwoodland owners, foresters, hauliers and fuel suppliers.They can also advise on the range of grants available forwoodland management through to boiler installation.

Angela added:

“Woodfuel boilers are suitable for a whole range of larger,commercial and community buildings, and we want morepeople to consider this traditional fuel as a future energy-source.

It is also providing a boost for the rural economy as jobsare being created, from foresters, hauliers, woodfuelsuppliers and boiler installers.”

GMC Instrumentation are exhibiting theirrange of Test & Measurement and Power &Energy monitoring equipment from leadingmanufacturers - Camille Bauer, Elspec,Gossen Metrawatt and Hioki.

From Camille Bauer, they offer the mostcomprehensive range of power and energytransducers, able to monitor all AC systemvariables. Elspec produce the world’s mostadvanced digital fault recorders suitable formonitoring both national and local grid networks. Gossen Metrawatt's latest pro-fessional multimeters and calibrators offeraccuracy levels and measurement featuresnot found on other similar testers. Hioki'sextensive range includes compact powerquality analyser, suitable for facility managersor electrical engineers, a bench top powerand energy analyzer for monitoring both ACand DC electrical systems, including thelatest hybrid car battery systems. To complete the energy theme, Hioki offerelectrical testers for monitoring energyconsumption including standby power, inline with the new Energy-using Product Directive.

GMC Instrumentation are exhibiting at Sustainability Live - stand number AWM10.

Waste management firm Veolia EnvironmentalServices has been appointed successful bidder forthe waste, recycling and street cleansing contractby Westminster City Council. The deal will seemore than 650 staff working around the clock 365days a year keeping Westminster clean, withwaste and recycling collections being carried outby a fleet of environmentally friendly rubbishtrucks. The new contract also aims to substantiallyincrease recycling rates despite the challengesposed by Westminster being one of the mostdensely built and populated areas of the country,and will also cover gritting during snowy conditionsfor up to 14 years.

The Local Environmental Quality Survey England(LEQSE), funded by Defra, showed that in the lastyear the number of sites where non-alcoholic drinkscans and bottles were found was down from 57%of areas surveyed to 51%, with small decreases inthe number of sites with cigarette ends, fast foodlitter, broken glass and discarded food. However,there was a slight increase in the number of siteswhere dog mess was found and increases in theamount of graffiti and plastic bags. Keep BritainTidy carries out the survey to assess the cleanlinessof our streets, parks and other areas. 12,000 siteswere surveyed in 54 local council areas to showthe prevalence of different forms of litter in our openspaces. The information is used by local authoritiesto see how they are performing against the nationalaverage and to get an overall picture of how cleanor dirty the country is.



UK-SDA

The National Trust … a case study incutting carbon emissions … and costs

In a landmark energy saving project, it is now one yearon since Sudbury Hall in Derbyshire became one of thefirst National Trust historic houses to be powered bysmall-scale renewable energy through a green energypartnership with npower, that has enabled its annualcarbon emissions to be substantially reduced.

This has been achieved bythe installation of a bio-masswood pellet boiler, which hasdelivered a decrease in carbonemissions despite longeropening hours and a 50% increase in visitor numberscompared with the previousyear. The benefits of the renewable energy system arefelt right across the property,with boilers that are moreeasily controlled and enablecleaner and odour-free delivery of fuel.

The biomass boiler is part of a wider effort by SudburyHall to reduce its carbon footprint, including the use ofcompact fluorescent lamps across the property, water-saving devices in all flush systems, an experimental areaof secondary glazing, draught exclusion in one domesticarea of the property, and full recycling across the site.

Since sustainable heating was installed at Sudbury Hall,over 20 National Trust properties, ranging from historicmansions to outdoor visitor centres, have benefitedfrom the National Trust Green Energy Fund, establishedin partnership with npower. This programme has helpedput in place a range of renewable energy technologiesacross Trust locations, including solar water heatingsystems, replacing oil powered heaters with biomasswood chip pellet boilers, and installing air and groundsource heat pumps.

The carbon dioxide emission calculations that havebeen conducted at Sudbury show that 39.6 tonnes ofwood pellets were used between November 2008 and

April 2009, with CO2 emissions during the period(compared to oil) dropping from over 52 tonnes to under12 tonnes, a decrease of over 80%. The work falls underthe Green Energy Fund for Renewable Energy, which makes available a total of £950,000 tohelp deliver a programme of renewable energy projectsacross National Trust properties until July 2010. Inaddition to Sudbury Hall, the fund is designed to covermore than a dozen properties ranging from Borrowdale-Bowe Barn in the north-west of England, through to theStackpole Centre in south Wales.

National Trust Green Energy was launched in partnershipwith npower in September 2007. Through this partnership,a renewable energy tariff has been created based uponoffshore wind and hydro-electric sources. When acustomer signs up to National Trust Green Energy,npower makes a payment to the National Trust GreenEnergy Fund, which is invested in small scale renewableenergy generation and other carbon saving projects atTrust sites. National Trust Green Energy customers alsoreceive an energy saving tips booklet and money offproducts such as insulation and PV panels to encouragethem to save energy and money in their own homes.The Sudbury Hall project has also been supported bythe Big Lottery Fund, who is funding a number of projectsas part of the Bio-Energy Capital Grants Scheme.

As Europe’s biggest conservation organisation, looking

Steve Turner is the Managing Director of Lorien Engineering Solutions, and a memberof the UK Sustainable Development Association. Lorien are experts in the design andmanagement of environmental projects, and were recently awarded the RoSPA Orderof Distinction for occupational health and safety for the third consecutive year.

Picture courtesy of Hoval Ltd

Picture courtesy of Lorien Engineering Solutions


after special places across England, Wales and NorthernIreland, and with over 3.6 million members and 52,000volunteers helping to look after 300 historic houses andgardens, 1,100 kilometres of coastline and 250,000hectares of open countryside, the National Trust is wellplaced to make ongoing future financial and carbon foot-print savings following the Government’s announcementof financial support to encourage investment in renewables.

From April 2010, anyone who generates electricity willbe eligible to claim a Feed-in Tariff (FIT) from their energysupplier, in line with the recently announced rates(shown in the table above), with similar arrangementsfor heat generation anticipated through the RenewableHeat Incentive (RHI) due to be introduced next year.

Aimed at the general public as well as businesses, fororganisations such as the National Trust with a largeland and property portfolio, the combination of FITs andRHIs means that an investment strategy can be put together that will reduce energy and heating costs tozero, and produce an income to supplement other

operational costs. Alongside the biomass boiler tech-nology already installed at Sudbury Hall, other renewabletechnologies likely to feature in such a strategy includeall those listed in the above table, plus farm-scale biomassheat and power, and ground and air source heat pumps.

For other organisations and individuals, similar opportunities to put in place financial models that reduceboth carbon footprint and energy costs also arise, withschemes such as the Carbon Trust’s 0% loans (to thosemeeting qualifying criteria) making funding of the initialcapital costs equally affordable.

For the National Trust, other considerations such as theimpact of renewables technologies on the fabric of historic buildings and landscapes also needs to betaken fully into account, but should not normally giverise to insurmountable problems. And as the verysuccessful Sudbury Hall project has shown, a sensiblestart can always be made with “hidden” but highly effective technologies such as modern biomass boilers.

Technology Scale

Tariff level for new installations in period (p/kWh)[NB tariffs will be inflated annually] Tariff

lifetime(years)Year 1: 1/4/10 -

31/3/11Year 2: 1/4/11 -

31/3/12Year 3: 1/4/12 -

31/3/13

Anaerobic digestion ≤500kW 11.5 11.5 11.5 20

Anaerobic digestion >500kW 9.0 9.0 9.0 20

Hydro ≤15 kW 19.9 19.9 19.9 20

Hydro >15-100 kW 17.8 17.8 17.8 20

Hydro >100 kW-2 MW 11.0 11.0 11.0 20

Hydro >2 MW-5 MW 4.5 4.5 4.5 20

MicroCHP pilot* ≤2 kW* 10* 10* 10* 10

PV ≤4 kW (new build**) 36.1 36.1 33.0 25

PV ≤4 kW (retrofit**) 41.3 41.3 37.8 25

PV >4-10 kW 36.1 36.1 33.0 25

PV >10-100 kW 31.4 31.4 28.7 25

PV >100kW-5MW 29.3 29.3 26.8 25

PV Stand alone system** 29.3 29.3 26.8 25

Wind ≤1.5 kW 34.5 34.5 32.6 20

Wind >1.5-15kW 26.7 26.7 25.5 20

Wind >15-100kW 24.1 24.1 23.0 20

Wind >100-500kW 18.8 18.8 18.8 20

Wind >500kW-1.5MW 9.4 9.4 9.4 20

Wind >1.5MW-5MW 4.5 4.5 4.5 20

Existing microgenerators transferred from the RO

9.0 9.0 9.0 to 2027

For further information visit www.uk-sda.org


These are exciting times to be involved in forestry- thatmuch has become very clear to me since I became Chairof the Forestry Commission in January.

From local to global levels, there is growing recognitionthat sustainable, well-managed trees, woods and forestsare very relevant to all of us, whether as individuals orparticipants in business and industry.

Not least among their many benefits is the fact that,globally, forests hold one of the most cost-effective keysto preventing dangerous climate change, as well as helpingsociety to cope with the degree of change that is nowinevitable.

This gained formal expression at the global level in December at the Copenhagen climate change summit,when a number of key countries committed $3.5 billion of initial funding to reduce and reverse deforestation indeveloping countries. Lord Stern had recognised it in2006 when he reported that halting and reversing deforestation could be one the most cost-effective waysof combatting climate change. Then Professor Sir DavidRead’s scientific panel endorsed tree planting as a com-paratively cheap way to abate Greenhouse Gas Emissions(GHGs), in the Read Report on UK forests and climatechange in November.

Deforestation – the permanent removal of forests – causesan estimated 18% all GHGs, making it the second biggestsingle source. If deforestation rates are not significantlyreduced soon, the goal of a maximum 2oC temperaturerise will not be reached.

So climate change is a serious threat, but with threats comeopportunities, not least for business. The opportunitiesflow from the fact that, alongside this emerging recognition

Forests to the fore

As climate change advances, forestsoffer opportunities for business to helpsave the planet while boosting the bottomline, writes Pam Warhurst, Chair of theForestry Commission

Woodfuel, such as these chips, cannot only generate business andemployment opportunities, but canalso improve the bottom line andfuel security for businesses thatuse it, while contributing to carbonemissions abatement.


of the solutions that the right trees in the right places canoffer, is a parallel recognition that if we want to keep ourremaining forests and restore those we’ve lost, we mustmake them worth more alive than dead. As foresters say,“the forest that pays is the forest that stays”, and climatechange is throwing up new opportunities for forest-basedprosperity, for using trees and woodland as business assets,and for boosting the Corporate and Social Responsibility(CSR) sides of company ledgers, often in ways that are notimmediately obvious.

Timber is the obvious commercial output from forestryand it’s the ultimate low-carbon product. It’s also endlesslyrenewable, versatile, attractive, and environmentallyfriendly. Investment advisors are beginning to spot this, andhave been tipping forestry and timber as smart long-termbets as the world moves towards a low-carbon economy.

Forest-based tourism, recreation and specialty food busi-nesses, such as those dealing in venison, mushrooms andberries, are others. However, there are other opportunities.

‘Carbon forestry’ and carbon trading are among them,whereby individuals and organisations can ameliorate theeffects of their carbon emissions by financing tree plantingprojects, at home or abroad, while also providing the otherenvironmental benefits for which we value woodlands. Insome cases the carbon sequestered by tree planting canbe converted into cash income through carbon “offset”trading. Although woodland planting in the UK does not atpresent qualify for such trading, this does not mean itcannot affect the bottom line.

For example, scientists are predicting more flood eventsas the climate changes, and our Forest Research arm andothers are researching the potential for using strategicallysited woodland to reduce floods’ impact and severity. So

business owners whose sales, profits and insurance premiums have been hit by flooding in their office or factorycan appreciate that a lack of woodland in the upstreamcatchment of the local river system might be a bottom-lineissue for their business. It might even be something theycould consider investing in as both a carbon forestry anda flood amelioration project.

Supporting this development, the Forestry Commission isestablishing a Code of Good Practice for carbon forestryprojects. This code and its processes for monitoring, reporting and verifying approved schemes will provide assurance to investors that they will deliver the carbonbenefits claimed, and will comprise well-managedforests. The UK, Scottish and Welsh Assembly Governmentsall have aspirations to increase Britain’s woodland coverfrom its present 12% of the land area (compared with theEuropean Union average of 37%). And carbon forestryfinancing holds the prospect that we can achieve morewoodland planting through investment from the privatesector.

Scientists are also telling us that climate change will leadto hotter summers, increasing the costs and carbonemissions from air conditioning as we seek to maintainoffices and factories at a comfortable temperature. Again,trees can be part of the solution. There is good evidencethat judiciously sited trees can play a significant role incooling buildings and streetscapes in our towns andcities, with benefits to power bills, property values, carbon emissions and wildlife.

The benefits of urban trees don’t stop there. A growingbody of evidence highlights the health benefits of urbangreenspace, including woodland. It indicates that peoplewith good access to such areas enjoy better physical and


mental health deriving from trees’ and greenspaces’ abilityto filter pollution, muffle noise, oxygenate the air, cool hotspaces and provide opportunities for exercise. The financialbenefits for business can be measured in reduced sickleave costs, and the easier staff recruitment and higherproperty values that flow from an attractive environment.The Forestry Commission is working with local authoritiesand a range of partners across Britain to bring thesebenefits of trees and woodland to urban populationsthrough programmes such as the Community Forests andNewlands in England, Woodlands In & Around Towns inScotland, and Tir Coed in Wales.

Forest land, of which there is about 3 million hectares inthe UK, also offers opportunities to make a return fromrenewable energy generation. The Forestry Commissionhas been an early leader in exploring these opportunities,and is developing wind farms, hydro-electric schemesand wood-fuelled energy generation projects on the landit manages, in partnership with the private sector. Theseare real opportunities for business.

Organisations of any sort can engage with forests, forgood or ill, without even knowing it. Purchasing decisions,in particular, can help to conserve or destroy forests, andmitigate or aggravate climate change. Choice of buildingmaterials is one – timber processing uses less energyand emits less carbon than concrete, brick and steel production. Replacing one cubic metre of concrete or redbrick with one of sustainably produced timber can saveabout a tonne of carbon emissions. Timber-frame buildingscan be built faster than others, and can compete on cost.And when deployed in long-term uses such as buildings,wood can continue to lock up the carbon long after thetree has been harvested, while we plant another tree totake its place and lock up even more carbon.

Choice of fuel is another. Wood from sustainable forestscan be a low-carbon fuel for heat and power generationthat can compete on price and performance with oil, coaland gas. In some circumstances the financial savings canbe significant, and the Forestry Commission and its partnersare making good progress in developing the woodfuel industry in Britain. The Read Report estimated that wood-

fuel has the potential to save about 7 million tonnes ofCO2 emissions a year within the next five years. Into thebargain it is generating new business and jobs and addinga welcome income stream to forest owners’ businesses,often in rural communities with fragile economies.

Purchasing decisions can also engage with forestry inways that make things worse, as in the case of buyingmaterials that originate from deforested land. Thesecould include timber flooring produced from illegal andunsustainable logging, meat reared on ranches createdby clearing rainforests, or soaps, cosmetics and food-stuffs containing palm oil grown in plantations for whichforests were destroyed.

It might, then, be instructive to imagine where our busi-nesses will be in 20 years’ time. By then, I believe, energycosts will have soared, and enlightened organisations willhave a competitive edge in an increasingly low-carboneconomy, when the public will expect commerce and Government to be conducted in ways that generate thelowest possible Greenhouse Gas Emissions.

In this context, more and more companies are reportingtheir annual business in terms of CSR achievements aswell as financial ones as public concern about environ-mental and ethical issues increases. Those that sourcematerials from land that has recently been deforested arecoming under increasing scrutiny and risk losing businessfrom aware customers. Already there have been somehigh-profile cases where major loan finance has beenwithdrawn or large corporate customers have stoppedbuying from primary suppliers who cause deforestation.

The far-sighted business that wants to build long-term,sustainable prosperity on customer trust, ethical corporatebehaviour and environmental responsibility looks for opportunities to put these values into practice.

I would encourage them to consider whether some positive engagement with trees, woods and forests couldbe among those opportunities.

For further information, visit www.forestry.gov.uk

When deployed in long-term uses such as construction,timber can store carbon long after the tree has beenharvested, while more trees can be planted to lock upeven more carbon.

It is also being tipped as a good long-term investmentas the world moves towards a low-carbon economy.


Illegal logging, more so in the tropics, has been a priorityenvironmental and political agenda item since the 1990sinto the turn of the century, and rightly so. Following intensepressure from a multitude of interest groups, never beforehave we seen such strength in interest, political commit-ment and a real desire for change in the tropical regionsaround the world.

A decade into the 21st century has seen significantprogress in the tropics with laudable achievements. Asiaand Latin America saw pockets of independent third partycertification of forests towards the end of the 1990s andparts of Africa have seen the very same developmentsduring the past decade. 18 years of intensive work sincethe Rio Summit of 1992 has, however, resulted in only approximately 8% of the world’s forests being independentlycertified, despite the lack of promised funds and tropicalforests currently supply less than 1% of this total in termsof global roundwood.

The concept of Sustainable Forest Management (SFM),

widely embraced by several countries, has in recent yearsevolved, with natural forest management gradually shiftingaway from the emphasis on timber production to a balancebetween timber production encompassing environmentaland social sustainability. This is still work in progress, thelack of technical, funding and human resources lying atthe root of the slow uptake.

Reality has also shown that the implementation of Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) has the potentialof reducing wood supply from the tropics by as much as20 – 60% due to the introduction of sustainable harvestingpractices, simultaneously increasing production costs by5% - 25%. Global projections on wood consumption indicateincreased consumption in select regions, demand forwhich will not be met by production from sustainablymanaged forests.

Deforestation remains a cause for concern in somecountries but tarring all tropical countries with the sameaccusation risks making a mockery of the achievements

ILLEGAL LOGGINGIN THE TROPICSSheam Satkuru-GranzellaDirector, Malaysian Timber Council


in efforts towards balancing conservation andsustainable use.

Conserving tropical forests as the lungs of theearth is of course the idealogical solution topartly address climate change concerns, butwhat of the lost revenue and employment forthe host forest conservation countries? Wouldit be the intention to provide alternative employment and revenue to those displaced bysuch moves? And who will provide it? Potential abounds, but commitment is scarce.

Several measures at the international and national level have seen public awareness onclimate change and the role of tropical forestsincrease at alarming rates, with the expectationthat tropical forests bear the onus of curingthe ills of climate change. This would be toomuch of an expectation for developing countriesto shoulder if the whole concept favours con-servation over and above a country’s sovereignrights to develop and alleviate poverty, whichis the main cause of deforestation and forestdegradation in the tropics.

It is time that the focus on illegal logging rightlyevolves to legal logging and emphasis increasedon providing encouragement and rewards forcountries who have invested in implementingchange within their own constituencies inorder to meet international demands.

Timber consumption in Europe, or at least inthe 6 major timber importing EU member states,is governed by public procurement policiesthat demand the supply of independently certified timber. Although the two existing international timber certification schemes aregenerally equally accepted, some of these mem-ber states, the thousands of local authorities

in Europe and the majority of the private sectordisplay a strong preference for one out of thetwo schemes, purely due to fear of ENGOreprisal at choosing the other. Several majorprojects also choose to specify one over theother, frequently quoting that ‘negative publicity’due to the ‘high profile’ status of the project issomething one can ill-afford. The question is,whatever negative publicity is generated, it isalways in favour of one to the cost of the otherbut to what end? To prove superiority? Evenwhen the preferred scheme is unable to supplysufficient quantities of certified timber? Aggravated further by those who demand perceived perfection refusing to pay the pricethat certified timber rightly commands? Resulting in certified timber being sold as uncertified timber, alongside other uncertifiedresources? Was this the intended counter-productive outcome that we all strived for?The call for double certification is resulting inthe total area of forest certification currentlystagnating, as resources are being spentchasing dual certification rather than being invested in new potential areas to be certified.

Timber remains by far the most aestheticallybeautiful, environmentally friendly and perhapsthe most sustainable material available tomankind when compared to other materials.All the restrictions placed on the use of timberfor ideological or romantic reasons, even ifpartly justified, runs the risk of timber losingeven further market share to other materials, ata cost to our environment and benefits timber’scompetitors. Tropical timber producing coun-tries, all of whom are developing countries,need far more encouragement than is currentlyavailable to pursue SFM and/or conservation.


Blocking market access to legally sourced or uncertifiedtimber materials from the tropics may make developedcountries feel they are making a difference, but thiswill only last as long as those forest resources are not being pressured by a more economically viable alternative than standing stock, which does not suffi-ciently contribute to the country’s economy. Placingvarying requirements and raising the bar to unachievablelimits will only retract current momentum.

One way of effectively reducing pressure on naturalforests is the establishment of forest plantations (afforestation) through which future supply of wood resources can be increased. Provided this is not doneat the cost of natural forests, it should be supportedand accepted as a viable way forward. The more efficientuse of forest resources is already strengthening itshold, and the issue of forest ‘conversion’ (again, onlyapplicable to very select tropical countries) needs to beexamined in proper context, taking into consideration acountry’s sovereign rights over its land use and moreimportantly, without discounting the workability of sus-tainable forest management worldwide in the long run.

Malaysia for one has 57% natural forest cover and approximately 16% of plantation cover, almost 74%total tree cover. The International Tropical Timber organisation heralds Malaysia as ‘the most developed’tropical timber producing country in terms of SFM andforest certification. The timber industry is valued atUS$6 billion and contributes over 4% towards thecountry’s GDP (www.mtc.com.my). The Malaysian Timber Certification System has been operationalsince 2000, has been accepted at ‘sustainable’ statusby several authorities and was PEFC-endorsed in May2009 (www.mtcc.com.my). Yet, several challenges remain for Malaysia. What of the others?

Malaysian Timber Council, 24 Old Queen Street, London SW1H 9HPTel: 020 7222 8188 Fax: 020 7222 8884 E-mail: [email protected]

MTC represents the interests of the MalaysianTimber Industry in international markets and isable to assist specifiers, end users and importersto obtain technical information and to sourceMalaysian hardwoods and timber products.

MALAYSIA: NATURAL BEAUTY,DURABILITY, RELIABILITY. MTCS-certified and PEFC –endorsed suppliers available


The future is wood as it reduces carbon dioxide and increases carbon sinks at the same time. However, tosustain a clean and green environment in the long term,using wood is not enough. The key is to use sustainablewood that guarantees a low carbon footprint resulting inminimal impact on environmental damage. Paul Clegg,Chief Executive Officer of Accsys Technologies PLC, reports.

With climate change a growing threat to our environment,low carbon yet high performance materials based onrenewable resources are high on the agenda.

Reducing carbon sources as well as increasing carbonsinks is equally important to lessen carbon dioxide in theair, according to the Kyoto Protocol, and one of the perfectways to achieve both is to increase the use of wood.

Using wood offers a simple way to reduce the carbondioxide emissions that are the main source of climatechange, through the carbon sink effect of the forests, thecarbon storage effect of wood products and the substitutionfor non-renewable, carbon-intensive, synthetic materialssuch as metals, plastics and concrete.

The Future is Wood

The possibilities wood offers can be seen wherever welook: as sturdy decks or decorative trims, winter fuel orstylish furniture, musical instruments or industrialstructures, window frames or walking sticks. Wood is amaterial that is both aesthetically appealing and endlesslypractical. It is also our only naturally renewable construction resource.

Britain now uses a large amount of timber, paper, boardsand other wood products each year, equivalent to about50 million cubic metres. Around 85% of this has to be imported at a cost of about £8 billion.

The volume of wood supplied from Britain's forests eachyear has more than doubled from 4 million cubic metresin the 1970s to nearly 9 million now. This will increase to15 million cubic metres by 2020, offering scope for furthersubstantial investment in the processing industry, accordingto The Forestry Commission.

Sustainable Wood

However, using wood is not enough to mitigate climatechange, say industry experts.

The use of wood products from sustainably managedsources can help to reduce our carbon footprint in thelong term and contribute to a sustainable future for thenext generation.

Charles Trevor, Chairman of The Wood Technology Society,comments on the changing wood industry: “With fibrefrom certified forests likely to become scarcer in future,Accoya® is set to become an important alternative material

Sustainable Wood: The New Solution toClimate ChangePaul Clegg, Chief Executive Officer of Accsys Technologies PLC.

~ Bespoke Joinery and Stairs~ Sliding and Folding door systems~ BFRC Energy Rated windows

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for a number of end uses such as decking, windows,doors, fascia boards and soffits. Accoya® could well proveto be the answer to the problem of how to specify timberfrom a certified source that will perform even to the mostexacting specifications.”

.....for the Future

“The moral imperative to make big changes isinescapable...that what we take for granted maynot be here for our children”Al Gore, 45th Vice President of the United States, from hisclimate change film 'An Inconvenient Truth' (2006).

Against a backdrop of growing concern about the envi-ronmental impacts of the things we do and the materialswe use, the popularity of wood - a versatile, beautifulmaterial that's easy to use and to live with - is set to increase. It's not just good looks and charm that will ensure that wood plays a leading role in our future, but anumber of other factors, too:

• Wood is a non-toxic, recyclable raw material

• Wood is light yet strong and easily worked

• Wood offers good sound absorption properties

• Wood can be used as a biofuel at the end of its product life

• Wood is our only truly sustainable resource for construction

• Wood is a natural insulator and, as such, reduces energy used for heating

• Wood reduces the effect of global warming as trees andwood products act as carbon sinks

• Wood is sustainable and healthy: every cubic metreused saves 0.8 tonnes of CO2

Using sustainably grown wood and improving its propertieswithout adding toxins helps to protect threatened species,rainforests and the environment.

There is currently a heavy focus on forests and woodproducts as they can act as a potential carbon sink to

mitigate climate change and substitute carbon intensivenon-renewable materials.

Camco (a world leading environmental consultancy) assessed the carbon footprint of sustainable wood productsbased on a cradle to gate scenario, i.e. cubic metres ofmaterial leaving the factory gate. Translation of the cradleto gate results of the study (cradle till grave) to applicationssuch as window frames and bridges, reveals that sustain-able wood products score significantly better in terms ofgreenhouse gas emissions / year than metals (steel, aluminium), plastics (PVC), unsustainably sourced timberand concrete, and are competitive with sustainablysourced (certified) timber.

In a carbon footprint assessment, the greenhouse gasemissions, causing global warming, can be measuredover the life cycle of a product or material.

However, the annual yield of renewable materials is notincluded in the carbon footprint assessment. This providesan important additional environmental credential sincefast growing softwood species such as Radiata Pine areprimarily used. Radiata Pine even outperforms giantbamboo – known to grow incredibly fast – in terms of annual yield. This means that there is an ample supply oftimber from certified sources for the production of sustainable wood products to replace scarcely availablecertified tropical hardwood in demanding exterior applications.

A key example of sustainable wood products would be Accoya® wood, the world’s leading high technology woodlicensed and produced by Accsys Technologies PLC(“Accsys”). Accsys is a UK incorporated environmentalscience and technology company which has been voted asa ‘sustainable’ company’ in various industry awards andprizes. The environmental performance of Accoya willcontinuously be assessed and there will be of a fully peerreviewed ISO 14040/44 compliant Life Cycle Assessment(LCA) study by Delft University of Technology in theNetherlands, one of the world’s leading science institutes.

For further information, visit www.accoya.com


Many power plants that provide demand side energy directly to site have until recently been fuelled by pipedgas. As the spark gap between gas and electricity pricesbecomes wider, combined heat and power (CHP) is a veryattractive option for an increasing number of organisations.Now advances in technology are incorporating biofuels,opening up this energy efficient, low carbon and environ-mentally responsible form of energy generation to awider audience.

Fuel from waste materials is available not only as a gas,but in a number of forms. By recognising the potential touse biofuels to generate power for a variety of applications,organisations across all industry sectors can look to saveon costs and minimise their environmental impact, contributing to their CSR agenda too. Combining thepotential of biomass with CHP technology represents avery efficient and immediate approach to the long-termreduction of an organisation’s energy costs inline with itsenvironmental policies.

Over the past two years there has been an upsurge in interest surrounding cogeneration because of CSRawareness, the increasing need for organisations to reducetheir carbon footprint, and escalating fossil fuel costs.CHP plants, previously powered by fossil fuels as a moreefficient on-site method of power generation, haveevolved to burn more environmentally viable forms of fuelto the same effect. 1kg of wood produces about 1kw ofelectricity, with insignificant amounts of this power beinglost in transmission.

There is also rising interest in using on-site fuels derivedfrom process by-products and waste, such as biogasproduced from the anaerobic digestion of manufacturingeffluent, for example as a result of food and beverageprocessing.

The growing interest in bio-fed CHP has been driven bythe current environmental landscape, and the pressuresplaced on all sectors to reduce emissions levels and

perform in an environmentally responsible manner. As aresult, CHP has evolved to generate heat and power on-site, not only from biogas created through anaerobic di-gestion (AD), but also from landfill gas, bioliquid andbiomass too.

Bio-fed CHP plants are often fuelled by natural gas because it is clean, consistent in quality and normallycheaper than the alternatives. However, a CHP plant canalso operate widely on natural gas, biogas, landfill gas,liquid gas, propane, diesel and bio diesel.

Dalkia is currently pioneering the use of life-expired woodas a biomass fuel source for CHP energy production. Typically a bio-fed CHP operates with wood fired boilersgenerating steam, which drives turbines that generateelectricity. This can then be distributed across a site via alocal electricity network. Because of the cogeneration aspect of any CHP, heat is also produced and, unlike instandard energy generation, it is captured for use as hotwater across the site too.

Work has now started on a new £40m CHP bio energycentre at Chilton in Co. Durham where around 120,000tonnes of locally sourced life-expired wood per year willbe processed onsite as a carbon neutral fuel. Once built,the new plant, will be operated and maintained by Dalkiaand will generate 18MWe of renewable electricity, supplying green electricity to 20,000 homes and saving115,000 tonnes of CO2 per year.

This facility marks a significant step forward and breaksnew ground in the UK renewables industry, with the establishment of a closed loop recycling system for allgrades of life-expired wood for use in energy supply. By integrating this into Dalkia’s existing generation technologies it represents a new business model for recycling and carbon neutral power generation.

Largely sourced from the construction, packaging,manufacturing and waste transfer sectors, life-expiredwood is a much greener fuel option than green wood.

NO WASTED OPPORTUNITY

As organisations across all sectors fall under increasingpressure to reduce their carbon footprint, against a back-drop of rising energy costs, there is a growing interest inthe potential for onsite power production using a range ofbiomass fuels. Here Stuart Howarth, Wood Supply Directorof energy and utilities management company Dalkia, explains why, for many organisations, this is becoming avery viable alternative.


The main benefit in utilising life-expired wood is that thismodel draws energy from a waste stream that would oth-erwise find itself biodegrading in landfill sites. A far moreefficient and environmentally sound option, the processdoes not rely on ‘virgin’ wood that places a huge demandon energy and natural resources, such as water, in orderto be harvested, processed into biomass pellets andtransported to energy centres. Instead life-expired woodcan be sourced from a number of outlets – with the addi-tional benefit to organisations supplying the wood: theirlandfill tax costs are reduced as a result of less woodwaste going to landfill, their waste is used in an environ-mentally responsible way and their corporate responsibilityis improved.

The construction and demolition sector produces some750,000 tonnes of waste wood every year. The minimisationof site waste is particularly key, contributing to higherpoints under the Code for Sustainable Homes and BREEAMratings. The diversion of such waste from landfill repre-sents a contribution to sustainable energy generationand is therefore a benefit for this sector.

The manufacture of pallets and packaging, includingcrates and cable reels also produces significant volumesof waste. Pallets and crates produce some 670,000 tonnesof waste wood every year, while the manufacture of cabinetsand furniture also contribute to these volumes. With land-fill tax increasing year on year, any organisation that han-dles wood as a core part of its business will benefit fromremoving this element of the waste stream from landfill.

In addition it is estimated that around 420,000 tonnes ofwaste wood is produced by households each year, ordeposited at civic amenity sites in the UK. This poses aconsiderable challenge. Wood is biodegradable, so contributes to greenhouse gas production if allowed to rotin landfill sites. This makes it subject to the EU LandfillDirective, which stipulates that an increasing percentageof biological municipal waste must be diverted from landfill.

The benefits for using waste wood biomass are multiple:power is supplied directly to the site with excess energybeing exported to the grid for a profit, exemption from theClimate Change Levy (CCL) and the incentive of RenewableObligation Certificates (ROCs) as well, a free carbon neutralfuel source, and of course the addition of heat and, in thecase of tri-generation plants, cooling as well.

Of course, the viability of any scheme comes down toeconomics against the increased energy security thatdemand side, onsite power production provides. For example, Germany has recently produced a large numberof small digester gas projects in the last few years becauseorganisations there have received green certificates fromthe German government, which increases the value of theelectricity derived from this type of plants, representing aform of subsidised grant.

Recycled wood can be used widely as biomass, removingthis material from the waste stream and preventing itfrom being sent to landfill sites. For organisations using

their own waste wood to power a CHP plant, the benefithere is a closed loop approach to the generation of power.Similarly in the manufacture of food, or the processing ofpharmaceuticals, spent resources can be used to createsteam, drive turbines and generate heat and power.

Demonstrating the viability of a waste wood biomasspowered CHP approach in a very different sector, theLondon borough of Southwark has appointed Dalkia todeliver a fully integrated multi-utility service (MUS) thatwill finance, design, build, own, operate and maintain amuti-utility infrastructure for the borough’s homes andcivic buildings.

In doing so, Dalkia will use recycled wood as a fuel source,to generate electricity using CHP technology on a localbasis to supply residents and businesses with electricityat a rate that is guaranteed to remain below the cost ofthe cheapest market rate.

Most recently, drinks manufacturer Diageo announced itsplans for a bio energy plant at its Fife-based site inCameronbridge. The £60 million facility has been designed,and will be constructed, operated and maintained byDalkia. It will combine anaerobic digestion technologyand biomass conversion from the spent grain used in theproduction of grain spirit, to provide 98% of the thermalsteam and 80% of the electrical power requirementsacross the site. As a result Diageo expects the Cameron-bridge site’s annual CO2 emissions will be reduced bysome 56,000 tonnes.

By combining the distillery’s recycling policy, its need forelectricity and its specialist plant, Dalkia and Diageo havedelivered a truly integrated energy management andspecialist services package. It is believed to be the largestsingle investment in renewable technology by a non-utilitycompany in the UK, and its range is beyond the reach of many organisations that would seek to bring in expertoutsourcing partners to reduce their emissions and fuel costs.

The possibilities that arise when biomass energy provisionand specialised plant are combined are wide-ranging andbeneficial for plant managers. Rather than solely deliver-ing financial savings, improvements in the delivery of site-specific CHPs can be significant and, with the right energyservices partner, can be accompanied by improved energyefficiency and reduced emissions, as well as contributingto an organisation’s CSR objectives.

Currently Dalkia manages over 1,508 MW of renewableenergy fired plant serving various sectors across theworld. For more information visit www.dalkia.co.uk


Three years ago the future of biofuels was called intoquestion by a range of interest groups concerned about theneed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the face ofclimate change and rising food prices. While the questionswere legitimate, the hysteria that was provoked by thesimplistic presentation of the issues masked the very realproblems that still need solutions today – namely, how isthis world of ours going to feed itself sustainably as thepopulation rises to 9 billion and how are we to producesustainable energy? To accuse biofuels of causing climatechange and world hunger was to do a great disservice tothe need for a more rational consideration of the problemsand the solutions.

Two years on the debate has become more measured asthe reality of what we are facing hits home. We do onlyhave one planet, carbon emissions globally are still rising,we are searching in ever more difficult locations for fossilfuel and our global population not only goes inexorablyup, but demands a richer diet in the process.

Seen in these bald terms the future looks bleak. The timereally is now to take a grown-up look at what we can do inpractice. I would suggest that we should re-appraise whatthe biofuels debate has really achieved.

Let us start with how the anxieties about biofuels have beendealt with by Government and by the UK biofuels industry.

First - even as the earlier hysteria was rising, the industrywas working with the UK Government to put in place a setof rules to govern the environmental and social conditionsunder which biofuels sold in the UK can be produced.These are set out in a voluminous tome entitled “Carbonand Sustainability Guidance” under the UK’s RenewableTransport Fuels Obligation. This Guidance has been thesustainability benchmark by which biofuels have beenmeasured and publicly reported on for the last two yearsin the UK. Looking at the results of the reports, it is clearthat biofuels made in the UK have achieved outstandingcarbon and sustainability scores. So - it has been shownthat it is possible to produce good biofuels which deliverhigh (over 80% for some biodiesels and bioethanol)greenhouse gas savings. The trick is to get our fuelsuppliers to get these good biofuels into our fuel pumps.

Second – the UK really has been a leader in demon-strating to other countries that we can produce goodbiofuels. The rules that the UK industry operates underhave been taken up by the European Union. They have beenlargely transposed into the EU Renewable Energy Directivesuch that, from December this year when the Directive

Clare WennerHead of Biomass and TransportRenewable Energy Association

Can

We do only have one planet, carbon

emissions globally are still rising, we are

searching in ever more difficult locations

for fossil fuel and our global population

not only goes inexorably up, but demands

a richer diet in the process.

“

”

biofuels


comes into force, biofuels sold across the EU will alsohave to obey clear carbon and sustainability rules. In theUSA the Obama administration has also decided to re-appraise the sustainability of their biofuels.

Third – the biofuels debate has thrown up the vexedquestion of indirect land use change – a short hand way of suggesting that if we demand more biofuels, this couldhave a knock-on effect on global ecosystems, with implications for the carbon balance.

So what has the biofuels debate achieved?

First – it has proved that there are such things as goodbiofuels, made from renewable sources, which save carbon.We don’t need to go on relying on increasingly scarce andexpensive fossil fuels.

Second – that good practice can be contagious. By givinga lead we can encourage others to abide by the rules thatensure our biofuels are sustainable.

Third – that these improved standards can spread toother forms of bioenergy, not just for transport, but forour heat and our electricity. The European Union is encouraging us all to use biomass that has been producedsustainably in these sectors as well.

Fourth, and in my view this is the most valuable contri-bution – that we must be smarter in the use of our mostprecious resource – our land. As our demands for food,fuel, clothes, houses, medicines and even our body lotionsincrease, it won’t do the planet a particle of good to say“Well – we banned biofuels”. We just have to be more responsible about how we use our land to get the production from it to be as sustainable as we can, nomatter what the end use of that production might be.

And finally – what about increasing food prices? Thatcomes back to our use of land as well. Global agriculturehas been seriously under-invested for decades, especiallyin the developing world. Don’t we owe it to them to helpthem to improve the productivity of their land in a sustainable way? Don’t we owe it to them to help them to feed, fuel and clothe themselves and us and earn theirliving doing so? And while we’re at it, don’t we owe it tothem not to waste food in the way that we do in the West?

And why are we now thinking in this more joined-up way?Well, in my view the biofuels debate has made us think alot harder about how we use our earth’s resources – solet’s hear a vote of thanks for biofuels.

be

© Elenathewise - Fotolia

sustainable?


Anaerobic Digestion

Dr. Nush Mohabuth – Technical Manager([email protected])

David Border – Head of Composting([email protected])


Anaerobic digestion (AD) is a natural biological process in whicha range of bacteria, in the absence of oxygen, first hydrolysethe carbohydrates, proteins and fats in organic wastes intosugars, amino acids and fatty acids. These are in turn brokendown by different bacteria into volatile fatty acids, then acetate,and finally methane and carbon dioxide (biogas) in the approx-imate ratio of 60:40. This biogas can be burned in a CHP(combined heat and power) unit to generate electricity, it canbe cleaned to remove non-methane components and injectedinto the national gas grid, or it can be compressed into biofuelas a replacement for petroleum-derived fuel. The organicmaterial remaining after the digestion process (digestate)can be used as a bio-fertiliser.

Anaerobic digestion fits in very well with Government policies.The Government, through the Climate Change Act (2008) andthe Low Carbon Transition Plan, has outlined attempts todecarbonise the economy. This is part of a concerted effort tocounter climate change and to move to a low carbon economy.The Renewables Obligation (RO) was introduced to aid thedevelopment of the production of electricity from renewableresources. A Renewables Obligation Certificate (ROC) is agreen certificate issued to an accredited generator for eligiblerenewable electricity generated and supplied to customerswithin the UK. One ROC is issued for each megawatt hour(MWh) of electricity generated. The double ROCs available forAD has had a significant effect upon the economics of the ADtechnology.

A number of recent publications by DECC (Department ofEnergy and Climate Change), in support of this green policy,will have a considerable influence on the development of ADin the UK. For example, “Feed-in Tariffs: Government’s Response to the Summer 2009 Consultation”, published inFebruary 2010, is intended to encourage the investment insmall scale low carbon electricity in return for a guaranteedpayment for the electricity generated. DECC expects thescheme to support 750,000 installations by 2020, with the saving of 7 million tonnes of carbon dioxide. AD is not the onlyelectricity generating technology supported by this scheme.Other technologies such as wind power, hydro, solar photovoltaicand wind projects, up to the level of 5 MW are also supported.

AD has been a well established technology in many Europeancountries for the treatment of organic household waste, but isonly just developing in the UK for the treatment of this type ofwaste. For example, elsewhere in Europe there are over 170installations, processing c. 5,000,000 tonnes a year of house-hold organic waste. This figure represents only c. 3% of thepossible feedstock so there is considerable room for expansion.In addition, there are many other AD facilities processingagricultural wastes.

The basic AD technology is well proven with many successfulinstallations, while the pre-treatment of the feedstock and thepost-treatment of the end products are still being optimised,and are very site and feedstock specific. For example, the costof connecting an AD facility to the national electricity or gasgrid can be considerable.

The choice of AD technologies available can appear over-whelming. There are systems that process dry feedstock

A wet AD facility in Holland


(>15% dry solids) and wet feedstock (<15% dry solids).Some systems operate at mesophilic temperatures (35 to40°C) while others work at thermophilic temperatures (50 to 55°C). Some are single stage while others have twoor more stages, and some use a single feedstock whileothers process a combination of different wastes.

Envar Ltd – part of the ADAS group of companies - wentthrough a thorough evaluation process before selectingsuitable AD technology partners with which to developprojects in the UK. This involved surveying all identifiableAD technology suppliers, mainly in Europe, and producinga short list of suitable companies. The criteria for selectingthe short list included evidence that the technologycompany had at least 10 installations each of which hadbeen operating for at least 10 years using the same orsimilar feedstock proposed for the Envar projects. Forthe most part, the feedstocks of interest to Envar at themoment are kerbside collected food waste (with or withoutco-collection with green waste), commercial food waste,and other feedstocks with the potential for the generationof large yields of biogas.

Envar Ltd already has considerable experience in composting organic wastes, with a site in Cambridgeshirelicensed to process 105,000 tonnes a year of organic wastes.In selecting the best in-vessel composting technology,Envar went through the same thorough survey processbefore selecting a batch tunnel system produced by theDutch company Gicom b.v.

One of the most critical aspects for the expansion of AD inthe UK is funding, particularly if AD is to expand to the extent required to fulfil its potential in the UK to meetGovernmental targets. The problem, however, is shortageof bank credit and the relative unfamiliarity in the UK withthe AD technology. To address this, Envar Ltd has teamedup with Acuity Capital Management Limited who havelaunched two innovative venture capital trusts (VCTs) toraise funds specifically to fund the Envar pipeline. The advantage for Envar is access to funding, and for Acuitythe advantage is of obtaining operating expertise andready-made projects. The investors will be able to benefitfrom generous tax breaks on VCTs as well as investing inprojects backed by long term waste contracts. Acuity Capital also are seeking institutional funding alongsidethe retail driven VCTs.

The development of the UK AD industry is being ably supported by the newly formed Anaerobic Digestion andBiogas Association (ADBA), and the Association for OrganicRecycling (AfOR). AD is clearly going to play a major rolein enabling the UK Government to meet its recycling andclimate control targets. The technological choices in ADare much more complicated than for in-vessel composting,and considerable care has to be taken in choosing the appropriate technology provider for the feedstocks to beprocessed. This is one case in which demonstrable experience and a proven track record are essential.

DESIGN SUPPLY INSTALL

ANAEROBIC DIGESTION EQUIPMENT SPECIALISTSANAEROBIC DIGESTION EQUIPMENT SPECIALISTS

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The potential risks to human health, wildlife and domes-ticated animals caused by the presence of chemical contaminants and pathogens in water are of significantconcern to the Water Industry. Technological advances inwater treatment have virtually eliminated the risks of faecalpollution in developed countries and therefore chemicalcontaminants now pose the highest risk to the safety ofwater supply. There are many sources of chemical contamination, including wastes from industrial and domestic wastewater treatment plants, run-off fromagricultural land and leachates from landfills and storagelagoons. Wastewater from industry or domestic use requires treatment to reduce the organic load so that theeffluent can be discharged safely into receiving waters.

Operator Self Monitoring

The monitoring of effluent discharge and the impact ofsuch discharges on the environment are key elements of regulatory control. Under current UK regulations theEnvironment Agency or SEPA collect ‘end-of-pipe’ samplesof effluent from wastewater plants, to check compliancewith the conditions of consent to discharge. The costs associated with this sampling and analysis are levied onthe operators under the ‘polluter pays’ principle. Thesecharges are primarily determined by the size of the discharge, rather than the actual risk to the environmentfrom what is being discharged.

Within the EU and in the UK, regulators (the competent

Wastewater AnalysisDr. Rakesh Kanda and Gavin MillsSevern Trent Laboratories

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authority) will shortly be introducing Operator and PollutionRisk Appraisal (OPRA) and Operator Self Monitoring(OSM) requirements for water quality. OPRA assesses theenvironmental risks of effluent discharge based on anumber of different attributes including size and locationof the discharge and the performance by the operator.OSM will pass the responsibility for collecting, analysingand reporting discharge quality to the wastewater plantoperators.

The operator is in a better place to deploy monitoringand regular self-monitoring activity will provide moreinformation on effluent quality than may be obtained byperiodic inspection and monitoring by the competent authorities. All the costs associated with self-monitoringwill be met by the operator.

Monitoring techniques will vary depending on consentsand may include the use of:

On-site continuous reading instruments;

Portable discontinuous reading instruments;

Laboratory analysis of samples taken by on-line orflow proportional samplers;

Laboratory analysis of spot or composite samples

Whatever measurement technique is employed, theymust conform to a relevant national, European (CEN) or International (ISO), standard and, where considered necessary, should be carried out within a qualifiedmeasurement infrastructure conforming to the EuropeanStandard 45000.

Wastewater Analysis

Wastewater effluents can be contaminated with numeroushousehold chemicals, personal care products and withfaeces and urine, whilst wastewater from other sourcescould potentially contain a wide spectrum of industrialchemicals. Both sources of wastewater may containpollutants such as nutrients, oxygen depleting substancesand toxic substances, which if not treated would havedetrimental effects on the environment. Conventionalwastewater treatment processes include:

Pre-treatment/Screening – used to remove sand,gravel, rocks and other solid materials;

Primary treatment/Sedimentation – to remove dissolved organic matter (as sludge) and fats, oil and grease;

Secondary treatment – used to further remove suspended solids and soluble organic matter not removed by primary treatment. Removal is usually accomplished by biological processes which consumebiodegradable, soluble, organic contaminants or produce a flock of non soluble contaminants;

Tertiary treatment – used as the final phase of treatment,for example when nitrate and phosphate levels mustbe reduced and where the intended receiving water isvery vulnerable to the effects of pollution.

Laboratory analysis of samples is used to monitor effluentfrom wastewater plants, to check compliance with theconditions of consent to discharge. The effectiveness of


For more information call: +44 (0)24 7642 1213 email: [email protected] web: www.stl-ltd.com

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the primary treatment/ sedimentation process is monitoredby the analytical parameter, Total Suspended Solids (TSS).An estimate of Total Suspended Solids can be obtained bymeasuring the turbidity parameter.

It is not just solids that are monitored in wastewater. Themeasurement of pollutants is essential for performance

testing of wastewater treatment plants and the impact onreceiving waters. Several parameters are routinely usedfor this analysis, including individual elements e.g. metals,nitrogen, phosphorous, parameters based on oxygendemand, total organic carbon and analysis that identifiesspecific compounds (target analysis).


Biological Oxygen Demand

One of the oldest known tests for determining wastewaterquality is the Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) parameter.The BOD result indicates the amount of oxygen in thewastewater, which is needed for biological decompositionof substances.

BOD is determined by adding micro-organisms to thewater sample. After a predefined time interval, usually five days, the oxygen, consumed by bacteria during the decomposition of organic substances, is measured. TheRoyal Commission on Sewage Disposal originally developedthe routine BOD test as a means of assessing the rate ofbiochemical oxidation that would occur in a stream whena polluting effluent was discharged to it. However, predicting the effect of such a discharge on a stream requires consideration of many factors that are not coveredin the determination of the BOD. A number of issues caninfluence the results of the BOD test including the activityof the micro-organisms added to the sample, which maybe inhibited by high or low pH, metals, free chlorine, phenols, pesticides and other substances toxic to micro-organisms. In addition, enhanced utilisation of oxygenmay be caused by algae and nitrifying organisms.

Chemical Oxygen Demand

The depletion of oxygen in receiving waters is one of themost significant negative effects of water pollution. Preventing these substances from being discharged bywastewater treatment plants is essential to protectingthe environment and aquatic life. However, the BOD (5day) test is far too slow to provide information useful for

the monitoring and controlling of wastewater treatmentplants. Therefore a more rapid test is often used to estimatethe BOD – the Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) test.

The COD value indicates the amount of oxygen needed tochemically oxidize organic compounds present in waste-water. In addition to organic compounds, other compounds,for example nitrites, bromides, iodides, metal ions andsulphur can also be oxidized using this procedure. TheCOD value can be correlated with BOD for specific typesof samples and is generally higher than the BOD result(typically about 2.5 times). Total Organic Carbon (TOC)analysis is an alternative test to COD (it only produces aresponse to organic compounds present in water) andTOC can be correlated to both BOD and COD.

Eutrophication and Nutrients

Eutrophication of surface waters is caused by nutrientpollution, such as the release of inadequately treatedsewage effluent, urban stormwater run-off, and run-offfrom agricultural land containing fertilizers. Eutrophicationpromotes excessive plant growth or phytoplankton (e.g.algal blooms), which can disrupt the natural ecosystemby removing oxygen from the water.

Major nutrients in domestic sewage include compoundsof nitrogen or phosphorus.

High concentrations of nutrients are potentially damagingif discharged into receiving waters, however they are essential for biological treatment in wastewater treatment plants.


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Alkalinity and pH

The pH of a sample is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity. Extreme pH in wastewater and in naturalwaters can:

Be harmful to aquatic life

Disrupt biological processes in wastewater treatment plants

Produce hydrogen sulphide which is odorous andtoxic if the pH is low

Most living organisms can only function at a pH closeto neutral, with the exception of some micro-organisms,which are tolerant to very acidic conditions.

Although an important measure within wastewatertreatment plants, the pH of a sample only measureshydrogen or hydroxide ion concentrations. Thereforeit does not measure the total acids or bases as pH,because the total amount of a weak acid and basedo not dissociate completely. To measure the totalacidity or alkalinity of a water sample, the samplehas to be titrated with a strong base or strong acidand the endpoint determined.

Water Framework Directive

Although the routine parameters discussed aboveprovide useful information on the general quality ofwastewater and environmental water samples, detailed analysis, to monitor specific compounds thatmay be harmful to the environment or living organisms,need to be measured individually. Detrimental effectson wildlife include acute and chronic toxicity as wellas subtle effects, which include endocrine disruptioni.e. the feminisation of fish due to the discharge ofoestrogenic compounds into receiving waters.

Currently a range of legislation covers different aspects of water management. Over the next 5 yearsmany of these regulations will be replaced by the recently introduced Water Framework Directive (WFD),which aims to introduce a simpler approach to environmental protection. For example, the followingregulations will be replaced in 2013:

Freshwater Fish Directive - 78/659/EEC

Shellfish Waters Directive - 79/923/EEC

Groundwater Directive - 80/68/EEC

Dangerous Substances Directive - 76/464/EEC

The Water Framework Directive looks at the ecologicalhealth of surface water bodies as well as traditionalchemical standards. The Directive will help deal withdiffuse pollution as well as point source discharges.

Severn Trent Laboratories are a leading environmental testing organisation. They provide water and wastewater analysis to a widerange of customers including Water Utilities, Waste ManagementCompanies, Industry and Manufacturing and Local Authorities.Severn Trent Laboratories can be contacted by email [email protected] telephone 024 7642 1213. The authors of this article can be contacted directly by email [email protected] [email protected].


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Our rivers are among one of the most beautiful but fragilenatural habitats. A clear mountain stream, a slow gentleriver or a busy waterway all are part of nature but some-thing that can so easily be damaged and even ruined bypollution. We have worked hard over recent years to improve the quality of water and protect our waterways.Otters, salmon and other wildlife can be found in manyrivers now for the first time since the Industrial Revolution.The River Mersey, once the most polluted river in Europeis the cleanest it has been for a century - but there is stillmuch to be done to preserve our natural waterways.

The first River Basin Management Plans were publishedlast December under the terms of the Water FrameworkDirective. The plans will improve over 9500 miles of riversby tackling pollution and setting out how good water statuscan be achieved and maintained for each lake, stretch of ariver, estuary or coastline in each of the ten river basindistricts in England and Wales. It will help us reach toughnew EU standards on water quality and show exactly howwe intend to keep our waterways safe for humans andwildlife.

The river basin districts are based on catchment areasand river basin areas, extending from the headwaters tothe coast: Thames, South East, South West, Anglian, Severn,Dee, Western Wales, North West, Humber, Northumbriaand the Solway Tweed.

Included within each plan is a classification of the currentstatus of the water (by for example, quantity and quality),future objectives for water improvement and a programmeof measures showing how to meet these objectives.

The Water Framework Directive itself has changed howwe measure water quality in the UK. Water status ismeasured by examining the ecological and chemicalmake-up of water and the standard needed to reach the“good status” required by Europe.

Measures under the plans are wide ranging and includeinvestment from water companies to improve water andwaste water treatment, work with farmers to addressdiffuse pollution and schemes to restore rivers, improvehabitats and control the impact of any non-native species.

We are bringing water quality investigations forward andgiving £1 million to the Environment Agency now so thatwe can see where the problems are and deal with themnow, and the money available to farmers for tacklingwater pollution is being raised to £7.5 million.

Other measures include activities to help prevent andcontrol diffuse pollution from urban environments. As

economic, industrial and housing development continues,we are seeing increasing problems relating to surfacewater such as the run-off from urbanisation and roads.Rain and other water draining from hard surfaces cancarry pollution into rivers, groundwater, lakes, estuariesand coasts. This includes run-off from roads, driveways,roofs, car parks, construction sites and gardens, litter,car washing and industrial spills. In many places, ‘combined’ sewers receive this surface water run-off.

Development planning plays a key role for sustainable development and it is important that those involved in thissector continue to work closely with for example planningauthorities and construction bodies.

In the right places, sustainable drainage systems (SuDS)will have a role to play with the aim to manage surfacewater by replicating natural drainage systems as closelyas possible, helping to reduce flood risk and improve waterquality and amenity. SuDS control the quantity and qualityof run-off by slowing the speed and filtering pollutants.This includes features such as green roofs, swales, permeable paving, filter strips and balancing ponds.

Measures are being proposed under a new Flood andWater Management Bill to encourage the use of SuDS innew developments and redevelopments. The Bill, which iscurrently passing through Parliament, shows that SuDScan no longer be a luxury, and must be incorporated intoall new developments – it provides that construction workcannot commence unless the surface water drainagesystem has been approved by a SuDS Approving Body. TheSuDS Approving Body will be a Unitary or County Council.

In the future connection of surface water to the publicsewer will be a last resort and SuDS must be used wherepossible. The SuDS National Standards are currentlyunder development and there will be a full public consultation on the National Standards and accompanyingguidance before they are published.

The Flood and Water Management Bill will also requirethe SuDS Approving Body to adopt and maintain approvedSuDS which serve more than one property. Local authoritieswill be funded to adopt and maintain SuDS.

We will be working hard in each local area alongside thefarmers, water companies and groups such as the RiversTrusts and RSPB who all have a key role to play. We mustlook after the quality of water in every lake, stretch of water,estuary and coastline and make them healthy environmentsfor now and the future.

Water Framework DirectiveHuw Irranca-DaviesEnvironment Minister


Many landowners and managers throughout the UK, whoseland has been blighted over the years by non-native invasiveplant species, are currently in the planning stages toeradicate, or at least curtail, the coming season’s infesta-tions. Most of the UK’s most invasive plant species werebrought into the country as attractive ornamental additionsto Victorian gardens in the 19th century. Unfortunately,these invaders have long surpassed their novel intriguefrom gardeners and land managers alike, as they slowlyescaped from the confines of the ‘garden wall’ to becomenaturalised in our countryside, towns and cities.

When non-native plant species become invasive, theythreaten ecosystems by altering the make-up of the plantcommunity by displacing native plant species. This in turncan have an impact on the associated fauna which utilisenatives as a food source. Non-native species can alsodamage our economic interests such as agriculture andinfrastructure (both transport and developments) and in,some cases, threaten public health, as is the case withGiant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum), which cancause severe blistering of the skin.

Legislation on non-native plants is currently being updatedin the UK, under Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and CountrysideAct 1981, to include a number of potentially devastating

invasive plants, thereby making it illegal to plant them in,or release them into the wild. Before the latest amend-ments only two terrestrial plant species were included inthe act, namely Japanese Knotweed and Giant Hogweed,but soon the act will include 40 species including problematic weeds like Floating Pennywort (Hydrocotyleranunculoides) and Himalayan Balsam (Impatiens glandulifera). The UK Government is also looking to banthe sale of certain non-native species under Section 14ZAof the Act and these amendments will come into forcelater in the year.

In addition, European legislation and commitments suchas the EU 2010 halting biodiversity loss target and theWater Framework Directive (2000) require all EU MemberStates to address the issues which threaten naturalecosystems and the species within. Indeed the spread andoccurrence of invasive non-native species is certainly onethreat to our native biodiversity which requires attention.Globally, invasive species are regarded as one of thelargest threat, to biodiversity, second only to habitat loss.

Banning the sale and deliberate introduction of nuisancenon-native plant species, which are known to cause significant environmental damage, could go a long way tohalt further introductions into the UK countryside.

Dr. Rob TannerSenior Scientist- Invasive Species Management

Battling the invasives: arenatural enemies the solution?


But how do we deal with those species already out there?

In development sites, in urban areas, chemical controlcan be effective if applied over a number of seasons. Forspecies like Japanese Knotweed, integrating chemicalcontrol with physical methods, such as excavation, cuttingand installing root membrane barriers, can increase thelikelihood of populations reoccurring in discrete areas.However, controlling invasive populations when they growin or around water is more problematic, due to tight regulations of chemical application near water bodies andthe increasingly scarce number of products available foruse in such habitats. In the UK only two chemical formu-lations, 2, 4-D amine and Glyphosate, are approved foruse in or around water. In addition water bodies are heterogeneous habitats prone to disturbance by the hydrological forces within which can act to spread invasiveplants, be it in the form of seeds or rhizomes throughoutthe riparian habitat. Due to the sheer scale of some invasive plants and their high impact on natural habitats,the UK is looking towards other methods to control invasiveplant species.

Biological weed control, defined as the utilisation of naturalenemies in the regulation of host populations, is an eco-logical and economical tool which can provide permanentsuppression of an invasive population. Total eradication isnot the desired outcome of a biological control agent;indeed any natural enemy which totally eradicates its hostwould be deeming itself to a near certain fate, as withoutits host the organism would die out. Instead biologicalcontrol aims to reduce the occurrence, vigour and spreadof the invasive species making the population moreamendable to integrated control using traditional methods.

As with our native plant species, all plants in their nativerange are kept in-check with the surrounding vegetationby competition between species and by the pressure exerted on them by natural enemies. Almost all of ournon-native plant species arrived in the UK without their

associated natural enemies, thereby giving them an unfairadvantage over our native species. Classical biologicalcontrol aims at redressing this imbalance by re-associatingthe plant with some of its co-evolved natural enemies, butonly after extensive testing under quarantine conditions,following strict international protocols.

Of all the insect and plant pathogens found attacking andimpacting on the plant in the native range, only one or twospecies may have evolved to feed solely on that particular plant species. In a series of tests, which cantake up to five years to complete, biocontrol practitionersscreen these potential biocontrol agents against a varietyof native, economically important and ornamental plantspecies to ensure they are host-specific to the targetweed. Only once the agent has satisfied all tests would itbe recommended to the appropriate governmental department for release consideration.

Until recently biological control received little attention in Europe, even though countries like South Africa, NewZealand and North America use this approach often with spectacular success. UK targets currently beingresearched by CABI (an international not-for-profit organisation), for their potential to be controlled with natural enemies, include Japanese Knotweed, HimalayanBalsam and Floating Pennywort (Hydrocotyle ranunculoides).

Case study: The biological control of Japanese Knotweed

Japanese Knotweed is recognised as the most perniciousweed in the UK. Introduced from Japan in the mid nine-teenth century Japanese Knotweed has colonised muchof the UK, invading riparian systems, roadsides and wasteground. The plant can restrict access to, and degradeland as well as reducing biodiversity by out-competingnative plants for space, light and nutrients.

In 2003, a classical biological control programme was initiated against Japanese Knotweed in the UK, funded by


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After extensive surveys for natural enemies of JapaneseKnotweed in the plant’s native range, and equally intensiveresearch on its host range and safety in CABI’s quarantinefacility, a sap sucking psyllid (Aphalara itadori) has beenidentified as the most promising agent.

After a public consultation, an application is currentlybeing considered by the UK Government, under theWildlife and Countryside Act (1981) and the relevant planthealth legislation, for the release of this specialist psyllidinto the UK. If approved this will be the first release of anon-native organism to control an invasive weed in theEuropean Union.

Case study: The biological control of Himalayan Balsam

Introduced from the Himalayas in 1893, Himalayan Balsamhas spread rapidly throughout riparian habitats formingmonocultures along river banks, outcompeting native biodiversity and restricting access to rivers. When the

plant dies down in the winter, the dead material can becomeincorporated into the water body increasing the risk offloods. Controlling Himalayan Balsam is fraught withproblems as any control must focus on a catchment scale,since any upstream populations will disperse seed down-stream.

Research into the biological control of Himalayan Balsamwas initiated in 2006, and has included surveys throughoutthe plant’s native range (Pakistan and India) As a resultof field observations and research conducted in-country,a number of potential agents have been identified for further research into their host specificity. Those specieswhich show promise include two plant pathogens (a Septoria leaf-spot and a stem infecting rust species) andtwo invertebrate (Coleoptera) stem-boring species.

As with all biological control programmes, any potentialagent would need to be highly host specific to the targetspecies, especially when consideration is given to the numerous ornamental Impatiens available in garden centresthroughout the UK.

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It is often said that good data makes for good decisions.If only life was this simple. Today’s world is changing at arapid pace, becoming ever more complex, interdependentand interactive. This is particularly apparent in environmental decision making, which needs to takeinto account issues as diverse as land use, natural resources, economic activity, transport, water, geology,climate change, energy supply and many others.

This global complexity is also amplified by the exponentialgrowth of information, and the increasingly real-timenature of communications and data transfer. If yougoogle the question ‘how much data does the internetcontain’, the answer will be about 500 billion gigabytes.Even if 90% of this is garbage, the remaining 10% is stillenough to fill a stack of books stretching from Earth toPluto. And even if you believe that this is one of manymade-up internet statistics, you will probably agree thatthere is a shedload of data out there.

This is a great opportunity and challenge alike. Environmental professionals are expected to take intoaccount all available information in their decision making,so it is important to fully understand the choices onoffer. In order to dissect this brave new world of information, let’s start with some examples, using acommon environmental technique: waste separation.

The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly

Having trained as a surveyor and mapmaker myself, Ilove historical maps. They are works of art, a form oftime travel, and incidentally quite useful at identifyingpotential land contamination. But most of all, historicalmaps are the perfect example of what good data shouldbe: original, authoritative, and created with great care(dare I say accuracy?). And – historical maps never goout of date. How good is that!

There is a lot of other good data out there, from bothpublic and commercial sources. Issues arise however,as soon as you are having to compile data from varioussources into a coherent piece of work, be it an environ-mental survey or a flood risk assessment for a proposeddevelopment. As you hunt for topographic mapping,geology, boreholes, landfill sites, local plans, flood riskdata, terrain models, or even something as simple aspostal addresses, you will immediately hit the hurdles of

Thierry Gregorius PhD FRGS,Group Data Manager, LandmarkInformation Group

Managing environmental data in the Google age

Historical mapping, invaluable for analysisof historical land use and potential groundcontamination (used with permission byLandmark Information Group).


complexity and inconsistency. You will be bam-boozled by different ordering processes, deliverymechanisms, formats, turnaround times, pricesand licensing terms for each dataset. How muchtime do you spend chasing, compiling and inte-grating data rather than using and interpreting it– which is what you are actually paid to do?During this process, how much time do youwaste disentangling the pile of data you’ve created on your own hard drive? Even with gooddata, this can be frankly quite bad.

And then there is the web. Instant and opencommunication, offering access to data from agreat variety of sources, often at zero cost. Todaypeople no longer just use information, but activelycreate it as well. This has moved way beyondmere drivel on blogs, nice pictures on Flickr orsilly videos on YouTube. The Natural HistoryMuseum, for example, runs the Opal initiative (www.OpalExploreNature.org) wheremembers of the public can contribute their ownobservations of biodiversity, soil or air qualityfrom their backyard. Another example is www.OpenStreetMap.org where anyone with aGPS receiver can contribute to the making of afree, detailed map of the world. There are manymore such initiatives. In the world of web buzz-words this is called ‘crowd-sourcing’. Crowd-sourcing can be very effective, especially forprojects that require input for a particular placeor specific period of time. This was powerfullyevident during the aftermath of the Haitianearthquake, where OpenStreetMap enthusiastsaround the world created, in a matter of hours,an updated map of Haiti for the rescue effort,tracing and interpreting data off imagery donatedby satellite companies.

But when it comes to building comprehensive,authoritative and accurate datasets, there arestill severe limitations with this approach. Overtime the art of crowd-sourcing will no doubtmature but there are still huge issues around dataconsistency, accuracy, reliability, completeness,and – rather ironically – licensing and copyrightissues. From the point of view of

professional use, crowd-sourced data is fascinating, fun, entertaining, and it can even beuseful. But it is also very ugly.

Moving on, what else is out there?

A flood of Government data coming your way

It is great to see that the UK Government, drivenby the EU INSPIRE directive, and enlightened byopen data initiatives in North America, is takingsteps to make public sector information morewidely accessible.

Last November, Prime Minister Gordon Brownand the inventor of the World Wide Web, Sir TimBerners-Lee, announced that the Governmentwas planning to make 2,500 previously unpub-lished datasets freely available on the internet.And sure enough, www.data.gov.uk went live inJanuary. Search for the term “environment” andyou’ll come across some interesting nuggets,from air emissions to fly-tipping statistics, andmuch more. The data still comes in a mixed bagof varying quality, resolution and formats. This isbound to improve over time as the public developsa stronger appetite and makes it worthwhile forGovernment to invest further in these datasets.Similarly, mayor Boris Johnson launched theLondon Datastore, available at www.data.london.gov.uk.

Considering how expensive it is to collect accurateand reliable data, not every public dataset can orshould be provided free of charge. This howevershould not stop public bodies from publishing it,as in many cases there is a good market forquality, paid-for data – especially in the environ-ment industry. I don’t think, for example, thatanybody would expect to get hold of detailedterrain models or flood maps for free.

This debate is also at the heart of the ongoingGovernment consultation about the future ofOrdnance Survey, Britain’s national mappingagency. This is a highly emotive debate that iswell covered by the relevant trade media, blogsand websites. Whilst there may be a case for somesmaller-scale datasets to be made available


for free, core national mapping, such as OS MasterMapTM,will never be sustainable unless it is supported by commercial revenue. This is a personal view based on myown experience of mapmaking. Besides I believe that itwould be wrong to make all data free, as people wouldlose the sense of how valuable it actually is – and thereforejeopardise any future investment into the upkeep of thevery datasets we have all come to rely on. If you are interested in this consultation and would like to respond,go to the Communities and Local Government website atwww.communities.gov.uk.

Many in our industry believe that much could be improvedin terms of public data access. Whilst beating ourselvesup about things is part of the British sense of humour, Iwould like to put in a good word for some civil servants inthe UK. Many of you may not realise this, but public bodiessuch as the British Geological Survey, the EnvironmentAgency and Ordnance Survey are world leaders not only intheir relevant expertise domains but also in terms of howthey make their data accessible for commercial re-use. Inmy role at Landmark I have met many good people inthese organisations and must say how refreshing it is tosee how committed they are to unearth fit-for-purposedata from their databases and archives. To be fair this isnot always easy, but in my opinion the approach taken sofar has been highly commendable, and further improvements will be made as we move forward.

I can safely say that these UK agencies are up there withthe best in the world, having worked and lived in manyother countries during my time in the oil industry. I knowsome people would disagree, but just to provide a differentperspective… In any case, we should look forward to furtherdatasets emanating from the public sector, and this willcreate further innovation opportunities for all concerned:data producers, users, and resellers.

Easing the pain of too much data – or legislation

Data resellers have an important role to play in providingeasy access to all the data required by environmentalprofessionals, taking away much of the pain describedearlier when, for example, trying to pull together a sitesurvey or assessment. This is made easier with servicessuch as www.envirocheck.co.uk, where professionals canorder site-specific reports or download data in raw form.

Merely providing data is no longer enough, however. Asenvironmental challenges become more complex, so doesthe legislation. Environmental bills and acts are literallyflooding in at unprecedented speed. From the ClimateChange Act to the Flood Bill to the CRC Energy EfficiencyScheme, there are tens of pieces of legislation to stay upto date with. It is not surprising that many businesses arefinding it hard to keep up and are grateful for any type ofservice that takes this burden off their shoulders.

Take for example the Environmental Liability Directive. Asland owners become responsible for all consequentialcosts of environmental damage arising from their sites –and such damage being largely uninsurable – good datawill be needed to argue your case whichever side of theargument you find yourself on.

Another example is carbon legislation. The recentlylaunched www.carboncounter.co.uk helps small tomedium businesses through the maze of their own energyaccounting as the relevant legislation goes live in Aprilthis year. This affects businesses in all industries butmany of them aren’t even aware that they are meant tocomply, and that there are financial penalties for non-compliance!

As far as legislation is concerned, the environmentalsector has an important role to play in educating otherindustries – which is also a great opportunity for them tomake use of the services our industry offers.

A different type of historical map,showing features not always shownon traditional mapping – courtesy ofRussia’s KGB (used with permissionby Landmark Information Group).

UKMapTM, a new 1:1000 scale map product (usedwith permission by The GeoInformation Group).


The future: 3D Bing Maps, upside-down Google Maps,and alternatives to Ordnance Survey

You may, like me, have followed the launch of Apple’s iPadwith some bemusement. All that hype, for something thatsurveyors, engineers and environmental professionalshave used in the field for over 10 years? And it’s not evengot an USB port? Yes, I was not terribly impressed either.

But make no mistake – just as mobile phones and satnavscreated a whole new location-based industry, it is only amatter of time until computing goes entirely mobile,whether with tablets or other devices. This will open up awhole new raft of opportunities for environmental profes-sionals, offering – in the field – interactive, rich, real-timemap displays, coupled with augmented reality showingwhat’s below and above ground, all whilst connected tothe web and your office network.

If you’re interested in a glimpse of the future it is worthhaving a look at this 8-minute video from Bing Maps,showing amazing 3D and augmented reality wizardry. It’sa real joy to watch:http://www.ted.com/talks/blaise_aguera.html. As thesetechnological innovations become mainstream they willopen up a whole new way of looking at data. This willenable us to discover new patterns and insights, andempower us to take more informed decisions.

To illustrate this point, did you know that you can turnyour Google Map upside down, just like those Aussieworld maps? Go to http://maps.google.co.uk and click onthat green lab icon at the top (marked ‘Google MapsLabs’) and you will find a number of new options, one of

them being rotatable maps. Switch it on and be amazedby what Britain looks like upside down. Suddenly Londonis the eye in a cartoon character where East Anglia is thenose and Cornwall a big tuft of hair flying in the wind!

As these mainstream mapping tools provide welcomeinnovation that benefit everyone, there is another inter-esting trend emerging: there is now commercial competitioneven to Ordnance Survey’s most detailed mapping, OSMasterMapTM. You may have seen the launch ofUKMapTM, published by The GeoInformation Group:www.theukmap.co.uk. Using their own aerial surveyplanes, supplemented by surveyors on the ground, theyhave constructed a highly-detailed map product at the1:1000 scale which satisfies all legal planning requirementsand is priced very competitively.

Such developments are important news as they providegreater choice to the end user. Whatever the future holds,one thing is certain: the demand for domain expertise willnot go away – quite the contrary. As more and more datais created and accessible, as the public becomes increasinglyvocal in its demand for environmental diligence, and asgovernments enact this through legislation, there will bean unprecedented requirement for environmental expertise,supported by the relevant data.

Thierry Gregorius is Group Data Manager at LandmarkInformation Group, and previously spent 10 years inglobal oil exploration with Shell International. Being relatively new to the environmental industry he wouldwelcome your views at [email protected]


John Crowther, a Technical Director at Mouchel, has beenin charge of a series of investigation and remediationcontracts undertaken under the Part 2A regime. Thesehave included areas of contaminated land surrounding, orunder residential areas, and this experience has raisedawareness of the human dimension in the process of landcharacterisation and clean up. The lessons learned havebeen put into practice and the results were recentlyrecognised by the North West region of the Institution ofCivil Engineers, which presented Mouchel, along withWigan Council and Casey Land Reclamation Ltd, with anaward for services to the community on one particularlychallenging scheme.

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One effect of Part 2A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990has been to bring the land investigation and remediationindustry face to face with the public in circumstances thatare potentially extremely stressful. Remediating a largeformer industrial site while mitigating odours and noise isone thing: working to reinstate someone’s garden betweenoffers of cups of tea quite another! One of the most commonPart 2A scenarios is the urban closed landfill, still emittinglandfill gases and surrounded by occupied housing. Thelargest I have experienced, however, is of a 20th centuryhousing estate built upon the site of a former 19th centurychemical works. These situations demand new skills on thepart of consultants, contractors and regulators and we haveto ask whether these social pressures influence decisionmaking in any way and should they be taken in to account?

In July of 2004 a colleague, Tony Brown, and I were invited toa public meeting regarding the discovery of contamination ata housing estate. The local council had concluded that therewas a serious problem but had not yet grasped the fullimplications of the then relatively untested legislation. Itslegal officer had described the situation as the most com-plex she had come across.

Mouchel had just been appointed to carry out an optionsappraisal at the estate to address the problems at 327 houseswith gardens. It was only two weeks into our commissionand it was clear that feelings were running high. The localMP, councillors and a succession of angry residents (therewere both tenants and owner occupiers on the estate) demanded that a date for delivery of our report be ‘carved in stone’. Not a moment was to be wasted in rectifying thisintolerable situation.

We were already prepared for the fact that this was going tobe more than a technical challenge. We were well experiencedin the delivery of technical brownfield solutions. However,dealing with all of the complexities and pressures of humanperceptions, fears, understandable impatience and angeradded a new dimension. What had we let ourselves in for?Only now, almost five years later, has the problem been fullydealt with and residents’ lives returned to normal. Fromthe intervening, sometimes turbulent, period what stood out as the lessons to be learnt?

Individuals react very differently to risk

Most people, when told that their garden might be contaminated or exposed to gas migration, are alarmed,demand answers and are impatient for action. If the reasonfor contamination is historic they feel that the authoritiesshould look after them – and pay for it! However, it is surprising what a wide variety of responses are generated.

Even before anything is proven, some, genuinely frightenedindividuals try to make a connection with an illness that theyor even their pet has had. Reports in the local press about‘toxic timebombs’ and the like magnify such fears. On theother hand, some point out that they have lived there alltheir lives and have not experienced any ill effects whatsoever.They do not know what the fuss is about and regard thewhole issue as an unwelcome intrusion that they wish wouldjust go away. Still others, particularly the elderly, are simplyconfused by it all.

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It becomes abundantly clear that the stress caused to suchpeople could be more detrimental to their health than thecontamination itself. This is important but not recognisedin any human health CLEA risk assessment. Caring decisions have to be made that affect all of these people andthe decisions have to be informed by a multiprofessionalteam if they are to be defensible. Processes need to betransparent - any suggestions of secrecy engender suspicion and mistrust which are poisonous in themselves.

Ignorance is not bliss – quite the opposite!

Residents might have been angry during the public meetingbut their patience was to be tried during the course ofwhat followed. The legislation required that a significantpollutant linkage be proven on every single plot of landthat was to be determined as ‘contaminated’ under theAct. This demanded investigation within everyone’s gardenfollowed by a detailed quantitative risk assessment. Converting the concept of ‘significance’ into numbers wasnot easy; it took time and input from various regulatorsand advisers including DEFRA. This was the period whenit would be easy to be invisible in a back room, when peoplecan perceive that you are engaged, like gods, in decidinghow ‘significant’ they are! Calls for action got ever stronger,and necessitated several workshops to convey to residentssome of the difficulties in establishing unacceptable riskwhile reassuring them with evidence of progress towardsa solution. Constant, regular and honest communicationis absolutely crucial during this stage to avoid the generation of mistrust and cynicism.

Remediation options are governed not just by technicalconsiderations

As soon as action criteria had been defined it became important to ensure the involvement of residents in theoptions appraisal and the selection of a preferred solution.Assessment of options in such a situation involves not justan examination of all of the remediation technologiesavailable, but includes the preference of the residentsthemselves about their future. In this case all of theresidents were strongly of the view that the communityhad to be kept intact and any suggestion of demolitionand redevelopment was met with hostility. The use offurther workshops was key to establishing the sustainablesolution that was both economic and acceptable to residents.

Remediate the worst first

The policy of DEFRA, not surprisingly, is to fund the mostsevere contamination first. This principle was applied tothe estate which was split into phases for the purposes ofremediation. As the work progressed through the estate,over several years, a fear emerged that, as each phasewas less contaminated than the last, the ‘significance’test might change and funding dry up, leaving part of thecommunity concerned that they had been treated unfairly.Such considerations ignore the fact that the estate is asingle community and that everyone felt ‘in it together’. I

am pleased to say that through the application of economicdesign and a visit from Secretary of State for the Environment, Hilary Benn, this fear was dispelled.

What now?

One major scheme has been completed successfully butthere are still plenty of people on other sites all over theUK who remain anxious about contamination on or undertheir property and the effect it may have had, or may stillbe having on their health. The recent announcement byDEFRA that it will be postponing the publication of theproposed best practice guidance on contaminated landdecision making will do nothing to alleviate the stresssuch people are under. In a climate of threatened fundingcuts there will be the inevitable suspicion that risk assessment methodologies are being steered to give theanswers that our hard up Government can afford ratherthan those which people actually need.


Land Quality


The organisation which I chair, the British Urban Regen-eration Association (BURA) is 20 years old this monthand we are, naturally, indulging in all sorts of birthdaycelebrations and events. Regeneration types like a partyand, frankly, we need any excuse we can get these days!

I was out planning all this with some pals the otherevening, all senior regeneration practitioners of one sortor another and (admittedly a glass or two of wine hadbeen taken) we got onto discussing whether “sustainabilityis the new regeneration” in terms of being the newemerging exciting industry to be part of, for the noughtiesand the tens, in the same way as regeneration was theparty-to-be-at for the eighties and the nineties. And ourverdict was: well, yes!

The parallels are all there. Environmental jobs were createdon the fringe and (at least in the general perception) arestill not mainstream. Despite a pretty coherent case,environmentalists still seem to be outsiders, banging onthe door of the establishment. Those who choose yourindustry tend to be as messianic and passionate, (aspointy-headed), as we were when we “invented” urbanregeneration, in London Docklands (among other places)all those years ago. Environmental projects tend to needthe same skills that we deploy in urban regeneration -partnership working, building alliances and coalitions,cocktail funding, a forensic understanding of risk man-agement capacity in both the public and private sectors.All this coupled with excellent technical grasp of one’ssubject and the patience of a saint! What’s the betting thatall this sounds familiar to readers of Environment Industry?

So, as BURA launches itself into the next 20 years, as a“learning organisation” we are naturally looking at whatworked and what didn’t, and it may be salutary for theenvironment industry to pick up any “read across” fromour experiences. One of the things we didn’t always getright is routing projects - thoroughly - through our localcommunities and it is the projects that managed to effectthis that have been the most successful (and this wasnever achieved 100%, although people cite Brindley Placeor Paddington or Castleford as having elements of bestpractice, that are worthy of copying). And in an analogousdrive to improve the sustainability of our built environment,there is now a strong focus on communities - especiallycommunities in which people can work, shop, learn and

play near their homes, and not have to drive miles fromresidential areas to distant business districts, shoppingcentres, schools and other facilities. Thus, your agendaand that of the regeneration sector are closely aligned, ifnot exactly the same!

And for many years, BURA has had a huge interest incontaminated land, albeit predominantly as a means to anends - a way of liberating land for urban regenerationpurposes. Increasingly, of course, our members are takingthis whole idea further and bolting an energy generationelement onto the business case for cleaning up land.Now companies are looking to take even closed landfillsites and clean those up to create valuable developmentland whilst generating energy and retrospectively recyclingvaluable landfill contents in the process. But, throughoutall of this, the question remains: how do you properlyengage with the communities who live and work in the area?

The importance of sustainable communities is recognisedby Government, planning authorities and developersalike, but the devil is in the detail. Delivering developmentprojects - whether on contaminated or clean land - thatcan deliver true sustainability is a complex business. Sohats off to the dear old BRE (an industry organisation witha heart, we need more of these!) for their new BREEAMscheme which helps planners and developers to improvemeasure and independently certify the sustainability ofdevelopment proposals at the planning stage. To helplocal authorities (and their communities) take account ofthe full range of issues that must be considered from theearliest planning stages, BRE first developed the RegionalSustainability Checklists (working closely with each of theregions and DCLG) and have used it as the basis for thisnew BREEAM scheme. There is a dirty great manual onoffer but essentially there are questions and criteria or-ganised under eight, easy to understand categories - forexample, climate change and energy, transport andmovement which are tailored to suit the characteristics ofthe region and local priorities. This therefore chimescompletely with localism, supported by all political partiesto a greater or lesser extent, no matter who will form thenext G overnment.

BREEAM Communities targets the planning stage of developments, and assesses the eight categories that areused in the Regional Sustainability Checklists and already

Jackie Sadek Head of Regeneration

CB Richard Ellis Ltd | Central London Development

Chair

British Urban Regeneration Association

Is sustainability thenew regeneration?


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familiar to many local authorities and developers. Theseare:

• Climate change and energy - flooding, heat island,water efficiency, sustainable energy, site infrastructure

• Community - promoting community networks and interaction, involvement in decision making, supportingpublic services, social economy and community structure,and community management of the development

• Place making - efficient use of land, design process,form of development, open space, adaptability, inclusivecommunities, crime, street lighting/light pollution security lighting

• Buildings - EcoHomes / BREEAM or Code for SustainableHomes

• Transport and movement - general policy, publictransport, parking, pedestrians and cyclists, proximityof local amenities, traffic management, car club

• Ecology - conservation, enhancement of ecology, planting

• Resources - appropriate use of land resources, environmental impact, locally reclaimed materials,water resource planning, refuse composting, noise pollution, construction waste

• Business - competitive business, business opportunities,employment, business types

The scheme provides both developers and planners with adialogue tool, which should assist them to plan, measureand certify the potential sustainability of a developer'sproposal at the planning stage of the development management process. At present the scheme is aimed atthe statutory planning stage, but going into next year BREwill be developing the next strand of the standard, taking afurther look at regeneration and BURA is going to assistwith this. The first project to achieve Full Certification wasthe Media City development in Manchester, a regenerationproject that clearly demonstrates that the scheme works,which is the key! The other pilot project is the Athletes’Village, so we have seen that there are real benefits to thescheme for major developments. BRE are now getting asignificant amount of interest in, what I would consider,more 'mainstream' developments, which is greatly encouraging.

This is an amazing offer of support from BRE, both to theenvironment industry, local government and to my ownregeneration sector. BRE is offering nothing short of an'idiots guide' to a full sustainability scheme, and that certainly works for me! 20 years ago we were, seriously,making it up as we went along and I’d have bitten some-one’s hand off to have such an authoritative toolkit at mydisposal when I was starting out!

www.breeam.org/communities.

In the noughties the United Kingdom, and England inparticular, became the hottest market in the world forwaste services. For decades the United Kingdom hadrested on its laurels and relied upon the hundreds of locallandfills for a cheap tip, cover and forget route for wastemanagement. But all that had to change due to a variety of converging factors: a perfect storm of EUlegislation such as the 1999 Landfill Directive, the factthat landfills near the most populous areas were fast fillingand closing, and the reality that landfill is a wasteful solution against increasing commodity and energy prices,combined to bring about major change in UK policy. Whencombined with the dangers created by methane gassingfrom old landfills, a gas 20 times more warming for theenvironment than CO2, something had to change andchange it has.

In 2008 UK waste amounted to around 430 million tonnes.It can be split down across sectors with quarrying beingthe largest contributor at 27%, followed by agriculture at20%, demolition and construction tying with commercialand industrial each at 19%, dredging at 8% and municipalwaste coming in lowest at 7%. In recent years it is themunicipal waste sector which has received by far themost Government attention and funding in an attemptmainly to meet the requirements of the Landfill Directive.This Directive, the implementation of which was delayedin the UK, imposes strict requirements on each EU countryto reduce levels of biodegradable municipal waste goingto landfill.

The Directive allows the EU to impose massive financialpenalties on those countries which miss their landfill target.In the UK, Government created the world’s first tradablewaste permit by allocating to each waste disposal authoritya certain tonnage of biodegradable waste which may belandfilled. Only tonnes for which an authority holds a permitmay be landfilled. If the target is breached a fine of around£150 per tonne is levied. Authorities who are undershootingthe target may sell their excess permits to failing authoritiesin order to generate cash. The market sets the price for thepermits. The system is regarded as having some successand some failings. What is certain is that authorities havebeen willing to pay much more for waste services thanpreviously to avoid paying landfill allowance fines. Whencombined with massive increases in landfill tax paid onwaste sent to landfill, the Government has put in place irresistible economic drivers to make municipal waste bereduced, sorted, recycled, composted, digested, turnedinto fuel or just incinerated, in fact any solution to avoidthe fines and taxes has some attractions. The problemhas been that, when faced with all these imperatives, thechoice of solutions used to be limited from an evensmaller pool of waste companies, many wedded to yearsof successful landfilling.

According to Biffa, a leading contractor in the 1990’s, thetop six waste companies held about 16% of the overall

market of £3 billion. By 2007 the top six held 60% of amarket worth £5 billion but perhaps more importantly onlyone of the earlier five remained in the top six. Consolidationin the market and new entrants have transformed theindustry into operators of complex and, in some cases,very high value process plants. This transformation hasalso been encouraged by Government which, throughcapital contributions to councils in the guise of privatefinance initiative credits has driven a new wave of highvalue complex solution to recycle and divert waste fromlandfills. Waste is now seen as a resource and not justlandfill. Government have courted foreign companies toenter this market to increase competition and bring newideas. This increased competition is helping to offset thepotential pricing opportunity presented by the landfill allowance fines and landfill tax.

Government has also tried to encourage new technologiesthrough its new Technology Demonstrator Programme,which aims to convince authorities, funders and insurersthat novel solutions are just solutions that are not used formunicipal waste in the UK and are deliverable, bankableand insurable.

Now many councils, when going out to procure, are facedwith a wide variety of options, be it mass burn incineration,gasification, pyrolysis, an anaerobic digestion or fuelmanufacture and fuel use in separate solutions sometimesinvolving combined heat and power. This range of solutionsadds complexity to the procurement process and increasescosts all-round.

Government has also moved on from using a stick to oblige diversion and recycling and has now created newcarrots to encourage the greenest solutions. The renewables obligations order pays extra money to thosewaste projects which are the most energy efficient, suchas combined heat and power. It is not just municipalwaste which has come under scrutiny from Government.For years packaging has been subject to recycling obligations and new obligations have been imposed uponthe construction industry to recycle on site, and on electricaland electronic equipment manufacturers and sellersthrough the Waste Electrical and Electronic EquipmentDirective. Government has also encouraged other industries,such as the manufacture and sale of food, clothing, carpets,textiles and batteries, to be ever more sustainable andgreen.

Whilst the big and immediate challenges are being addressed, the convergence of Waste and Energy Policieswill inevitably see new challenges and opportunities fordistrict heating, combined heat and power, and a drive forever higher levels of recycling. Whilst direct comparisonswith the best EU performers are always questioned, theUK still has some way to go to approach the standards ofthe best and it will be interesting to see how the newfinancial environment and reduced public spending impact on improvements during this decade.

Waste Management Michael GrimesPartner, Eversheds LLP

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Climate Change and the Changing Face of Regulation

UKELA Annual Conference Exeter University

25th – 27th June 2010

Hear about the work of the Infrastructure Planning Commission, the negotiations at Copenhagen and

from the regulators on applying civil penalties. The UKELA 2010 conference will gather leading speakers

from the public and private sectors on today’s hot topics. Open to non-members.

Services at the Infrastructure Planning Commission

after Copenhagen; climate change litigation; and the story of renewable energy projects.

how do tidal barrage schemes reconcile energy and wildlife?

- Gala dinner at Powderham Castle

If you would like to attend please visit www.ukela.org

Conference sponsored by



CASE 1: Shropshire farmer fined for slurry pollution

Recently, Robert John Henderson, of Much Wenlock,Shropshire pleaded guilty to two charges relating to thepollution of a tributary of the Lakehouse Brook. The 54-year-old was fined £4,000 and ordered to pay costs of£4,723.70, along with a victim surcharge of £15. An officerinspected the yard area of Mr Henderson’s farm and sawa pool of brown liquid that smelt of slurry. The liquid wasrunning across the yard and into the brook. Tests showedthat the liquid was seven times more polluting than rawsewage.

CASE 2: Welshpool farmer had a pig of a day in court

On the 16th February, Elwyn Gwyn Lewis of Mount Street,Welshpool pleaded guilty at Welshpool Magistrates Courtto one charge relating to polluting the Cyfronydd Brook.Mr Lewis was fined £8,000 and ordered to pay costs of£6,884.46, along with a £15 victim surcharge. The Envi-ronment Agency officers attended Welshpool to inspect atributary of the Afon Banwy, after a report of pollution bya local resident. A water sample was taken from the brookand showed that the water quality was poor. Investigationscontinued at Hydan Fawr, Cyfronydd. Slurry and dirty waterfrom a nearby pig farm were seen pooling in a field. A largearea of land was heavily contaminated with pig slurry anddirty water which was flowing into the Cyfronydd Brook.

CASE 3: Waste offence fine for food supplier

Asiana Limited, a supplier and retailer of ethnic foodproducts, based in Nottingham, has been ordered to payover £8,000 in fines and costs after failing to comply withpackaging regulations.The company pleaded guilty to ninecharges between 2006 and 2008 that related to not registering with the Environment Agency, failing to meetits recycling obligations and for not producing a certificateof compliance during those years. The charges werebrought under the Producer Responsibility Obligations(Packaging Waste) Regulations 2005 and 2007. It wasestimated that the company had avoided costs of £4,575by its non-compliance with the regulations.

CASE 4: Second offence for rendering plant

Waste water from an animal rendering plant grosslypolluted the Catchwater Drain in Lincolnshire for 5.5kilometres resulting in a £13,500 fine for the companyresponsible.Lincoln Magistrates’ Court heard that it wasthe second time A Hughes and Son (Skellingthorpe) Ltdhad been prosecuted by the Environment Agency for asimilar offence. The last time was in September 2007.Thecompany pleaded guilty to polluting the drain in November2008 and was ordered to pay full Environment Agencycosts of £5,000.

CASE 5: Hefty fine for unlicensed waste carrier

On the 9th February, John Davis of Smite Caravan Sitepleaded guilty at Kidderminster Magistrates’ Court to onecharge related to carrying scrap metals illegally. The 27-year-old could have easily avoided the charge by registeringas a waste carrier at a cost of £152 for three years. Anyonethat carries controlled waste for profit is required to doso. For the Environment Agency, Kiran Cassini told thecourt that on 27 May 2009 a police motorcyclist of theWest Mercia Force Road Police Unit observed a vehiclecarrying an assortment of scrap metals on the A456Stourbridge Road, Hagley. The scrap included motor vehiclepanels, a dish washer and a gas fire. The vehicle wasstopped and the driver identified himself as John Davisand confirmed he was not registered as a waste carrier.Mr Davis also told the police that he was aware of theneed to have a waste carrier certificate.

CASE 6: Egg producer fined £8,000

Duck egg producer Alan Twell has recently been fined£8,000 and ordered to pay full costs of £4,917 after pleadingguilty to grossly polluting the Mallard Hurn Drain, Donington,Spalding with liquid waste and slurry. Spalding Magistrates’Court also ordered him to pay full compensation of £669for work to reduce the impact of pollution to the SouthForty Foot Drain.The pollution came to light in July 2009when there had been reports to the Environment Agencyof a fish kill in the drain.

Environment Agencyprosecutions


The recent economic meltdown has not been kind to muchof the UK workforce, or out-of-workforce as the case maybe. Even now, when we are apparently emerging from recession, the number of people in the UK claiming JobSeekers’ Allowance has now hit 1.64 million, the highestfigure since 1997.

The environmental industry also came under pressurewith redundancies in consultancies and some practitionersexperienced pay freezes and even cuts.

But as Government is making a move towards a low carbonand resource efficient future, it is becoming more evidentthat green jobs and skills are key to the stability of theeconomy as well as the protection of the environment.Stimulating demand for green skills and mainstreamingthem throughout all sectors of the economy and at all levelsof decision-making in business is a key recommendationfrom the Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment (IEMA).

Green jobs and skills

But as Government is making a move towards a low carbonand resource efficient future, it is becoming more evidentthat green jobs and skills are key to the stability of theeconomy as well as the protection of the environment.Stimulating demand for green skills and mainstreamingthem throughout all sectors of the economy and at all levelsof decision-making in business is a key recommendationfrom the Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment (IEMA)

As well as the requirement for a green skills “champion”to fully promote the green jobs agenda, the EnvironmentalAudit Committee’s (EAC) report also stressed the need foraction on green jobs to be directly linked to achievinglegally binding carbon reduction targets in key sectors.

Highlighting the importance of mainstreaming environ-mental knowledge, the report states “A body to lead thegreen skills agenda must be found and low-carbon skillsneed to be integrated through the whole skills deliverysystem to encourage behavioural change across the entireeconomy.” The report also declared that: “...a more generalgreen skills set will be required to provide the entireeconomy with resource efficiency and leadership skillsneeded as the economy moves to more sustainable patternsof production and consumption”.

In his evidence to the EAC Martin Baxter, IEMA’s ExecutiveDirector – Policy, noted a “failure to recognise and supportthe mainstreaming of environmental knowledge andskills; a skills delivery framework that is ill-equipped todeal with the cross-cutting nature of environmentalknowledge and skills; a business support system that isunlikely to engage companies in resource efficiency andlow-carbon activity and therefore misses opportunities tostimulate demand; and a failure to align skills developmentwith new environmental policy and regulatory initiatives”.

Post-inquiry, Martin believes that the future isn’t just focussed on environmental jobs as they currently exist.“Green jobs and skills will be vital in the transition to alow carbon and resource efficient economy. This agendaisn’t just about creating new green jobs, important thoughthey are, it is about ensuring that all jobs are being undertaken in a much greener way.”

Martin continues, “The current skillset of the UK workforce,as regards the environment, is very fragmented and obviously there needs to be leadership in stimulating demand for new technology to enable a low carbon economyby 2020 – we welcome this. But the biggest part is, ofcourse, in unlocking the awareness and the demand forgreen skills from businesses themselves. When businessgets the bug then this will drive the agenda,” he says.

Katrina Pierce, IEMA

Far left: Katrina PierceLeft: Martin Baxter

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However, before the role of green jobs transforms to accommodate all other areas of work and business andreally starts to get an appetite for the environmentalagenda, it is perhaps prudent to assess how the professioncurrently stands.

IEMA’s membership, populated by environmental leadersand practitioners worldwide, has shown definite growthdespite the difficult economic circumstances; during 2009alone IEMA gained more than 2,900 new individual andcorporate members, taking its total membership to justover 15,000. Using this growth and the recent economicturmoil as a base, the end of 2009 was an opportune timeto ask today’s environmental professionals about their experiences of the profession. IEMA, in association withThe ENDS Report, carried out an extensive survey of envi-ronmental professionals in November and December2009. The results were published in mid-February 2010and demonstrate the challenges, and also the benefits, ofa career in this complex yet rewarding field. The informationgleaned also provides an overview essential not only toGovernment and business but also to those individualswho are yet to become part of the green jobs growth. Herewe see a sample of the results and how we can definewhat one can expect from a career as an environmentalpractitioner.

Happy in their jobs

It seems that because of the growing importance of greenjobs and despite the pressures of the recession, environ-

mental professionals are largely happy in their jobs according to the survey. When asked about their feelingstowards their current job, one third of respondents said “Ireally enjoy it”, and a further 36% described themselvesas “content” in their jobs. Only one in ten said they were‘not very happy’ and a further 2% said they ‘dislike’ theircurrent role.

That environmental professionals feel largely contentedand motivated in their jobs is further evidenced by thefinding that four in five have a sense of being able to makean environmental difference within their organisation. Encouragingly, an even greater proportion (86%) feel theyare able to make an environmental difference to society,given their professional skills.

The level of positive feeling towards their jobs perhapscorrelates with the median salary for today’s environmentalprofessional. The survey found that 81% of respondentsare earning over £25,000, with half of those earning£40,000 or more. The average wage for the UK in 2009was £25,428, so even environmental professionals at thevery bottom of the £25,000-£29,999 band are enjoying afavourable salary.

IEMA members in the Republic of Ireland, North of Scotlandand the South East of England regions are earning themost, earning between £35,000 and £39,999. All other areasof the UK and Ireland are typically earning a smaller salary,between £30,000 and £34,999 per year. Those in financialand insurance show the highest earnings on £50,000 to£54,999, over 50% more than those members who work


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in the international organisation and administrative andsupport services groups, who are the lowest earners. Thesurvey also shows a clear progression according to pay andage. Environmental practitioners aged 20 to 24 are likely toearn between £20,000 and £24,999 where there highestearnings are aged between 45 and 54, earning up to£44,999.

However, despite these healthy salaries and as a reminderof the recession, more than a third of the respondents hadtheir pay frozen and a further 6% had their pay review deferred. Of the remainder, a fifth received a pay rise of2% or less in 2009. Almost three quarters (73%) of envi-ronmental professionals saw their pay stagnate or fall last year. One in ten enjoyed a pay rise of 3-4%, but only ahandful saw their pay rise by more than this.

Knowledge, Skills and Tools

Martin Baxter believes that the survey results indicatethat environmental practitioners are poised to transformthe economy but need the appropriate knowledge, skillsand tools to effect change. “Throughout 2009 Governmentsignalled its intent to stabilise the UK economy by shiftingto a resource efficient and low carbon future. Environmentalprofessionals are uniquely placed to drive this transfor-mation and support industry to understand, plan and implement the required roadmap.”

“The IEMA Environmental Practitioners’ Survey 2010

provides a snap-shot of the environmental profession as it is today. Overall, a key message coming from the surveyis the enduring value, both from a career and salary pointof view, of achieving high levels of professional recognition.”

The full report of the survey (available at www.iema.net)shows that the traditional role of the environmental professional is one of operational rigour, ensuring thatimpact is effectively monitored and managed. While thisrigour must remain, our profession’s collective challengeis to ensure that environmental professionals have ameaningful strategic voice, one that is heard at the highestlevels and considered in all areas of decision making.

Overall, a key message is one of enduring value, bothfrom a career and salary point of view, and of achievinghigh levels of professional recognition.

The move towards a low carbon and resource efficienteconomy needs competent practitioners to make a realdifference. This survey shows that those practitioners areout there and the rewards are available to those who wishto progress and make the low carbon transition effective.But above all we can see that, through the work IEMA isdoing, the environment can begin weaving its way into alllevels of business and economy once all practitioners areequipped with the correct knowledge, skills and tools foran effective future.

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Taking place at the NEC Birmingham on 20-22 April 2010,Sustainabilitylive! is the UK’s most comprehensivegathering for the water, environment, energy, land andsustainability sectors. Bringing together decision makersfrom large multinationals, SMEs and the public sector,along with hundreds of exhibitors, thousands of visitorsand a host of insightful seminars, conferences and inter-active features. Sustainabilitylive! is home to five leadingenvironment events:

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SustainabilityCIWM

Tenmat

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AWM35

AWM30

AWM70 AWM100

AWM85AWM80

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AWM140

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AWM114

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S50 R50

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S36S35

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R36 R35

Q37 P40 N40

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M4

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P25

P30 N30

N28

N27

N29Q27

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AWM5AWM10

AWM19 AWM22

T25

AWM15AWM20

AWM17

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U24V20V19

W30W29

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W26W25

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X19 W19 W20

W18W17

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N60 N62 N64 N66W62

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23

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52.53444442.55.54.53.5534

4

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BEXET

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2.7

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3232.523

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33

332.5

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5.53

43

3 3 3 3 3 2 2.53

3

3

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2.65 2.98

1.39

HALL 3A

TRANCESITORS

ENTRANCEVISITORS

Crossover to IWEX

ustainabilitylive!20th - 22nd April 2010

NEC, Birmingham,Halls 3 & 3a

BSI

Envirolink:Arvia Technology

atg UV TechnologyPeak 42

Nijhuis Water TreatmentAeolus Technology

FlotechNivus

Perceptive Engineering

British Water:Northey Technologies Ltd

Gas Data LtdOrica Water Care

9 9 12

184

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36

9

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919.5

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36

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289 6 9

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15.75

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25.5

Media4Change

BRETraining

Greenstone CarbonManagement

SB CONFERENCE THEATRE

Pera The OpenUniversity Ten

AlpsWaterActive

WaterAid

EPS Group /Conder Solutions

MarshIndustries

PollutionSolutions SBWWI

WRAP

CEDRECEurocarbBlackmores

GroundworkEnvironmentalInnovations

CranfieldUni

ERG Air PollutionControl VCA

SGS UnitedKingdom Ltd

TeamLogic

CO2 SenseYorkshire

NQA

EnvironmentalSustainability

KTN

ParsonsBrinckerhoff

ScottWilson

Ltd

Hyder Consulting

FHG / VIPSpeakersLounge

FHG / PressOffice

IWEX SEMINARTHEATRE

CableDetection

Nomenca Ltd

Haigh

RCFBolt &

Nut Ltd

ReidLifting

Ltd

Reserved

VAAS

ClearwaterTechnologyCobra

OxfordHydrotechnics

Ecosse Global Ltd /Aquatel (UK) Ltd

Fischer

EnvirolinkNorth West

Envirolink NorthWest

British WaterCla-val UK LtdE-TechGroup

Ltd

BostaUK

WirelessInnovation

TrantSystemsElectrical

British Gas

Powerstar

UKTI

KatronicTechnologies

SeSys Ltd

Munters

CLYDEUNIONPowerPlastics

KirkEnvironmental

Technolog / UtilitecServices Limited

W7TERLimited ABB

T- T Pumps

AmiantitServiceGmbH

CanadianClear

Speedy

SaxlundInternational

GlobalMarine

Systems

Reserved

Stonbury Ltd

WeidmullerLtd

HyramEngineering Co

LtdHydro Hire

FPZ

PMPSURVEY 2CAD

AutomatedWater &

Effluent Ltd

BiogasProductsITS

EuropeForward Industrial

Products Group LtdFuture Water

LtdAMT SystemsStatiflo

Steelway

Balmoral Tanks

H&S Utilities

GreenShoots Inc

Ltd

Envac

SEWEurodrive

Ltd

Atlas Copco

IEMA

BSI

DRILLING & TAPPING

emapsite

Waterco

IoW

CastingsServicesGroup

HarlandSimon

AshbrookSimonHartly

SarcoStopper

AquabioLimited

Reserved

CA

AmazonFilters

WaterTechnology

List

nbility

AquariusMarine

GeomaticsGroup

WEG ElectricMotors (UK)

LTD

BPMA

Enablon

Water IndustryForum

KrohneLtd

PruftechnikLtd MSE Hiller Syddal

EngineeringLtd

BluewaterBio

GEAnalytical

EcoAeon

CSoTechnik

ENDS

ColourStudios

SocEnv

Green HouseHotel

Water Industry Forum:Powerun Project Management Limited

water@leeds - University of LeedsUk Pipelines.com Limited

M65 K60 K65 H63 F60 F65 E60 E65 D60 D63 D65 C60 C65 B60 B65 A60

A50B50

B48B47

B49C50

C45

D50E49F50

F45F47K50

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M38

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43.5

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7

2

4

6

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5

8.5

5

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6

4

3

4.5

1.5

7.5

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5.77

8

16

8.5

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8.5

4

4

3

3

2

4

5

3

3

4

6

4

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4

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7

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3.5

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3 3 3

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4.25

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1.44m²

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1.44m²

1.44m²

1.44m²

1.44m²

1.44m²

1.44m²

1.44m²

1.44m²

1.44m²

1.44m²

1.44m²

1.44m²

Roller S

huttersSB

IWEX


floorplan is correct as of 15 February 2010


NOTES

THE RENEWABLES SHOW IN THE ENERGY CITY

ABERDEEN 19/20 MAY 2010

All-Energy 2010 – the UK’s largest renewable energy exhibition and conference –looks forward to welcoming you as an exhibitor or visitor. 5,500 people from 60 countriesattended All-Energy ’09 with its 380+ exhibiting companies from 14 countries and morethan 250 conference speakers.

The major exhibition features technology across the full range of renewable energydevices; and the free-to-attend conference looks at issues and challenges facing theindustry and at renewable energy sources from multi-million pound offshore projects tomicrogeneration.

Networking opportunities abound.

Be there!Regularly updated information on all aspects of the show at

www.all-energy.co.uk

10thyear


Oh what a tangled web we weave, when trying to conformto changing building regulations – and simultaneously towin business, cut costs, design sustainably and still givefree reign to creativity. Today’s architects – and indeed theentire construction industry – face unprecedented and oftenconflicting challenges, with many undoubtedly wishingthat the big reality checks on global warming and theglobal economy had not coincided.

Eighteen months ago, sustainability was an issue fondledwarmly by architectural opinion leaders; over the lastyear, it has been surpassed by the economic woes that havecaused much of the construction industry to recalibrateinto survival mode. But that hasn’t made the sustainabilityimperative go away and new regulations proliferate.

Legislative changes throughout Europe are attempting toreduce the pollution generated – and energy consumed –by the construction industry. With its goal of 20% energyreduction by 2020, the EU’s Energy Performance of Build-ings Directive will have a major impact on the architectswho must design to meet its requirements. The EPBDwas modified last year to include building renovations – akind of green makeover – and it is thought that from 2019,all new buildings must be zero carbon. In the UK alone,the Code for Sustainable Homes has stipulated a code ofsustainability ratings for domestic buildings and changesto ‘Part L’ of the building regulations make further stipulations about the performance of certain constructionmaterials – and these changes are unlikely to be the last.

Because the goalposts keep moving, governments arestruggling to put in place timeframes for compliance andmany in the construction community – even those whoare keen to go green – are finding it hard knowing whereto start. But it is now, more than ever, that the constructionindustry should look to technology as their saviour, giventhe ability of the latest 3D design tools to help cut costsand incorporate sustainability from the very concept stageof a project.

The power of BIMAlthough many architects are aware of the efficienciesmade possible by using building information modelling(BIM) technology, fewer will know about the significantrole it plays in helping to drive sustainable design. The

foundation of BIM is a single model dataset, where alldata relating to the project is stored and used from theearliest stages of design. It’s a concept that came out ofthe architectural and construction communities sometime ago and has been widely used to good effect in enhancing collaboration in large multidisciplinary projects.But there is more to it than that.

An integrated BIM workflow – the cornerstone of softwarelike the Autodesk Revit® platform – enables architects touse digital information to design, simulate, visualise andmanage projects, all before they are built, and – critically– to monitor their performance, improve their usefulness,and extend their useable life. The consequence for architects is that they can reach more informed decisionsmuch earlier in the design process, helping to deliverprojects that are green and lean.

Holistic approachOf course, sustainability is not a tangible concept – youdon’t feed in a completed design and then press the‘green’ button. Rather, sustainability begins when a projectis first conceived because a green building is one wherethe consequences of energy, water, materials and land –among others – all contribute to the sustainable end goal,the building must be considered holistically from thestart. This helps decision making from the earliest stages.

In the context of the ever-morphing EU regulations, theability to test out every variable within a design and runinfinite ‘what if’ scenarios in the BIM environment meansthe designer can be totally flexible to regulatory change.An intelligent BIM-based design allows – even encourages– experimentation without risk. Bold ideas can be testedand tweaked, or abandoned, before any resources arecommitted.

The Sainsbury’s advantageOne early champion of BIM and its contribution to sustainable design are architects Stride Treglown, wholast year created Sainsbury’s pioneering Dartmouth store.Built largely with recycled or recyclable materials andincorporating its own biomass boiler, interactive sensoredlighting, rainwater lavatories and wind-turbine poweredcheckouts, this prototype sustainable Sainsbury’s store is

Has the plethora of green-building requirementsbecome detrimental to a construction industryin recession? Perhaps, but with the right technology, it is possible to be creative, cutcosts and comply with EU regulations, says Pete Baxter of Autodesk


a triumph of eco achievement. And what started as anexperiment may well become a template.

As a result of incorporating sustainability into every aspectof the design, construction and operation of their inaugurallow-carbon store, Sainsbury’s will reduce its C02 emissionsby 40% and will cut the amount of energy it consumesfrom the national grid by 50%. It is hoped that this extraordinary retail project will be the forerunner of low-carbon Sainsbury’s stores throughout the country.

Intuitive technologyAs Stride Treglown found, armed with BIM technology,designers can also simulate and analyse the performanceof a building over time, allowing lifetime costs to be estimated and changes made to, for example, materialsand components, ventilation or lighting systems, construction methods or timings, any of which can be re-analysed until the optimum design is achieved. Theseintelligent 3D tools give architects and engineers the datato make fundamental decisions about a building’s sustainable characteristics because they can test andevaluate every option that may affect the outcome – notjust energy usage but water efficiency, use of daylight orair quality and construction processes, including pre-fabrication – that can significantly reduce energy wastageand pollution on site.

Because BIM is intuitive, it can be used to help designersunderstand how a building fits together. By working in asingle model environment, designers can quickly produceany number of concepts, arrive at the optimum buildingand then product a full set of co-ordinated documentation,including a schedule of quantities. This can include, ofcourse, the percentage of recycled materials to be usedor the embodied energy in a project. Or they can take it astep further and export it out to analysis to measure thebuilding’s operational performance.

Performance analysisRunning a performance analysis through software likeEcotect Analysis®, for example, will give the designer anindication of performance at the concept stage. Thismight include luminance – the daylight levels – thatwould inform the lighting requirements in a space or the

potential for reducing reliance on powered light.

There will also be implications for heating and cooling thebuilding by changing the materials used, for example, theimplications of using photovoltaic panels that take advantage of solar energy. They could assess how muchsolar radiation is falling onto a building and work out howto mitigate the effects of heat gain. Other tools, like TheAutodesk Green Building Studio® web based service, enable fast and accurate whole-building analysis of energy,water and carbon emissions that let users evaluate theirown carbon footprint, rather than outsourcing the task.

All of this means that designers will start to get feedbackvery early in a project, allowing them to adopt the mostappropriate façade design or the best orientation on site –all and any of which will contribute to the building’s eventualsustainability. It will also help avoid the contemporarypredicament where the architect creates the design andgives it to the M&E engineer, who then has to make it perform better by applying expensive systems to it. In a fewyears’ time, we’ll be laughing that we ever did it that way.

Sustainability as mainstreamWhilst legislation remains in flux, some designers mayskip around the sustainability issues, but the time willsoon come when they have no option but to work the newway. Today, sustainable construction has evolved from aniche concept to a business reality and soon it will be totallymainstream. All of the major corporations have sustain-ability strategies which are in the public domain and manywell known brands have mandated carbon neutralitythroughout their operations within just a few years.

Many forward thinkers in the architectural community aretotally focused on sustainability, even using it as a business differentiator and driver – tapping into the issuesof biodiversity and ecology in addition to that of energysaving – and before long these will be a given. But thosewho are nimble enough to combine sustainability withflexibility and efficiency will take some beating.

Sustainability declutteredStride Treglown images thanks to Graham Gaunt – Photowork


Case

Stu

dy 1

UK’s biggesthydrogen fuel

cell to generategreener energyfor TfL and LDA

Transport for London and the LondonDevelopment Agency sign up to 10:10campaign to cut carbon emissionsfrom head office buildings and save£400,000 off energy bills


Transport for London (TfL) today launched the UK’sbiggest hydrogen fuel cell housed in a building. Based atthe Palestra building in Southwark, it will generatecleaner, low carbon energy on site, saving thousands offenergy bills.

TfL also jointly announced with the London DevelopmentAgency (LDA) that all their head office buildings willparticipate in the 10:10 campaign, with the aim to reducecarbon emissions by 10% providing an estimated£400,000 in cash savings.

TfL has installed a £2.4 million Combined Heat and Power(CHP) plant, including the hydrogen fuel cell, at thePalestra building to generate energy locally, cut carbonemissions and save money off energy bills. The building isshared by 2,800 TfL and LDA staff. It is estimated that thefuel cell and power plant will cut carbon emissions by upto 40% and generate £90,000 cost savings per annum. Tocommunicate the benefits of hydrogen and the fuel cell topeople passing and visiting the building, a permanentmulti-media exhibition display has been created - this willbe fuelled by the energy generated on site.

The state of the art hydrogen fuel cell, funded by the£25m TfL Climate Change fund, will provide electricity,heat and cooling to the building. In addition, the building’shot water supply will be heated by the fuel cell. At timesof peak energy use, the building will generate a quarter ofits own power, rising to 100% off-peak. The waste heatfrom power generation will be pumped into a unit on theroof, which will work to keep the building cool and sup-plement the building’s six electric chillers.

Officially opening the fuel cell and the public exhibition,Kit Malthouse, Chair of the London Hydrogen Partnershipand Deputy Mayor of London for policing, said: 'Zeropolluting hydrogen fuel has the potential to radicallytransform the way we power our city to create a morepleasant environment. This isn't a fuel of the future butavailable right now. To catalyse its use more widely, weare showcasing the technology so others will be inspiredto follow our lead.'

TfL and the London Development Agency has also joinedCity Hall in signing up to the 10:10 campaign, making thepledge to reduce carbon emissions by 10%. TfL’s and theLDA's commitment will apply from 1 April 2010 to 31March 2011. An estimated £400,000 will be sliced fromhead office energy bills in the next financial year as a resultof these energy efficiencies, which will be reinvested tofund more energy saving projects.

The 10% reduction in CO2 emissions from Palestra andother TfL’s head office buildings is expected to be deliveredthrough a range of initiatives, which will include:

• Solar panels to heat water from cleaner, renewableenergy;

• Green roofs to boost insulation, help absorb rainwaterand boost local ecology;

• The replacement of 2,500 lights with more energy efficient parts including high efficiency lamps;

• Motion and daylight sensors on lights so lighting willonly come on when needed;

• A staff engagement programme from April 2010 to encourage TfL and LDA staff to reduce their energyusage; and

• Replacement of around 1,000 halogen lamps with lowenergy LED lamps that will cut energy by 90% and improve lamp life by 25 times.

The launch of the fuel cell and the 10:10 commitment arejust two of a raft of measures that TfL and the LDA hasundertaken in order to cut carbon emissions and improvetheir organisation’s impact on the environment. Improve-ments in building energy efficiency over the past fouryears have saved nearly £2m to date.

Andrew Stanton, TfL Head of Sustainable Buildings, said:

“Installing the UK’s biggest in-house hydrogen fuel celland signing up to the 10:10 commitment reinforces TfL’scommitment to cutting carbon and improving our energyefficiency. TfL will continue to drive forward programmesthat will result in CO2 reductions and increased fuel efficiency.”

TfL is committed to become more energy efficient, cuttingcarbon and pollution across its operations. Key measuresinclude the introduction of 56 hybrid buses, with all newbuses entering the fleet being hybrid by 2012, and the useof regenerative braking on the Tube which can reduce en-ergy consumption by up to 25%. TfL is also investing mil-lions into programmes and technologies that will deliver acleaner, greener capital such as a public cycle hirescheme launched later this year, encouraging the uptakeof electric vehicles, promoting the benefits of walking anddesigning a new green bus for the capital. Improvementsto London’s public transport services have helped delivera 6% shift away from the private car since 2000, one of themajor contributors to transport related carbon emissionsin London.

Emma Strain, Head of Energy Efficiency at the LondonDevelopment Agency, said:

'The London Development Agency is pleased to sign up tothe 10:10 campaign. We are spending £23 million on climatechange programmes over the next year to cut London’scarbon pollution and to help put London on track to meetthe Mayor’s target of a 60% cut by 2025.

'The pledge to introduce carbon-cutting measures, including solar panels on the roof and a hydrogen fuelcell, was an important part of our decision to move toPalestra. We will be introducing other environmentalmeasures to ensure we cut our carbon pollution by 10%including a focus on cutting waste and paper consumptionand cutting energy use.'

Eugenie Harvey, Director of 10:10, said: "London’stransport system is iconic around the world. To keep thetrains and buses running on time Transport for Londonand the London Development Agency employ tens ofthousands of people across over thirty offices. Theircommitment to reduce their offices emissions by 10%will make a major difference."


Doing more with less is something that most of us aregoing to have to get used to. Whether that’s in the publicpurse or our own pockets, the chances are that money isgoing to get that much scarcer over the coming years. Butbefore that begins to sound too despairing, there is causefor hope. The rise of the professional consumer – or‘prosumer’ – over the last few years means we’ve alsonever had a greater opportunity to take hold of our ownfutures.

Thanks to the Web, especially peer reviews, Wikis, blogsand price comparison sites, we can now dig up every lastmorsel of detail about a new product or service beforehanding over our hard-earned cash. But what’s evenmore interesting about this phenomenon is the fact that

we can now get involved in product and service developmentin a way that was never possible before: think software,leisure, public services, journalism and transport.

It’s this kind of ‘bottom-up’ or ‘user-innovation’ approachto transport that the ‘Ideas in Transit’ project has beenfocusing on as part of a five-year initiative. The project,made up of organisations in Government, academia andthe business world, aims to influence intelligent transportdecisions at policy, social, personal and business levels. Itbelieves that there is a real chance for these often uniquetransport ideas to make a real difference to how we thinkand behave, helping to create a more sustainable futurewhilst at the same time freeing up public and privatemoney from expensive, ‘top-down’ initiatives.

Ideas in TransitHarnessing the knowledge of crowdsis key to a sustainable future

And it is the third of these goals that will be thefocus of this regular column in upcoming issues;showcasing one ‘Idea In Transit’, highlighting whatis happening at the grass roots and giving theseideas the chance to reach a larger audience.

The project has five goals:To study the creativity and innovation ofusers and understand how this may beharnessed to advance intelligent transportsystems, like satnavs.

To work out how user innovation can befound, understood and harnessed.

To develop a Wiki portal to cataloguethese innovations and enable crosscomparison of case studies.

To focus upon and work with aselected number of innovations.

To promote the findings.

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CycleStreetsCreated by developers and keen cyclists SimonNuttall and Martin Lucas-Smith, CycleStreets is aUK wide cycle journey planner ‘designed for cyclists,by cyclists’. It began life as the Cambridge cyclejourney planner in 2006 before launching at anational level in March 2009, and has since gonefrom strength to strength, arguably already offeringa better service than similar sites like the TFL’sjourney planner.

You can ask for a route by giving postcodes or bysimply clicking two points on the map. The site willthen offer you a choice of either the fastest, quietestor shortest routes whilst taking into account yourconfidence as a cyclist on the road. These routesare displayed on the crowd sourced OpenStreetMapmap base, with distance, time taken, elevation androute directions calculated. The route is also exportable, which means you can view it as a veryimpressive looking 'fly-through' in Google® Earthor even add it to your own GPS device.

CycleStreets also allows you to upload your ownphotos in order to visualise the route, althoughGoogle StreetView probably now does a better jobwhere available. But where these images reallycome into their own is when pointing out problemsor obstructions that need attention. If you spot apothole, road closure or a rather nasty example ofunfriendly car parking (and there are some realhowlers already contributed), then you are invitedto upload a photo to inform other cyclists or therelevant authority. With over 19,000 photographsnow available, it’s an example of the responsivenessand currency that is really only possible through a‘bottom up’ approach.

With some local authorities now using CycleStreetsinstead of investing hundreds of thousands ofpounds in a commercial service, it’s clear that thesite is already having a positive impact and is agreat example of a user innovation showing theway. While it might be difficult to tell exactly howmany people have been persuaded to leave the carat home thanks to CycleStreets, it is not hard toimagine someone being more inclined thanks to

the ability to plan a clear, safe route, especially those whomight be nervous cycling through busy traffic.

CycleStreets is a not-for-profit limited company, believingthat it should maintain its roots as a community venturewhilst offering a good service to cyclists, and is always lookingfor funding for further improvements. You can find out moreabout CycleStreets at www.cyclestreets.net.

To read about many other great transport initiatives, visit theIdeas in Transit Innovations portal atwww.ideasintransit.org/wiki/Ideas_in_Transit



• Clipper Windpower to build the world’s largest turbine blade inNewcastle, initially creating 500 jobs

• Government pledges a further £8 million for offshore wind

• Number of UK companies entering supply chain set to grow

BWEA (RenewableUK), the UK’s leading trade association, welcomedthe announcement from US company Clipper Windpower on plans tobuild the world’s largest turbine blade in Newcastle, for its proprietary10 megawatt (MW) Britannia wind turbine. Each Britannia turbine willbe able to satisfy the annual electricity consumption of over 6,500households. The factory building the blades will be based on Tyneside,creating 500 jobs by 2020.

BWEA (RenewableUK) also pointed out that Clipper’s factory joins agrowing number of UK businesses capitalising on the economic opportunities presented by the onshore and offshore wind supply chain.Recently, companies such as Mabey Bridge and JDR Cable Systemshave announced a significant increase in manufacturing capacity toservice the burgeoning wind sector, with further interest from otherpotential entrants.

Maria McCaffery, BWEA Chief Executive, said: “Wind energy presents asignificant opportunity for the UK economy, leading to between 60,000and 70,000 new jobs by 2020. The potential 40+ gigawatts (GW) of offshorewind alone could supply over a third of our country’s electricity. Clipper’spioneering example demonstrates that it is possible to attract investmenton the back of a world-class research institution, and co-ordinated action by a number of regional and central Government agencies.”

In 2008 Clipper Windpower established a research and development facility at the New and Renewable Energy Centre (NaREC) in Blyth, 15miles from Newcastle. In January 2010 the UK Government announceda potential to develop 40GW+ of offshore wind energy in UK waters. Theindustry is confident that the UK, which already holds the worldwidelead in terms of offshore installed wind capacity, could have at least20GW installed by 2020.

“We have a once in a lifetime opportunity to seize the lead in an excitingand lucrative emerging sector. Various agencies are estimating theshort-term potential of European offshore wind at 150GW. If the industryand Government act in concert now, we could be securing both the futureof our energy independence and our manufacturing”, concluded McCaffery.

The Prime Minister Gordon Brown also announced today a further £8million in funding for offshore wind energy which will be “invested inprojects to support the development of a new generation of turbines(and) in addition to the £18 million already awarded.”

REBIRTH OF UKMANUFACTURING:NORTH EAST ONBOARD

Case Study 3


A University of Brighton scientist has been appointed Chief Investigatorin a £607,000 research project aimed at understanding what happenswhen rivers meet tides in the world’s largest estuaries.

Phil Ashworth, Professor of Physical Geography, said: “All rivers acrossthe globe that exit to the ocean contain zones which can be hundreds ofkilometres long and are transitional between river and tidal environments.They are one of the most complex environments on the surface of the earth.”

“They are home to some of the highest population densities in the worldand are often the centre of competing demands from shipping, landreclamation, aquaculture, conservation and leisure activities. Thus inorder to better maintain, manage and protect these fragile zones, wemust understand how and why these regions change and what factorscontrol such change. Additionally, the sediments of ancient tidal-fluvialzones may contain significant volumes of hydrocarbons which are increasingly the target for many energy companies.

“For example, the Athabasca oil sands form the largest petroleum depositon Earth and these bitumen tars are locked up with ancient tidal-fluvialsediments. Understanding the internal nature of such tidal-fluvial sedimentsis thus of paramount importance when attempting to extract the maximumquantity of oil (or gas) from such ancient hydrocarbon reservoirs - weneed to know what controls the geometry and internal characteristics ofthese reservoirs, and thus better plan efficient and maximal hydrocarbonextraction strategies.”

“Thus all of these interests in both modern and ancient tidal-fluvial environments depend on a detailed knowledge of the fluid flows in theseareas, how such flows transport their sediment and critically how theform (or morphology) of these environments changes through time.However, due to the extraordinary challenges of working in such a complexand dynamic environment, few high-resolution, spatially-representative,field datasets exist and remarkably little work has been undertaken onthe diagnostic internal sedimentary structure of such tidal-fluvial deposits.Additionally, whilst there has been progress on the mathematical modellingof estuarine flow and sediment transport, these models remain largelyuntested. There is therefore a pressing need to link the processes anddeposits of the tidal-fluvial zone through an integrated study of their flow,morphology and sediment movement to quantify the key processes andhow these are represented within the subsurface sedimentary record. Thisproject on the Columbia River Estuary (NW USA) will adopt an integratedfield and mathematical modelling approach using the very latest techniquesin field survey and mathematical modelling. These techniques will yieldunrivalled high-resolution datasets of bathymetry, flow, sedimenttransport and sedimentary structure that will then be used to constructand validate new numerical models of the tidal-fluvial zone. This willultimately allow evaluation of key unknowns with respect to the tidal-fluvialzone, such as how such environments evolve under changing scenarios oftidal and fluvial contributions associated with sea-level change, andwhether it is possible to differentiate between 'fluvial' and 'tidally' influenced deposits.”

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Contaminated land is a constant battle for developerslooking to build houses / industrial sites or purpose builtfacilities. Contamination simply means an unacceptablerisk to human health or the environment and, therefore,remediation or site clean up is required.

Identifying contamination requires assessment, measure-ment and remediation. The primary contaminants aretypically VOC’s (volatile organic compounds).

The London Stratford Olympic site committee recentlydiscovered one of its proposed sites required inspectionand a simple cost effective screening instrument wasrequired. Samples across the complete site were takenand needed to be tested quickly and easily onsite. Environmental Consultants used PID (Photo IonisationDetector) technology to determine these contaminationlevels.

Soil samples were collected into clean sample containersand, using industry standard head space analysis principles,the PhoCheck Tiger PID was used to determine the VOClevels found in the head space. Only when pre-determinedVOC levels were detected in a particular area on the sitewas additional investigation required.

Historically the methodology involved for proving thespecific breakdown of each contaminant found meantmany samples being taken and analysed off site in alaboratory. The cost for off-site analysis compared to theinvestment of a PID instrument makes the decision relatively easy for the environmental consultants. Theproduction of a valid VOC measurement using thePhoCheck Tiger enabled the site committee to only sendthe high VOC samples to the lab for further analysis. ThePhoCheck Tiger has already paid for itself with these costsavings from the lab analysis.

VOC’s can have multiple toxicity levels and, even thoughlow levels of overall VOC’s may be recorded, the risk canstill be great if high toxicity VOC’s are discovered. ThePhoCheck Tiger PID offers a broad band volatile organic

compound concentration and therefore further investigationstill may be required to determine specific contaminantsfound.

To this end the PID is non-destructive in its measurementtechnique. The sample is drawn into the instrument,analysed and then exhausted from the instrument in itsoriginal condition. The exhaust gases from the PhoCheckTiger are easily captured in a tedlar bag for off-site analysisas well.

When contaminated land is required for development,traditionally expensive and technically challenging instruments were required. PhoCheck Tiger ensurescosts are kept to a minimum while enabling the environ-mental consultants the opportunity to decide what level of remediation is required.

PID technology can also be used during the land remedia-tion process itself. Many remediation systems utilise SVE(Soil Vapour Extraction), also known as soil venting orvacuum extraction, which is an in-situ remedial methodthat reduces concentrations of volatile constituents in hydrocarbon products adsorbed to soils in the unsaturated(vadose) zone.

In this technology, a vacuum is applied to the soil matrixto create a negative pressure gradient that causesmovement of vapours toward extraction wells. Volatileconstituents are readily removed from the subsurfacethrough these pre-drilled extraction wells. The extractedvapours are then treated in carbon filter beds prior to discharge of treated air to the atmosphere.

The final exhaust gases which are vented to outside airhave strict controls on emissions. A TVOC (Fixed TotalVOC Monitor) PID constantly records a reading and if anyemissions are measured above 1.0ppm, the control unitalarm is triggered and the system shuts down by closingthe exhaust fan. Whilst the carbon filter is functioning efficiently, emissions from the system should be 0.0ppm.

Land Contamination Identified

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