The University of Exeter unveils the impact of IoT in social housing

The University of Exeter has partnered with Aico|HomeLINK and housing industry partners, UK Housing Associations’ Charitable Trust (HACT) and Coastline Housing, for a first-of-its-kind guide and toolkit to realise the social value of the Internet of Things (IoT) connected sensors. In recent years, there has been a marked shift in environmental sensor system adoption to create 'smart social homes' among the registered social housing providers looking to implement a proactive strategy in the early identification of identified housing issues rather than waiting until regulation forces action. Until now, no project has developed a guide and toolkit to evaluate the societal benefits that stem from homes equipped with sensor systems. The research entitled 'Sensor systems for healthier social housing - A guide or understanding and evaluating the social value or indoor environment sensor systems', provides a guide and toolkit aimed to support informed decision-making, including establishing connections between housing and health, understanding societal value from using sensor systems, a social return on investment (SROI) forecast, templates, and case studies. The toolkits have been developed collaboratively by Housing Associations with experience in sensor systems. Poplar HARCA is an East London Housing Association recognising the practical benefits of smart connected home IoT sensors. Its use of Aico|HomeLINK sensors provides residents and Poplar HARCA with data which helps them identify issues in their homes, including damp and mould monitoring, ventilation, fuel poverty and indoor air quality. It is designed to gather data on indoor environmental conditions, the IoT smart home-connected devices are installed in the homes of residents to measure temperature, carbon dioxide, humidity and other factors. By doing so, mitigating issues arising from problems such as dampness, mould, and poor ventilation. Launched in May 2023, during the first five months of this 12-month research project, the University of Exeter developed a working logic model. This was informed by Aico|HomeLINK expertise to map out inputs, such as humidity levels, and HACT’s Social Value Insight tool, specifically designed for social housing, to map out the outcomes, such as reduced condensation. The logic model identifies the early changes needed to improve an indoor environment, such as opening windows or improving the use of heating to reduce condensation and potential hazards from mould. The team has found that sensor systems are valued by housing associations for being able to pinpoint the specific changes in housing conditions more clearly. One example of sensors in use is identifying and proactively fixing a leak in a tenant’s roof, preventing the risks associated with dampness and mould, such as respiratory illnesses. This would reduce the unaccounted public health issues and poor conditions that may be associated with social housing conditions, particularly for underprivileged and vulnerable groups. Emma Bland, Associate Professor in Environment, Health, and Wellbeing at the University of Exeter Medical School, concludes, “This technology has the potential to deliver organisational benefits in social housing. However, there is a lack of understanding about the broader social value gained from such systems, and the best practice for adoption. This project builds on many years of research including the groundbreaking Smartline project which focused on more than 200 social households across six years and will strengthen existing and foster new partnerships between the University of Exeter, the social housing sector, and the sensor industry.”

Sangamo provides a thermostat solution for student accommodation

The Pinnacles, a student property in Sheffield with a mix of one to five-bedroom apartments, caters for both UK and international students. The large, purpose-built student accommodation overlooking Victoria Quays is just a 10-minute walk from City Campus and the train station. As the required ongoing programme of maintenance began, a key element was overcoming the problems associated with the existing heating control provision. Issues with students operating the system had not only led to an increase in complaints and maintenance requests but had resulted in an increase in energy consumption due to the heating controls being incorrectly operated. The Sangamo Choice Plus Tamperproof Electronic Room Thermostat from ESP was specified as the solution to overcome the issues identified. To date, more than 200 thermostats, in white finish, have been installed in the communal hallways of each of the flats, and they will continue to be installed on a rolling basis as the maintenance programme is carried out. Commenting on the project, Steven Moore, Operations Director at South Street Asset Management, says, “The project has been superb from our point of view. The Sangamo team attended the site and made recommendations to move us away from the historic thermostats. We were looking for a product that would enable us, as landlords, to optimise the heating within the student apartments and remove the confusion our students found in operating the old six-zone system. The Sangamo tamperproof thermostats have enabled us to do this and have dramatically reduced the complaints and maintenance requests being experienced on site.” The Choice Plus electronic room controls are concealed by a discreet tamperproof cover. The set point is adjusted, and the cover is fitted to protect against accidental or purposeful incorrect operation. Features and benefits include: Large temperature adjustment dial Tamper resistance cover with security torq screw Electronic sensor for accurate and responsive performance TPI (Time Proportional & Integral) control for heating efficiency 5°C to 30°C set temperature range 5°C and 1°C temperature swing adjustment 10A switch rating 240vAC

YESSS Electrical Hastings stocks Carhartt workwear

Carhartt has announced a new collaboration with YESSS Electrical in Hastings, marking a major step in expanding its presence in the electrical wholesaler market. The partnership means its Hastings branch will feature an extensive range of Carhartt's workwear, including tees, hoodies, body warmers, jackets, overshirts, beanie hats, and trucker hats.   This initiative represents another milestone in Carhartt's strategic engagement with electrical wholesalers, demonstrating the brand's commitment to providing quality workwear to professionals in the industry. The in-branch display at YESSS Electrical, designed to maximise sales, showcases Carhartt's dedication to product quality and retail presentation.   Nick Poulson, UK Sales Manager at Carhartt, emphasises the collaborative approach underpinning the partnership and says, “We talk to our stockists about their local market, their customer base and how we can work together to optimise the look of the products – and of course, sales. Our Visual Merchandise Team brings the in-store concept alive, and we also carefully analyse the space in the branch to find the optimal position for the displays. This work and attention to detail ensures customer interest and a transformation in what stocking workwear can mean to the bottom line.”   Carhartt's approach to point-of-sale (POS) support reflects the importance placed on relationships with stockists. In collaboration with electrical wholesalers and other partner stockists, Carhartt designs in-store displays highlighting its products whilst matching the unique character of each retail space. This tailored approach ensures that the displays are visually appealing and effective in driving sales. 

THORNeco Julie – clipless and robust

Introducing the upgrade to THORNeco’s Julie – a popular IP65 LED luminaire. It is designed specifically for those in need of a reliable, easy-to-install, robust solution. Julie is ideal for indoor applications such as multi-storey car parks, workshops, underpasses, and storage facilities. With a Click-Fit clipless diffuser, it has increased durability and an easy installation, simplifying retrofit projects with 1:1 replacement. The addition of FLEX means the lumen package can be decided on-site with the flick of a switch. It provides energy savings of over 50% compared to traditional fluorescent lighting, with an improved efficacy of 120lm/W. The microwave sensor option with corridor and daylight functionality contributes to the reduction of its environmental impact and offers significant cost savings over time. Along with an IP65 rating, making it dust and water-resistant, there is also an IK08 impact rating and a five-year guarantee – together ensuring durability, longevity, and peace of mind.  Julie also offers a quick connect PLUG & PLAY emergency function for easy integration and peace of mind. The E3 emergency kit offers the latest lithium battery technology and includes a three-year battery warranty.  The corridor and daylight functionality in Julie's microwave sensor version provides smart lighting by using both stand-by time and dimming level functionality, helping to reduce energy costs by lighting a space when needed.

Energy-efficient LED solution transforms Bangkok's landmark roundabout

Victoria Monument has graced Bangkok's skyline since its establishment in 1941. The iconic monument stands within a busy traffic roundabout and serves an estimated 150,000 motorists a day.   Over the years, the lighting at the roundabout became problematic. The existing High-Pressure Sodium (HPS) lights were insufficient in brightness and prone to frequent breakdowns due to being over 30 years old. As a result, light pollution has affected the surrounding buildings, dimming the nocturnal presence of the monument.   A project was launched to upgrade the roundabout's lighting to energy-efficient LED lighting. The new lighting had to provide an average brightness of at least 34 lux and uniformity of at least 0.33, creating a well-lit and safe environment for the estimated 150,000 motorists. A further consideration was minimising the light spillage onto the monument and preventing light pollution above 180 degrees, which preserves the monument's aesthetics whilst reducing energy consumption, and operational and maintenance costs.   CU Phosco Lighting’s local agent in Bangkok, Tasjinda, was selected to implement the project. The FL810 floodlight, a solution that met all the objectives, was chosen.   The FL810 floodlight is a high-output, versatile LED floodlight designed for mounting on existing masts. It offers luminaire efficacy, reaching up to 141 lumens per watt due to its high transmission flat glass optics. The floodlight also has a high Colour Rendering Index (CRI), which ensures clear and vibrant illumination.   To reduce glare and light pollution, the FL810 floodlights come equipped with precision-controlled cut-offs and cowls, significantly mitigating light pollution compared to the previous system.   The transformation of the roundabout's lighting has yielded significant results and benefits. The new lighting has improved safety for motorists, pedestrians, and commuters, markedly enhancing nighttime visibility.    The FL810 floodlights are also robust and reliable, designed to withstand challenging conditions. They boast IP66 protection and vandal-resistant toughened glass. The installation has achieved impressive energy savings of 51%, saving the city money in the long run.   The project has achieved its objectives by transitioning to energy-efficient LED lighting, enhancing brightness and uniformity, reducing light spills, and delivering substantial energy savings. 

SPARKS Learner of the Year 2024 begins

As the new year unfolds, the spotlight turns to the next generation of budding electricians with the upcoming regional heats of SPARKS Learner of the Year 2024. Throughout January and February, SPARKS will be travelling to six regions across the UK in search of the best upcoming talent within our industry. At each venue, 12 students will battle it out in a live practical test. Six regional winners will be chosen to go through to the Grand Final, at Schneider Electric’s Innovation Centre between 24-25 April. Reflecting on his win, last year’s winner Nathan Pawsey, from Cambridge Regional College, says, “I’m very proud of what I have managed to achieve. It’s been an amazing opportunity”. Now in its fourteenth year, the competition provides a fantastic platform for apprentice and student electricians to showcase their skills, boost their confidence and win an array of prizes to support them at the very start of their careers. SPARKS Learner of the Year 2024 is sponsored by Schneider Electric, Electric Center, Milwaukee, IDEAL Industries, AICO, The IET, Luceco, Prysmian, Snickers, FIX Radio and NAPIT. 2024 regional heats schedule: South West: Exeter College, Tuesday 16 January Wales: Cardiff & Vale College, Thursday 18 January North East: Darlington College, Tuesday 30 January North West: St. Helen’s College, Thursday 1 February South East: Harrow Weald College, Tuesday 6 February Midlands: Tresham College, Thursday 8 February Stay tuned on social media to follow the action #SPARKSLOY24.

JTL reflects on newly published UK government data on apprenticeships

Chris Claydon, Chief Executive at JTL, an apprenticeship provider in England and Wales, offers his insights on the Government’s latest report about apprenticeships and traineeships. The Government's report, published on 30 November, covers the period of August 2022 to July 2023 and details promising figures for the industry, including 7,428 starts in electrical apprenticeships and 2,240 in Level 3 plumbing apprenticeships. Chris says, “Through the recently released data, we can see that employer demand for electrical and plumbing apprenticeships is encouraging, though employer bodies are still calling for more to meet specific workforce requirements and close skills gaps, which we are taking into consideration as we develop our strategy.  “Indeed, it’s promising to see that there is a continued enthusiasm for apprenticeships within the STEM sector, which we have also witnessed throughout our business and the wider industry. Despite a marginal decrease in electrical apprenticeships from the previous year, there were over 7,400 starts in 2022/23, well above the 10-year average of around 6,000.   “The industry is also seeing continued growth for plumbing apprenticeships and there is an appetite to learn about new and emerging technologies in this sector, such as heat pumps, which will positively contribute to the closing of the existing skills gap and help meet the Government’s wider net-zero targets. “Furthermore, when assessing the new data, we would caution against a simplistic view of increased achievement volumes, as this is likely to be the result of clearing backlogs of apprentices past planned end dates, following COVID-19 disruption. Our recognition of this feeds into the introduction of JTL’s new entry requirements, ensuring the highest quality of apprentices are provided to employers and the evolving demand of the industry is exceeded through our apprenticeships.''

Baltic Electric boosts operations with Fergus

Operating an electrical business involves a complex array of tasks: generating quotes and invoices; orchestrating project timelines; managing material costs; adhering to safety protocols; and keeping precise financial records. Manually handling these responsibilities is taxing and can be a source of significant stress and confusion. For Alan, Owner of Baltic Electric, and Charlene, his Administration Manager, such complex responsibilities were an everyday reality until they implemented Fergus. "Before we were using the Fergus software, we were doing things manually, which was quite hard,” says Alan. “We're a small business, so using software makes life a lot easier because we can delegate roles, give jobs out and communicate with our customers." The Fergus dashboard tracks the progress of numerous jobs, from initial estimates to invoicing completion. Baltic Electric can stay on top of late payments without chasing customers with automated invoice reminders after 30 days. The price book of materials allows the company to cost jobs accurately, quickly search for materials and access up-to-date prices from trusted suppliers. Fergus also shows profit margins, allowing custom markups and making client communication easy by scheduling meetings, setting reminders, sending confirmations, and notifying changes or delays to customers. A particular highlight for Baltic Electric was the immediate support Fergus provided. The team benefited from the tailored forms offered by Fergus, simplifying the creation of digital risk assessments and client satisfaction documents, and eliminating the paper trail mayhem. With all vital data centralised on a singular platform, accessing critical information is hassle-free. For the team at Baltic Electric, implementing Fergus has transformed day-to-day operations.

Edwin James Group drives growth with strategic acquisition

Edwin James Group, an engineering services provider, has completed the acquisition of Automated Control Solutions Holdings, its subsidiaries Automated Control Solutions and ACS Electrical Engineering, together trading as ACS. The deal will expand Edwin James' digitalisation offering, growing its systems integration and OT automation capacity. Staff members will be retained, including the leadership team, who will work closely with group CEO Christopher Kehoe and EJ Peak Technology Solutions Executive Director, Michael Thomas, to integrate the business. The strategic acquisition further strengthens Edwin James' process engineering capabilities and provides additional capacity to support customers' sustainability, digital and energy transitions. As part of the buy-and-build strategy, it positions the Edwin James Group for further growth. Established in 1998, Burton-based ACS is a control systems integration services provider that delivers services across two divisions: Systems Integration and Electrical Engineering. The business specialises in software and electrical-based control solutions for the manufacturing sector, focusing on working with large corporate customers in the food and beverage, brewing and liquid processing industries. Commenting on the deal, Christopher Kehoe, CEO at Edwin James Group, says, "ACS is a business we have known and admired for some time, and we believe their blend of skills, knowledge and specialist experience is a perfect complementary fit for our business. With shared customers and a highly skilled team, ACS will enhance our existing industrial digital skillset. Following our successful funding round with Aliter Capital in February last year, we have been executing our buy-and-build growth strategy. ACS is a testament to our commitment to strategic expansion." Christopher continues, "ACS is a well-run business and I'm looking forward to working with Paul and the team to integrate ACS into the Group."

Energy crisis drives the adoption of smart technology

UK homeowners are turning to smart home technology to reduce their energy bills, according to a new report from Drayton and Schneider Electric.    The study of 2,000 British homeowners found that almost 74% have adapted their behaviour over the last 12 months to use less energy during the energy crisis, with 26% of people measuring or tracking their energy usage and 14% investing in a smart thermostat to control their heating, both to reduce energy bills.    The most popular smart technology devices, smart thermostats and smart energy monitors rank highly in the UK (second and third respectively), beaten only by voice assistants.    In addition, UK homeowners made a series of more traditional changes to their lifestyle and behaviours to decrease their energy consumption, with 52% of respondents lowering the temperature of their heating at home and 41% limiting their usage of hot water.    The findings form part of Schneider Electric’s global study of more than 9,000 homeowners, tracking their attitudes and behaviour towards energy efficiency and sustainability. The energy crisis dominated the survey's results, particularly when looking at UK homeowners' top concerns, with energy efficiency ranking first (+14 points year-on-year). The study found that British homeowners are concerned about reducing their energy use, so much so that they are willing to invest an average of around £1,250 in energy efficiency measures in the next 12 months.   The research also showed that smart technology users were twice as optimistic about achieving net zero ambitions, compared to those who are yet to invest. 51% of the UK's population believe it is important for homes to become more sustainable but levels of optimism around achieving this have fallen compared to the 2021 survey results.    Jeremy Palmer, General Director at Drayton, comments, “A real positive of this study was just how many UK homeowners (71%) believe it is important to reduce their carbon footprint. However, it is concerning to see the impact of the energy crisis and it is shocking to hear that 43% of UK homeowners would sacrifice their comfort in an attempt to reduce energy use and keep bills down.    “It is clear that more needs to be done to educate homeowners about the cost-effective ways they can improve their energy consumption without having to make these sacrifices. For instance, by upgrading their heating system with the introduction of smart thermostats and multi-zoning, homeowners can still enjoy a warm home, without having to overspend by heating empty rooms. Whilst 34% of respondents consider smart technology an easy way to reduce energy use, there continues to be an opportunity here for installers to educate and help customers implement energy-saving measures that will have an immediate and tangible impact on their bills, without compromising comfort.''