Despite a decreasing supply of fossil fuels, 90 per cent of the energy used around the world is still generated from non-renewable sources. To adapt to the growing demand for continuous energy, companies and governments everywhere are taking advantage of new tools to manage the amount of energy consumed in buildings and industrial facilities – smart technology. Here Nick Boughton, sales manager of systems integrator, Boulting Technology, discusses how smart technology can ensure sustainability and improve energy efficiency.

Smart circuit breakers

For an approximate 15 years, high and medium voltage grid applications in the UK have been using smart technology. In this context, the term ‘smart’ refers to technology that uses detailed analytics and adjusts supply to suit peaks or troughs in demand automatically. In recent times, we have also started to see intelligent technology introduced to low-voltage applications.

Every building is equipped with low-voltage circuit breakers that control and protect the distribution of power for systems like lighting, HVAC and IT systems. Traditionally, these have been straightforward on/off dumb switches based on tried and tested technology because they have to remain reliable over long periods of time. However, in the quest for greater energy efficiency and smarter control of low-voltage applications, more intelligent breakers are required in modern office environments.

Virtual power plants

As energy usage becomes even more important, we’re also noticing an influx in the amount of virtual power plants in the world. A virtual power plant is a link-up of smaller, distributed power stations, such as wind farms, hydropower plants and biogas units.

These plants are designed to balance the power grid, while maximising user’s energy efficiency. Virtual power plants have the technology to forecast a user’s power needs and perform real-time optimisation of energy resources in accordance. In addition, because virtual plants generate energy from a range of renewable sources, there is minimal danger of a power outage due to the multitude of back-up sources.

Smart meters

Most people are aware of the popularity of smart electricity meters home environments. However, this technology is now being used increasingly in industrial applications. Deploying a smart meter not only allows users to alter their energy consumption from a smart device, but they can also reduce the need for manual meter readings. It has also been suggested that smart meters provide a more accurate measurement of consumption.

For businesses in particular, even the smallest reduction on their energy bill can make a huge difference. While reducing energy bills is the main driver in the smart meter takeover, its effect on energy efficiency is the main reason it is proving so popular in industrial applications.

The UK government is aiming to deliver 15 per cent of the UK’s energy consumption from renewable sources by 2020; enabling UK businesses to have a sustainable energy source, and not come into trouble further down the line. While alternative energy sources are a big part of the UK’s plan for energy sustainability, smart technologies and better energy management are just as important.

Boulting Technology’s sales manager, Nick Boughton has a BSc. in Computer & Control Systems and has worked in the automation industry for over thirty years. Boughton holds extensive experience in with automation equipment vendors, process OEMs and system integrators.

A recent market intelligence study conducted by the BSRIA on the Global Overview Analysis of Fire and Security (GOA F&S) demonstrates that the global fire detection and electronic security systems market is continuing to rapidly grow; with UK statistics revealing the fire sector recorded at nearly five per cent per annum, and security expected to increase by two-and-a-half to three per cent every year.

Understandably given recent events, terrorism has become a significant force for the security systems market and led to wider acceptance of surveillance; although a major price decrease in CCTV cameras was also detected. In addition to cloud-based security-as-a-service (SECaaS) offerings showing steady development, analysis indicates smartphones and lighting solutions are also starting to appear as a ‘human-centric’ security solution.

Senior manager of Energy and Smart Technologies at BSRIA Worldwide Market Intelligence, Jeremy Towler, said: “The aims of this report were to acquire an overview of the essential metrics and characteristics of the market by size, segmentation, trends, drivers, forecasts, distribution channels. Worth some $97 billion, this lucrative market will continue to attract new entrants, with innovative technologies and novel business models that can disrupt traditional business.”

This study forms part of BSRIA’s regular multi-client report programme, and the Global Overview Analysis studies represent a value-for-money overview of the essential metrics and characteristics of the market. Both reports showcase the latest developments and trends in the market for building fire detection and electronic security systems products, value added services and service and maintenance.

Here at Forum Events, our vast experience of synchronising business has taught us that networking is a highly beneficial method for expanding your knowledge, to become inspired by the success of your peers and to discuss innovative product offerings to potential new clients.

That’s why we’ve decided to detail the 5 key assets of business networking to advance your chances of increasing business, as well as raising your industry profile and building valuable connections…

1. Endless opportunities

At networking and other business-related events, there is always an abundance of opportunities available for you to get involved with, such as becoming a seminar speaker and building partnerships with like-minded brands waiting to be fulfilled. However, it’s crucial to not forget the reasoning of why you are moving forward with a particular opportunity. Put your business needs first and examine whether the other party will hold their end of the bargain.

2. Sharing tips

Absorb as much advice from similar-thinking businesses. That way, you’ll easily be able to obtain tips on a number of topics related to your business; maybe even the constant struggle of maintaining a work-life balance.

3. Raising your profile

Throwing yourself, as well as your business, into the spotlight is pivotal to raising your profile. Make a special effort to regularly attend business and social events that will help you to meet key industry leaders; you will then be able to build your reputation as a supportive and knowledgeable professional with the right tools to optimising business. Furthermore, this will likely generate a substantial number of leads and referrals.

4. Boosting self-confidence

For some, the thought of approaching a complete stranger at a business networking event can seem somewhat petrifying. However, as a business owner or managing director, it’s really important to have the ability to become a regular industry networker and uphold the self-confidence to strike-up a conversation with anyone. The more you make yourself do this, the more self-confidence you will garner and the more your business connections database will grow.

5. Positive energy

The people you network with at industry events can remarkably influence who you are and how you handle business deals as a result. Therefore, it’s key to immerse yourself with uplifting and positive individuals that help you to grow and thrive as a business owner.

The independent facilities management and commercial cleaning company, Maxim FM has announced the acquisition of a number of new education sector contracts which are reported to be £2.4 million.

The firm has secured three-year deals in a number of locations around the UK, including the North East, Manchester, Kettering and Lancaster in both tertiary and secondary institutes. In addition, the new contract deals have helped the business to further grow its client base; rising from 10 per cent to 25 per cent.

Founder and managing director of Maxim FM, Graham Conway, said: “We saw the trend for more responsibility for facilities management work being devolved to teams within educational establishments that already had wide-ranging responsibilities, and felt there were opportunities to increase the amount of business we did in this sector, a strategic approach which is now paying clear dividends.”

He continued: “We think there is a great deal more potential to be realised in this sector, particularly within the North East, and we’ll be continuing to try to keep the proportion of our business that is focused on the education sector at around 25 per cent as it grows in the years to come.”

The Sunderland-headquartered firm has also benefitted by reaching a total of 800 employees, and by continuing its plan for further development, Maxim FM is set to hit its target of employing an estimated 2,000 people within the next three to five years.

The leading facilities management provider, EMCOR UK has announced that it has been awarded a contract extension with its current client, British Airways Engineering, to provide its broad range of services for an additional five years.

With EMCOR providing services to BA Engineering for the past 23 years, the new deal includes performing planned and reactive maintenance and repair services for the aircraft Ground Support Equipment (GSE) at Gatwick, London City, Heathrow, Glasgow, UK line stations, as well as all of BA Engineering’s non-UK stations.

Group executive director at EMCOR UK, David Parker, said: “EMCOR UK is proud to have been awarded a five year extension to its contract for its valued client of 23 years, British Airways Engineering, including performing planned and reactive maintenance and repair services for the aircraft Ground Support Equipment. Our ability to provide ground support equipment maintenance and deliver services in-house evidence that EMCOR UK is well positioned to meet BA Engineering’s requirements, which include exacting specifications and rigorous processes.”

In a bid to improve efficiency and cut costs, Transport for London (TfL) has declared that it will no longer require the services of Amey to provide maintenance services for the Jubilee, Piccadilly and Northern lines; instead opting to utilise its own in-house management team.

As part of Mayor Sadiq Khan’s plan for TfL to cut waste, the initiative is set to save £80 million over the next decade and its current contract with Amey will draw to a close by the end of next year.

Khan said in a statement: “London Underground already has experience running successful maintenance operations in-house, and we’re making the changes as soon as the contract allows. I want TfL to be the best in the world while staying in public control. Londoners still pay some of the highest fares in the world. I will continue to work with TfL to cut waste and inefficiency, and deliver the affordable and world-class transport system Londoners deserve.”

It is claimed that all savings and revenue will be put back into modernising transport and freezing TfL fares.

Team Q, the M&E maintenance company, has joined forces with health, safety and environmental consultancy, Hosking Associates, to deliver its latest CPD event: ‘Turning environmental performance into service charge savings’.

The certificated CPD event, which is free to attend and will be held at St James’ Square in London on September 30, will be focused around cost effective compliance and sustainability; looking at smart ideas to budget and realise service charge savings. In addition, the day will also highlight how the ISO 14001:2015 changes will impact the industry, including an update on the CDM15 Regulations.

Director at Team Q, Robert Lynch, said: “We have been running CPD events for the last three years focusing on subjects that matter in the FM community. The sector has undergone so many legislative changes and updates in recent times, and we are keen to offer support and guidance. Together with Hosking Associates, we want to support the FM community by continuing to offer CPD events full of real value.”

He continued: “We’re delighted to be teaming up with Hosking Associates again. When it comes to environmental knowledge and experience, they are second-to-none. They are guaranteed to deliver a thought-provoking and intellectual session, designed to help FMs reduce costs and manage service charges more effectively.”

To register your interest and receive further details, please email Lucy Morris: lucy.morris@teamq.co.uk 

According to a survey of large business owners conducted by the UK’s leading energy consultancy, Inenco, the creation of the new Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) has generated mixed feelings amongst industry professionals after the recent termination of the Department of Energy & Climate Change (DECC).

With all DECC responsibilities having been passed on to the newly created department, the organisation’s research has shown that large business owners are urgently seeking clarity over the direction of the new initiative, and how it will impact them individually.

Although the term ‘climate change’ has been dropped from the departmental name, a majority are highly in favour of the BEIS to focus on renewable energy and climate change policies in particular; despite a similar number indicating that this will unlikely happen. Furthermore, 80 per cent claim that the number one priority for the department in the first 100 days is to devise a long-term energy policy framework.

Chief commercial officer at the Inenco Group, David Cockshott, said in a statement: “The creation of a Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy should be positive news at a time when billions of pounds are needed in new low carbon infrastructure and when rising costs are impacting business’ bottom lines across the country.”

He continued: “Businesses are clearly concerned that a new government with new ministers could delay crucial decisions, from future infrastructure and action on climate change to clarity around future compliance and incentives. It will be important that the government acts swiftly to provide the industry and investors with the long term certainty they need to plan with confidence for the future.”

Read more from Inenco here