WISKA awarded EcoVadis silver medal

WISKA has announced that the company has been awarded the silver medal by EcoVadis, a globally recognised provider of sustainability ratings. Founded in Hamburg over 100 years ago, WISKA states that sustainability is more than just a goal - and that it’s a core value that drives everything it does. The achievement places WISKA in the top 15% of over 150,000 companies assessed globally, a milestone which the company says reflects the hard work and dedication of its entire team. WISKA believes that businesses have a key role to play in shaping a more sustainable future, and the company is proud to be recognised for the progress it has made so far. EcoVadis measures companies on the following four themes: environment, ethics, labour and human rights, and sustainable procurement. This helps businesses to understand and improve their impact on the world. WISKA tell us that receiving the silver medal is not just an acknowledgement of its efforts, but a motivation to push even further. The company understands that sustainability is a journey, and this award reinforces its commitment to making a meaningful impact. “We’re honoured to receive this recognition from EcoVadis,” says Will Rich, Managing Director of WISKA. “Sustainability is a journey, and this award reflects the hard work of our entire team. From our employees to our partners and customers, everyone plays a role in making a real difference. This is a win for all of us.” As WISKA looks to the future, the company remains committed to developing innovative solutions and continuing to drive positive change for a more sustainable future. It believes that together, we can create a greener, brighter tomorrow. The company has also extended a huge thanks to its dedicated team for supporting WISKA on this ongoing journey - noting that the achievement wouldn’t have been possible without them. For more from WISKA, click here.

Heathrow shut down after electrical fire: the experts explain

More than 1,300 flights around the world have been affected when a fire at an electrical substation caused Heathrow Airport to close late yesterday evening (Thursday 20 March). The UK’s busiest airport shut after the blaze at the North Hyde substation in Hayes, west London. With the airport closed until at least midnight tonight (21 March), and passengers across the globe wondering what caused the disruption and how long it will persist for, engineering experts from the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) help to explain the situation. What are substations? Professor John Loughhead CB OBE CEng, Fellow and electrical engineering expert at the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), says, “An electrical substation is where high voltage electricity from the National Grid is transformed to lower voltages and distributed to users, and contains various switches and safety devices. It is therefore the supply point for users. It is surprising that, as a part of our national critical infrastructure, Heathrow does not have an alternative supply point in case of accidents like this.” Mark Coles, Head of Technical Regulations at the IET, adds, “Electrical substations are a critical part of the electrical distribution system. Power stations generate electricity which is then distributed across the country at high voltage. Substations connect the power station to the distribution network and then, at the other end, substations connect the distribution network to where power is needed. “Substations are electro-mechanical installations. Transformers are used in substations to raise the voltage for distribution across long distances and then to lower the voltage to a more usable level for use in electrical installations in, for example, commercial buildings and homes.” Graham Kenyon, an electrical engineering expert at the IET, comments, “An electrical substation like this takes very high voltage power from the National Grid, and switches it to various transformers, distribution protection equipment, and other substations that eventually supplies end users such as homes, businesses and airports with power. “This particular substation is a major distribution centre for the National Grid, in a very populated area of the city. In addition to Heathrow Airport and local residences and businesses, there is a significant amount of commercial and industrial power use in that area.” Why has this fire happened? “Fires do occasionally, but not frequently, occur at substations and can have various causes - from electrical short circuits to failures in transformers,” explains Prof Loughhead. “It's not stated what caused this one and it may take a while for what happened to be determined. A fire within a substation area can damage switchgear, transformers, measurement and control equipment, and cables. Fires are not unprecedented, but also not frequent. If they damage equipment any user 'downstream' of the substation will lose all power. In this case, Heathrow just happens to be the key user, although it seems other users are also affected.” Mark adds, “The law, that is the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, requires that all electrical installations are maintained in order to be safe for continued use. This applies to electrical substations which should be regularly checked. As part of this, records will have been kept of testing and inspection and, for example, thermal imaging cameras will have been used to make sure connections aren’t overheating. Maintenance work will look to diagnose possible failures of equipment and then any required repair work can be carried out. “For this situation, the investigation will look at the history of the equipment, such as the manufacturer’s data from when it was manufactured. The investigation will be far reaching, and every aspect will be looked at to ascertain what has happened. It is very unusual for one incident to cause the entire shut down of an entire site like Heathrow airport.” Graham notes, “It’s too early to provide a definite answer on what has happened here. Heathrow Airport has multiple supplies from the National Grid, and means of diverting power if it is safe to do so. Power in an airport is required for safety equipment for flight operations and safety and security of the public in and around airport terminals.” When will the power be back on? “To restore power, supply companies may be able to route power to Heathrow through an alternative circuit, although it seems this is not easily done or may not be possible, or any damaged equipment will need to be replaced to get the substation back into service,” Prof Loughhead comments. “To determine the original cause will mean examination of the damaged equipment and operating records to judge the sequence of events leading to the fire, which may be obvious or require some time to work out.” Graham concludes, “The Civil Aviation Authority has rules that govern the impact of power loss on airport operations, which includes consideration as to how long the loss of some, or all, power at an airport is expected to last. Airport operations can also be affected by the consequences of a major incident in the vicinity of the airfield or flight paths, for example smoke affecting flights.” For more from The IET, click here.

Ashden welcomes Government's solar panel project

Climate change charity, Ashden, has welcomed the Government’s announcement of the first major project for Great British Energy, which will see an investment of £80m to put rooftop solar panels on around 200 schools, alongside £100 million for nearly 200 NHS sites and increased support for community energy. Alex Green, Head of Let’s Go Zero, the zero carbon schools campaign run by Ashden, says, “The huge potential of Great British Energy has always been about giving citizens and communities a real stake in - and direct benefit from - the clean growth story of the 21st century. It’s great to see the first steps in that vision taking shape in schools and hospitals, which sit at the heart of every community. “At Let’s Go Zero we know solar on schools is a success - cutting bills, inspiring young people, and strengthening vital public services. Schools often lead local clean energy initiatives but these efforts rely heavily on school fundraising, but with greater government support, they can scale more quickly and effectively.” Through Ashden’s Let’s Go Zero campaign, which over 5,600 schools have signed up to (representing two million students), schools can get free expert advice on how to decarbonise and save money on energy bills from local climate action advisors, including guidance on whether financing is available for retrofit and renewables. Multiple schools around the UK have already taken up the mantle of clean energy - some working with local schemes organised by community energy groups or local authorities. For instance, Leicestershire Solar Schools has just started a project with Green Fox Community Energy, a not-for-profit community benefit society, partnering with Leicestershire County Council to offer free community-funded solar panels and guidance on climate action planning, supported by the government's Community Energy Fund. Tudor Grange Academy Solihull are going to be connected to the Solihull Energy Town Centre Energy Network, and Bath & Wells Community Energy have installed solar into a raft of schools. Alex continues, “The support announced from Great British Energy will help schools across the country replicate these initiatives, helping the schools save much needed funds as well as being proactive on reducing carbon emissions.” Embedding behaviour change alongside renewable energy investments is also key to unlocking their full potential, Alex says: “When staff and students are actively involved in energy-saving habits and sustainability initiatives, schools maximise savings, deepen learning, and create a culture of climate action that extends beyond the school gates. Let’s Go Zero look forward to supporting the government to realise this potential.” Ashden also welcomed the move by government to provide support for local authorities and community energy groups, with nearly £12m to help build community-led clean energy projects which could generate profits that will then be reinvested into community projects including tackling fuel poverty. Support for community energy is a vital part of the country’s clean energy progress, shown by the success of community energy organisations like Low Carbon Hub, Repowering London, and Energise Barnsley, which show clearly how this sector is tackling fuel poverty, reinvesting revenues into local social programmes, and creating long-term benefits where they’re needed most. Many of these community energy organisations also partner with schools or are part of Ashden’s Energy Learning Network, which supports community energy organisations across the UK. Ashden’s UK Policy Lead, Will Walker, notes, “There is overwhelming public support for community energy - with 78% of people agreeing communities should own and benefit from local energy - so making sure the financial and regulatory barriers and capacity challenges are faced will be the next stage of the GB Energy journey. “Great British Energy’s announcement is the start of a once-in-a-generation opportunity to scale community and local energy. This isn’t just about generating power - it’s about generating resilience to energy price rises, local wealth and pride in the places people live, work and play. "We hope that this government will stop the previous start-stop policy changes and provide certainty on the full £3.3 billion Local Power Plan at the Spending Review. To unlock its full potential we need long-term funding, capacity support prioritised in low-income communities, and market and policy reforms that deliver fair returns and real community benefit.”

Data shows strong start to year for small-scale renewables

The latest data from MCS reveals a strong start to the year for small-scale renewables. Speaking about the data, Ian Rippin, CEO at MCS, comments, “February continued the strong start to the year for small-scale renewables. There were more than 27,000 certified installations in February, bringing the total for the year so far to more than 50,000 – the quickest we have hit this mark in scheme history. “It was another record month for battery storage with more than 2,500 certified installations, and heat pumps also had a strong month with over 5,000 certified installations – an 18% increase on February last year. There were almost 20,000 certified Solar PV installations – a 35% increase on February 2024 – demonstrating the ongoing strength of the solar market. “As MCS continues to support its certification bodies in preparing to offer the redeveloped scheme, it’s great to see that consumer appetite for small-scale renewables is growing. With more consumers turning to home-grown energy, it’s crucial that there is a skilled installer base delivering high-quality installations against industry-recognised standards, backed by strong consumer protections. That is what the redeveloped MCS will deliver.” To view the MCS Data Dashboard for real-time dynamic visualisations of renewables uptake, click here. For more from MCS, click here.

United Living acquires street lighting contractor

United Living Group, a social and utility infrastructure innovations provider, has announced the acquisition of Jones, a power distribution and street lighting contractor. Based in the North West of England, Jones is a specialist Independent Connection Provider (ICP) providing DNO services and a full range of street lighting services, covering design, project management, consultancy, installation, and maintenance, on behalf of UK Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) and Local Authorities (LAs). This acquisition strengthens United Living’s existing activities in the power market, which have been growing since it achieved National Electrical Registration Scheme (NERS) accreditation in 2024. Jones has a long-standing and strong reputation for quality and reliability of service in delivering major projects for its clients. It is also committed to bridging the skills gap and expanding workforce capability, through an internal training programme to bring a new pool of skilled labour into the sector and support increasing requirements from DNOs. Neil Armstrong, Chairman and CEO of United Living Group, comments, "We are delighted to welcome Jones to the United Living Group. They have an excellent reputation for best-in-class service delivery and expertise in providing energy-efficient and smart solutions. Jones will enhance our existing power services, and together we will better support the needs of our combined clients and the wider sector. “Jones' focus on recruiting and training talent aligns with our work to bridge the skills gap and ensure an ongoing talent pipeline is maintained to deliver resilient infrastructure fit for the future. “This acquisition continues United Living’s growth in the North and reinforces our commitment to investing in sustainable infrastructure solutions that benefit communities across the UK. Dave Jones, Managing Director of Jones, adds, “We are excited about the opportunities this partnership brings to leverage our combined strengths. The investment by United Living will enable us to further enhance the services we provide to customers, setting the standard for excellence in delivery and driving environmental innovation and improvements. “It will also enable us to build up and diversify our offering to our DNO customers, enabling us to better support them on future workstreams and commitments. “Like United Living, we are also committed to training and welcoming new employees and services from our local areas, to enhance our expertise and build a sustainable future for our local communities.”

Direct Line reveals alarming van theft statistics

A staggering 11,273 vans, worth an estimated £200 million, were reported stolen across the UK in 2024, averaging 31 thefts a day, according to new analysis by Direct Line van insurance. Just two in five (39%) stolen vans were recovered by the police - totalling 4,450 vans. While van thefts have declined in 2024 compared to 2023, the high number of thefts highlights the ongoing issue of van security and the need for increased preventive measures. Among stolen vans, the Ford Transit was the most targeted model, with nearly 6,000 stolen (5,906), accounting for more than half (52%) of all thefts. Given the Ford Transit is the UK’s most licensed van, its popularity makes it a prime target for criminals. Despite this, more than 2,000 (2,041) Ford Transits were successfully recovered by the police, comprising nearly half (46%) of total vans retrieved. Amongst the top five most stolen van models, the Peugeot Boxer had the highest proportion of vans stolen compared to the number of licensed vans on the road, with 7.7 thefts per 1,000 licensed vans. Eva Sandstra-Bennett, Van Product Manager at Direct Line business insurance, comments, "Van theft has a devastating impact on the businesses and individuals who rely on their vans for their daily lives and work. It isn’t just the cost of replacing a van, there is the lost income if businesses can’t make deliveries or if tradespeople can’t get to the site. “While police efforts in recovering stolen vans is commendable, individual prevention remains the most effective way to deter thieves. This includes keeping keys in a Faraday pouch, parking in well-lit areas, using a steering wheel lock, and installing a tracker or immobiliser. Additionally, removing valuables like tools overnight can further reduce the risk of theft. Prioritising van security and having the right insurance cover can help prevent costly disruptions and keep your vehicle safe." For more from Direct Line, click here.

European construction continues to choke on harmful emissions

A new report, commissioned by manufacturer of power tools, equipment, accessories and hand tools, Milwaukee, has uncovered the persistent and widespread use of petrol-powered tools and equipment across European construction sites. This is despite the well-known operational and health risks these products carry, and the knowledge that safer alternatives are available on the mainstream market. The white paper, Building a Safer Future, draws on the findings of a Europe-wide survey of 3,200 construction professionals across 14 countries. It specifically asked them about their attitudes to working with petrol-powered equipment, conclusively revealing that most respondents want to see an end to fossil fuel use for on-site activities. Putting European construction in petrol-powered peril The level of constant exposure to petrol-related emissions was "shocking", Milwaukee says. Almost two-thirds (60%) of respondents highlighted they were exposed to petrol-powered equipment and machinery for the majority of the working week, with more than a quarter (27%) for the whole of it. A similar number also flagged pollution as one of the most significant dangers to their health and wellbeing when working on site. With the long-term health risks well documented, from heart disease to various forms of cancer, the persistent use of petrol on sites is contributing to shorter life expectancies amongst construction professionals. It’s also an issue that concerns the majority of those surveyed (65%). However, more disturbing to Milwaukee was the finding that the remaining (35%) appeared less concerned about the short and long-term impact of regularly inhaling toxic emissions. This worrying stat shows a distinct lack of awareness or ignorance of the considerable hazard posed by petrol-powered equipment and machinery, Milwaukee says, and that more education is needed around why this fuel type needs to be phased out as soon as possible. Workers want to make the switch There are mainstream alternatives - particularly high-performance, battery-powered equipment - and the appetite for this solution is healthy. Almost all respondents (92%) felt they would feel safer if their employer switched to battery-powered tools, equipment and machinery. Around half (45%) also indicated that doing so would make them feel more secure on site, in conjunction with better tools and equipment (54%) and higher-quality, comfortable PPE (48%). Making the change Milwaukee says that the research serves to highlight that sticking with the petrol-prolific status quo is no longer acceptable, and that it’s up to construction employers to take the lead, protecting their workers by putting an end to the use of fossil fuels for powering tools and equipment. The good news is battery-powered alternatives are now prolific, and the technology that underlies them has come on leaps and bounds in the past decade, particularly concerning run-time. Milwaukee understands many on-site workers are rightly concerned; however, the company says it remains concerning that a significant minority appear indifferent or unphased about the serious health implications of constant exposure to petrol fumes. Upfront, it indicates site teams need to ensure that, if they are still relying on petrol, their workforce is adequately protected. However, it’s only a temporary measure, as the safest approach is to swap this dangerous fuel source out for good, Milwaukee concludes. For more from Milwaukee, click here.

Rolec introduces EVO charger for electric vehicles

Rolec, a manufacturer and supplier of electric vehicle charging innovations, is introducing EVO, the newest product in its charging portfolio. Described as "affordable, modern and compliant", Rolec says that EVO is the first of a new generation of home chargers. Rolec has built close relationships with its global team of electrical contractors, giving the company unique insights into both its customers’ needs and preferences for creating a unit that is more installation-friendly than ever before. As a result, EVO features a highly modular design with three key components: a base, a click-in module, and a cover that provides easy access for installers. This practical and efficient design allows for quick, hassle-free installation and configuration in as little as 15 minutes, while the CT clamp’s plug-and-play capability further reduces installation time. Available in 7.4kW and 22kW models, it offers an easy-to-use, fully compatible charger for all EVs and PHEVs. But, more than that, it is a powerful and compact charger that makes itself at home in any setting. It is equipped with a passive cooling system that uses an aluminium heat sink to guarantee a safe maximum charging rate, along with a customisable LED indicator to display clear charging status, providing personalisation and enhanced accessibility. Even before its official launch, EVO has been turning heads, winning the Red Dot Award for Product Design 2024. The EVO will always prioritise stable and efficient charging, Rolec tells us. Supporting dynamic load balancing as standard and 3-to-1 phase switching, the unit can adjust its charger output based on a  property’s available electricity usage, preventing grid overload, optimising energy use, and protecting power supply for easy charging and peace of mind. With three charging modes - Charge Now (plug & go), ECO (solar + grid), and ECO+ (surplus solar only) - EVO offers flexibility to suit the user's lifestyle. All of this is achieved without increasing the price, Rolec states. The introduction of EVO also marks the arrival of a new way to solar charge. With the eco+ smart solar feature, EVO can detect and allocate surplus solar energy generated from the user's home to charge their electric vehicle, creating an opportunity for zero-cost charging. Users can thus drive on 100% free, renewable electricity, powering their daily commute automatically. Every detail is visible through the native EVO app. Users can receive live updates on charging sessions, easily plan with the scheduled charging feature, and integrate smart tariffs to use off-peak rates. Alternatively, as with all Rolec units, users can opt to connect their charger to any OCPP-compatible app of their choice. Frankie Mellon, Managing Director at Rolec, explains, “We’re not here to play the game; we’re here to change it. Team Rolec has hit the ground running this year, bringing a fresh take on a familiar face. 2025 is the year of our next-generation home charger, EVO. Building on everything you loved about our popular QUBEV Smart unit, EVO introduces more advanced features, greater efficiency, and native OCPP compliance, setting a new standard for home EV charging. “EVO is designed with installers and customers in mind, featuring a modern, compact design that fits seamlessly into any home. Its eco+ smart solar capability allows users to harness surplus solar energy, promoting charging with 100% free, renewable electricity. With dynamic load balancing and intuitive app integration, EVO provides a powerful, efficient solution tailored to your home’s specific needs. We’re so confident in EVO that we’re offering a complimentary five-year extended manufacturer’s warranty to ensure your investment is protected.” EVO is available now, with next-day delivery for Rolec's UK customers. For more from Rolec, click here.  

Net Zero Lighting 2025 set to demystify sustainability credentials

The options open to lighting industry manufacturers to get their sustainability credentials independently certified can be bewildering - and making the wrong choice can have a big impact on customer perceptions and costs. Science based targets, Ecovadis and B Corp certification all provide credible corporate sustainability assessments. But what are the similarities and differences? And to what extent do they require businesses to actively decarbonise and move towards net zero? Do they all include non-climate related requirements such as labour practices, ethics and supply chain? And what are the costs and benefits? The Net Zero Lighting 2025 conference sets out to explain and demystify the options. Taking place on 29 April in London, the one-day event features presentations and panels from companies that have already made their choice. Delegates will hear of the opportunities, challenges and the pitfalls from those with first-hand experience. Presentations will also reveal the extent to which certifications support the decarbonisation of lighting businesses, as they move towards net zero. Now in its second year, the conference is organised by Recolight and chaired by Ray Molony. The conference uses case studies, authoritative presenters - including Science Based Targets initiative and BSI - and panel discussions to give delegates the practical advice and guidance they need to decarbonise their operations. Nigel Harvey, Recolight CEO, says, “We are delighted to be hosting Net Zero Lighting 2025. The direction of travel in the industry is clear and unstoppable: customer demands and government requirements for decarbonised lighting manufacture will only increase. We are thrilled that our experienced and knowledgeable speakers, drawn from within and beyond the lighting industry, are willing to share their expertise.” He adds, “The climate crisis is the defining issue of our generation, and every business on the planet has a role to play. We are confident that this event will empower delegates with the knowledge they need to help their businesses make a meaningful contribution.” View the programme and book your place here.

South Yorkshire primary school goes green

Pupils and teachers at Marshland Primary Academy in Moorends, near Doncaster, part of Venn Academy Trust, are celebrating cutting their carbon footprint after successfully installing a modern ground source heat pump system and other state-of-the-art energy efficiency measures. Working with Kensa, a manufacturer and installer of ground source heat pumps, the school is trailblazing how to go green, overhauling its old heating and hot water system and replacing the ageing gas boilers with seven new ground source heat pumps. The six-month project, partially funded by the Government’s Condition Improvement Fund, also included fitting new radiators and 69 solar PVT panels, an emerging technology used in renewable heating installations. The upgrades are expected to boost the school’s energy efficiency, cut heating-related carbon emissions by close to 80%, and ensure classrooms stay warm and comfortable throughout the year for the benefit of staff and pupils alike. The newly installed ground source heat pumps use renewable energy stored in the earth to provide heating and hot water and are hidden inside two converted plant rooms. To reach the underground energy, 18 boreholes were drilled beneath the school’s playing field, each to a depth of around 127m. Solar PVT has been integrated into the school’s ground source heating system, taking it beyond a standard ground source heat pump installation. The technology generates both electricity and thermal energy, supercharging the heat pump’s efficiency and lowering installation and energy costs. This integration works by: • Thermal heat energy captured by the PVT panels is removed and transferred to the heat pump system, improving its efficiency and reducing electricity use. • Using this excess thermal energy in the heat pump system significantly reduces the number of boreholes needed, lowering the overall installation costs. • Extracting the excess thermal heat from the panels increases the amount of electricity they can produce compared to ordinary solar PV panels. It's projected they will generate 34 kW of electricity -the output of 10 typical homes with solar panels. • Marshland Primary Academy is one of the first UK schools to embrace this energy-saving technology alongside a heat pump installation. Investing in energy efficiency upgrades has provided the school with a low-cost, low-maintenance, renewable heating system, securing its energy future while providing long-term savings on heating and hot water bills. To meet the government’s goals of reducing public sector carbon emissions by 75% by 2037, thousands of schools across the UK will need to follow Marshland Primary’s example, replacing their ageing, high-carbon-emitting heating systems and embracing more innovative, modern technologies. This latest school ground source heat pump installation follows more than 15 others Kensa has completed in schools, including in South Wales and Northumberland, along with another in Doncaster at Richmond Hill Primary School. Penny Marshall, Acting Principal at Marshland Primary Academy, says, “It has been an exciting journey watching and learning about the innovative ground source heating. Although the children had to sacrifice their field for the summer, they enjoyed watching the holes being bored and learning from Kensa staff how the system worked. “Energy efficiency and helping the environment is a big focus at Marshland, so it is exciting to be able to know that we are playing a small part in a much bigger picture by using natural resources to heat our school. This winter has been a toasty one at Marshland!” Wouter Thijssen, Commercial Director at Kensa, adds, "We’re proud to have worked with Marshland Primary Academy to deliver a more sustainable and efficient heating system. Thanks to a mix of super-efficient ground source heat pumps and other energy efficiency upgrades, pupils and teachers will enjoy warm classrooms while slashing their carbon footprint. “By opting for ground source heat pumps, boosted by solar PVT, the school has secured its long-term energy future, setting the benchmark for achieving sustainability in UK schools. Kensa’s mission is to deliver better heating, and this installation certainly lives up to that promise.” For more from Kensa, click here.