Innovations

Construction procurement gets a dose of the future

2013-05-20T07:53:49Z

As providers of construction-specific accounting software, we’re often given the chance to witness innovations in the construction world when they are still in their early stages. Recently, we have played witness to a number of small revolutions affecting the ways in which accounts within the construction industry are managed.

The financial year began with changes in legislation that required firms to report payroll information in real time to HMRC, a movement expected to result in greater confusion and workloads for accountants, but which actually negates the onerous task of end-of-year reports. Now a new innovation is making waves in another part of the market: that of using Twitter to source suitable materials and manufacturers.

‘SpecifiedBy’ gives building products specifiers the chance to use the hashtag #socialspec to crowdsource recommendations for new products, materials and manufacturers. Its founder, Darren Lester, believes the social network/crowdsourced approach has the potential to become a ‘useful; modern tool for the construction industry that could lead to changes in the way building products are specified.’

Integrity Software’s Marketing Manager Richard Boston heralded the service as an innovative use of social media for the construction industry: ‘Whilst currently the facility seems to largely service smaller firms, in time, there could well be an appetite for larger construction firms to buy other products in this way.’

‘Such an open format for buyers and sellers to connect is likely to have a great impact on related costs for such products and services. It would be interesting to see how firms who take up the use of such innovative buying means track these differences through their construction accounting software.’

A Tenth of Engineers Have to Work While They Commute

2013-05-18T12:00:00Z

Written by Randstad Construction Property and Engineering

Five years ago just one in twenty engineers had to work while they commuted A tenth (11%) of engineers say they would not be able to perform their job effectively unless the worked while they commuted each day according to specialist recruiter Randstad Construction Property & Engineering.

The research of over 2,000 Brits on commuting habits across different employment sectors found that a tenth of engineers have to work while they travel. In 2008, just one in twenty engineers (4.5%) said they worked while they commuted.

The engineering sector currently faces a skills shortage due to a combination of low graduate numbers, and demand from overseas for UK engineering talent. This shortage has put strain on those engineers employed in the UK and is resulting in an increased pressure to work while on the move.

Across the engineering sector, 17% of workers feel they could work while they commute but choose not to.

Owen Goodhead, managing director of Randstad Construction Property & Engineering, said: “Engineers are some of the most spread thin professionals in the UK workforce. Having to do more with less resource has increased staff workloads and left engineers feeling they are working the equivalent of a seven and a half day week. It’s little wonder there has been a rise in the number of working while they travel. Being able to relax and unwind at home is vital for the long-term health of the profession. Engineers extending their work-day into travel time enables them to get additional work done without it leaking too much into their work/life balance.”

Engineers also have some of the longest average daily commuting times and distances compared to any other industry. On average, engineers travel a total of 21.4 miles a day. This is higher than the wider UK average of 18.5 miles. The average time spent commuting each day by engineers currently stands at under 47 minutes – six minutes more than the UK average of 41 minutes.

The distance that engineers travel each day has risen over the last five years, up from an average of 18 miles per day in 2008. Despite longer distances, the average time spent commuting each day by engineers has stayed relatively stable over the last five years with a slight fall from 48 minutes in 2008 to 47 minutes now.

How to survive in modern construction

2013-05-15T14:25:23Z

Written by.....FDC Construction

As the construction sector continues its 34-month long slump, successful Australian owned business FDC Construction & Fitout, credits its growth on specialising in leading edge technology projects that demand a high skill set and teamwork to mitigate risk.

Focusing on sectors that are seen as significant growth markets, including data centres, specialised commercial buildings and technology rich corporate offices, FDC has managed to continue its prosperity in the tough industry climate.

“By concentrating our efforts in those sectors that have been robust in the past five years, not only has FDC managed to double in size, but we have been able to provide employment opportunities to those that have been left jobless by the downfall of other large construction companies,” FDC Managing Director, Ben Cottle says.

Data centre development has surged in the past five to ten years as digital reliance increases across every industry. With the latest engineering across electrical, data, communications and security, plus innovative building techniques and design, these facilities store the booming information linked to our modern lifestyles and business. Whilst some of FDC’s projects are refurbishments of ageing but operational data centres, most are new developments for private or institutional clients.

With an impressive portfolio of data centres, one of the largest in Australia, FDC has relied on their internal skill and experience to underpin this sector success, plus the collaboration with intelligent clients and consultants. Innovative design, procurement and building techniques have seen improvements in space efficiency, flexibility, security, capacity, and cost and construction cycle.

Similarly, some commercial buildings that FDC are delivering are technology rich, which allows them to offer integrated fitouts during construction and dramatically reduce delivery times, whilst ensuring the technical needs will be fully and professionally managed. The most recent examples of this include FoxSports, Thales and Vistaprint. Workplace design is also evolving, so technology is a pivotal part of those projects.

“At FDC, we have focused our energies on sectors where we can honestly say we are leaders and innovators. This delivers a lower risk, more streamlined outcome for the client and wider project team. This has been, and will continue to be, the seed for growth in this struggling economy.” says Ben.

Welsh assembly pledges £75 milliion construction boost

2013-05-14T10:08:39Z

A £76 million package designed at creating new jobs and skills in construction for Wales has been announced today.

It builds on the Wales Infrastructure Investment Plan for Growth and Jobs, which was released in May 2012, and it is hoped around 1,400 employment opportunities will be created off the back of the scheme.

Central to the initiative is maximising the use of reduced capital budgets and the money is going to be used in various sectors that will help the economy. Some £30 million has been set aside to increase housing supply, while £25 million has been earmarked for an investment scheme in education that will further accelerate the 21st Century Schools Programme.

The construction industry is set to be the biggest winner, as a significant number of jobs will be created thanks to the series of building works being undertaken. Speaking about the initiative, finance minister Jane Hutt said it means "every Welsh pound is used to boost jobs and growth".

"The main benefits of investment are gained over the long term. But in present circumstances, the jobs created in constructing new infrastructure are vitally important and this latest package is expected to support around 1,400 jobs during the construction phase," she added.

Ms Hutt stated the investment is a clear statement of the government's determination to stimulate growth and encourage more economic activity. By doing so, Wales hopes it will be able to buck the trend of poor growth seen in the UK as a whole.

Indeed, the Confederation of British Industry Wales has reported the Welsh economy is growing. Emma Watkins, director of the organisation, told the BBC the nation will see a steady improvement towards the end of the year and this is expected to continue into 2014.

She pointed out many companies in the country are performing well and this should act as a sign of things to come as more investment in announced.

SeaOrbiter puts sea exploration back on the agenda

2013-05-08T13:47:55Z

The dream of enigmatic French architect Jacques Rougerie will begin its path to realisation this year as the fabled ‘SeaOrbiter’ goes into production.

Described as the ‘ultimate’ sea vessel for the continued exploration and observation of the world’s oceans, the SeaOrbiter will stand 27 metres above sea level whilst simultaneously being submerged for a further 31 metres below the waterline.

Weighing approximately 500 tonnes of recycled aluminium, the SeaOrbiter will scour the seas guided by the path of the current, but also has a small propulsion system.

Undoubtedly revolutionary in its concept, the vehicle will allow a team of scientists to permanently observe the oceans as it drifts around the world; something that has not yet been realised. It also functions on a sustainable basis by using the energy of the sea to power itself.

Further to this, the SeaOrbiter will include the world’s first submerged astronaut training facility, where 6-8 astronauts will be able to experience the depths of space in the confines of the depths of the ocean.

“SeaOrbiter has a multi-level atmospheric pressure module and a pressurised module. The latter is open undersea, allowing the 6 to 8 aquanauts to live permanently at the heart of the ocean and to have immediate access to the marine world. The lock chamber connects with the atmospheric pressure upper decks housing the crewmembers in charge of logistics and responsible for preparing supplies for the aquanauts,” the SeaOrbiter team said.

Going rogue

Jacques Rogerie is an outspoken French architect and the brains behind the SeaOrbiter project. Considering himself a ‘worthy descendent of Captain Nemo and Jules Verne,’ Rogerie has certainly turned some heads with his colossal boat.

“The ambition of the vessel is undoubted and should be applauded for its goals; ultimately the increase in human knowledge and learning in Oceanography,” Rogerie said of the project.

Having an extensive and impressive back catalogue of aquatic architecture including the Pavillion of the Sea in Kobe, Japan and the Museum of Underwater Archeology in Alexandria, Egypt, the SeaOrbiter has been a part of Rogerie’s plans for the past 30 years.

Making a splash

The project has attracted considerable attention from media and educational outlets, and its business partners include Rolex (who will be keen to see its watches keep ticking 31 meters down) and National Geographic. To ensure that interest in the vessel continues during its life, a multitude of onboard cameras will capture the ocean outside and relay the video on a continuous stream, and it is hoped capture the imaginations and hearts of the next generation of land-loving oceanographers.

Having excelled in testing stages and come through a series of prototypal considerations, the SeaOrbiter is nearing construction readiness.

The SeaOrbiter team said: With our diverse range of technical and industrial partners we have carried out a wide ranging design and modelling tests. For example from our tank tests on a 1:15 scale model at Marintek in Norway, we have developed better sea keeping qualities in the stabiliser disk and keel and have improved the propulsion system. In this development process we have also enlarged the interior spaces, resulting in modifications to the thickness of the disk and the height of the vessel.

The SeaOrbiter is coming to an ocean near you, and you can’t miss it.

Global Glass conference draws star performers

2013-05-08T08:17:34Z

Scott Thomsen, president of Guardian Industries Global Flat Glass Group, will engage the global glass technorati in an opening speech at Glass Performance Days Finland June 11-15 in Tampere. In addition, Guardian technologists and scientists will present a wide variety of technical papers and glass industry innovations.

Thomsen, who oversees the worldwide operations of Guardian’s flat glass manufacturing, marketing, distribution and product development, will discuss the challenges facing the glass industry and propose solutions for reconstructionist strategic thinking to create new demand for glass.

Glass Performance Days, the world’s largest technology and innovation conference for the glass industry, occurs biannually in Finland. The 2013 event, with a theme of Glass Technology, Design and Sustainability, will focus on glass architecture and the environmental impact of buildings. It is being held at the Sorsapuistosali in the center of Tampere.

Before being named president in 2011, Thomsen was group vice president of Guardian’s North American flat glass operations and chief technology officer for the company’s Science & Technology Center. Prior to joining Guardian in 1999, Thomsen was vice president of engineering and fabrication operations at Optical Imaging Systems Inc. He also held engineering, management and research and development positions at Honeywell Space and Aviation and GM-Hughes Electronics. Thomsen has authored over 40 publications and holds more than 60 patents in the areas of displays, sensors, coated glass and glass materials.

Guardian team members are also presenting during the conference, which includes 180 presentations and 20 workshops. Guardian’s Brent Boyce from the company’s Science & Technology Center (STC) will chair a technology session on advanced glass coatings that includes a joint presentation with Intermolecular, Inc. Marcus Frank from Guardian Europe will also present during this session. In addition, participants can review the latest glass innovations at the Glass Expo product exhibition.

Laing O'Rourke tops CRS list in Construction

2013-05-07T16:06:04Z

Laing O’Rourke has been awarded platinum status in Business in the Community’s Corporate Responsibility Index, with an overall score of 98 per cent.

The index assesses the effectiveness of participants’ sustainability agendas – and the degree to which these are embedded within core business processes.

Being a ‘platinum business’ means Laing O’Rourke has demonstrated a structured approach to the management of socioeconomic and environmental issues – with clear accountabilities at both board and operational level. It also denotes robust data collection systems that point to year-on-year improvement – and a commitment to open and transparent reporting.

Laing O’Rourke last entered the CR Index in 2011, when we achieved a silver ranking and a score of 85 per cent.

There were significant improvements across the board this year – notably in relation to our environmental impact, where we scored 100 per cent (up from 82 per cent in 2011). This was largely due to a reduction in carbon emissions and construction waste, along with an increased use of responsibly sourced materials. Our approach to community management also received top marks (100 per cent up from 97 per cent).

“This achievement is a credit to everyone at Laing O’Rourke,” said Paul Lynchehaun, Director of Health, Safety and Sustainability. “I want to thank our project teams in particular. Their commitment to drive performance improvements where it matters most - through our core delivery activities - is borne out in this impressive result.

“Additionally, there has been a considerable amount of work undertaken at corporate level to fine tune our approach to sustainability. This has resulted in a range of long-term targets, which we’ll be formally rolling out in the coming months.

“The new framework has been developed by our hub and regional sustainability steering committees, who will be reviewing the lessons learned through this recent exercise to ensure an even better result next time.”

KBR seals deal on next-gen production facility

2013-05-05T11:17:29Z

KBR today announced it was awarded a contract by INVISTA, a global nylon producer, to provide construction services for their next-generation manufacturing technology production facility located in Orange, Texas.

As the world of manufacturing and production facilities powers onwards, US based contractor KBR finds itself at the heart of the action. Having supported the development of a score of state of the art manufacturing facilities in the past few years, the company is now looking ahead towards innovating strategies which will keep the business, and its clients, at the very top of its game.

Under the contract, KBR will provide pre-construction and multi-discipline construction services for mechanical, equipment settings, structural steel, electrical and instrumentation.

“KBR is fully committed to supporting our client’s objective for the implementation of this new technology,” said Ivor Harrington, Group President, KBR Services. “We look forward to delivering superior performance on this milestone project and building on the valuable relationship with INVISTA.”

One WTC Observation Deck operators chosen

2013-05-04T12:00:00Z

The Port Authority Board of Commissioners today voted to approve the selection of nationally renowned Legends Hospitality, LLC (Legends) to develop and operate the observation deck at the top of One World Trade Center. The facility, called One World Observatory, will occupy floors 100-102 at the iconic structure.

The Board’s vote followed yesterday’s call from Governors Cuomo and Christie to endorse the award of a contract to Legends to bring a world-class observation deck to what will be the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere when it reaches its final height of 1776 feet.

The building is a joint venture between The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and The Durst Organization. The selection of Legends follows a rigorous competition that resulted in six proposals from nationally known companies. The Port Authority and Durst narrowed the list to three finalists in September 2012.

Legends is among the most heralded and established companies in sports and entertainment and is renowned for delivering a variety of services at premier venues including Yankee Stadium and Cowboys Stadium. The firm is owned by the New York Yankees, Dallas Cowboys, and the Checketts Partners Investment Fund.

In approving the project at today’s meeting, the Board noted the agreement provides significant private capital for the World Trade Center site without any additional Port Authority investment. The revenue will be a combination of fixed and variable rent, projected to be worth $875 million over the term of the 15-year lease. This transaction validates the agency’s long-standing plan to attract private capital and to continue to recoup the Port Authority’s substantial investment to rebuild the World Trade Center site.

“With today’s action we are once again leveraging private investment and expertise to ensure One World Trade Center serves as a center for jobs and commerce in our region,” said Port Authority Chairman David Samson. “Legends has extensive experience in managing some of the country’s most successful sports and entertainment venues, so we are confident that One World Observatory will become the most recognizable and visited attraction in New York City.”

“This strategic partnership with Legends will provide New Yorkers and people from around the globe with the opportunity to experience One World Trade Center as a symbol of America’s resolve to rebuild and come back stronger,” said Port Authority Vice Chairman Scott Rechler. “The project requires zero investment from the states or the Port Authority and will yield significant revenue during the life of the lease.”

“We look forward to working with Legends Hospitality, LLC at One World Trade Center,” said Jonathan (Jody) Durst, president of The Durst Organization. “The Observation deck will be one of the most exciting attractions in New York City and a terrific addition to Lower Manhattan.”

“We are extremely honored to be selected to develop and operate the One World Observatory,” said Dave Checketts, Chairman and CEO, Legends. “Our creative concept will provide an immersive, personal and memorable experience for all those who visit, evoking the strength, renewal and resilience that this iconic building stands for.”

One World Observatory will provide visitors with spectacular views of New York City and the surrounding region from above 1,250 feet. The 120,000 square foot facility is scheduled to open in early 2015. It will feature cutting-edge digital technology, dining options, a gift shop, special events space and the “See Forever” theater where visitors will learn about the building of One World Trade Center.

Visitors will board one of five dedicated state-of-the-art elevators that will be among the fastest lifts in the world to ascend to the top of the building in approximately 60 seconds. Admission to One World Observatory will be consistent with the cost of other similar world-class attractions and the venue will offer discounted rates to local school and community groups.

America's military engineers salute Balfour Beatty San Diego projects

2013-05-03T13:37:46Z

Balfour Beatty Construction received industry recognition from the the Society of American Military Engineers (SAME), San Diego Post and the San Diego Chapter of the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) for two projects in California.

The post was awarded in San Diego for the Special Operations Forces Combatant Crew Training Facility at NAB Coronado a “Project of Excellence” award in the Buildings and Structures Category during a special luncheon at the Holiday Inn on the Bay. This awards program recognizes outstanding project contributions and leadership by local SAME members in supporting the mission of the United States Armed Forces in the planning, design, and construction of regional military projects.

Furtther to this notable accolade, The CMAA, San Diego Chapter awarded Hemet High School in the Hemet Unified School District a “Project Achievement Award” in the Program Management / Buildings category during the organization’s Annual Awards Banquet held on April 25 at the Mission Valley Marriott in San Diego. This award recognizes excellence in the management of the construction process.

Consolidated Contractors launch Kazakh innovation centre

2013-05-02T10:26:55Z

CCC has launched, with the support of Kazakhstan Prime Minister Serik AKhmetov, the Technology and Innovation Centre of Excellence, in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry and new Technologies and Samruk-Kazyna.

The centre focuses on technology transfers matching the requirements of the country technology targets. Mr. Hani Akkawi, Managing Director of CCC said during the launch to the President: “CCC has been operating in Kazakhstan since 1998 supporting the country in different areas of construction. We have learnt a lot from this experience. We are committed to bringing to the country worldwide technologies that are not yet available and support them”. Mr. Bishimbayev, Vice Chair of Samruk Kazina, further added that “New Technologies supported by the centre will help develop more efficient operations in our group of companies”.

The centre will cover technologies ranging from Energy Efficiency, Information Technology, New Materials to Biotechnology and Mobile and Multi-media Technologies. The centre will act as an incubator supporting and coaching those companies to operate in Kazakhstan. Mr. Tuleushin, Vice-Minister of Industry and New Technologies said: “This centre will act as an accelerator of innovation development for Kazakhstan. We look forward to our collaboration with CCC in this topic”. The centre will be operated by CCC and Whiteshield Partners.

Lovell backs £8 million Liverpool homes scheme

2013-05-02T09:23:49Z

Affordable housing specialist Lovell is set to start work on an £8 million, 70-home development for social housing provider Riverside, at the site opposite Belle Vale Shopping centre in south-east Liverpool.

The scheme will include 42 apartments for the over-55s, 14 flats for affordable rent, and 12 flats and two bungalows for low-cost home ownership.

The new housing at the site off Childwall Valley Road will be completed in December 2014. In addition to creating much-needed new homes, the scheme will give local people opportunities for apprenticeship training through Riverside’s Springboard initiative.

Riverside’s project manager, Annette Dennett, says: “The over-55s’ scheme will provide a range of housing, from care and support for the elderly, to more independent living. The project is just one element of our much wider programme of regeneration of the Lee Valley area. We want to make sure that the accommodation doesn’t feel like an older persons’ housing scheme. This is a high-quality complex for people with varying levels of independence.”

Lovell regional director Nigel Yates says: “This scheme will create high-quality homes providing older residents with the opportunity to live independently whilst knowing that help is available should they need it. In addition, it will meet the demand for new affordable homes for rent locally as well as delivering homes for low-cost home ownership, enabling local people to take their first step on to the housing ladder.”

Bechtel ships out new cargo safety innovation

2013-05-01T08:26:16Z

American based construction and engineering firm Bechtel has announced its new research initiative aimed at improving the safety of mooring large cargo ships off the coast of West Africa.

The combination of heavy ocean swell, squalls and shallow coastlines can create unpredictable conditions which limit the number of dry bulkers that can be moored safely in the area. The results of this research aim to provide new mooring guidelines and systems, which will improve the transfer and transshipment of natural resources from the region.

Bechtel’s senior ports specialist, Marco Pluijm, announced the new research initiative at the ‘Smart Ports Seminar’ in Wageningen, Netherlands today. “The conditions in West Africa make it difficult to export natural commodities in newer vessels that are larger than the Panamax, which could be more cost-effective for dry bulk transport companies. We will identify ways to mitigate the high downtime effects and provide innovative off-shore mooring solutions, to make it safer and more efficient for operators wanting to use Capesize vessels for dry bulk”, said Pluijm, who chairs the new joint-industry project. This is an important initiative that will build on Bechtel-led research designed to improve shipping safety. In addition to this project, the company also chairs ROPES, a joint-industry initiative studying the effects of a ship’s wash on moored ships in ports.

The new three-year research project will start in the third quarter of 2013 and involve testing and data collection in Liberia, Guinea, Gabon or Cameroon as well as the Netherlands. The results will be used to create new recommendations for improved mooring of the largest vessels currently available, including Capesize and Very Large Ore Carriers. It will also provide a better understanding on potential applications of dynamic mooring systems and improved conditions for transshipment. Port authorities, maritime research institute representatives, pilots, linesmen, consultancies, and hardware suppliers will participate in the study

Bechtel is a global leader in the research, design and construction of port and marine projects. The company has successfully completed more than 80 port and marine projects across the world, 28 of these in the last decade. These include Jubail Port and Industrial City and Khalifa port and Kizad, which has the first semi-automated container terminal in the Middle East.

A dam sight safer than the rest

2013-04-29T14:29:47Z

The Deriner Dam is one of Europe’s largest, but also one of its safest due in no small part to an innovative hydraulics technique.

The dimensions of the Deriner Dam on the Coruh River in north-eastern Turkey are gigantic in every respect. Over 3.5 million cubic metres of concrete were poured into this 249 metre high and 720 metres long structure. Construction has been going on for ten years, with a budget that has grown to €1.5 billion.

The heart of this mammoth project is an underground hydroelectric power plant. Every year, four giant turbines will generate 2,100 gigawatt hours – the annual consumption of a big city.

“To achieve this power output, we will impound almost two billion litres of water,” explains Hilmi Kaplan, who is responsible for the electromechanical realisation at ERG Trade and Industry. Since the 1970s, this Turkish company has specialised in major infrastructure projects and is responsible for large portions of the dam construction. “Safety is naturally a top priority in any project of this size,” continues Kaplan. “The main risk for a dam is that the reservoir overflows, which would result in uncontrolled flooding. This could potentially be caused by earthquakes or extreme tides in the nearby Black Sea.”

Priority for safety

Two large tilting gates, which feature Rexroth drives, provide flood discharge capability. The gates divert surplus water into the basin at the foot of the dam via two artificial diversion tunnels.

“A total of 2,250 cubic metres per second can run off via these ducts,” Kaplan summarises. “That’s enough for a lot of situations. But if a ‘flood of the century’ should occur, we need many times this capacity.” For this reason, eight central outlet gates have been integrated into the main dam structure. These gates can handle an additional volume of around 7,000 cubic metres per second. The openings are arranged symmetrically in order that all eight water flows intersect just above the surface of the downstream basin. This reduces the impact of the outflowing water.

As a project partner of ERG Trade and Industry, Bosch Rexroth was responsible for the drive and control solution for the central outlet gates and the two tilting gates. The local branch office supported the conceptualisation, assembly and installation, together with specialists in Germany. “The great advantage for us was that we had just one partner for all flood discharge issues. In effect, we were supplied a turnkey system,” explains Kaplan.

The opening drives for the massive central outlet gates represented a major challenge for the design of the hydraulic drives. Each gate is 2.8 by 5.6 metres and weighs 24 tonnes. Despite this weight, the corresponding drives must work in parallel with a high degree of precision to ensure that the gates always open and close in sync. This causes the streams of water to meet above the basin, thus dissipating their energy. This is essential to prevent erosion of the valley walls and the undercutting of the dam.

The solution was to mount the drive cylinders of the central outlet gates vertically in the drives. In addition, the cylinders are made of lightweight special steel. “We were also subject to extreme constraints in the weight of the cylinder,” adds Kaplan. “Each component of the dam could only be lowered using a special cable crane with a load capacity of 30 tonnes.”

Delay-free synchronisation of all the gates is essential for efficiently opening and closing these additional flood discharge mechanisms as needed – but the sensor signals need to cover distances of up to 1,250 metres. “For this reason, a fibre optic network is used in the dam to transport each control command.” Like the central outlet gates, this network has also been installed and fully tested, so that the Deriner Dam can safely go into service in 2013.

Cut emmissions with one simple solar solution

2013-04-25T10:13:18Z

Firefly Solar has today announced the launch of its Cygnus Hybrid Power Generator (HPG). Similar to hybrid car technology, the Cygnus HPG connects to diesel generators cutting fuel consumption by up to 30 per cent. It manages base loads using power from its batteries before automatically switching to diesel as power requirements increase. This innovation reduces the costs and environmental footprint of off-grid power generation for the event, broadcast production and construction industries, as well as the international development community.

Designed and manufactured in the UK, the 12-24 kVA Cygnus HPG is compatible with all diesel generators and can be used to provide primary, standalone, stand by or emergency power. An environmentally friendly generator, it can produce clean renewable electricity by integrating with solar PV and wind turbines, as well connect to the mains grid.

Running at low load, a typical 100 kVA will consume up to 10 litres of diesel per hour. But when integrated with a Cygnus HPG, which uses a built-in intelligent load management system, the generator is automatically switched off and no diesel is required. This can save as much as 40,000 litres of fuel each year, paying back costs within 23 weeks.

Andy Mead, founder & CEO, Firefly Solar said: “Traditional diesel generators have long been the natural choice for temporary and remote power, but as with the introduction of hybrid fuel systems in cars, our technology will deliver improved efficiency, fuel savings and a reduced carbon footprint. With this new product we have dramatically increased battery storage, which means longer run times without the need to use a diesel generator. What’s more the Cygnus HPG will integrate seamlessly with renewable power sources such as solar – providing a fully stand-alone power solution. So, whether you’re shooting a film, running a festival, on a building site or working remotely in disaster relief, it’s now easy to reduce your dependence on diesel and move towards a more sustainable source of power.”

Firefly Solar recently received investment from The Berti Green Accelerator programme and won a 2013 Shell Regional Springboard award worth £40,000. The company has grown 45 per cent in the past year. Its product portfolio is meeting the high demand for alternatives to diesel generators in a fast growing international market valued at £8.5 billion. Firefly Solar works with broadcast, facilities and equipment hire companies across the globe with products being exported, sold and leased throughout Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Australia. Its customers currently include DFID, Greenpeace, BMW, Nissan, Ecover, Speedy Hire, WWF, BBC, British Gas, Electric Ireland, Glastonbury and Festival Republic.