Global citizens and scientists shine hope on how to achieve net zero

Following four months of international collaboration between academics, business, civil society and citizens across the globe, the COP26 Futures We Want project, has unveiled shining hope for an achievable, beneficial, resilient and desirable global net zero future for nations across the world. Bridging the gap between scientific evidence and citizen insight through a series of virtual workshops, this global project commissioned ahead of the UK’s COP Presidency, brought together young people, indigenous and rural communities, civil society, business and industry from across six regions of the world, using world-class research and evidence to envision their priorities, hopes and desires for their future. Including communities from the UK, Jamaica, Brazil, Kenya, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and India, this COP26 flagship science and innovation programme explored diverse perspectives and solutions to the day-to-day impacts of climate change such as electricity generation, agriculture, waste and water management, building design, reforestation and ocean conservation. The global group of citizens explored the range of net zero and resilience solutions that exist across the world, and recognised how achieving this future would bring wide-ranging opportunities and benefits such as the creation of new jobs, improving our health and quality of life, and securing sustainable food and water supplies. These visions, which will be showcased at COP26, highlight achievable and desirable solutions to climate change, and celebrate international collaboration and science and innovation, ensuring these are at the heart of November’s COP26 negotiations. For example, the Arabian Peninsula’s vision for a resilient, net zero future welcomes the development of green deserts, improved water security, seawater greenhouses and solar thermal power generation. Brazil’s vision showcases the need for innovative businesses that harness and celebrate the Amazon’s biodiversity, and agroecology practices that increase yields and make crops more climate resilient. India’s vision harnesses the country’s best assets to power its homes with solar energy and use nature-based solutions, like wetland waste systems, to supply communities with clean water, while Jamaica envisions implementing world-leading natural protection from hurricanes and floods through restored reefs and mangrove coastal swamps to protect its citizens and the environment. The United Kingdom’s vision makes the most of its resources as a coastal nation, championing its role as part of a global net zero community that trades with and learns from other nations, always with a focus on sustainable business. Kenya’s vision sees solar powered drip irrigation systems, greater use of indigenous crops, and health systems that can withstand climate change and remain accessible for all. As holders of this year’s G7 and COP26 Presidency, today’s launch builds on the Government’s promise to lead both the UK and the nations of the world in supporting a just, global transition to a climate-resilient, net-zero future - one that unleashes green jobs, cleaner air and increasing prosperity, without harming the planet and intensifying impacts of climate change. With just two months to go until the COP26 conference in Glasgow the COP Presidency is committed to working together with the nations of the world to build back greener, secure a global net zero and keep 1.5 degrees within reach.

Construction receives financial boost during pandemic

New analysis from Powered Now has revealed that the home improvement boom experienced during lockdown has seen sales for SMEs in construction during 2021 increase by 35%, compared to those in 2020. Figures from almost a quarter of a million invoices recorded by 915 trade SMEs has shown that the average invoice value in 2021 is 6% higher than those recorded in 2020, with sales for the first 8 months of 2021 amounting £111 million, compared to the £82 million recorded for the same period last year. What is particularly intriguing from the data is the continual increase of the average value for invoices throughout 2021. Originally prescribed to the national lockdowns witnessed in the Spring of 2020 and Winter of 2021, the explosion of home improvements have continued to become more valuable throughout the summer months. Usually a quieter period for the trades, the significance of this increase is further emphasised by the growth that has continued past 'Freedom Day', with the average value of an invoice amounting to £1,233, reaching total monthly sales of £15.1 million, making August near the highest month for deal flow in 2021, second only to March. Ben Dyer, CEO of Powered Now, comments on the analysis: "Since the reopening of the construction sector after the very first lockdown in 2020, there has been an unprecedented boom period. Sales in 2020 surpassed those in 2019, which was totally unexpected as we learnt how to deal with the pandemic. "2021 by all accounts has taken us all by surprise even further. Starting the year with an equally restrictive lockdown didn't dent the appetite of the British public for home improvements, and even the very well documented shortages of labour and materials couldn't deter Brits from going on a renovation bonanza. "The knock-on effect of this golden year for tradespeople has meant that the trade has become a hugely popular sector for job seekers, and we're seeing training courses becoming over-subscribed as education centres are inundated with new apprentices." If you would like to speak with Ben further on the analysis above, or would like to see a full and detailed breakdown of the data, please do let me know.

Eplan Platform 2022- experience the new look and feel

It’s finally here – the new Eplan Platform 2022. And with it, solutions provider Eplan is heralding the future of electrotechnical engineering, with a focus on ease of use for both experienced users and for newcomers to the software. The intuitive user interface, based on use concepts most will already be familiar with, offers a high degree of recognition and improves the user experience at the same time. The new Eplan Platform is now ready for launch and includes a newly designed user interface, improved workflows and many additional functions in connection with complementary cloud services. Overall, the new engineering software is characterised by its ease of use and high performance. This can be seen in the integrated ribbon bars, the Backstage View users may recognise from many other established software solutions, and significantly improved user ergonomics. The new, more intuitive user interface takes its cues from common international user concepts, making it easy to get started with the software. Workflows in the age of digitalisation The Eplan developers also really focused on the topic of workflows and designed the software to improve collaboration along the industrial value chain. This is because CAE solutions such as the Eplan Platform are something like a company’s “backbone” in engineering and product development. They are typically very deeply integrated into the customers’ infrastructure and strategy, and are planned years ahead on the investment side of things. So one of the clear goals as the company was developing the Eplan Platform 2022 was optimising data exchange between the individual stakeholders in companies’ ecosystems. Cloud applications such as Eplan eBuild, eManage (now also available in a full version), and eView provide additional impetus for completely new forms of collaboration in the context of the Eplan Platform. The added value of the new cloud-based software solutions enables greatly improved cooperation between companies and their customers, partners and suppliers. Tested and put through its paces Electrical Designer, Markus Sommer at J. Wagner GmbH is convinced of the new user interface. He says “The uniform user guidance in the new Eplan Platform 2022, based on established concepts from today’s working world, really makes it easy to quickly get started with the software, especially for new employees. The myriad functions that Eplan offers are well structured and clearly arranged, and the integrated ribbon technology is just fun to use.” Sometimes the added value can be found in the details, as it is for Eplan Administrator Michael Noack at KSV, a control cabinet manufacturer in Koblenz, Germany. One of Noack’s responsibilities is maintaining the master data. He took a very deep dive into the Eplan Platform 2022 as a beta tester and for him, the new device management functions is a clear step forward: it now allows all a device’s properties to be saved depending on the variant. “The technical properties can now be depicted with more variation and greater precision in the new Eplan Platform 2022,” he explains. “With routing, for example, it is now possible to correctly map auxiliary contact blocks of contactors whose connection change their physical position depending on the substructure.” As a result, the connection diagram is even more precise and aside from simplifying the electrical engineering, it also makes the later routing within the control cabinet even easier.

LEDVANCE introduces complete package for road and parking lighting

LEDVANCE has extended its range of LED luminaires, advanced LED lamps, intelligent smart home and smart building solutions, introducing a complete package for road and parking lighting. Available with two beam angles, three light colours and seven LED configurations, the Streetlight Flex range from LEDVANCE offers a matching solution across a wide variety of applications. These include parking areas and motorised traffic areas (M class), conflict areas (C class) and pedestrian and low speed areas (P class), according to the European road lighting standards (DIN) EN 13201. Delivering 1650lm to 24450lm, the LED lamps are available in colour temperatures of 27000K, 3000K and 4000K with efficiency ratings up to 155lm/W. The Streetlight Flex family provides energy-saving solutions across a wide variety of applications where uniform light distribution is crucial, whether for streets, car parks or outdoor urban areas. Options include small, medium and large luminaires, all with a choice of two uniform light distribution patterns. Models RW25ST are designed for normal roads with single side placement, 1m overhang and up to 10 degrees incline of the luminaire head. These units provide ideal illumination for rectangular parking areas in front of the pole, whilst the RW35ST version enables two-sided installation with offset luminaires, and cares for dual carriageway roads up to 17m wide using 10m poles. These deliver a square illumination footprint ideal for carpark installations and area lighting. The Streetlight Flex range allows mounting the luminaires in either a side-entry or post-top positioning. There is the additional option of adjusting the luminaire head’s angle by +/–15° without opening the luminaire. Additional possibilities include adapters for 76mm diameter poles and reduction adapters for 46mm cantilever arm masts. Installation is extremely easy, and the mains connector box provided ensures tool-free, fast and convenient installation. LEDVANCE lighting solutions come in environmentally friendly cardboard packaging with all relevant product information immediately visible on the outside of the box.

£2.2 million power upgrade to bring Silvertown Tunnel to life

Investment is underway on a £2.2 million cable diversion project that will help bring about the new Silvertown Tunnel in East London. UK Power Networks has been liaising with local stakeholders and is now working to dig and install new cable routes and joint bays that will ensure a new crossing between East and South-East London, easing pressure on the Blackwall Tunnel. As regeneration continues in parts of East and South-East London for areas like the Greenwich Peninsula, Royal Docks and Barking Riverside, UK Power Networks is working in partnership with its alliance of contractors to support the increased need for energy in future, across these busy hotspots. The new cables will be connected to the existing network, securing the future growth of the area which is expected to be home to new houses and businesses. The tunnel is expected to open in 2025. Joshua Alderdice, project manager at UK Power Networks, says: “This is a major investment in the infrastructure for London. The Silvertown tunnel will help us to improve air quality, reduce congestion and we are future-proofing the electricity network by modernising the equipment which will now deliver power to the tunnel, plus local homes and businesses.” UK Power Networks delivers electricity to more than eight million homes, schools, hospitals and businesses across London, the South East and East of England. The company invests more than £600 million annually in maintaining and improving electricity networks. The majority of London’s electricity infrastructure is hidden underground, including over 36,000 kilometres of cabling.

Catalogue launch for popular product suppliers, Niglon

A family brand with decades of experience in the electrical industry is set to release its latest catalogue. Niglon customers will be able to access printed and digital versions of the new document from October 2021 to see up-to-date information and pricing on more than 4,500 products. The Midlands-based firm, which supplies wholesalers the length and breadth of the UK, specialises in seven core product categories: cable management, control and automation, circuit protection, wiring accessories, industrial accessories, fixings and tools, and general lighting. Among its most popular products are its switches and sockets – including the Median range from which 10% of the profits go to the Electrical Industries Charity to help support those in need. Commenting on the launch, Commercial Director Paul Dawson says: “Our priority is always our customers and that’s why keeping prices as low as possible is our primary aim – as this then enables wholesalers to pass this affordability on to the contractors who purchase Niglon products from them.”

600,000 jobs at risk from government inaction on reaching net zero

The TUC has warned that up to 660,000 jobs could be at risk if the UK fails to transition to net zero as fast as other nations. The analysis identifies jobs that, unless government acts now, could be moved offshore to countries that offer superior green infrastructure and greater support for decarbonising industry. Published just two months before the UK hosts the United Nations Climate Conference, the jobs at risk identified by the analysis include: 259,700 jobs at direct risk in manufacturing sectors 407,100 supply chain jobs at secondary risk across the UK economy The TUC warns that workers and their families in the UK’s industrial heartlands are particularly at risk. A breakdown of the analysis shows that the regions with the most direct jobs at risk are North West (39,100), Yorkshire and the Humber (36,900) and West Midlands (31,300). The region with the least direct jobs at risk is London (8,100). The analysis is based on data from the ONS and Catapult Energy Systems, which is funded by government through Innovate UK, the UK’s innovation agency. Risk by manufacturing sector The TUC estimates that in industry across Britain the number of jobs at direct risk from offshoring could be as high as 260,000. Broken down by sector, this includes: 26,900 jobs in iron and steel 41,000 jobs in glass and ceramics 63,200 jobs in chemicals 18,000 jobs in textiles 79,000 jobs in rubber and plastics 15,500 jobs in paper, pulp and printing 7,800 jobs in refineries 7,400 jobs in wood products 900 jobs in cement and lime Jobs at risk in supply chains The union body says that in addition to factory and plant jobs being under threat from offshoring, many more are at risk in UK supply chains. The TUC estimates that up to 407,000 jobs in Britain’s supply chains could be affected if the government fails to speed up the UK’s transition to a low carbon economy. These include jobs in construction, producing and maintaining industrial machinery, transport, and trade. And it brings the total number of jobs at risk to 660,000. Falling behind other countries Research published by the TUC in June found that the UK is second last among G7 economies for its investment in green infrastructure and jobs. While the UK Treasury is barely investing £180 per person on green recovery and jobs over the next decade, President Biden plans to allocate over £2,960 per person on green recovery, jobs and programmes like public transport, electric vehicles and energy efficiency retrofits. Scaled by population, the UK’s green recovery investment is just a quarter (24%) of France, a fifth (21%) of Canada, and 6% of the USA. Action needed to save jobs The TUC is calling on the government to action the recommendations of the Green Jobs Taskforce in full, and for an £85 billion green recovery package to create 1.24 million green jobs. In addition, the TUC has repeated its calls for a permanent short-time working scheme to help protect working people through periods of future industrial change. It would make a crucial difference by acting as a bridge for workers in jobs and industries under threat from offshoring during the global transition to net zero. The union body says such a scheme would give UK workers similar protection to workers in 23 OECD countries that already have this type of scheme, including Germany, Japan and many US states. And it would produce significant savings on redundancy, training and hiring costs, and enable firms to keep skilled staff on their books.

CityFibre gets to work on the digital foundations of Norwich with investment

Work to bring full fibre connectivity within reach of almost every home and business in Norwich started this month as CityFibre broke ground on a new infrastructure roll out that will futureproof the city’s digital needs for generations to come. Construction of the £50m Norwich-wide full fibre network started in the Catton Grove area and is being delivered by Telec Networks on behalf of CityFibre. The first streets include those in and around Bullard Road, Woodcock Road, Palmer Road, Jewson Road, Aylsham Road and Weston Road. The team will use a range of construction methods while working in close partnership with Norwich City Council and Norfolk County Council to deliver a fast rollout while minimising potential disruption. Each area will usually take a few weeks to complete, however, construction teams will typically only be outside each home for a few days and CityFibre will be in touch by mail ahead of any work starting. The overall project is expected to take around three years to complete. As the network is completed in each neighbourhood, internet service providers (ISPs) will ‘light them up’ with some of the fastest and best value broadband packages available in the country. In Norwich services will be available from an increasing range of broadband providers including Air Broadband, InTouch Systems, and Giganet. Across the UK, CityFibre is already working with launch partner Vodafone to supply full fibre infrastructure for customers on selected Vodafone Pro Broadband plans, while TalkTalk and other providers are expected to join the network soon. Speaking of the project, Charles Kitchin, CityFibre’s City Manager for Norwich, comments: “I’m immensely excited and proud to see work getting underway in Norwich. This is the start of a new chapter for the city as it gets ready to thrive in the digital age. It’s important to remember that any short-term disruption will pay off tremendously in the long-term. Once the network’s built, it will serve the community’s connectivity needs for decades to come.” Full fibre networks, unlike many of the copper-based ‘fibre broadband’ services available today, use 100% fibre optic cables to carry data at light speed all the way from the home to the point of connection. This gives users speeds of up to 1,000 Mbps for upload and download, near limitless bandwidth and connectivity users can depend on. A full fibre connection also goes far beyond simply enabling access to the latest entertainment at lightning speed. It will help keep family and friends connected in these uncertain times and support the increasing number of people who work from home. As an essential digital utility, full fibre boosts households and businesses alike, with experts saying it will drive a range of economic benefits, such as making us more productive and innovative. Cllr Alan Waters, Leader of Norwich City Council, says: “Full fibre broadband is essential to the future of Norwich – for residents, businesses and those that are in education here. Investment in the city’s digital future is paramount to achieving one of the five key ambitions in our 2040 vision for the city: a connected city. “We have seen the importance of broadband during the pandemic to health services, education and businesses and this infrastructure will ensure that no-one is left behind. “This project is key as we seek to restore the local economy and support local businesses as part of our key priorities in our COVID-19 recovery plan.” CityFibre is bringing full fibre connectivity within reach of up to 8 million homes in towns and cities across the UK as part of its up to £4 billion Gigabit City Investment Programme.

Lutron brings the Athena architectural lighting solution to the global market

Lutron Electronics brings the Athena architectural solution to global applications. Athena is a simple, flexible, all-in-one solution that elevates everyday experiences with the magic of light. The system marries best-in-class control, unparalleled flexibility, and simple app-based setup in a lighting control solution that is optimal for both new construction and retrofits and is ideally suited to handle the evolving needs of commercial spaces. Especially now, as commercial spaces are rethinking occupancy patterns and ease of use, Athena is built to meet today’s uncharted design challenges while delivering flexibility for the future. [gallery ids="26936,26938,26937"] Key features include: Universal fixture control – control all load types from a single product with no minimum load requirements. A right-sized processor accommodates design and budget in both small and large spaces with no limit to the number of DALI zones – ideal for intimate restaurants, art galleries and museums, and hotel public areas. Designed for seamless integration of lights and blinds to deliver a beautiful lighting environment. Simple-to-use, mobile iOS application for real-time programming and personalisation including features such as fade times adjustable to up to four hours Seamless API integration to building management systems for centralised monitoring and control. Athena is designed to deliver quality light, natural light, a connection to the outdoors, and control options that are focused on enhancing the human experience. “Across the globe, building design and customer expectations are changing to reflect a more human centric lighting experience. As designers and business owners navigate new challenges, Athena offers a solution that supports the human experience and celebrates nuances in design and culture. For today’s lighting designs, flexibility and simplicity are paramount. Athena is built with this in mind,” says Olivier Perrigueur, Vice President and General Manager, Commercial Business at Lutron. Seamless integration  Most people spend their days under static light that doesn’t change. Athena invites architects and designers to change this paradigm, to extend dynamic natural light deep into the built environment, far beyond the window’s reach. Athena brings the full power of tuneable white, DALI Type 8 fixtures to the designer's fingertips. With best-in-class fade times, and independent control of colour temperature and intensity – from 100% to 0.1% – create perfect harmony between interior light and natural daylight. Customisation made easy Athena expands opportunities for beautiful light in elegant spaces. Customise lighting designs with warm dimming and tuneable white control. The simple, mobile app enables dimming to 0.1% light with precision fine-tuning in 1% light level increments for visual presentation and aesthetics that are unique in each space. Customised controls are also available to meet the needs of occupants and visitors alike – touchless, responsive options like occupancy and daylight sensors or timeclock control, individual Pico remote controls and luxury aesthetics such as Palladiom keypads, or the all-new Athena Touchscreen, and mobile app integration ensure the right options for each space. Right-sized processor  Athena processors allow the system to scale easily, making Athena systems as good for small architectural spaces such as restaurants, museums and boutiques, as they are for large, open-plan office spaces and corporate headquarters. Featuring a compact, small form-factor, the Athena processor can be discretely tucked away and takes up very little real estate on the wall For special events, lighting adjustments can be made quickly without affecting system pre-sets

‘Systemic change’ needed in lighting industry to adopt circular economy

The lighting industry needs a systemic change if it is to fully adopt circular principles and practices. That was the conclusion of a gathering of lighting designers and industry executives in a special webinar on ‘The specifier’s role in the circular economy’ organised by the WEEE compliance body Recolight. Manufacturers will have to reassess their business models for a time when reuse of products is normalised; designers will have to reconcile the inherent conflicts in creating a high quality interior that’s demountable and reusable; and clients will have to challenge the traditional take-make-waste consumption of building and refurbishment projects. New business models – such as specialist ‘remanufacturing’ firms which upgrade, test, sell and warranty reused lighting products – will also be created. Chaired by Ray Molony, head of content at the Build Back Better Awards, the panel included Bob Bohannon, head of policy and academy of the Lighting Industry Federation; Kristina Allison, senior lighting designer at Atkins and chair of the SLL’s education committee; Mark Ridler, head of lighting at BDP; Sophie O’Rourke, Intermediate lighting designer at Nulty+ and founding member of the Green Light Alliance; Bruce Weil, co-owner of the independent practice Lighting Design Studio; and Nigel Harvey, the CEO of Recolight. Weil said the retail lighting sector especially needed to reconsider its lighting practices. “It’s a real outlier” he told the audience. “It’s wedded to extremely high illuminance levels and energy use and when we come to offset the carbon in our projects, it’s a real standout. “As the climate crisis evolves our role as lighting designers will potentially become even more critical but I think we are far from any kind of standardised approach.”