EIMissue1

EDUCATION FUTURESOURCE GREEN ROOFS JAPANESE KNOTWEED SUSTAINABLE PROCUREMENT TEXTILES RECYCLING thinking green

Drive for efficiency With environmental issues increasingly becoming a global concern, DAF are more focused than ever on driving efficiency in the road transport industry. Our proven heritage of producing fuel efficient vehicles is borne out of utilising the latest technology to ensure our vehicles are cleaner and safer. With all our vehicles equipped with DAF SCR technology we’re not only meeting Euro 4 compliance of today, but can also already meet the forthcoming Euro 5 requirements and, of course, we continue to develop new technologies for the world of tomorrow.

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DAF Trucks Limited Telephone: 01844 - 26 11 11 - Fax: 01844 - 21 71 11 www.daf.co.uk

CONTENTS Pages 4 - 15

News Pages

Pages 17 - 24

Greenroofs - Sky Rise Green

by Dusty Gedge “what also inspires me is that it is not just about nature but about a range of benefits across the sustainability agenda”

Pages 25 - 29

Japanese Knotweed – New Plants, New Ideas, New Technologies

by Mike Clough “Japanese knotweed is present in every 10km2 in the UK with the costs of removal estimated to be in the region of £1.56billion”

Pages 30 - 35

Legal – The Environmental Liability Directive

by Debbie Tripley “many were unhappy with Governments Failure to carry out any gold-plating and upset by the failure to adopt meaningful rules”

Pages 36 - 38

Education – Turn the lights...on?

by Dr Charlie Clutterbuck “I decided that the normal approach to environmental training at work was at odds with the rest of the vocational learning agenda”

Pages 39 - 40

Sustainable Procurement – Do you go all the way...?

by Shaun McCarthy “responsible organisations need to develop a deep understanding of these issues”

Pages 42 - 52

Futuresource – The Shape of Things of Come

by Pat Jennings Floorplan p44 & 45, Exhibitor Index p46-48, Notes p49’

Pages 54 - 57

Textile Recycling – S.C.R.A.P

by Alan Wheeler “recent reports by charities with Shops saying that they have experienced a drop in donations this year of about 10%”

Pages 58 - 59

Plastics Recycling – Plastics recycling in the UK

by Ben Layton “Local Authorities need to “know their audience” in order to deliver messages relating to mixed plastic recycling”

Page 61

Mechanical Road Test - Redox’s Windshifter

by Simon Ingleby

Pages 62 - 63

Product Guide

Page 64

Famous Last Words – “Don’t Let The Boffins Do The Branding”

by Steve Grant

EnviroMedia Limited, 254a Bury New Road, Whitefield, Manchester, M45 8QN

EDITOR

GRAPHICS

Alex Stacey alex@enviromedia.ltd.uk 0161 3410158

Kimberley Ougden Vivek Pandey kimberley@enviromedia.ltd.uk vivek@enviromedia.ltd.uk 0161 7967870 0161 3410156

SALES

Tel: 0161 3410158 Fax: 0161 7668997 Email: alex@enviromedia.ltd.uk Cover image courtesy of Washington Green Fine Art. Copyright of Nadeem Chughtai To view further artwork by Nadeem, visit: http://www.washingtongreen.co.uk/artists/nadeem_chughtai/ Every effort is made to verify all information published, but Environment Industry Magazine cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions or for any losses that may arise as a result. Opinions expressed in articles do not necessarily reflect those of EnviroMedia Ltd. Environment Industry Magazine welcomes contributions for publication. Submissions are accepted on the basis of full assignment of copyright to EnviroMedia Ltd unless otherwise agreed in advance and in writing. We reserve the right to edit items for reasons of space, clarity or legality.

INTRODUCTION FROM THE EDITOR Welcome to the inaugural issue of Environment Industry Magazine. I should point out to everyone who is interested that I am no longer the editor of Environment UK. We parted company in December last year, a move which led to me setting up my own company and publication. It has been an unbelievable journey to get here. In fairness I was told that the first few months of running my own business would be tough (especially in the current financial climate) and that the first issue of the magazine would be the hardest. However nothing could have prepared me for the struggle both personally and professionally as this has truly been the most difficult and testing time of my life. As a relative newcomer to the place where the buck stops, it is safe to say that I have never truly known stress until now (I almost feel sorry for all my past employers).

I am proud to be sitting here writing the first introduction to my first magazine.

In truth I imagined myself sitting leisurely writing this in a country pub with a cold beer in my hand. The reality is, however, I am sitting in my stifling office on a glorious FA Cup Final Saturday with my graphic designer, franticly trying to finish the magazine before we send it to the printers on Monday. (One piece of advice, always remember to back up your computer).

I have always believed there is a need for a magazine which truly represents the environmental sector, a magazine which is led by editorial but also has consideration for advertisers. With a large enough audience to provide fair coverage of the environmental industries and to give advertisers a much valued response to their adverts.

It is my hope that Environment Industry Magazine fulfils this need and more.

We have some incredible editorial writers in this issue of the magazine: the legendary Dusty Gedge is raising the roof on green roofing, Debbie Tripley, CEO of the Environmental Law Foundation will be discussing the Environmental Liability Directive, Mike Clough, director of Japanese Knotweed Solutions introduces us to invasive weed species and Dr Charlie Clutterbuck gets back to basics on Environmental CPD. This is just a taste of what we will bring to you in the future.

Before I go I would like to mention and thank some of those people without whom you wouldn’t have another environmental magazine on your desk – my wife Rachel, Steve Whitelegg, Chris Wilson, Helen Koreshi, Gary Lovett and Daniel Stacey all of whom have inspired and supported me on this journey.

I would also like to introduce a few people – Kim Ougden on Graphics and Vivek Pandey on Sales (I hope most of you will have some contact with them in the future), also Simon Ingleby, our ‘resident’ Engineer and machinery road tester and Steve Grant, regular columnist.

Anyway, enjoy the magazine and if you have any comments please send them to alex@enviromedia.ltd.uk. I look forward to hearing from you.

Finally, I would like to dedicate this magazine to my father John Stacey, who, during most of the time this magazine was in development, was undergoing a liver transplant. Therefore I would like to say one final thank you to the staff at the Liver Unit at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Edgbaston, for their work and dedication in caring for my father and all the other chronically ill patients.

Until the next time,

Alex Stacey

Alex Stacey Managing Editor

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NEWS

Autodesk Student Community goes from strength to strength Autodesk Student Engineering and Design Community is an online resource that offers numerous benefits to students and educators, including free design software, self-paced training, innovative curricula, global social networking, job listings and more.

Sustainable Solutions at the Museum and Heritage Show Leading designer and manufacturer of systems for exhibiting and displays, Protean Design, provided a sharp new focus on sustainable design and new innovations at this year’s Museum and Heritage Show at Earls Court, London, which took place last week.

The new feature was developed in partnership with De Montfort University and the organisers of the Museum and Heritage Show, in order to bring a unique and innovative experience to visitors to the show.

The display featured a mixture of museum and heritage related case studies and commentary from expert advisors.

The feature entitled ‘Designs for a Sustainable Future’ presented the very latest in products and services available including architecture, lighting and walling through to fabrics, flooring and graphics. The message and focus for all the products and services displayed was affordable sustainable design without comprise to the planet or people.

Visitors to the show were treated to an eye-catching display of reForm sustainable wall panels, provided by Protean Design.

Colin Hibbs, Managing Director, Protean Design commented: “We are delighted to be part of the first ever ‘Designs for Sustainable Future’ display as it fits with Protean Design’s ethos regarding the future of installations for exhibitions and displays. We have developed the market leading reForm range of sustainable solutions to provide customers with cost effective curved walling, fast installation, rapid restyling of environments and total brand integration. The reForm range has been designed to meet the current environmental concerns as most components are recyclable, therefore providing customers with the opportunity to continually remake and remodel their displays – without additional expenditure and ensuring a very realistic whole life cost.”

Anna Preedy, Museum and Heritage Show organiser commented on the installation: “Protean Design provided us with a unique and innovative experience for visitors to the show. The walling was installed quickly and efficiently by the Protean team and was a great success with visitors, as it offered a perfect blend of inspiration and practical advice for a more sustainable future. Together with Protean Design, we look forward to providing a first class sustainability resource for the cultural sector. ” For more information about Protean Design visit the website www.protean-reform.com or call the team on 01280 706060.

Autodesk has recently redesigned its Student Engineering and Design Community website with a new look and feel that is more closely aligned with other popular social networking sites frequented by students. The enhanced Student Community offers several new features and benefits to more than 350,000 students and educators.

One of the main benefits of the Student Community is the free* software, which includes, for the first time AutoCAD 2010, Autodesk’s flagship product for 2D and 3D design and documentation.

“We created the Student Community three years ago to help architecture, engineering and digital entertainment students gain the educational resources and technical expertise they need to be successful in their future careers,” said Joe Astroth, Ph.D., Autodesk vice president of Learning and Education. “The demand for AutoCAD skills spans many industries. By expanding our offerings to include AutoCAD 2010, students now have easy access to software and resources to help them build those vital skills needed in today’s competitive marketplace.”

“Having access to free software in the Autodesk Student Community is crucial for future professional designers,” said Roland Cernat, winner of the Industrial Design category of the Student Design Challenge and the Sustainable Design Grand Prize. “The broad range of programs available in the community gives me the opportunity to easily try out and choose the programs that best match my needs. As an industrial design student I use Autodesk AliasStudio software and, while learning the curriculum, the community was the primary place I went to get help, stay up-to-date and much more.

The community has been vital in giving me the right tools and guidance to be prepared for the requirements of my future job.” *Free products are subject to the terms and conditions of the end-user license agreement that accompanies download of the software.

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TOURISM FLANDERS-BRUSSELS GOES GREEN WITH ITS VERY OWN “VEGGIE DAY” Following the recent news that the Flemish city of Ghent, which is renowned for its gastronomy, has become the first city in the world to become vegetarian at least once a week, the team at Tourism Flanders-Brussels UK have decided to follow suit and join the weekly “Veggie Day” initiative. In recognition of Ghent’s ground-breaking green idea, everyone working for the organisation’s UK office will show their support by making every Thursday a vegetarian-only day.

This comes as Ghent, one of Europe’s 370 climate cities, embarked on an unprecedented experiment, seeking to make every Thursday a meat-free day by encouraging its inhabitants to go green and turn to vegetables at least once a week. This major experiment is a pioneering first step in the effort to tackle global warming, cruelty to animals and obesity, as well as an attempt to dispel any preconceived ideas that vegetarian dishes aren’t worthy of gastro-recognition.

It’s a well-known fact that Ghent is a paradise for food lovers due to its delicious meat, fish and shellfish dishes.

However, it will now be even more appealing to those who enjoy vegetarian cuisine and, what is more, in recent years Ghent has actually been dubbed by many as the veggie capital of Europe as it offers more vegetarian restaurants per inhabitant than Paris, London and Berlin. Many traditional restaurants in Ghent also include wide-ranging vegetarian options on their menus.

Eating less meat is the largest step one can take to minimize your foods eco-footprint. Stock breeding and meat

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ECO SOLUTIONS FROM MAPEI

Environmental care and sustainability is a fundamental part of Mapei’s philosophy. As a result, Mapei successfully developed their popular ECO product line to ensure a safer application for the installer and the surrounding environment, whilst still performing to the highest standards.

consumption has a very large impact on the environment and the former is responsible for 18% of the world’s emission of greenhouse gasses. This is more than the entire transport sector!

Tourism Flanders-Brussels UK has initiated a poll on its ‘Fabulous Flanders’ Facebook page to let the UK public decide, on a weekly basis, whether the team should become vegetarian for a day as well as offer suggestions as to what they can eat. In addition, every Thursday a typical Flemish vegetarian recipe shall be posted on the Facebook fan page and updates shall be sent to its followers.

Dawn Page, Director of Tourism Flanders-Brussels in the UK commented: “Ghent, and Flanders as a whole, is committed to promoting green initiatives and we actively support the sustainability of the destination. We urge all members of the British public to get involved, whether it’s through our ‘Fabulous Flanders’ Facebook page or by actually joining us in our mission to make Thursdays a ‘Veggie Day’ for all.” She went on to say: “Flanders has always been celebrated for its fantastic gastronomy and eco-friendliness. We hope that by supporting this innovative idea, people who join Veggie Day will help us spread the message and together, do our bit for the environment.”

To join Tourism Flanders-Brussels’ Facebook page, visit http://tinyurl.com/r6q49w

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NEWS CEMEX CEMENT PLANT SETS ALTERNATIVE FUELS RECORD South Ferriby Cement Plant in North Lincolnshire, which is owned by building materials company CEMEX, last month replaced over 74% of the fuel used to heat its cement kiln with fuels made from wastes. This is a new record for the plant and could also be a new record in the UK, where the cement industry average is 19.4%*.

Further good news is that emissions, such as oxides of nitrogen and sulphur, have declined by 20% and 43% respectively since alternative fuels were introduced in 2002.

Cement-making is energy intensive and involves heating up kilns to at least 1400 degrees Celsius. Increasing the use of alternative fuels made from waste is therefore key to saving fossil fuels for future generations.

The alternative fuels used at South Ferriby are Secondary Liquid Fuels (SLF): made from industrial liquid wastes that cannot be recycled, such as paint, thinners, inks and varnishes, and Climafuel® which is made from household residual and commercial waste that would otherwise go to landfill.

The Climafuel used at South Ferriby is sourced from local suppliers such as Transwaste, as well as from MidUK Recycling, Orchid Environmental and Wastecycle. In the past three months, more than 9,000 tonnes of waste that would otherwise be landfilled have been used to make cement in South Ferriby. Based on the biomass content in alternative fuels, the plant has so far this year also saved the equivalent to the carbon dioxide emissions that 3,300 cars produce in a year.

Plant director, Philip Baynes-Clarke, explained: “The use of alternative fuels at South Ferriby is one of our key focuses, and is improving the sustainability of our operation. This record is an important milestone for the plant and recognises the efforts of the team to continually seek to increase performance levels.”

South Ferriby plant currently has a permit to use up to 40% SLF and up to 60% Climafuel on a trial basis**.

*

According to the British Cement Association’s BCA Performance Report, the 2007 level of replacement of fossil fuels among member companies reached 19.4% ** South Ferriby has a permit to use up to 45% Climafuel on a permanent basis, and has been granted permission to use up to 60% Climafuel on a trial basis.

make a house a sustainable home with Ecodan, the low carbon alternative to a traditional gas or oil boiler.

Installing Ecodan will reduce your home’s running costs and its CO2 emissions, as well as helping to comply with the Code for Sustainable Homes.

For more information visit www.mitsubishielectric.co.uk/heating

STOCKHOLM ROYAL SEAPORT SELECTED FOR NEWLY LAUNCHED CLIMATE POSITIVE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM The Stockholm Royal Seaport development has been announced as one among 16 founding projects of the Climate Positive Development Program.

The Clinton Climate Initiative (CCI) programme will support the development of large-scale urban projects that demonstrate cities can grow in ways that are climate positive. Climate Positive real estate developments will strive to reduce the amount of on-site CO2 emissions to below zero.

The Climate Positive Development Program was launched by President Clinton, Founder of the William J. Clinton Foundation, on 19 May, 2009, at the C40 Summit in Seoul, South Korea. Along with the other founding projects, Stockholm Royal Seaport will demonstrate Climate Positive strategies, setting a compelling environmental and economic example for other cities to follow.

All pictures by www.stockholmroyalseaport.com

To reduce the net greenhouse gas emissions of their Climate Positive Development projects to below zero, property developers and local governments will agree to work in partnership on specific areas of activity. This includes implementing economically viable innovations in buildings, the generation of

NEWS clean energy, waste management, water management, and transportation and outdoor lighting systems.

Last year, for the first time, half the world’s population (3.2 billion people) lived in cities, and that figure is expected to grow to 70% by 2050. Cities occupy just 2% of the world’s landmass, yet are responsible for more than two thirds of global energy use and greenhouse gas emissions.

How cities change and grow is therefore a critical component for tackling the climate crisis. ”The aim for Stockholm Royal Seaport is to be a showcase for sustainable urban construction where innovative Swedish environmental technologies and creative solutions are developed, tested and presented. The city district shall be an example for other cities to follow, a world-class environmental urban district,” says Ulla Hamilton, Deputy Mayor, Environment and Traffic division.

”Stockholm Royal Seaport has set an ambitious target of reducing carbon emissions. We have a strong focus on mobility management; promoting biking, public transport buses run on renewable fuels, and the use of plug-in hybrid cars. There are already charging poles for plug-in hybrid cars in the area, and this effort will be further extended. We are also looking very closely at the energy consumption of buildings - from low to zero to plus,” she adds.

The new city district, Stockholm Royal Seaport, is currently being built in Stockholm’s harbour area. Due for completion in 2025, Stockholm Royal Seaport will be a showcase for sustainable urban design where innovative environmental technologies and creative solutions are developed, used and presented. On completion, Stockholm Royal Seaport will be home to some new 10,000 apartments and 30,000 work places.

Located on former brownfield sites, the new city district has ambitious environmental targets.

Stockholm Royal Seaport is aiming to be fossil fuel free by 2030, while the entire City of Stockholm is aiming for 2050. By 2020, residents and workers in Stockholm Royal Seaport should produce less than 1.5 tonnes of carbon emissions per person. The entire development project will focus on sustainable transport solutions, efficient building processes, energy conservation and energy efficiency, and on the whole adapted to future climate change. Swedes are good at creating sustainable and holistic system cycles. The key is to make it easy for residents to be environmentally friendly. This type of thinking is a gain to the City of Stockholm, contributing to a better environment and quality of life for its residents.

By combining CCI’s business and finance expertise with the technical knowledge of the US Green Building Council, the Climate Positive Development Program will support the planning and implementation process for each real estate development and establish the standards and metrics by which the sites can measure climate-positive outcomes.

When the initial 16 projects are completed, nearly one million people will live and work in Climate Positive communities. These communities will be located in Melbourne, Australia; Palhoca, Brazil; Toronto, Canada; Victoria, Canada; Ahmedabad, India; Jaipur, India; outside Panama City, Panama; Pretoria, South Africa; Johannesburg, South Africa; Seoul, South Korea; Stockholm, Sweden; London, UK; San Francisco, USA and Destiny Florida, USA.

BAG2SCHOOL PASSES £6 MILLION MILESTONE Northallerton-based company Bag2School has now paid out £6 million to schools across the UK who have taken part in its innovative fundraising scheme which involves pupils and parents donating unwanted items to their school. Bag2School pays schools by the total weight collected, currently £400 a tonne, with 76% of gross turnover given back to them. As part of their commitment to reducing the impact clothing has on the environment, Bag2School is now part of the DEFRA Sustainable Clothing Roadmap process which is examining end-of-life solutions or clothing.

British Renewable Energy Awards 2009 shortlist is released

The renewable energy sector will celebrate the fourth annual British Renewable Energy Awards, recognising achievement in the UK renewable energy industry, at the Jumeirah Carlton Tower in London on the 11th June 2009.

The British Renewable Energy Awards Gala dinner, once again hosted by the BBC journalist Sarah Mukherjee, will see the cream of the renewables industry gather to honor innovation, initiative, pioneering vision and commitment to a renewable energy future for the UK. REA’s Executive Director, Philip Wolfe commented; “These awards honor outstanding achievement in the British renewable energy sector and act as recognition of exceptional contribution, innovation and excellence in the industry. The considerable number of high-quality nominees builds on last year’s success and displays the scope of talent and originality that exists within this industry.”

Advocate Award The NGO, campaign, publication or association that has done most to enhance awareness of renewables in the public and/or key opinion formers.

2009 Short listed Nominees Carbon and sustainability reporting (Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership) Ecobuild (IBE Ltd) Infinis Energy Challenge Institute of Domestic Energy Assessors The RE-Charge Scheme (Kirklees Council) Renewable Energy Tariff Campaign (FoE et al.)

Renewable opportunity audits (Onsite Renewables) “Sustainable Energy - without the hot air” (David J C MacKay)

Champion Award An executive, academic, minister, civil servant, consultant or other individual, who deserves recognition in the sector

2009 Short listed Nominees John Baldwin (CNG Services) Mervyn Bowden (Marks & Spencer) Ian Irvine (SgurrEnergy) Phil Maud (Morrisons) Rt Hon. Ed Miliband MP Alan Simpson MP

Company Award The industry participant, which has done most during the year to advance UK renewables 2009 Short listed Nominees BiogenGreenfinch Dulas Ltd EarthEnergy Limited Eco2 Limited Kensa Engineering Ltd Microgeneration Ltd Plug into the Sun ScottishPower Renewables SgurrEnergy Solarcentury

Developer Award Innovative development plans for a new renewable energy project, process or plant which is well advanced through the design and consenting process, but not yet in operation.

2009 Short listed Nominees The San Carlos Bioenergy Project (Bronzeoak Ltd) The Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (Buro Happold) Enviroparks Hirwaun SeaGen (Marine Current Turbines Ltd) Hammerfest Strom (ScottishPower Renewables)

Installer Award A completed renewable energy project, process or plant which is has entered into operation.

2009 Short listed Nominees Birmingham City Council Care Homes (Future Heating Ltd) Plymstock Library and Apartments (N G Bailey & Co Ltd)

Jesmond swimming pool Solar Project Moorlands Community Centre (Southern Solar Ltd)

Innovator Award Any innovative new renewable energy device, invention or application.

2009 Short listed Nominees Glycerine CHP (Aquafuel) OYSTER® (Aquamarine Power Limited) Radars at windfarms (BAE Systems Integrated System Technologies) Good Energy HotROCs Fuel cell aeroplane (Intelligent Energy) Third generation biofuels (Oxford Catalysts) PV concentrator system (Silicon CPV) Power Purchase Agreement (Utilyx)

Region Award Initiative or policy by local authorities or regional agencies to encourage the take-up of renewable energy in a specific region of the UK 2009 Short listed Nominees Community Energy Scotland Future Energy Yorkshire One NorthEast Regional Development Agency United Welsh (Upper Wood Street) Wear Valley District Council

Pioneer Award An organisation outside the sustainable energy industry, pioneering the use of renewable fuels, heat or power.

2009 Short listed Nominees The Co-operative Group Wm Morrison Supermarkets plc Rural Development Initiatives Ltd. South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust Northern Ireland Thomas Vale Construction

Product Award New Award Category for 2009 - For any innovative new renewable energy product, introduced onto the market since the start of 2008.

2009 Short listed Nominees ORC Electricity Generating Equipment (Freepower Ltd) AGC water turbine control (DEIF UK Ltd) Liquid Bio Methane (Gasrec Ltd) Ecodan air source heat pump (Mitsubishi Electric) Naturalwatt Microgrid® Controller ST1 solar collector (Solaesthetic)

Winter tests prove Ecodan’s credentials Live trials of Mitsubishi Electric’s award-winning Ecodan systems over the past winter have clearly demonstrated that the low-carbon heating system lives up to expectations and is more than capable of dealing with whatever the British weather can throw at it.

All three different models in the range have been put through their paces using state-of-the-art monitoring equipment to record the live performance in four different locations around the UK. The properties included a 3-bed terraced house, a 4-bed semi, a large 5-bed detached home, and the BRE Visitor’s Centre in Watford. Of the houses, only the 3-bed property was newly built, with retro-fitted Ecodan units replacing the traditional heating system in the other two.

“We saw temperatures drop to -9ºC and -10ºC at times throughout the country which is exactly what we were hoping for as it meant we were able to put theory into practice,” explained Max Halliwell, product manager for Mitsubishi Electric Heating. “All too often, different heating systems manufacturers make different claims based on technical data or lab tests under very favourable conditions and this presents a confused message to the public. What we are now able to do is categorically state that Ecodan will deliver the performance necessary to cope extremely well throughout the British year and show that this has been achieved in a variety of different properties and configurations.”

The tests involved different combinations of hot water, and space heating via both radiators and underfloor heating. The units in the properties delivered COP’s ranging from 3.0 to 3.33, despite some of the lowest recorded outdoor temperatures for decades. A level of 3.33 shows that 2.33kW of renewable energy is being harvested from the surrounding air for every 1kW of electricity used and Ecodan is therefore operating at an efficiency level of 333%.

“All four of these units have hit much higher COPs at some point over the winter but we wanted people to be able to trust the figures we use to support our marketing activities and that’s why we have averaged them out over the whole period. We are delighted with these results, especially as we know that we will be able to improve on them and they all go to help reinforce our belief that Ecodan really is the most viable, mass-market alternative to gas and oil-fired heating”, added Halliwell.

Unlike many other air source heat pump systems, Ecodan has been specifically designed for the UK market and deliberately tailored to be easy to install by a suitably qualified plumber or installer who has been on the one-day course.

Further details are available at www.mitsubishielectric.co.uk/heating or by calling 01707 278666.

NEWS

WORKING AT HOME COULD DAMAGE THE HEALTH OF EMPLOYEES s the full impact of the recession takes hold, a number of businesses are shifting employees to homeworking contracts to save on office and support costs. But innovative wellbeing organisation Water Wellpoint* is warning that away from the routine of the office, homeworkers may change some of their daily habits which could have a detrimental effect on their wellbeing. In particular, working in a big office often provides access to a range of wellbeing benefits, including drinking water. Leaving the office environment and working at home could see people drinking less water on a daily basis. “It is a well known fact that drinking plenty of fluids is good for you but many people underestimate how important it is for their overall health and performance,” explains Rory Murphy of Water Wellpoint.

“They also underestimate how much they drink at work when they have easy access to drinking water. Offices with water coolers make it easy for people to top up their fluids throughout the day. But, at home, this may fall by the wayside as the daily routine changes.”

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Water Wellpoint is encouraging employers to assess the working conditions of homeworkers – right down to access to water for regular hydration – not only to ensure they comply with Health & Safety regulations but also to Below Formula Student 2008, class 1A, low carbon

maintain a healthy workforce. This is especially true of those who create a special office area – perhaps in a study or spare room, or the garden shed who are even more unlikely to factor in refreshments.

Dehydration occurs when more liquids are lost than taken in. The loss of these liquids only needs to go over 2% to see the performance of concentration, motor speed, eye co-ordination and short term memory reduced by 20%.

In addition, water helps to reduce the risk of chronic diseases, including some cancers, cardiovascular disease, gallstones and kidney and bladder stones. Current recommendations from the British Dietetic Association are for people to drink between one and a half and two and a half litres of fluid a day to stay healthy. “Headaches, clumsiness and fatigue are all signs of dehydration that people could blame on something else”, concluded Rory Murphy. “In fact most people wait until they feel thirsty before drinking but they will be already dehydrated by this stage. For homeworkers it’s especially crucial that they stay healthy and can perform at their best.” *

Wellpoint is a registered trademark solely owned by the Wellpoint Group Limited

FORMULA 1 ON A SHOE-STRING? Formula Student is a unique competition which challenges and inspires the next generation of engineers to design, build and drive a single seater racing car from scratch. The aim of the competition is to help students develop academic, vocational and practical engineering skills and the training it provides is considered essential by industry experts for students hoping to pursue a career in F1 or motorsport.

Registration ‘sold out’ in two hours with 92 teams from all over the world entering. This year cars from India, Romania, Iran, Canada, Sweden, Switzerland, Germany, France, Portugal, and Finland are hoping to win – alongside 20 teams from UK universities.

A schedule of the event will be available shortly but ‘dynamic days’, where cars will compete on acceleration, sprint, skid-pad and endurance, will be available soon. Students are also tested on design, presentation and cost assessment elements. There are five categories that teams can enter: Class 1, for cars designed and built from scratch; Class 1 (200) for previous FS with modifications; Class 1A (Low Carbon Class), for alternative fueled cars designed and built from scratch; Class 2 & 3 are design entries only.

Last year – for the first time in the competition’s 12 year history – FS launched Class 1A, challenging students to design and build alternative fuelled cars, using power sources such as hydrogen and hybrid. Three teams entered the category, which was won by Hertfordshire University.

BRITISH PUBLIC BACKS THE RED SQUIRREL A recent survey commissioned by the Red Squirrel Survival Trust shows overwhelming public support for its campaign to protect the red squirrel from extinction. In a survey of 1,001 people around the UK, 86% stated that they wanted the native red squirrel to be saved.

Following the successful launch of the charity by its patron HRH The Prince of Wales in April, RSST has published a survey that reveals strong public backing for its work to protect the endangered red squirrel throughout the UK. Encouragingly, support is not restricted to regions.

In London, where there have been no red squirrels for decades, 82% of people think the red squirrel should be saved, and 91% would like to see them back in our parks and gardens.

Support was strongest in the North and Borders region where 91% of people responded ‘yes’ when asked if they think that the red squirrel should be saved. This region is on the front line in the battle to halt the continuing encroachment of the grey squirrel into red squirrel territory and the strength of support reflects strong local understanding of the issue. However, across all regions of the UK support does not dip below 82%.

A separate survey recently commissioned by the European Squirrel Initiative (ESI) also shows that the public is increasingly understanding of the need to practice grey squirrel control in order to protect reds.

69% of people responded ‘yes’ to the question: “Do you think the alien grey squirrel population should be controlled in some way to preserve the red squirrel?” This compares to 62% when the same question was asked in 2004. In London the increase is from 56% (2004) to 67% (2009) – reflecting greater awareness of the issue in the capital. Positive responses in the North and Bordersregion have remained steady, with 80+% consistently approving of grey squirrel control to protect reds.

Miles Barne, RSST Chairman, commented, “I am delighted that support for our work is so strong. It is particularly heartening to see that the public is supportive of the red squirrel even in areas where they have long since died out. ”

NEW CELLULOSE FILM PRODUCTION LINE AT INNOVIA FILMS This new state-of-the-art equipment at Innovia Films’ Wigton site will allow the manufacture of some grades faster than currently achieved and will consistently improve quality on others. Substantial environmental benefits and efficiencies were an integral part of the innovative design and will lower Innovia Films’ carbon footprint. www.innoviafilms.com Tel: +44 (0) 16973 42281

WOOD RECYCLER TO OPEN NEW SITE Hadfield Wood Recyclers is expanding into the south east with the opening of a brand new site at Tilbury Docks. The two acre site, which will be used for collecting and pre-processing waste wood, will be fully operational from 18th May 2009. Geoff Hadfield, Managing Director of Hadfield Wood Recyclers, said: “This is a very exciting project for us because there is a huge demand in the area for a wood recycler who can take all grades of wood and recycle it into sustainable and environmentally friendly products.“ The new site will be able to handle 100,000 tonnes of waste wood a year and will offer a tip-in facility, accepting skips, walking floor trailers, containers and waste management vehicles as well as smaller loads. Therefore Tilbury was an ideal location.”

INTELLYGREEN BACKS GOVERNMENT MOVE TO SMART METERING Energy monitoring specialist IntellyGreen has welcomed the government’s decision to fit every home in the UK with a ‘smart meter’ by 2020. This will allow householders to gain ‘real time’ information about their energy use, which Salvatore Cirasuolo, MD of IntellyGreen, believes will deliver substantial savings for end users and assist the government in moving towards a low-carbon economy. He said; “Through IntellyGreen we are already supplying wireless monitoring systems for domestic and commercial use for both electricity and gas.

On the domestic side we normally expect to see energy bills reduced by some 20%, more for commercial installations.”

ADAS TO UNDERTAKE LARGEST TREE SURVEY IN BRITAIN ADAS has been appointed by Network Rail to survey 20,000 miles of lineside vegetation in the largest tree survey ever undertaken in Britain. Following a successful tender submission in November 2008, ADAS and partner GREENMAN Environmental have been awarded a two year contract to survey the entire Network Rail network, identifying trees posing a risk of rail service disruption and subsequently requiring management.

Martin Buckland, Environment Group Sales and Marketing director for ADAS, commented: “Working on such a major project with Network Rail represents a goal we have been working towards for some time. The exciting combination of the tree survey expertise, leading edge technology and bespoke software programming we have put together will provide Network Rail with high quality tree safety data on their network, enabling them to make timely and effective tree management decisions.”

PINDEN LAUNCHES NEW RECYCLING PLANT WITH OPEN DAY EVENT A recently installed recycling plant, supplied by Blue London, will be the centrepiece of an open day event planned by Pinden Ltd for the 3rd July at Pinden Quarry in Longfield, near Dartford, Kent.

The open day at Pinden will give visitors the opportunity to see the full range of waste management operations including the delivery and collection of skips, the delivery of recycled products using their fleet of transport services and the management and disposal of all construction and demolition waste.

Blue Group, which has been supplying and installing a range of screening, shredding and recycling equipment for Pinden Ltd over the past few months, will be assisting and partnering Pinden

with their open day by providing their mobile exhibition unit and demonstrating a wide range of processing machinery in both the quarry and recycling station.

Blue will also be displaying Telestack mobile conveyors and showing new mobile crushing and screening plants from TEREX Pegson and Powerscreen.

The New Kiverco Recycling Plant Newly installed and commissioned by Blue London, the Kiverco recycling plant is primarily designed and specified for the reclamation of clean secondary aggregates from co-mingled waste.

Pinden Group Operations Director, Gary East, is clearly happy with the company’s recent purchases from

Blue London and welcomes the Group’s involvement in their open days; “We are a comparatively new customer of The Blue Group and are enjoying a fruitful and close working relationship with the team at Blue London. Their support will contribute greatly to the success of our event.

Our new recycling plant is already playing a significant role in our continuing efforts to extract and recycle maximum materials from the large volumes of incoming raw waste.”

For an invitation to this industry event contact: Allan Kane on 07765-003784 or email allan.kane@bluegroup.co.uk Or Sue Colville on 01474-707149 or e-mail sue.colville@pinden.co.uk

IVECO SELECTS GASREC AS PREFERRED SUPPLIER Iveco has selected Gasrec as its preferred supplier of Liquid Biomethane (LBM) for its natural gas powered range of Daily light commercial vehicles following a successful six month trial in London.

country to the poor infrastructure and quality of gas from the Victorian mains that has high moisture content and has historically resulted in reliability issues when used in commercial vehicles.

The trial saw a Daily 65C14G cage tipper being used for recycling and street cleansing operations on behalf of Camden Council, during which time it operated exclusively on LBM.

The trial also showed that the amount of LBM consumed per month (370 kg) for the vehicle (working on a basis of 1,500 km per month) equated to displacing 444 litres of diesel, showing a 30% fuel cost saving per month.

Across the six month period, the Daily travelled a total of 7,040 km, consuming LBM at a rate of 24.6 kg/100 km. Over the course of the same distance, on an urban cycle, a similar diesel-powered vehicle operated at 31.4 litres/100km.

Richard Lilleystone, Chief Executive Officer at Gasrec, explains: “The gas we use to make the LBM for this vehicle comes from a landfill site in Albury, Surrey, which means it is not depleting fossil resources. Through creating and selling this fuel product, we recover the latent energy stored in material discarded by society, providing power which is particularly suited to vehicles operating in the urban environment. We are particularly pleased with the improvements achieved in air quality when using LBM to displace diesel. Every Local Authority in the UK would welcome reductions of 90% particulate matter, 60% reduction in nitrous oxide, 50% reduction in sulphur dioxide and even a noise reduction of around 30%.”

The LBM powered Daily emitted just 2,771 kg of CO² over this period, compared with 7,295 kg for the equivalent diesel model.

Commenting on the results, Martin Flach, Product Director at Iveco says: “The trial demonstrated a 62% saving in CO² over diesel and highlighted the suitability of LBM as a high quality fuel. The market for gas vehicles on the continent is many times that of the UK but this is largely due in this

The new and unique R 984 C High-Rise is the culmination of extensive consultations over many months between S. Norton & Co, the design and product development team at Kirchdorf and the UK sales engineers at Liebherr-Great Britain. This close co-operation during the design and manufacturing processes included several reciprocal visits to Liebherr’s Kirchdorf factory and Norton’s Liverpool facilities as the project progressed. This impressive materials handler is now hard at work at Norton’s West Canada Docks facilities in Liverpool, where it is loading large volumes of furnace-ready scrap.

WORLD’S FIRST! LIEBHERR R 984 C IN ACTION  S. Norton & Co, the family-owned secondary metals processor and major exporter headquartered in Liverpool, has continued its 25 years of allegiance to Liebherr by investing in the

remarkable R 984 C Litronic High-Rise Industrial Rehandler. This is the very first machine of its kind – believed to be the largest of its type in the world – and has been produced by Liebherr’s specialist dedicated materials handler manufacturing facilities which were recently opened at the Group’s Kirchdorf factory in southern Germany.

LBM is a commercially competitive and environmentally sound fuel that can be directly substituted for natural gas.

The Government considers LBM to be the most sustainable alternative fuel in terms of impact on resource depletion in relation to alternatives such as biodiesel and ethanol.

Furthermore, LBM has the lowest carbon intensity of all commercially available alternative fuels – with one tonne of LBM equivalent to 1,200 litres of diesel, which is sufficient to fuel a 44 tonne heavy goods vehicle for an entire week.

The complete range of gas powered Daily’s extends to 28 different models available in the UK, plated between 3.5 and 6.5 tonnes, including three panel vans, five chassis cabs and five chassis crew-cabs, available in a variety of different wheelbase lengths. The chassis cabs can be fitted with various bodies including curtainsides, tippers, dropsides, boxes or Lutons, providing the widest range of transport solutions available in the light vehicle sector.

Since 1999, more than 4,000 gas powered Daily vans and chassis cabs have been sold across Western Europe, highlighting Iveco’s significant investment in developing alternatives to traditional diesel powered commercial vehicles.

Commenting on the company’s latest acquisition, Norton company director Matthew Norton said, “We are very pleased with this new machine. Our long association with Liebherr is based on the fact that they’ve always been prepared to design and build equipment to suit our particular applications. The R 984 C High-Rise is performing well and is an excellent addition to our fleet of specialist materials handlers”.

S. Norton & Co has already placed an order for a second R 984 C High-Rise, which is scheduled for delivery later this month.

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By Dusty Gedge, co-founder of Livingroofs.org Ltd and the current President – European Federation of Green Roof Associations.

t is over ten years ago that a group of us started to promote the use of green roofs for biodiversity in Deptford Creek as part of a local SRB programme. In the time since green roofs have risen above the parapet, all too often viewed as a marginal process more associated with the ‘hippy – hobbit’ fringe to an increasingly acceptable if not important approach to helping the urban environment adapted to climate change.

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Livingroofs.org Ltd, the first independent green roof organisation in the UK, was formed in 2004 to provide an information portal to this technology. I have travelled widely speaking at conferences throughout the world from Washington DC to Berlin to South Korea and Budapest.

In these travels I have managed to garner a lot of information on green roofs and been inspired by the various approaches and exemplar projects. However the core of the work of livingroofs.org is still nourished by a commitment to ensure that the provision of quality biodiversity is at the core of delivering good green roofs. Our inspiration has been the work of Swiss colleagues, whose long term studies have demonstrated that good green roofs can provide important refuges for rare invertebrates and importantly bee populations that are under increasing pressure in the wider countryside.

What also inspires me is that it is not just about nature but about a whole range of benefits across the sustainability agenda. There is not one technology that can address the increasing concerns of increased urban heat island effect in our cities, reduction in the use of air conditioning in our increasingly hot summers, the storage of water at roof level

with a positive effect on flash floods, sound insulation, increased amenity space and extended waterproofing life in one hit. It might do this in a medium way but it is rounded and holistic. Furthermore there is increasing evidence that rainfall harvesting and photovoltaic cells at roof level can be combined with green roofs – we do not need to see these technologies in competition.

London now has a distinct living roofs and wall policy, which I was fortunate to have a part in bringing it into being, which should ensure all major new developments have green roofs. Colleagues across the pond are impressed with the approach that London is taking and I hope that over the coming years London will find ways to provide incentives to the green existing flat roof spaces in the central core. This will be an important step forward in helping the city adapt to climate change – considering a report by Manchester University a few years ago that concluded that UK cities will need 10% increase in urban green space by 2020 to combat climate change. There is little room left in our cities for major parks; roofs offer a massive unused resource to help us adapt to climate change.

Last year I was fortunate to be nominated as one of the first 13 London Leaders [ I was number thirteen!] and my pledge was to raise the profile of retrofitting green roofs.

National Magazines in Soho and Lendlease Retail stood up to the pulpit and with support from Trelleborg/Greengrid and ABG Ltd I managed to install 2 green roofs on these companies properties. This year livingroofs.org is working with Buglife - The Invertebrate Conservation Trust to

When one creates green roofs, one doesn’t need to fear the so-called paving of the landscape, the houses themselves become part of the landscape.

Freidensreich Hundertwasser (1928-2000) Austrian artist, architect and philosopher

retrofit 1500m2 across the capital for rare bugs with the support and help of companies like Flag/Soprema/ Optigreen and Bauder Ltd. The project has been funded

by SITA NATURE ENHANCED money, which continues the work of Dr. G. Kadas and her studies on green roofs and invertebrates. The original study is generously supported by Canary Wharf Management and Alumasc Exteriors Ltd amongst others, has shown that green roofs can provide an important refuge to rare invertebrates in the UK. We are currently analysing data from the green roof companies of the number of green roofs installed in London since 2004. It is looking like the total area is greater than 250,000m2 an area greater than Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens combined. Not bad considering that these will have been planned prior to the new London policy. I am also aware that GLA is likely to set an ambitious annual target, which I am sure will see London being one of the largest green roof cities in the world in the coming years.

London is not the only city to provide us with inspiration. The work of Dr. Nigel Dunnett and the Sheffield Greenroof Forum and now the Green Roof Centre has certainly made Sheffield an exemplar in its approach to green roofs. Other cities are also coming forward including cities such as Manchester and Bristol.

Brighton and Hove have their own green roof group www.building-green.org.uk and the City has a relatively large number of green roofs.

But public policy and public want needs an industry that can deliver. We are fortunate that many of the leading green roof companies on the continent are present in the UK and our own homegrown industry is here and growing. Many of these companies are direct sponsors of livingroofs.org and have come together under the umbrella of the green roof organisation [GRO] to provide interim guidance on green roofs. There is a distinct link between the green roof industry and the public sectors that can all too often be overlooked. The green roof industry has in the past been at the whim of designers and consultants with little knowledge of how vegetation

Diversity is best and what I am sure is going to develop over the coming years is a more specific local and regional approach to landscape, driven in part by the biodiversity action plan process. Green roofs do not just have to be sedum, they can have an array of herbs and wildflowers providing both a valuable resource for nature but also offering a range of benefits to the community and the climate

change agenda. Our built environment is currently a hot, dry, impermeable concrete jungle – green roofs are one way to help transform them into cool permeable world class places to live for both people and wildlife. www.livingroofs.org www.efb-greenroof.eu Dusty has recently written an e-book on Small scale green roofs with John Little of www.grassroofcompany.co.uk available at http://livingroofs.org/DIY_Guide_intro.html which will be reviewed next issue.

Both he and John are running training courses throughout the year. Contact training@livingroofs.org

Far left Rogner Bad Blumau, a famous spa in Austria designed

by Hundertwasser Left The Muse, Islington

photo by 416style

works at roof level. A demanding public sector can ensure that designers and specifiers are providing the quality green roofs that are needed and not merely treat them as another tick in the box – just another piece of cladding.

The interim guidelines, soon to be circulated by GRO are one step on the road to quality but it needs regulators and local authorities to refine how they ask for green roofs.

Better local policies and conditions will ensure that the green roof industry can respond with quality implementation.

Left The green roof at the MEC in Canada

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Blackdown Green Roof Beats the Freeze at Hemel Snow Centre Britain’s premier indoor snow sports venue is enjoying a touch of spring all year round thanks to a green roof installed by specialists Blackdown Horticultural Consultants of Somerset.

The Snow Centre in Hemel Hempstead is an exciting new facility, which has replaced the old site in a massive two year project designed by Sir Robert McAlpine’s Design Group. The £23 million venture has incorporated a number of design features aimed at minimising the building’s impact on its environment and local surroundings, not least of which is one of the largest living roofs in the UK, covering an impressive 8700m².

Blackdown were closely involved with the project from concept stage, working alongside The Snow Centre and Sir Robert McAlpine to provide a Sedum Extensive Planting System to the roof, covering the entire length of the slope and offering a number of solutions to assist in its long-term sustainability.

Green roofs that incorporate loose growing substrates

are generally considered to offer far greater environmental benefits than other planting options.

Using these systems, Blackdown applied their green roof expertise to provide a solution that would reduce the visual impact of the development, improve the thermal performance of the roof, assist with rainwater management on site and create valuable habitat on what would have previously been a very large and barren roof area.

Blackdown Horticultural Consultants are specialists in Extensive Green Roofs, bringing more than 40 years experience in horticulture and plant knowledge to the construction industry. They offer a range of roof and façade greening options and can also provide design, production, supply and installation input for ground based planting schemes.

For more information or to request literature, please contact Blackdown Horticultural Consultants on 01460 234582, email enquiries@greenroof.co.uk or visit the website at www.greenroof.co.uk

CASE STUDIES

Over the past few years, a heightened awareness of environmental issues, combined with an increase in property prices and land values has contributed to the proliferation of green roofs in new build projects. As a landscape architectural practice, DEP have witnessed this trend and have been involved in the construction of a number of commercial and residential green roof schemes.

WEST ONE, DEVONSHIRE GREEN, SHEFFIELD West One development, in Sheffield’s Devonshire Green Quarter is an example of a residential development scheme that has embraced the use of roof gardens. The scheme has large areas of intensive roof gardens that enhance the setting of the development and make it one of Sheffield’s most desirable prime inner developments. A composition of roof courts, plaza and perimeter works provide a green counterbalance to this emphatically urban commercial and apartment complex.

Designed by Carey Jones Architects, the scheme creates a series of courtyard spaces of which some are private and some public access. It was constructed in three consecutive phases, the first phase occupied in April 2003, with the final phase completed in late 2004.

The implementation of the green roof system was split between several contractors, with the waterproofing carried out by Single Ply Roofing Systems and external works / landscaping by English Landscapes. The roofing system used was the Axter two layer green roof system Alpaflore with a Bac Canalis reservoir board laid directly on top of the waterproofing. The reservoir board was filled with reclaimed brick shards which act as a capillary layer, and then a non-rotting filter layer was then laid on top with an Alumasc substrate.

RADIUS, FAIRFAX ROAD, PRESTWICH Radius in Prestwich, North Manchester is an example of a residential development which has met stringent planning conditions by capitalising upon its assets to mitigate high land values and limited space, creating its own recreational environment for residents through the integration of a roof garden.

Completed by Carillion for Countryside Properties in 2006, the Radius development uses the latest intensive green roof technology to provide a landscaped piazza at first floor level. This area serves as a private garden/courtyard as well as a pleasant walkthrough space for residents to gain access to the main entrance via the striking glass lift/staircase core building. The implementation of the green roof system and external works/landscaping was undertaken by English Landscapes.

Hard surfacing is in a range of natural materials, including granite paving and edging kerbs, coloured gravel and timber decking provide level access across the piazza. Grassed lawns maintain the openness and ‘greenness’ of the space and are retained by edging kerbs, whilst shrub planting in raised beds provide visual impact through screening, enclosure and the introduction of colour. Trees are contained individually in steel planters which limit root spread yet provide sufficient depth of topsoil to sustain growth.

The irrigation and drainage of the piazza is an integral part of the ‘green roof’ system. This specified system comprises a waterproofing layer; Proofex SM cold liquid applied tanking by Fosroc, and Conren insulation layer, with Axter Bac Canalis drainage board acting as a water storage reservoir beneath the entire deck. Surface water run-off from rainfall is stored here and is recirculated to provide irrigation for planting and grassed areas, thus enhancing the sustainability of the development.

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BLOCK F, LOWER BROUGHTON, SALFORD Block F is a Countryside Properties project, similar to Radius. The development is part of an affordable housing urban renewal scheme and consists of a nine storey building containing152 one and two bedroom apartments for private sale.

The block also incorporates a mix of community uses, business, retail, cafes, restaurants and public houses.

Designed in-house by Countryside’s own architects and built by Countryside’s construction division, the project was completed in 2008. Close co-ordination and a well established working relationship with structural engineers Scott Hughes Design enabled DEP to create a functional and attractive intensive green roof garden.

Integration of services into the scheme was successfully achieved with the assistance of mechanical and electrical engineers KGA Partnership.

The roof garden, on the second floor of the development, comprises a series of pathways radiating from a central access point. Interspersed between these paths, a combination of grassed lawns and shrub planting beds establishes a green ‘oasis’ and provides the setting for an enclosed and sheltered seating area with panoramic views from the south edge of the development.

The implementation of the green roof system and external works/landscaping was undertaken by the landscape subcontractor LCD Landscapes. The integral green roof system by Bauder comprises Bakor 790-11EV monolithic system waterproofing and PLT 60 drainage board. The construction of a flat concrete slab with no surface falls and a continuous upstand around the perimeter of the deck enables a water reservoir to be created beneath the drainage board; the water can then diffuse up through the drainage layer to feed the plants.

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Mike Clough, Managing Director, Japanese Knotweed Solutions

n the battle for supremacy within the natural world Alien Invasive Plants will definitely always have the upper hand. If you introduce an alien plant such as Japanese Knotweed into a new environment where it has no natural enemies it will grow to the preclusion of all native species.

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Once Japanese Knotweed has established and begun to spread the alien plants will develop into massive monoculture stands of single species blocks. If you attack the infestation and manage to control the plant then you often will have a secondary problem of potential for erosion or embankment destabilisation particularly where the infestation is beside a watercourse.

The spread of Japanese Knotweed has been nothing short of a spectacular environmental disaster. Since its introduction in the 1800’s the plant has spread phenomenally. A recent study cited Japanese Knotweed as being present in every 10 square kilometers in the UK with costs for removal estimated to be in the region of £1.56 billion.

Many of our ‘problem plants’ of today were introduced on purpose by Victorian gardeners. In simplistic terms the horticulturists of the era thought themselves ‘masters of the universe’, able to control and manage ‘nature’ to their own ends. They introduced Japanese Knotweed, Giant Hogweed and Himalayan Balsam as ornamental garden plants admiring their ease of propagation and rapidity of growth. The gardeners of the time then saw that ‘all nature was a garden’ using false ditches instead of walls to demark their property boundaries.

Whilst confined within high walled gardens these plants could be managed and contained – however once introduced into the ‘wild’ their growth simply went exponential.

To create an answer to these problems one must first understand how and why these plants were first introduced and then spread so dramatically. It is in understanding these issues that we will begin to find alternate strategies to control and eradicate them.

New Plants Japanese Knotweed The rhizome system is the main part of the Japanese Knotweed plant – extending up to two metres in depth and seven or more metres horizontally.

The rhizomes are storage organs containing water, carbohydrates and elements required for stem growth.

Energy and compounds required by growing stems are supplied by the rhizome until the stem reaches approximately one half to two thirds of its total height. After this point photosynthesis products are translocated via the stem to the rhizomes.

Japanese Knotweed spreads through rhizome expansion, fragments of live rhizome or stems. Dispersal of these fragments is provided by for example fly tipping, movement of contaminated topsoil or cutting of stems.

As little as 0.7g of live material is required for propagation. The hollow knotweed stems have internodes at regular intervals all of which have the ability to propagate.

Following invasion Japanese Knotweed

IVM – Invasive Vegetation Management & Treatment Limited IVM’s aim is to supply their clients with a guaranteed, cost effective solution to Japanese Knotweed.

One that is both environmentally friendly and is carried out by our environmentally aware operatives.

Invasive Vegetation Management & Treatment Limited has developed an advanced formula, which can completely eradicate Japanese knotweed within one growing season without the cost of excavation and disposal. The product contains special binders, adhering agents and chemicals, which act to completely destroy the plant and the rhizome system.

IVM’s flagship methodology, known as the ‘FAST’ System (Foliage and Stem Treatment), can guarantee eradication of Japanese knotweed in one growing season. This advanced system uses the latest herbicides and application techniques to create a methodology that is more environmentally friendly and faster than its rivals. We work in with your time restraints, budget and ecological issues to produce a tailor-made program for your site which is completed in accordance with the Environment Agency guidelines.

IVM understand that because of tight time restraints on construction sites, there is often no time to implement a treatment program. Where this is the case, IVM can supply a fully trained member of staff to oversee and advise during Japanese knotweed excavation. Whilst on site we will vastly reduce the volume of soil that is removed, therefore vastly reducing your costs and your environmental impact, resulting in savings of around 65% compared to traditional Dig & Dump Operations.

All IVM treatment packages are covered by a £5 million insurance backed guarantee for complete peace of mind. More information regarding IVM’s treatments & methodologies can be found on our website;

www.knotweed-uk.com

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typically out competes other plant species by shading our other plants and depositing a heavy leaf litter smothering any germinating seedlings.

Using its ability to store large amounts of water and nutrients also reduces the available resources to other plant species.

There are currently no natural diseases or predators in the UK which affect or predate on Japanese Knotweed.

If located on steep banks or waterways invasion by knotweed can lead to soil erosion and damage to flood defences.

In addition knotweed biomass can block watercourses resulting in flooding.

Current common control methods for Japanese Knotweed include the use of a variety of herbicides, digging and removing huge amounts of infested soil to licensed landfill or creating waste management areas within site boundaries. These methods are timeconsuming, costly, difficult to perform and environmentally damaging.

One of the major areas for Japanese Knotweed spread is on or near watercourses where chemical use is restricted and excavation and removal not possible. Chemical treatments will take a minimum of five seasons with repeat spraying – which in most instances make waterside developments non-viable. Repeat cutting of Japanese Knotweed can lead to its control, however, this method often leads to the spread of the plant if live material is not handled properly. The response of cutting the knotweed stems is to produce more shoots which emerge quickly after

cutting – thus causing more problems.

Control through cutting will take at least five growing seasons and is massively labour intensive.

New Ideas Mapping The first step to control must be identifying and mapping the scope of the problem - once a base plan has been prepared a strategy can be adopted -what you can measure you can manage.

New technology is helping with this with new light-weight, hand-held systems linked in to satellite mapping systems enabling stands of knotweed to be plotted down to the nearest 500mm.

The Cornwall Knotweed Forum (http://www.cornwall.gov.uk/default.as px?page=13824) has been using GPS technology for some time now in an effort to control and manage the spread of knotweed within their boundaries. This should be adopted by all councils throughout the UK to give a comprehensive base point on which future planning and strategies of management can be implemented.

New Ideas Biological Control In its native Japan Knotweed is predated upon by a fungus and a weevil both of which are present only in its native habitat.

Research has been undertaken by CABI Bioscience (http://www.cabi.org/) with regard to the potential release of these control agents in the UK.

Whilst the pathogen and insect will both slow the growth of Japanese Knotweed it is understood that they will not kill the plant.

This will be useful in areas where funding is not available for eradication strategies (such as river corridors/ country parks) but may well be problematic in development sites.

Any standard eradication strategy will typically employ chemical application to foliage – both of the potential predators defoliate the plant (remove the leaf) – thus making foliar chemical application impossible. If chemical application cannot be guaranteed this will push clients towards excavation and removal from site, which is both costly and not environmentally friendly.

New Ideas Soil Sifting Control of aggressively growing plants having a rhizome or large tap root is typically difficult to achieve because of the volume of material that needs to be removed from site to ensure that all of the plant root is removed.

Typically Japanese Knotweed can be 70% by mass in the top 400mm of soil going down to 10% by mass at 1.5 metres and down to less than 5% at depths below two metres. However even the smallest fragment of Japanese Knotweed can re-grow to produce a new infestation – thus typically massive volumes of material have been excavated and removed from site.

Current best practice guidelines recommend employing a clerk of

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works trained in the identification of Japanese Knotweed rhizome to be present on site during any excavations thus reducing the volume of materials taken off site.

susceptible to spray - it is difficult to spray in an upward direction without causing ‘drift’ (when the chemical becomes airborne and causes loss of surrounding non-target species).

A recent strategy employed by knotweed removal contractors is the use of soil sifting technology – in simple terms - the hand picking of rhizome material from the soil – thus the only material taken off site is pure knotweed rhizome with no soil – again reducing the volume of material taken off site.

A new technique involves the direct injection of herbicide into the plant stem giving a metered dosage into the hollow center of the plant. Alternate strategies involve drilling into the woody rhizome of the plant and applying chemical into the hole – then plugging with coloured markers to show treatment areas.

New Ideas Direct Injection One of the problems with treating Japanese Knotweed with chemicals is actually getting the poison into the plant.

The thick leathery surface of the leaves give a layer of protection which is difficult to penetrate – whilst the underside of the leaf is more

THE ENVIRONMENTAL LIABILITY DIRECTIVE

By Debbie Tripley, CEO, Environmental Law Foundation

After two years of foot dragging and negotiations the Government finally introduced regulations that implement the Environmental Liability Directive 2004 (ELD) on the 1st March this year. It was noticeable that the new rules came into force with little of the fanfare given to the Climate Change Act 2008- a piece of legislation which brought about rare consensus from all the main political parties.

By contrast, the Government found the passage of the Environmental Damage (Prevention and Remediation) Regulations 2009 (ED Regs) an uneasy time.

First, the Government had to contend with environmental groups. Many were unhappy by the Government’s failure to carry out any gold-plating and upset by the failure to adopt meaningful rules applying the new citizen’s actions rules.

Then it was required to respond to anxiety from business over the potential for ever larger financial liability.

In trying to please all parties the Government inevitably pleased none. It could have taken the opportunity to demonstrate a robust and more harmonised system of environmental liability so that national legislation concerning liability for environmental damage such as the Water Resources Act 1991 or the right for a court to order restoration under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (as amended by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, s 30) was consistent. Instead it adopted a minimalist approach.

Also, instead of welcoming the opportunity to engage citizens and empower them so that they could fulfil the aims of citizen actions as set out in the ELD the Government has implemented a system that hobbles them from taking strong action.

HISTORICAL

CONTEXT

The EU Commission first brought forward proposals for a new liability regime in a Green Paper on environmental liability in the waste sector in 1993. This was followed by a White Paper in 2000 on environmental liability which differentiated between damage to biodiversity and the contamination of sites - with contamination covering sites

including soil, surface water and groundwater.

At first, these proposals met little resistance from Member States who understood the intention was to model a new liability regime on the situation in the USA. However, for the most part the proposals languished with little universal support. As noted by Winter1 “Hardly anybody publicly favoured an EC system on liability for traditional damage while the restoration of the impaired environment was generally considered to be a public responsibility.”

As a result, when Directive 2004/35 (ELD) introduced harmonised measures for environmental liability the original proposals had changed considerably from their initial purpose and it was almost inevitable that there would be criticism as to its limited scope and lack of potential to enhance existing civil or administrative laws in this area.

Despite that, there are some real innovations introduced by the ELD. For instance, the ELD places an obligation imposed on competent authorities to intervene to request the operator to prevent damage; it provides a right to citizen’s to sue for failure to respond appropriately to a request for action; it extends the scope of liability to non-owned natural resources and requires public administrations that cause environmental damage to be treated in the same way as private operators.2 Governments had until April 2007 to implement the new measures. The UK missed the deadline for transposition by nearly two years and carried out two public consultations on its draft proposals. There was a chance for all EU states to introduce gold-plating but few did so. Instead, as Winter points out3 the Department for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reforms said : “It is government policy not to go beyond the minimum requirements unless there are exceptional circumstances justified by a cost benefit analysis and following extensive stakeholder engagement.”

However, in one respect the Government did listen to criticism. The ED Regs. have extended the scope of damage to cover all those habitats and species protected under EU law as well as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs).

Picture provided bu D’arcy Norman

THE MEANING OF ‘ENVIRONMENTAL DAMAGE’ The ED Regs are concerned with three types of ‘environmental damage’:

was subsequently deleted due to difficulties with definitions.

However, it is clear that the ELD introduces a new regime for the recovery of damages for injury to un-owned natural resources. Other commentators4 allude to this as establishing a type of trusteeship for these natural resources.



damage to protected species and natural habitats, or a site of special scientific interest (SSSIs),

DAMAGE



damage to surface or groundwater or,



damage to land.

Water damage under ED Reg (4) (3) is damage that creates significant adverse effects upon the status or ecological potential of a water body as defined under the Water Framework Directive.

DAMAGE

TO PROTECTED SPECIES AND NATURAL HABITATS The ED Regs set out in some detail what kind of damage falls within their scope.

Schedule 1 refers to damage to protected species and natural habitats being such that it has a “significant adverse effect on reaching or maintaining the favourable conservation status of the protected species or natural habitat taking into account a number of factors including the conservation status of the species at the time of the damage and the capacity for natural regeneration.”

In summary, the kind of damage envisaged echoes the thresholds set out in the EU Habitat’s Directive. As for damage to SSSI’s the damage must have an adverse effect on the integrity of the site itself. Earlier versions of the ELD referred generally to ‘biodiversity damage’ but this

DAMAGE

TO WATER

TO LAND

Land contamination includes damage carrying a significant risk of adverse effects to human health as a result of the introduction of substances, preparations, organisms or micro-organisms in, on or under land.

Annex II of the ELD ( see Part 2 of the ED Regs) states that remediation of land damage must ensure as a minimum that relevant contaminants are removed so that they no longer pose any significant risk of adversely affecting human health. The determination of harm is to be assessed using risk-assessment procedures and if the use of the land is changed, all necessary measures must be taken to prevent any adverse effects on human health.

CITIZEN ACTIONS Under ED Regs. 29 anyone who is ‘affected or likely to be affected by environmental damage ‘ or ‘otherwise has a sufficient interest’ can request the competent authority to take action against an operator whose activities threaten or cause environmental damage.

Guidance issued by the Government suggests individuals such as birdwatchers or ramblers as examples of those affected by or likely to be affected by ‘environmental damage’.

With regards to the definition of those with a ‘sufficient interest’ the Guidance is suggestive that it may not extend beyond charities registered with the Charity Commission.

However, what is clear from the ELD is that the terminology used is entirely reminiscent of terminology included within Directive 2003/35 and article 9(2) of the Aarhus Convention which defines sufficient interest as:

LIABILITY

FOR

DAMAGE

The ELD establishes a system of strict liability for all those operators who carry out potentially dangerous activities as set out in Annex III (see Schedule 2, ED Regs.).

Annex III covers operations such as those subject to the Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) permitting regime and certain polluting waste management operations such as hazardous waste sites and landfills.

“the interest of any non-governmental organisation promoting environmental protection and meeting any requirements under national law shall be deemed sufficient for the purpose of subparagraph (b). Such organisations shall also be deemed to have rights capable of being impaired for the purpose of subparagraph (c).”

The UK Guidance sets out what is arguably an extensive list of ‘minimum’ requirements for information to be provided by anyone making a citizen request. It is for the competent authority to determine whether the citizen has disclosed sufficient information requiring them to act upon the request for action.

Whilst liability remains strict for those operators carrying out the specified activities there remains no liability for any other type of operator who is not caught by Schedule 2, with one significant exception. In all those cases where damage is caused to protected species or natural habitats or a SSSI all other operators will be liable if they intended to cause environmental damage or were negligent as to whether environmental damage would be caused.

Clearly, at the EU level there is a sense that environmental organisations are key to ensuring the ELD regime works well. For instance, the European Environmental Bureau has said “Without a strong and vigilant NGO presence monitoring environmental damage and reporting it to the CA with a request for action, the Directive may never be properly enforced, mainly owing to over-reliance on operators and a lack of any duty on the competent authority over establishing that damage has happened.”

WHAT

However, many environmental organisations will find it difficult in real terms to carry out such close monitoring of the activities of operators.

The ELD requires action by specified operators in two situations.

EXEMPTIONS

First, where there is an imminent threat of damage occurring the operator must take the necessary preventive measures and inform the competent authority.

The term strict liability is best understood by operators in the UK as meaning there is limited scope for justification and defence. Indeed, many operators are by now familiar with the way in which the Courts have interpreted breach of section 85 of the Water Resources Act 1991 (WRA).

IS REQUIRED OF AN OPERATOR?

Second, where environmental damage has occurred already the operator is required to inform the competent authority immediately and take all practicable steps to deal with the damage including necessary remedial measures.

If an operator fails to take action to prevent imminent or actual environmental damage the competent authority has powers to serve notices on the operator requiring steps to be taken including remediation and to bear the costs of such measures.

AND

DEFENCES

In the leading case of Alphacell v Woodward [1972] AC 824 the House of Lords stated that if a defendant carried out an operation that led to polluting matter entering a stream there would be liability without the need to prove cause or negligence. In EA v Empress Car Co Ltd [1999] 2 AC 22 the House of Lords stated that the liability was strict in the sense that for a defence to succeed under the WRA the operator would need to demonstrate that there had been

“IT

IS GOVERNMENT POLICY NOT TO GO BEYOND THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS UNLESS THERE ARE EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES JUSTIFIED BY A COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS AND FOLLOWING EXTENSIVE STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT.” an abnormal or extraordinary act of a third party or a natural event.

By contrast, under the ED Regs (19) six grounds of appeal are set out against the service of a remediation notice by a competent authority. In particular Regulation 19 (d) and (e) provide grounds for appeal where there is no proof of fault or negligence on the part of the operator and that he was expressly authorised and in full compliance with a specified permit (as set out in Schedule 3 of the ED Regs), or that the damage was caused by way of emissions, or the use of products where it was unknown at the time of the activity due to the state of scientific or technical knowledge that they were likely to cause damage.

The use of permit and state of the art defences was one issue that was bitterly contested by several environmental groups in response to the Government’s consultation. It was rightly pointed out to Government by environmental groups5 that whilst Article 8 ELD defences are separated out into exemptions from compensation and defences against liability the Government’s regulations make no such distinction.

For instance, article 8 (3) provides that an operator shall not be required to bear the cost of prevention of remediation where damage was caused by acts of third parties (where the operator had appropriate safety measures in place) or compliance with a compulsory instruction from an instruction from a public authority. However, the ELD goes on to say that the Member State is to compensate the operator in these types of cases for carrying out prevention or remediation steps.

However, under the new ED Regs. 19 (2)(c) and (f) provide that an operator may appeal against a notice to remediate under these circumstances thereby leaving it unclear who or whether anyone will bear the clean up costs.

For land damage remediation consists of removing or controlling contaminants so that the land no longer poses any significant risk of adversely affecting human health.

CONCLUSION The ED Regs are an important piece of legislation that adds to the potential financial liabilities of operators to ensure that they prevent significant environmental damage arising from their industrial activities. However, in many respects it is a lost opportunity by the Government to demonstrate a robust and more harmonised system of environmental liability.

Instead of welcoming the opportunity to engage citizens and empower them with the tools to assist agencies in their task of monitoring and preventing actual environmental damage they have implemented a far more limited system of protection.

1

Weighing up the EC Environmental Liability Directive - Gerd Winter & Others, Journal of Environmental Law 20 (2008) 163-191

2

See the definition of ‘operator’ in art 2(6).

3

Ibid n.1 (p 184)

4

Edward H Brans ‘Liability for Damage to Public Natural Resources under the 2004 EC Environmental Liability Directive’ Env L Rev 7 (2005) 90-109

5

Environmental Liability Directive NGO Coalition response to DEFRA’s consultation on the draft regulations - Feb 08

6

DEFRA, Explanatory Notes, 2009

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REMEDIATION

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For damage to SSSIs and EU species and natural habitats and damage to water the approach taken is more comprehensive than existing legislation. The system adopts three levels of intervention:

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Primary remediation which is measures to restore the damage itself

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Apocalypse Now!

• You have been served with an enforcement notice(s)

Many of you will have heard of the Proceeds of Crime Act or ‘POCA’. This legislation along with the Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001 is often linked with the need to fight money laundering and combat the funding of terrorism. But as the Icelandic Government will attest the legislation can be used for wider purposes, even against friendly nations.

In October 2008 the British Government used so called ‘anti-terrorist’ legislation to freeze £7bn worth of British assets of the Icelandic Bank, Landsbanki.

Reportedly, the Icelandic Ministry of Finance and Central Bank even found themselves briefly on the list of terrorist organisations published on the Web site of the British Treasury, alongside al Qaeda and the Taliban. These British Government measures not only created a diplomatic crisis but significantly worsened Iceland’s financial crisis. Iceland’s banking system and foreign trade collapsed.

• You have potentially benefitted financially from the alleged offence(s)

Referring to the British move, Geir Haarde the Icelandic Prime Minister commented, in what must rank as the understatement of the century: “I told the chancellor that we consider this to be a completely unfriendly act.”

Asked if the financial crisis engulfing Iceland had become a diplomatic crisis with Britain, Haarde added: “I thought so for a few minutes this morning when I realised that a terrorist law was being applied against us. That was not very pleasant. I’m afraid not many governments would have taken that very kindly, to be put into that category.”

Well the British Government’s actions clearly upset the Icelandic Government and caused financial turmoil, so how would you fare if similar legislation was applied against you?

Recently a number of our clients have found themselves at the wrong end of such legislation. In one case criminal charges had not even been issued. Yet in all cases personal and business assets were placed under restraint to prevent such assets from being dissipated as a precursor to confiscation proceedings.

In every case this has caused high anxiety, distress and extremely tough trading conditions. The Restraint Orders were made by Judges ‘behind closed doors’ acting on information and evidence produced by or for the Environment Agency. In other words our clients, who were on the receiving end, were in no position to challenge the making of the orders. In one case the evidence was fundamentally flawed but the damage was done. In another case property was restrained belonging to a completely innocent party. Hardly cricket now is it?

To level the playing field we have set up a specialist team to respond to the new tactics being adopted by the Environment Agency. Whilst we sincerely hope you never have to resort to us for legal assistance because of this ‘anti-terrorist legislation’ at least you know where to come if the balloon does go up.

A restraint order could be served on you ‘out of the blue’ but here are a few potential tell-tale signs of impending trouble: • You have been interviewed under caution in relation to an alleged environmental offence(s) • You have been charged with an environmental offence(s)

• Your bank behaves in an unexpected manner towards you and gives half baked excuses for its behaviour or stonewalls you • A person or organisation with which you have had dealings (however innocent) becomes subject to POCA proceedings.

Some say if you don’t break any laws you have nothing to fear. But is it really that clear cut? Environmental issues are often highly complex. Interpretation of environmental law is often painfully so, particularly if the issue in question revolves around what is and isn’t ‘waste’. Environmental laws, like speeding laws, impose strict liability meaning that even if breaches are not the result of negligent, deliberate or reckless acts or omissions you will still be convicted.

Likewise any individual, organisation or business carrying out activities regulated by UK Environmental Laws, however hardworking, well intentioned, decent or honourable, could potentially fall foul of POCA.

End of waste? ...not really just kidding The Revised Waste Framework came into force on 12th December2008 with aims to take the EU closer to becoming a ‘recycling society’ promoting the use of waste as a resource. The Directive clarifies and rationalises EU legislation on waste and points towards a step change in acknowledging that it is possible for substances to move in and out of the classification of waste.

One of the main introductions to the Waste Framework Directive relates to the establishment of criteria for meeting an ‘end of waste’ status. Certain waste can cease to be waste when it has undergone a recovery operation (which includes recycling) and complies with specific criteria in accordance with the following conditions: • it is commonly used for specific purposes • a market or demand exists for it • it fulfils the technical requirements for the specific purposes and meets the existing legislation and standards applicable to products; and • its use will not lead to overall adverse environmental or human health impacts.

Possible categories of waste for which ‘end-of-waste’ specifications and criteria should be developed are, among others, construction and demolition waste, some ashes and slags, scrap, metals, aggregates, tyres, textiles, compost, waste paper and glass. Energy efficient waste incineration is also classed as a recovery operation within the meaning of the Directive.

The revisions to the Directive are certainly more industry friendly in that it introduces a new approach to waste management that encourages the prevention of waste with landfill disposal listed as a ‘last resort’. All Governments and Local Authorities must apply this approach when developing policies. It remains to be seen how this legislation will impact on UK Enforcement Bodies but one thing is clear, litigation that a substance is not waste will be strengthened by the addition of a formal end of waste status.

About Dyne Solicitors Limited

Dyne Solicitors Limited (DSL) was established as a niche specialist practice in 2005. DSL is unique in that it specialises in Environmental, Road Transport, Health & Safety and Renewables Law. Environmental, Transport, Health & Safety Regulatory work has been developed by Director, John Dyne and the Renewable Energy work by Director, Clare Simmons. DSL also covers planning and employment law work. DSL acts as legal adviser and Secretariat to the Heavy Transport Association (HTA) and the Batched on Site Association (BSA). DSL is also currently in the process of assisting with the foundation of the National Association of Skip and Resource Operators (NASRO).

DSL sponsors and provides speakers for planning, land and environment related events organised by Chartered Institute of Wastes Management (CIWM), Envirolink Northwest and the Country Land & Business Association. DSL also sponsors health and safety events run by Brake, the road safety charity.

DSL delivers an exceptional standard of work and maintains a high level of industry integration as is

evident from its procurement of work from a regional, national and European client base to become a leading light in the Transport, Environmental and Renewable Energy Sectors. DSL continues to work closely with industry and professional organisations (e.g. HTA, BSA, CIWM & Envirolink) through its involvement in the administration of meetings and its participation in seminars and events.

“John has been very good in steering us in the right direction, so that we have the right systems in place and everything is regularly refreshed. He’s helped us with a whole range of issues, including health and safety, drivers’ hours, vehicle maintenance and paperwork and record keeping.”

Nick Brookes – Nick Brookes Group

“They have a wealth of experience on any of the problems that crop up, and are familiar with all aspects covered in the documents. We have confidence in their advice and thoroughly enjoy working with them.”

Guy Wilson, Energiekontor UK Ltd

Dyne Solicitors Limited The White House High Street Tattenhall Chester Cheshire CH3 9PX Tel: 01829 773100 Fax: 01829 773109 Email: info@dynesolicitors.co.uk www.dynesolicitors.co.uk

Turn the lights... on?

Dr Charlie Clutterbuck - Director of Environmental Practice @ Work Ltd

Specialist Adviser to EFRA Committee, Food Ethics Council

Lights n Lows How many times have we heard that what people at work need to do is: “Turn the lights off”. Whenever I run courses for managers on Environmental Management Systems (EMSs), 90% say what they want to communicate with their workforce is to “Get them to save energy - turn the lights off”. Yet what we should be doing is getting people to turn the lights on in their minds – there is much greater potential.

People can do things differently; what is needed is a little organisation. Environmental issues are like health and safety used to be years ago, when the mantra was “Get them to wear their PPE” - as if that was the answer to all health and safety problems. Similarly the idea that individuals turning a few appliances off will change the world does not address the multitude of environmental issues. There is a very limited expectation of what people can do and little talk of creating a positive culture. Yet those same people who are capable only of turning the lights off also provide and make all the goods and services we enjoy.

What is it that motivates people to do something for the environment? They are bombarded with environmental stuff all the time – in shops, on TV and in the media. Yet nobody really knows what motivates people. Clearly it differs with everybody but there is no one simple answer. We often come across courses called “Environmental Awareness”, that somehow think they have found the right trigger. But these often consist of throwing more environmental facts

with the hope that some may create a reaction. Being aware of a problem does not pose a solution.

What to do Part of the difficulty is that responses are expected to be individualistic. Yet we have learnt from health and safety that the workplace needs to be organised. People at work carry out different functions and this should be reflected in what people can be expected to do. Note the “to do”.

Academic education encourages people to think, whereas vocational learning concentrates on what people can do.

Environmental education needs to bring these two learning worlds closer.

Coming from a background in Further Education, I decided that the normal approach to environmental training at work was at odds with the rest of the vocational learning agenda.

This was because the introduction of EMSs in the 1990s depended much on consultants with little experience of workplaces.

In the process of learning what to do, underpinning knowledge is needed. Instead of throwing information at people and expecting them to save the world, we need to do it the other way round - we need to work out what the different levels at work can do – and the then provide the necessary underpinning knowledge upon which people can then make informed choices.

To do this, we need to recognise the organisational framework – no two organisations are the same, all have differing cultures. People can do different things according to the level in which they work. The UK vocational learning

Level 2

Level 3

Level 4

In the North West some years ago we ran a programme that involved supervised employees at level 2 in making suggestions for environmental improvements. They would try and implement in their suggestions charting the difficulties and successes along the way. Each successful candidate was awarded a nationally recognised qualification called “Environmental Effectiveness” awarded by the EMTA Awarding Body (EAL). The government’s Action Energy audited the successful suggestions and calculated that each candidate – on average – had saved their company about £3000. Turning lights off will never get a figure like that.

The reason for the success was that the managers encouraged the employees so creating a positive culture.1

There is a vocational qualification called “Developing Environmental Awareness” that seeks to go further and encourages people to do something practical as a result – for energy, water, waste, transport, pollution, food or carbon emissions. This is awarded by Open College NW and is intended for managers (level 4) to find out what it is like to engage with all employees (level 2). However, it is a first-rate course for “Environmental Champions”, “Environmental Practitioners” and newly emerging Trade Union Environmental Representatives (all level 3) willing to translate company policies into environmental practices.2

EMSs are present in some 5000 workplaces in the UK setting excellent standards. That leaves 245,000 other organisations without them but needing to engage and involve employees much more. Managers have National Occupational Standards3 to clarify what their own role is, these provide the basis for qualifications

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framework spells out three main levels – level 2 for the vast majority of employees who are supervised, level 3 for people who can wander around – supervisors , trade union reps and some skilled workers, and level 4 for managers.

Managers find it a lot easier to organise their workplaces if they can allocate roles and responsibilities to appropriate people. By achieving vocational qualifications at all levels people with relevant skills can be easily identified.

Vocational qualifications empower the learners by recognising their skills, and public funds and local colleges are able to support organisations - without expensive consultant fees.

Way forward By empowering employees through recognition of their skills, and letting their lights to shine, workplaces are better placed to develop an environmental culture and organise for reducing their environmental impacts. Many new skills and tasks at all levels in organisations are emerging to tackle environmental problems. These are the same whether dealing with water, waste, energy, transport, carbon emissions or food and whether or not there is an EMS. Environmental impacts need to be measured, whether for

energy, water, transport, pollution, waste, or food. Monitoring usage, whether over time or place, also needs translating into environmental terms (eg units of energy in terms of GHG impact). Impacts need assessing – and this can be carried out by employees who may also be doing H&S risk assessments. Instead of looking for ‘hazards’, they look for ‘impacts’. We can apply a similar principle to that of industrial hygiene - where there is “control at source”, to environmental matters the becoming “cleaner production”.

Finally to further develop environmental culture, the benefits and changes must be shared and communicated with all those who may be affected.

For some years we have used these systems and qualifications as a guide to produce e-learning support materials as this gives the materials general application.

For lots more see www.epaw.co.uk where there is free access to many hours of online learning materials to support learning, develop skills, comply with ISO 14001 training requirements.

1

For full report http://www.epaw.co.uk/enveff.html

2

For free online learning support materials for this qualification see http://www.epaw.co.uk/develop/

3

Recent EM NOS consultation http://www.lantra.co.uk/stake holders/nos/environmentalmanagement-consultation

Immerse yourself in Environmental Law at the University of Aberdeen

VISIT CARBONCOUNTER.INFO to:  Find out the latest developments in the newly emerging carbon economy

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Sustainable Procurement – Do you go all the way…?

Shaun McCarthy

Director, Action Sustainability www.actionsustainability.com Chair, Commission for a Sustainable London 2012 www.cslondon.org Many organisations are recognising the importance of managing their supply chains in a more responsible way.

The expressions “sustainable procurement” “green procurement”, “responsible procurement” and many others are in regular use in businesses and public sector organisations alike. As a consultant in this field the most frequent question I have been asked recently is: “How far down my supply chain should I go?” My answer is usually an unhelpful “it depends” but I will try to shed some light on the subject.

Organisations need to think hard about their sustainability objectives and how they may apply to their supply chains.

These usually fall into 2 broad categories: 

Positively influencing an impact. These tend to be driven by corporate or political targets. For example, reducing carbon emissions, reducing waste to landfill, increasing the number of disabled people employed in the supply chain etc. They may also be driven by cost related to energy consumption or landfill costs.



Mitigating a risk. These tend to be reputation driven.

For example, detecting and preventing inappropriate labour standards, pollution incidents or other nasty things your suppliers may do to damage your reputation.

To decide how far down the supply chain to investigate it is necessary to have some idea of the size of the risk or impact you are dealing with.

For example, a major sportswear manufacture I spoke to explained; “We know where every garment we sell is manufactured and under what labour conditions, we know where every metre of fabric that goes into every garment is made and under what conditions. We don’t yet know where every fibre comes from to make up the material but we are working on it”. Why go to such lengths? The sportswear industry suffered badly in recent memory with international news coverage of poor labour conditions and excessive profiteering. This impacted the sales and stock values of global brands in a significant way. The issue of fibres is mostly about cotton. This product accounts for 25% of the world’s pesticides and has a significant impact on ground and air pollution. Furthermore, in some countries cotton is picked by forced labour. Man-made fibres have their own problems related to the energy intensity of manufacture, safety and toxic waste. Put these factors together and you have a major reputation risk for the industry so it becomes necessary to trace every fibre. Organisations with less risk related to clothing may only choose to go back to the point of manufacture. Others may not address the issue at all. A robust risk analysis is needed to develop the right solution.

Tantalum or Coltan is a little known mineral but it is an

essential ingredient in manufacture of electronics equipment, particularly capacitors. It is mined in very few places in the world and has great commercial value. There are abundant supplies of this product in Congo, where mines have, at times, been taken over by guerrilla groups and the profits used to support violence and oppression in the region.

Companies’ reputations have been hit over the past 10 years by a campaign entitled “No blood on my cell phone”.

Recent reports of conflict in this region have raised this issue again. As part of their comprehensive CSR programme, Farnell, a major electronics distributor dealt with this risk long before recent reports of the conflict made the news. They sought written assurances from their 3 suppliers of capacitors that their supplies of Coltan are not sourced from this region. Having received written assurances they have informed their customers of this. They have not performed checks but they have a contingency plan to divert sourcing between the remaining suppliers if one (or even two) is found to have a problem. This is an appropriate response to a risk with potentially serious impact but low probability.

A major issue for the construction industry is the combination of natural resource use and embodied energy. This is the energy required to make and transport material. It takes approximately 4 tonnes of CO2 to make a tonne of concrete and 2 tonnes to make a tonne of steel. The London 2012 Olympics project claims to be the “Most sustainable Games ever” and has been very diligent in managing its carbon footprint. This is necessary given the recent announcement that their carbon footprint is 3.4M tonnes, over 60% of which is embodied in construction. This has led to amazing new designs for venues and some innovative work in commodity procurement. The carbon footprint of concrete is tracked and managed all the way back to the quarry; this has resulted in concrete with half the carbon footprint per tonne compared to Heathrow Terminal 5. This is very significant when you plan to use 1M tonnes of concrete.

Other construction clients tend to focus on the energy efficiency of the built environment but as our knowledge of the carbon cost of construction improves, there will be more focus on this issue. This is a constantly moving agenda and up to date knowledge is necessary to keep your strategy fresh.

Responsible organisations need to develop a deep understanding of these issues to formulate a plan. A good example of this would be a major utility operator, United Utilities, an organisation accustomed to long term planning and investment. Clear definition of their sustainability risks and objectives over the long term followed by a thorough analysis of their supply chain has resulted in a 6 year plan

to address a wide variety of impacts to different levels depending on the level of risk or ambition against individual supply categories. For example, as a major civil engineering client, they want to understand the carbon and waste footprints related to the materials they use but it is recognised that this will take time. To address this they have developed a 6 year plan to identify, quantify and reduce the impacts through progressive stages of their supply chain. As a water utility company, they buy a lot of pumps, which use a lot of energy. They are addressing not only the efficiency of the pumps and motors but also the competence of their designers to optimise the efficiency of their plants. This is an immediate objective based on carbon targets which have been declared in public and also driven by reducing the company’s huge electricity bill, which helps

to keep water costs to customers to a minimum. However, pumps are made of cast or forged metal, a highly energy intensive manufacturing process. Pumps are heavy and need to be transported, leading to more emissions.

To address this, the company has a longer term plan to understand and manage these impacts, which will eventually start to influence where and how products are made.

Responsible organisations need to deal with sustainability risks and impacts that are important to them at the point in their supply chain where it can make most difference. This may be in a pump factory, a cotton plantation or a quarry.

This is not easy and takes a long time to do but it will support your organisation’s long term success.

Do you go all the way…?

5 tips to decide how to address sustainability in your supply chain

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Be aware of the issues. Sustainability is a constantly evolving agenda and it takes time to address issues in complex supply chains. You need to be up to date with today’s issues and have a clear view of things that will impact your organisation in the future.

Understand why. If you are not doing this to mitigate a risk or to achieve an organisational objective, you probably should think again. Look for the “Golden Thread” back to your organisational goals.

Understand your impacts and risks. A robust analysis will lead to a clear understanding of what you are trying to achieve and why.

Understand your supply chain. Good purchasers should already know where excessive costs may lie within their supply chain. But what about excessive risk or environmental impact?

Make a plan. Plan for the medium/long term and take your suppliers and stakeholders with you. Do not be tempted to find a “one size fits all” solution.

THE SHAPE OF THINGS TO COME

For three days in June, London ExCeL will be at the centre of the resource efficiency and sustainability debate when the first Futuresource conference and exhibition comes to town.

Organised by the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) and the Environmental Services Association (ESA) at ExCeL London on June 9-11, Futuresource 2009 is set to be the European showcase for the sustainability sector. Bringing together over 300 exhibitors, high profile government and industry speakers, and an expected 8,000 attendees from across the public, private and community sector, the event will showcase ideas and technologies that will shape future policy and drive the pace of change in the sustainable waste, recycling and resource management sector.

Steve Lee, chief executive of CIWM, explains: “Futuresource is designed to get professionals from across the sector thinking and talking about the challenges we face in shifting to a resource efficient, low carbon economy and the exhibition will provide practical answers and inspiration. We have designed Futuresource with the ‘big picture’ in mind and visitors and exhibitors will be making a real investment in the future.”

Debating the key issues The three day Futuresource conference will tackle all the big challenges and opportunities facing the sustainability sector, as well as the latest policy and legislative developments.

Setting the political agenda, delegates will hear from key Government Ministers such as Hilary Benn MP, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Nick Herbert

MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, and Liberal Democrat Environment Minister Martin Horwood.

These keynote sessions will be followed by lively ‘head to head’ debates pitting high profile adversaries against each other on some of today’s hottest issues. The first day will see Paul Bettison, chairman of the Local Government Association’s Environment Board, and Mark Wallace, director of the Taxpayers Alliance, debating whether local waste services are really being delivered in the public interest. Michael Warhurst of Friends of the Earth and Håkan Rylander of Swedish waste disposal firm SYSAV - an advocate of energy from waste - will also be discussing what role energy from waste should play in the future.

Hilary Benn MP, Secretary of State for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, will outline how Government policy is encouraging a reduction in waste and more sustainable use of resources.

The challenge of funding waste services and infrastructure in the current economic climate, and the pros and cons of co-mingled recycling collections are the head to head topics on day two, with speakers including Richard Skehens, Managing Director of Grundon Waste Management Ltd, and David Workman, Director General of the British Glass Manufacturers’ Confederation.

In other sessions, representatives from the Scottish Government and the Welsh Assembly will be joined by UK and continental waste management experts in a review of the UK’s progress within the European league table, and speakers including Lord Smith of the Environment Agency, SITA UK Chief Executive David Palmer-Jones, and Julie Hill of the Green Alliance, will be among those asking what we are trying to achieve and whether we have got our priorities right. On day two, WRAP’s Chief Executive, Liz Goodwin and Jim Meredith, WRG’s Group Chief Executive will explore the challenge of communicating with the public and other stakeholders to change behaviour.

Liz Goodwin, WRG’s Group Chief Executive will explore the challenge of communicating with the public to change behaviour

In addition, Improvement Efficiency South East (the lead RIEP for waste and resources) is teaming up with CIWM to put on a special ‘Question Time’ session, with an expert panel including Cllr Paul Bettison, Chairman of the LGA’s Environment Board, and CIWM Chief Executive Steve Lee. The session will enable senior officers and elected members to debate the major issues that are shaping the role of local government in environmental leadership and planning for the future.

Cleaner and smarter solutions With over 300 companies from across Europe exhibiting in six zones - vehicles and plant, recycling and composting, street scene and facilities management, waste and water management, air, energy and climate change, and professional services – there will be plenty of innovation throughout the exhibition.

Visitors will be able to see some of the latest developments in waste treatment technology, including the new ECOclave process from TWS (Environmental Systems Ireland), a mechanical biological treatment (MBT) system that uses pressurised steam and autoclave technology.

BAM Nuttall, meanwhile, will be displaying a model of the anaerobic digestion plant that will be installed at Wisbech later this year to process potato waste.

With ‘recycling on the go’ coming into its own, there will be plenty of new containment and collection concepts to see too. Taylor, for example, will be launching its new food waste containers and displaying the new Taylor Street® range of aesthetic recycling and waste container housings aimed at boosting public recycling in the urban environment for high density property developments and on-street recycling. The company is also teaming up

EXHIBITOR INDEX The patented Agripa flexible signage system® is a unique British invention launched to the Public Sector 30 months ago and now utilised by over 180 Local Council’s throughout the UK & Ireland. Installed on over 2300 refuse vehicles operating for local councils and council contractors.

Stand No: Q11 0141 810 8788 www.agripa.com

ALS (Amenity Land Solutions) specialists in supplies and services for the sportsturf maintenance, amenity, planting & landscaping industries across the UK Stand Number: J49 T: 01952 641949 W: www.amenity.co.uk

Finance for the Waste Industry

at Futuresource, London Stand C34, Purple Zone

BAM Nuttall is the specialist company in designing and constructing waste and renewable energy facilities.

Visit us on stand C31.

Bradshaw Electric Vehicles are the premier manufacturer of electric towing and carrying vehicles in the UK.

Visit us at Stand J18 or call us on 01780 781801

Andrew Hartley Global Project Finance T: +44 (0)20 3201 6034 E: andrew.hartley@boiuk.com

Broxap are one of the leading suppliers of Litter Bins and Recycling Units in the UK. Our Derby range of steel/stainless steel litter bins and recycling units are the toughest in the UK, a door has never forcibly been removed from a unit in over 20 years of in the field operation.

Come and see us at L18 in the Red Zone or go to our website www.broxap.com

Ascot Environmental Ltd 0161 724 1999 www.ascotenv.co.uk Ascot Environmental Ltd provides broad based and specialist engineering and environment services to the waste management and civil engineering sectors.

Visit us at stand F2

Redressing the world’s problems by redressing the world.

Come find out how at stand K55

BMC Plc Stand No: P18 02476 363003 www.bmcplc.com BMC are the Official authorised importer and distributor for BMC Coaches and Buses. BMC plc imports, distributes and supports the BMC range in the UK and Ireland.

CMS SupaTrak will be offering FREE fuel saving consultations and demonstrating the award-winning EcoTrak technology at Futuresource on Stand M39.

Come along to find out how much you could save.

Stand No: Q14 Silver Zone 01926 458538 www.dennis-eagle.co.uk With a British engineering heritage that dates back to the turn of the last century, Dennis Eagle has become a UK market leader with a rapidly expanding customer base in continental Europe, Scandinavia and the rest of the world.

www.bradshawelectricvehicles.co.uk

Stand No: N59 Silver Zone Dig A Crusher single-toggle jaw crusher buckets produce the lowest cost per tonne processing on site.

High transport and disposal costs make the Dig A Crusher the most cost efficient jaw crusher for processing materials.

Better still, they’re now available for hire.

Having introduced rotomoulded plastic lids to the European waste industry 20 years ago, CCE is launching the first range of recycled lids at significant savings.

Come see us at stand FF14 in the red zone.

We specialise in Environmental and Road Transport Law acting as legal adviser and Secretariat to the Heavy Transport Association (HTA) and the Batched on Site Association (BSA).

Dyne Solicitors Limited Stand No: B26 Blue Zone 01829 773100 www.dynesolicitors.co.uk

ENERGOS. Proven, bankable community sized energy from waste.

Learn more about our ultra-low emissions gasification technology at Stand F20. www.energos.com Tel: 0845 683 7001

Enpure are process engineers and technologists in the waste sector Please call and see us on Stand F18 in the blue zone

Finning offers the complete Caterpillar product range of machines and work tools to help your business achieve its goals, so whether you are working in building and construction, mining, agriculture, demolition, waste or recycling we can help you make the right equipment selection.

Visit us at M38 or go to our website www.finning.co.uk

Enterprise Ireland is the Trade and Technology Board of the Irish Government. We are the gateway to Ireland for international companies looking for world-class suppliers.

Enterprise Ireland Stand No: FF58 Green Zone +44 207 4388713 www.enterprise-ireland.com

Stand No: G25 Blue Zone 01842 751804 www.hotrot.co.uk

Visit us on stand LA29 Award winning solutions you can depend on. www.envar.co.uk

Enviros - one of the leading environmental consultancies in the UK. See us on stand C58 in the purple zone.

Tel: 0844 412 2413 www.enviros.com Robust, reliable and now reusable…

The New Improved Ranger ® from

Hadfield Wood Recyclers now has a southern site, making it even easier to offer a nationwide service. We take all grades of wood including MDF and laminates.

Visit us on stand J40.

HotRot is an organic recycling solutions provider, offering technologies for the treatment of all types of biodegradable wastes.

Anaerobic digestion By product recycling Composting

ISYS stand No. At FutureResource is F32 in the Purple Zone.

ISYS will be displaying our latest range of software products including new ISYS mobile functionality for Commercial, trade and Council/Local Authorities.

Heil Europe, part of Heil Environmental, the world’s largest refuse collection vehicle manufacturer, will be exhibiting their brand new P900 at this year’s Futuresource.

Heil’s product range includes the Powerlink, Powertrak, Big Bite, Front End Loader and the Eurocycler.

Visit stand P41 to find out more.

Combitour, a complete software solution for commercial and public sector waste management operations.

Are you getting the most from your vehicle fleet?

Visit C38 to find out more.

The home of Hi-Vis Litterpickers

Stand H14 Red Zone www.helpinghand.co.uk

Visit us at stand K16 and make the most of the discounts and offers available. We will be showcasing our brand new Gusella Grab at the show - a fantastic range that is only available in the UK through JMC Recycling Systems Ltd. For more details and information on all our

sales@ivu-uk.com www.ivu-uk.com

metal recycling machinery visit our website www.jmcrecycling.com or call 0115 9409630.

Visit the New Earth Group companies at stand G26 in the green zone

Powerful waste and street cleansing management solutions to transform services and to improve customer responsiveness

Modec is the world’s first electric vehicle of its size and is proud to launch the new electric tipper at Futuresource.

Meet the Modec team on stand P29 or visit www.modecZEV.com

New Earth Group – bringing together waste management and renewable energy solutions

Visit us at stand F46 at Futuresource 2009 to see for yourself! www.northgate-is.com/publicservices

Stand No: K38 Green Zone 01728 726636 www.peterridley.co.uk With over 20 years experience and knowledge in the Waste Management and recycling industry, we offer experience, innovation and value, to maximise recovery of resource materials in the most sustainable way possible.

EXHIBITOR INDEX Come visit us in the green zone on stand J56.

We are part of Evonik Industries and supply P84 and Procon (PPS) fibres which are extensively used in the Hot Gas cleaning of Waste to Energy Plants, Biomass Plants and Clinical & Hazardous Waste Incineration Plants through out the world.

Visit us at stand no B15

Remarkable Pencils Limited H10 in the Red Zone 01905 769999 www.remarkable.co.uk

Company Description Remarkable Pencils Ltd is recognised as the UK’s leading designer and manufacturer of recycled retail, office and promotional stationery products. The company’s entire range is made from recycled British waste or, in the case of our FSC products, timber materials from proven sustainable sources.

QSP is an Assessment Centre for WAMITAB, City & Guilds and IOSH. Delivering NVQ’s 1-4 in Waste Management, Recycling Operations and Cleansing and Support awards, along with all levels of Health & Safety NVQs. Having access to TrainToGain funds enables us to offer fully funded NVQ 2-3 awards in England.

Come and visit us at stand F38.

T: 01438 880181 F: 01438 880182 sales@recyclesigns.co.uk www.recyclesigns.co.uk

Visit us at Stand G38 in the green zone

Riverside Waste Machinery looks forward to welcoming customers onto Stand No KA21 in the ‘Red Zone’ at Futuresource 2009.

Alternatively, please feel free to contact us on 0845 450 5388 or visit www.wastemachinery.co.uk

TRACKSS @ FUTURESOURCE

REDOX Recycling Technology Technology is specialized in the supply, process technology, the engineering and the project management of sorting lines for solid waste.

Salvation Army Trading Company Limited Reduce your footprint in the environment; recycle your clothes and textiles using Salvation Army clothes recycling banks. For more information on textile recycling, visit www.satradingco.org, telephone 01933 441086 or visit us at stand K58.

Profits gift aided to The Salvation Army

VCU supplies in-vessel, aerobic composting systems with incredibly low operating costs. Systems are proven in municipal/industrial applications ranging from 2,500T to 40,000T/annum. The VCU is ABP compliant. VCU has 15 installations in the UK/Ireland.

20-22 April 2010 NEC Birmingham, UK Leading the way for a sustainable future www.sustainabilitylive.com

Sustainabilitylive! is the UK’s largest gathering of suppliers and buyers tackling the resource and sustainable issues facing UK business today.

Walo UK Limited 16 Parker Court Staffordshire Technology Park Dyson Way Stafford ST18 0WP Tel: 01785 330618 Fax: 01785 221781

Stand F34 is where you will find TRACKSS, leaders in Waste Management.

Training and Consultancy for 15 years.

New for 2009 we have introduced exciting new MBT technology for processing Household waste (MSW) at a low capital cost with maximum efficiencies.

The system can be tuned for biodegradation or Bio-drying waste depending on end-use.

Learn more at our stand K54 where we will be delighted to share more on this.

VCU can be found on stand G13 Further information www.vcutechnology.com

WasteRecruit - the waste industry’s recruitment specialist. www.wasterecruit.com Tel: 0870 460 7602 admin@wasterecruit.com Come and see us on stand B46 at Futuresource 09’

Email: david.wilson@walo.co.uk Web: www.walo.co.uk We are specialist contractors providing Dense Asphaltic Concrete (DAC) impermeable lining systems for Dams, Reservoirs, Canals and Landfills

WOODLAND GEMS

Cries originally recorded by MAFF (forerunner of DEFRA) financed by RAF. Equipment developed by Wingaway for all situations. Sales in most industries wherever birds cause a problem.

Visit us at stand D17 or give us a call on 01249 890317

Visit our stand – C12 – at Futuresource and support the Woodland Gems Programme.

Woodland Gems – safeguarding our natural heritage through landfill tax contributions.

E: garyroberts@woodlandtrust.org.uk T: 01296 338250 W: www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/gems We look forward to meeting you.

NOTES

with Envac UK Ltd to run a seminar which will bring waste system developers, designers and architects together to discuss the benefits of designing-in good waste management facilities.

On the collection vehicle front, Heil Europe will be unveiling the P900, an RCV designed for narrow, tight access and rural operating environments and capable of being used for food waste collections. From Terberg Matec, meanwhile, there will be new multi-compartment specialist recycling vehicles and binlifts on display, including the Eco-Pump model which promises fuel savings and carbon emission reductions.

For those interested in versatile street cleaning solutions, Bradshaw Electric Vehicles, Johnston Sweepers and Dulevo International, will all be showcasing their latest machines.

Innovations such as Johnston’s C200 compact sweeper, which is powered by an environmentally friendly engine that offers fuel savings of up to 40%, give an indication of the kind of environmental and economic efficiencies to be found at Futuresource.

Planning and delivering infrastructure is one of the biggest challenges facing the sector and there are plenty of exhibitors offering a range of services in this important field. Volker Fitzpatrick, Dean & Dyball Civil Engineering and VINCI Environmental UK are among the construction industry consultants taking part and Mott MacDonald, technical advisers on waste management projects, will be on hand to offer advice on public private partnerships.

Adams Hendry Consulting will be demonstrating an innovative approach to waste planning processes, holding interactive sessions to show how they use technology to boost stakeholder engagement in the planning process, and Whitespace Waste Software will be launching its PFI Contract Management Module. The company will also be showcasing its Power Suite Product range of applications, which it says are increasingly being used by organisations supplying local authorities to increase the profitability of service provision.

With the devolved administrations busy setting ambitious targets for waste in the future, those interested in waste minimisation should pay a visit to the Zero Waste Scotland stand, where there will be representatives from Scottish Government, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, Scottish Local Authorities, Waste Aware Scotland, WRAP Scotland, Remade Scotland and Scotland’s Economic Development Agencies.

Above The new Sennebogen 310 Multi-Handler, available in the UK from E. H. Hassell & Sons Ltd

And making sure the event itself demonstrates what good practice and partnership can deliver, Bywaters will be working with ExCeL London to showcase the Bycyler system, collecting co-mingled recyclables throughout the three days of Futuresource and making sure that the exhibitors and delegates ‘walk the talk’ and recycle as much as they can.

Spotlight on vehicle and plant innovations

Above & below Head to the Innovation Spotlight stand to see the prototype multi-modal demountable body refuse collection vehicle

Leading names in the vehicle and mobile plant sectors have given Futuresource the thumbs up, ensuring that visitors will be able to see the very latest in waste collection, transport and handling kit. Finning/CAT is the latest well known brand in the plant sector to sign up to the show, joining the likes of JCB, Liebherr GB, and E. H. Hassell & Sons Ltd/Sennebogen.

The line-up of vehicle specialists includes Dennis Eagle Ltd, Farid Municipal Vehicles, Ford, Geesink Norba, Isuzu Trucks UK Ltd, Mercedes Benz (UK) Ltd and Bradshaw Electric Vehicles.

Providing a focal point for some of the latest developments, including some ‘UK firsts’, the Innovation Spotlight stand will showcase a range of solutions designed to deliver better fuel efficiency, reduced CO2 emissions, improved operator safety and costs savings; from new hybrid and multi-modal RCV designs through to versatile weighing systems and waste handling kit.

Geesink Norba will be launching its new plug-in electric vehicle, having successfully operated it in Sweden for six years. The system is powered by a battery which is fully charged overnight by plugging it into an electric socket, enabling the collection of 15 to 16 tonnes with an option to recharge by power take off (PTO) during the round. According to Geesink Norba, the plug-in not only significantly reduces total fuel consumption but also provides a 20% reduction in CO2 emissions, with zero CO2 emissions from lifting and compaction. The first vehicles will be going to contractors Serco for use in Hammersmith and Fulham, and to Veolia.

The new Loadweigh-CAN unit from Applied Vehicle Weighing Solutions Ltd continuously displays net, gross and axle weight data, and automatically switches the packer plate off when the truck reaches its legal weight limit on gross on the rear axle

Dennis Eagle Ltd is showcasing a prototype multi-modal demountable body refuse collection vehicle and it will be the first chance for many to see this innovation ‘in the flesh’. Developed by HN-Shoerling GmbH, for whom Dennis Eagle are the UK agents, the concept was successfully trialled by Transport for London, which was looking for new ideas to not only reduce road congestion and CO2 emissions but also make the collection and bulk transfer of waste out of the capital more efficient. The demountable concept not only reduces the environmental and carbon impacts of waste collection by reducing the number of vehicles required but it also means that the transport of full containers can be undertaken at off-peak times or using alternative forms of transport such as barge or rail.

On the plant front, making its official debut at the show will be the new Sennebogen 310 Multi-Handler, a 19 tonne machine ideally suited to handling waste, recycled materials and compost. Unveiled in prototype form late last year, the 310 Multi-Handler combines the benefits of a wheeled loader, a telehandler and a 360 materials handler. It is the only wheeled telescopic machine in its class with a hydraulically-raised driver’s cab that can be raised while on the move without the need for jack leg stabilisers – a big deal in both safety and operational terms.

Avant Tecno (UK) Ltd, meanwhile, will be displaying the recently launched Avant 750 articulated loader. The most powerful machine in the range, the manoeuvrable 750 boasts a lift capacity of 1,400kg with a machine weight of only 1,720kg and a ground speed of up to 25kph. Easy to operate and with 360 degree visibility, the 750 can be used with a range of 100 attachments, mounted using the Avant quick hitch system.

There will be a new fuel saving, environmentally friendly steering control system from Phoenix Axles & Suspensions Ltd, and anyone grappling with the challenges presented by onboard weighing and axle load problems will be interested in -CAN, a development from Applied Vehicle Weighing Solutions Ltd (VWS) and Dennis Eagle Ltd. This innovation does away with the traditional cab indicator and uses existing dash mounted in-built information screens to display net, gross and axle weight data instead. The unit has been designed to automatically switch off the packer plate when a vehicle reaches its legal weight limit on axle load, which means drivers have to discharge the payload.

Finally, reflecting the international scope of Futuresource 2009, Scarab will be featuring the FS6000 sweeper kit, which has been specifically designed to offer the ultimate in flexibility to worldwide operators who require a heavy duty suction road sweeper. The sweeper body has been engineered to allow fast and easy fitment to virtually any internationally available chassis and the equipment controls simplified to eliminate all but basic maintenance and service requirements.

Visitors can also take advantage of over 40 free seminars and specialist ‘Hubs’ offering advice on everything from waste exports to media relations. Information Hub sponsors Valpak, Viridor, the Environment Agency and WRAP will cover a range of issues from WEEE and batteries to good and bad science, and from waste exports to the impact of a change in government on the sector. The Freight Transport Association, meanwhile, will be hosting vehicle and plant related seminars in the Transport Hub, covering hot topics including ‘Eco Driving’ and graduated fixed penalties.

Tackling another challenge facing the industry, the Communications Hub, hosted by Sauce Consultancy in partnership with CIWM, is designed to help waste professionals to feel more confident about approaching and reacting to the media, and building relationships with journalists. Visitors can get advice on media relations and put their questions to journalists, including the BBC’s Environment and Science Correspondent David Shukman, and Lucy Siegle, Environmental Correspondent for The Observer and The One Show. Former BBC news reporter Steve Bustin is also on board to provide free media training sessions to help industry professionals prepare for press, TV and radio interviews (to book a free session email: press@ciwm.co.uk).

For information, and pre-registration and conference booking details, visit www.futuresourceuk.com

WHO CAN I SEE? The Composting Company on stand G58, presents their new OxyGen Windrow Aeration Management System, developed from the leading technology in their IVC aeration, ensuring aerobic conditions are constantly maintained in windrows, eliminating odours and the need to turn thus saving on diesel and labour costs. Oxygen levels are recorded and retained as evidence of aerobic conditions to refute any allegations of malodour emissions. A first in windrow aeration management as it enables complete control over oxygen levels in windrows. OxyGen controls fan speed automatically; ensuring minimum power is required to maintain oxygen levels, whilst retaining a permanent record to provide evidence that processing requirements have been maintained.

Before the end of March 2009, trucks across Europe built after the year 2000 were obliged to comply with an expanded field of vision requirement. The mirrors in question are the class IV mirror which is the wide angle mirror that sits with the main mirror on the vertical mirror arm, and the class V mirror which is the mirror that goes above the door and looks down onto the kerb. The reason for the new regulations is to try cut down on the number of cyclists and pedestrians injured or killed when trucks are turning left or moving away from a standing start.

The accepted way of doing this is with mirrors that have a deeper radius of curvature. The Ashtree method of meeting the requirements is to fit the two new mirrors, class IV and V. They have made the mirror as universal as possible to try to allow entire fleets to be retrofitted using only 2 mirrors. The advantage to the user is that they only need to keep stock of a couple of sizes rather than all of the different ones they might have at the moment, the advantage for us is that they will fit an Ashtree product.

Class VI mirrors are compulsory on all new trucks but so far no retrofit requirement has been passed for older vehicles. Some fleets are looking to retrofit onto older fleet vehicles as a best practice measure. Ashtree have made a universal mirror kit that will fit most vehicles.

At the Futuresource Exhibition, Ashtree will be presenting a range of “E” approved safety mirrors for construction and off highway equipment.

TEXTILE RECYCLING

By Alan Wheeler, Textiles Recycling Association

Lord Hunt recently launched DEFRA’s Sustainable Clothing Roadmap Action Plan at London Fashion week.

The plan concentrates on the following areas: 

Improving environmental performance across the supply chain, including: sustainable design; fibres and fabrics; maximising reuse, recycling and end of life management; and clothes cleaning.



Awareness, media, education and networks for the sustainability of clothes.



Promoting markets for sustainable clothing.



Improving traceability along the supply chain (environmental, ethical, and trade).

about 5 years and it is now at an all time high.

Furthermore, the amount of clothing donated to charity shops has risen significantly in the four years up to 2009.

The Association of Charity Shops estimate that currently about 250,000 tonnes is going to charity shops annually, whereas in 2005 they estimated about 120,000 tonnes was collected through charity shops, clothing bank collections and door to door collections. As a result charities in particular have been able to improve their income from second hand clothes very significantly over the last four years. This also puts into perspective some of the recent reports by charities with shops that they have experienced a drop in donations this year at about 10%.

So why is the Government seemingly interested in promoting a sustainable clothing industry (including the re-use and recycling of clothing) and why has this yet to largely feed through to action at Local Authority level?

At the same time there seems to have been little progress on the development of formal local authority clothing and textile collection schemes, despite the environmental and economic benefits that they can bring to the local community,

The wheels of Government can move slowly and this might be why action has yet to take place on the ground. However, there are some really compelling environmental and economic reasons as to why more should be done to remove clothing and textiles from the waste streams.

J Cohen & Sons

Within the EU-25, clothing and textiles account for a staggering 5-10 per cent of our environmental impacts (Source: European Commission (2006): Environmental Impact of Products). Without intervention and with growing consumption, these impacts are likely to increase.

Furthermore, according to DEFRA, the carbon benefits of diverting textiles away from disposal (on a per tonne basis) are greater than any other major household waste stream except aluminium.

In addition DEFRA figures released in 2006 estimate that the UK public buys approximately 2 million tonnes of new clothing/textiles annually. In the 10 years up to 2006, this figure rose by about 60%, making it the fastest growing household waste stream. At the same time, about 1.2 million tonnes was disposed of and only about 300,000 tonnes was collected for re-use and recycling. However, we anticipate that the new figures will show some increase in the collection rate.

At the same time the economic benefits of collecting used clothing are clear. The price of used clothing usually fares well compared to other recycling streams, but traditionally the price has fluctuated wildly making it difficult to plan business strategies with any degree of certainty. However, the price of used clothing has risen constantly for the

Textile recycling Established over 50 years

It is estimated that more than 1 million tonnes of textiles are thrown away every year. J Cohen & Sons is a textile recycling company that helps to deal with this problem.

We deal with charity shop collection and local authorities.

Give us a call on 0161 273 3788 to see what we can do for you.

107 Fairfield Street, Manchester, M1 2WG, UK Telephone / Faximile 0161 273 3788 Email mail@jackcohensons.co.uk

local tax payers and charities. Possible confusion about the best way of collecting textiles, who local authorities should engage with and who benefits from the collections may have contributed to this. The Textile Recycling Association (TRA) hopes to develop some initiatives with LARAC to try and address such issues.

We are looking to produce a website to provide a one stop shop for local authorities, charities, retailers etc that are interested in setting up new textile collection schemes.

We hope that this facility will go live later in the year. In addition, LARAC aim to host a series of Textile Recycling Roadshows, to promote the textile and clothing re-use/ recycling message to the UK public. This is subject to securing funding.

It is in everyone’s interest to ensure that we divert far more of the 1.2 million tonnes of textiles that is going into the bin and extracting a further 0.5 million tonnes that is unused and tucked away in the nation’s wardrobes.

Asking the public to donate more clothing to charity shops may have some effect but this method has its limits. It relies on the public taking their clothing (usually by car) to shops with limited opening hours and storage facilities, located usually in town centres. It then relies on volunteers to sort the clothing, as only about 15% of all donations are suitable for re-sale in shops, the rest being sold onto textile reclamation merchants. Relying on this method of collection alone is not the most efficient way for charities to get clothing into their shops.

Furthermore, the vast majority of the UK’s 200,000 charities do not have shops, so raising funds through clothing donations to shops is not available to them.

Many would agree that organisations like these should be allowed to fundraise through clothing collections.

We believe that there are significant opportunities for Local Authorities, retailers, charities and commercial textile reclamation businesses to work together to resolve these issues.

Celebrating 50 years of service to the recycling industry

Specialists in used clothing and household textiles via kerbside collections and bring sites for Local Authority and waste management companies www.igcohen.com E: info@igcohen.com

T: 0161 736 8899

F: 0161 745 8697

Ltd

USED SECOND HAND CLOTHING & SHOES Sorters Collectors Exports Recyclers

Ragbags is a company dedicated to working with businesses and organisations, such as high street charities, managing their textile waste requirements.

Since our inception we have grown to become one of the largest textile reclaimers in the Midlands.

We have built our reputation by proving to be reliable and trustworthy with good, prompt payment for used clothing and collections specially tailored to your needs.

If you require a professional and hassle-free waste collection service look no further than Ragbags.

Fortune International Ltd 5 Shuttleworth Road, Elms Farm Industrial Estate, Bedford MK41 0EP Phone Number :- +44 1234 347272 Fax Number :- +44 1234 364141 / + 44 1234 355185 Email :- fil@tikoo.co.uk

Ragbags are members of the TRA Call us on 01299 829111 or email us at info@ragbagtextiles.co.uk www.ragbagstextiles.co.uk

Our little bag has now got an even bigger smile – that’s because the amount now paid out to schools participating in the unique clothes collection scheme has now passed £6 million!

We’ve come a long way from when we launched this as a pilot project with just 50 schools in the North Yorkshire area. We now have active partnerships with over 20,000 schools throughout England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland as well as operations in Holland and Boston, USA. In the current economic climate, raising funds is becoming increasingly more difficult and that is why Bag2School continues to be the popular choice for fundraising for schools and playgroups throughout the UK because it utilises a resource everyone has – unwanted clothes and textiles. The unique Bag2School fundraising model is free of charge and the choice of where the funds go is within your control- unlike named clothing banks which dictate where the funds go to, under the Bag2School scheme you nominate who receives the funds, whether this be for school funds or a charity within the school’s local community. In addition Bag2School is easy to organise and does not involve the installation of a bulky clothes bank – our dedicated call centre will schedule a collection date and time to suit each individual school which means you won’t have a storage issue. Schools can link the clothes collection into recycling and eco week campaigns and we can also offer a themed assembly to help promote the important message of reducing waste and encouraging reuse. Bag2School has now paid out over £6 million to schools throughout the UK – redressing your fundraising problems by redressing the world. Call Bag2School on 01609 780222 to organise your next clothes collection – the best and most inclusive way to raise funds for your school.

Email: helpdesk@bag2school.com / website: www.bag2school.com

Door to door collections are probably the most efficient method of collecting clothing and the amount of investment in the collection infrastructure is small, yet it is a relatively untried method of collection. The money that is raised can be substantial and can either benefit charities (with or without shops) or be used to subsidise less financially attractive recycling activities. If Local Authorities are thinking of instigating door to door collections, they could put mechanisms in place that would allow charities with shops in their borough to replenish stocks when necessary.

Similarly the network of banks should be looked at. How can new networks of local banks be established? Perhaps the following could be asked: 

Could Parish Councils be asked to find suitable sites in their area?



If local charities, community groups or schools were to benefit from the revenue generated would this increase their use?



Would new sized banks (big or small) enable sites to be established in residential or retail areas that have not been considered before?

Whatever the answers, local authorities, retailers, charities and landowners should strongly consider appointing TRA members as the bank operators. The entry requirements for membership of the TRA are strict (see www.textile-recycling.org.uk). Each applicant must demonstrate that they uphold legal Duty of Care requirements under the Environmental Protection Act (1990) and other key aspects of business law. They are also required to conduct their business to a high professional standard.

Clothing retailers are also coming under greater pressure to improve their environmental credentials. TRA members have a great deal of experience in collecting used clothing that has been taken back to large networks of charity retail units for re-use and recycling. More recently, regular retailers have introduced similar schemes. We believe schemes like this will have an important role to play in increasing clothing re-use and recycling rates. Recyclatex is the UK’s only bonded national clothing /textile collection scheme leads the way in this field. It is the only organisation in the industry, whose collection area covers the entire mainland of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

The ECO-FRIENDLY school friend!

Morgie Bee’s school project is to encourage children to bring unwanted clothes and shoes into school and in return your school will benefit through a cash incentive - as much as £275 per tonne! The project is already very successful in many schools Morgie Bee brings along a recycling beehive so young people come along and put their unwanted clothes and shoes into the Morgie Bee hive, which is emptied by her little helpers. The hive contents are weighed and your school will receive a payment based on the amount collected!

These are then exported to countries less fortunate than our own so they can use and enjoy them.

So please help us in the Morgie Bee School Project and call 01299 829111 www.ragbagstextiles.co.uk

Plastics Recycling in the UK Recoup (RECycling of Used Plastics Limited) was established in 1990 and has assisted the growth of domestic plastics packaging recycling from virtually nothing to over 180,000 tonnes being collected in the UK annually (Local Authority Plastics Collection Survey 2008, WRAP report, researched by Recoup) Ben Layton, Project Officer, Recoup

State of the Nation The recent global economic problems impacted far and wide across the recycling industry in the latter part of 2008.

Market conditions for selling the collected plastics became increasingly difficult, primarily down to a reduced demand for raw materials from China, which is still a major outlet for UK bottles and other plastics.

But the situation has improved and both the UK and Chinese markets are offering good prices. This recovery has occurred more quickly than many industry commentators predicted, but it does provide stability into the second half of 2009.

Prices for materials are generally returning to the level they were in summer 2008, and competition for material is as strong as ever.

The market difficulties did focus attention on the quality of material being collected and the over reliance on the export markets. The UK plastic recycling capacity is developing and it is hoped that this will safeguard UK plastic collections against future downturns in Chinese material demand.

In July Recoup will be releasing the annual Local Authority Plastics Collection Survey 2009. This freely available document will inform a variety of stakeholders such as Local Authorities, waste management companies and reprocessors on current plastics bottle and other plastics collection practices, collection levels and the future plans of Local Authorities. It is expected that reported recovery levels will increase on last year’s data, which revealed that 92% of councils are now collecting plastic bottles – and that almost 35% of domestic plastic packaging (mostly bottles) was recycled. This is a great achievement but we cannot spend too much time applauding our collective efforts to date when the aforementioned increasing UK capacity means that the industry is hungrier than ever for material.

Mixed Plastics The Recoup conference on Domestic Mixed Plastics Packaging Recycling took place in Oxford last month.

Delegates were warned of the dangers of confusing householders regarding the recyclability of various plastics packaging, as well as the issues around labels that appear on some items. Director of Recoup, Stuart Foster, identified mixed plastics as an area of importance to increase the

recycling performance of Local Authorities but warned of the barriers preventing it. He identified “potential confusion” and “inconsistent specification” as two such barriers. Recoup have carried out work to try and help avoid these barriers and their domestic mixed plastic packaging recycling guide is an initial position statement which will be evolved as the opportunity to recycle mixed plastics develops.

Mr Fosters warning was later repeated by Mr Paul Davison, managing director of Proteus PR, saying that Local Authorities need to “know their audience” in order to deliver messages relating to mixed plastic recycling. He went on to say that this would take some time to achieve as it requires behavioural change in residents.

Mr Paul Davidson, special advisor on plastics at the Waste and Resources Action Plan (WRAP) also spoke at the event.

He highlighted WRAP’s work investigating the possibility of using mixed plastics to produce food grade packaging. Mr Davidson also identified that all other mixed plastics could be used in Solid Fuel Recovery (SRF) applications but warned against incineration. WRAP have recently completed some work on mixed plastics recycling and will publicise the results at an event on the 17th June in London.

Out of Home Recycling In the last few years, the out of home or recycle on the go opportunity has become reality with lots of new schemes and trials launched in locations such as shopping centres, theme parks, supermarkets and town centres.

Recoup are currently managing two schemes in the UK. ‘Recycle Zone’ is a project with Coca-Cola Enterprises. The project aims to have 80 zones up and running by the end of 2010. Each site collects a range of recyclables including plastic bottles. Current sites include Thorpe Park, Legoland, Frimley Park Hospital and Festival Place Shopping Centre.

Recoup are currently supporting Tesco to help launch a series of on-street TOMRA recycling units at Tesco Express and Metro stores. The trial units are collecting PET bottles and metal cans.

It is predicted that many more recycle on the go schemes will be launched in 2009 – which is great news when you consider that an estimated 25,000 tonnes of plastic bottles are discarded at out of home locations.

The future….

Recoup are building on their mixed plastics work with ‘Plastics Packaging: Collection, Sorting and Reprocessing – Essential Guidance’. This will take the form of a detailed supplement, allowing organisations throughout the supply and recovery chain to better understand what can be collected, the best collection and sorting methods, market values and potential end markets. This will also include shared learning from Europe, giving an alternative perspective.

It is hoped that bottle collection rates will continue to

increase over the course of 2009 due to: increased householder interest and engagement, expansions to existing collection schemes, and also the establishment of new collection schemes.

However, the development of mixed plastic packaging recycling must not negatively impact on the developed materials recycling – including plastic bottles where other plastics is a key contaminant. There is little point in increasing the tonnage recovered if quality cannot be improved and maintained at levels acceptable to plastic reprocessors. The quality of bottle collections need to be considered as a priority and other plastics packaging only collected when the collection, sorting and reprocessing solutions are clearly identified – and mixed plastics packaging can be treated itself as a commodity with a positive value.

While focus must remain on key areas as outlined in this article, 2008 witnessed residual processing trials by Titech, the first landfill mining conference, recycled mixed plastic product development, and a continued interest in plastic recovery through MBT systems and plastic to fuel technologies. All of these topics are worthy of further discussion and research and could form part of the longer term strategy for effective and integrated plastics recycling activities.

Recoup’s domestic mixed plastic recycling guide can be downloaded at: www.recoupservicesltd.com/mixedplastics.asp See www.wrap.org.uk/wrap_corporate/events/shaping_the_future.html for details.

11 Main Drive East Lane Business Park Wembley Middlesex HA9 7NA UK

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SIMBA International has an on going stream of plastic and metal materials from major producing plants supplying wide-spec, near prime and post industrial to post consumer scrap We assist in sourcing materials and products for our trading partners whereby they could expand their market share We are constantly seeking mutual trading partners to expand the customer base and volumes We have recycling plants and trading offices in USA & UK; and mutual trading partners in India, Hong Kong, China and other asian and far eastern countries Telephone: Fax: Email: Website:

• • • • •

0845 458 1701 0845 458 2803 sales@simbaint.com www.simbaint.com

AQSIQ Licence No. A826080427 Waste Broker Licence No. TNE/378977/B Accredited Waste Exporter for Plastics, Steel and Aluminium by the environment agency Northern Ireland environment agency accreditation no. ROC 3285 NIWO (Netherlands) Licence No. BU511072XXXB

THE WINDSHIFTER Alfatek UK has been closely involved in Facility and Process Design for the Recycling Industries. Managing Partner, Simon Ingleby is a Design Engineer who has combined practical experience with innovative technologies from Europe to build some of the most robust plants in the UK. “In my time so far I have seen a variety of machines and solutions to various recycling activities. High-spec sensing technology is now forming an integral part of the process.

However, the plant as a whole must be robust, well-engineered and practical.

I have used a variety of equipment from Dutch specialist Redox Recycling Equipment and most notably their key machine The Windshifter.

25% of the power requirement of suction/cyclone systems.

Common separations are: For Construction and Demolition Waste, light parts like wood, folio, paper, cardboard and plastics from aggregates. Further process could be heavy wood from light contamination and high calorific fractions; 

For Commercial Wastes, wood from paper and solid recovered fuels, hard plastics from light debris;

 For MSW, light waste from organics, plastics from cardboard, paper from cardboard, glass from plastics and paper;  For Compost, stones and debris from the oversize, paper and plastic foils from the organic fraction;

The Windshifter uses blown air as a density separation device and the key to it’s success is the versatility to adjust to suit many wastestreams and applications.

 Other applications are cleaned of incinerator bottom ash, co-mingled waste and even grizzly abattoir waste to recover butcher’s tools!

Density separation is an important step in the waste recycling process to achieve parity in the recyclate (a term given to each sorted ‘product’ from the mixed input).

The Windshifter works best within a narrow fraction range for example, 12-25mm, 25-60mm, 60-150mm, 150-300mm and 300+. Therefore you can see how the recycling plant works with size sorting combined with windshifting to achieve optimum performance. A typical full plant can have 5 windshifters built in.

The wastestream to be separated is brought onto a vibrating table within The Windshifter. By vibrating, the materials spread out and long parts are carried along in the flow direction. At the end of the vibrating table the material falls as a ‘curtain’ through a blown air stream. The light parts are lifted across a rotating drum and collected below a hood. The heavy parts fall in front of the drum and are discharged via conveyor. Even long parts can be separated effectively with relatively low air flows since the rotating drum can take these long parts out by mechanical force.

Airflow in the hood is recirculated back to the fan for energy efficiency and there is dust management incorporated including a novel pulsed compressed air jet cleaning that keeps the fan blades free of build up automatically.

The Windshifter parameters can be adjusted by variable speed air flow, angle of airflow, speed of separation drum, height and distance of drum to the vibrating table. By controlling these items the dynamics of The Windshifter can be changed to suit different separation techniques. Energy is of paramount importance - these machines can use only

The Windshifter is available as a stand alone machine also.

It can be a fixed installation, semi-mobile on a hook-lift frame or even fully mobile on self-powered tracks. It can be open or enclosed and can also be placed at the end of a conveyor belt. Different sizes are available for a range of duty and throughputs.

Redox manufacture each machine specifically for each customer therefore is tailor-made in a very impressive modern and efficient factory. I have no hesitation in specifying this equipment in my projects.

Redox marketing strategy obviously still involves the big turnkey plants, however they are very keen to incorporate this technology into existing installations and with the new mobile tracked unit this could be a key machine for hire fleets and site demolition works” Simon Ingleby, ingleby@alfatek.karoo.co.uk

PRODUCTS

Does your home suffer from draughts? Are you cold in your home?

Are your heating bills high? Do you have a fireplace?

Then the chances are your chimney is the problem.

Did you know that up to 80% of the heat that is generated by your fire disappears straight up the chimney?

Geotextile Tubes

The Fireplace Heatsaver could save the average household up to £144 per year on its heating bill – and cut its carbon footprint by as much as half a ton - in just one year. It is a lightweight, transparent shield designed to fit over the fire or fireplace opening and allows householders to block up their chimneys when they are not in use.

UKEC geotextile tubes otherwise known as sediment tubes, dirt bags or dewatering tubes can be deployed to clean streams, lagoons, canals, waterways, lakes and abattoirs.

This has now become the preferred method and is recommended by the Environment Agency, Water Boards and other Environmental Groups. The sediment laden water is pumped into them; it is then filtered as the water passes through the geotextile, leaving any sediment and oil retained in the tube.

Geotextile tubes can also be used as coastal tubes which are similar to De-Watering Tubes but instead of being filled with waste material they are filled with beach sand to shield

Our editor says of the product “I swear to you that this is the best thing I never knew I needed. If you want a simple and effective way to cut your outgoings and protect the environment, then get one of these.”

The Fireplace Heatsaver costs from just £78.25 inclusive of VAT and delivery to your door. Go to www.fireplaceheatsaver.co.uk to find out more or call Daniel Shute on 01924 368899

the coast against wave action, high tides and currents.

The tubes are made from both woven and nonwoven geotextiles in a variety of strengths and sizes to ensure the correct tube is being supplied to guarantee the success of the project. It is for this reason customers are required to complete a project questionnaire data sheet and often provide a sample of the material that needs to be dewatered.

These geotextile tubes are environmental friendly as the consolidated material can be removed from the site and used as fill, compost or for other beneficial uses.

For Geotextile tubes call Shona on 08715 725725 Ext:223

SICK OF TRAVEL SICKNESS? How many times has travel sickness interrupted your best-laid plans? Whether a school travelling party or business group visiting clients, there is a new device on the market which solves the problem. The‘Gamlin for travel’ travel visor fits easily over glasses and works by reducing the amount of visual information reaching the brain during travel- it cuts out the view of the rapidly-moving objects and vehicles, etc that just add to the stress and overloading of your brain capacity.

Adults, young children, anyone who feels queasy on a journey by car, plane, bus, train or boat will benefit whilst still being able to read or even

enjoy the scenery en-route.

Extremely useful for migraine sufferers and certain types of epilepsy by reducing the ‘strobe-lighting effect’ caused by bright sunlight flickering through trees and bushes seen from the car or coach. Always seek professional medical advice before using this visor to alleviate the above conditions.

The ‘Gamlin for travel’ travel visor is available from www.gamlinfortravel.co.uk or call 01398 361656 Used this product? Send your opinions, good or bad, to info@gamlinfortravel.co.uk.

Water Filled Temporary Cofferdams are installed by experienced practitioners with full training given on site.

Water Filled Temporary Cofferdams UK Enviro Care Limited’s Water Filled Temporary Cofferdams are an environmentally friendly and cost effective alternative to sheet piling and earthen bunds, which have been the traditional methods in the past, for diverting water and creating de-watered areas so that work can be carried in a safely de-watered area without damaging the surroundings. Water Filled Temporary Cofferdams are filled with water and afterwards back into the project site. Water Filled Temporary Cofferdams are a quick and effective solution. Water Filled Temporary Cofferdams can be used as a container for storing water on remote sites. It can also be deployed for spill containment.

The new ROLYMOLE wormery has everything you need for successful worm composting. It needs no power supply, and the new 50 litre size is ideal for balconies and small patios.

The ROLYMOLE wormery is a simple `in the top- out the bottom` system. The ventilation by natural convection draws fresh air into the wormery. The ROLYMOLE `breathes` through his nose. Its in-built natural convection cooling system prevents over heating and worm migration due to heat build-up.

It also produces condensation around the cooling pipework* which can help maintain the moist environment in which worms thrive.

Regularly wiggling of the ROLYMOLE`s tail will gradually dislodge the worm casts which have been deposited at the base. Excessive moisture cannot build up as drainage is very effective. For the best results feed partly rotted material (eg. compost produced by the ROLYPIG).

Fresh waste can be fed but needs time to partly rot before the worms can digest it. Shredded paper and cardboard should be added in generous quantities after soaking in water. Paper and cardboard become the worm`s bedding initially, and as it rots down, it will become food for them.

Prices; 270 litre £299.99 including VAT and delivery UK Mainland, New 50 litre size £159.99 including VAT and delivery UK Mainland (* 270 litre only) For more information go to www.rolypig.com or speak to Roy or Tom on 01398 361656

Water Filled Temporary Cofferdams are self contained single tubes (sizes vary) with an internal baffle system for stabilization which prevents it rolling when surfaces are uneven. It uses surface friction to maintain stability when faced with irregular water pressure. It is manufactured from a heavy gauge polyvinyl chloride (PVC) reinforced with polyester ensuring its durability for the task. Once the task is completed it is simply emptied, rolled flat and can be stacked on a single pallet for storage. Water Filled Temporary Cofferdams can also be overlapped to envelope larger areas.

Water Filled Temporary Cofferdams can also be used as flood protection around structures, buildings and key facilities. Quick and easy to deploy, they can be filled from the floodwater itself and dismantled easily and quickly, unlike sandbags which require removal to landfill sites.

Water Filled Temporary Cofferdams work with the earths elements without depleting them, hence they are ideal for environmentally sensitive projects.

For Cofferdams call Jim on 08715 725725 Ext: 221

Quadriga ElectricQuad Technical Specification  Top Speed - 40km/h (can be modified)  Range - Urban 50 km (31 miles) Off road 40 km (25 miles) on a single charge  Length - 195cm, Width - 112cm, Height - 113cm, Weight - 387kg  Motor - Best, 4Kw/2800 continuous current  Motor Power - 4Kw  Battery - 6 x 12v, 72Ah NorthStar with AGM technology, maintenance free  Charging Time - Approx 9 hours  Gear - Automatic  Seats - 2 people  Transmission - Rear with locked differential automatic gear box and reverse  Can tow up to a tonne  Can be outfitted with spray equipment eg quite running on pavements Quadriga Key Features  Structural composite and thermal plastic panels (will not rust)  LCD Display - speedometer, odometer, transmission position, battery meter  Turn Indicators, head and side lights, no Plate light  Automatic Gear - forward and reverse  Front & Rear rugged steel cargo racks  Programmable electric brake  Regenerative Braking  Robust Tubular Frame  Standard Tow bar.

Contact David Cowperthwaite on 01704 220961 or visit www.tyc-track.co.uk

ACADEMIC YEAR WALL PLANNER 2009-2010

Famous Last Words DON’T LET THE BOFFINS DO THE BRANDING

Global warming.

As a marketing man who loses sleep about what we are doing to the planet, these two words have been driving me to distraction for years.

In branding a product or a service, we often go to considerable lengths to ensure that we get the name just right. Apart from the obvious creative sessions and brainstorms, there are focus groups and test marketing programmes, there are reports to be written and discussed, and then at last, a name or perhaps a phrase is arrived at.

And this for a new breakfast cereal or a can of dog food.

There are very few methods of advertising that give you total coverage of your target audience and ensure that your advert is on display in front of them for a whole six months.

The EnviroMedia Academic Year Wall Planner is a double - sided A1 full colour calendar displaying six months of the year on either side. Not only does the Wall Planner provide ample space for the user to make notes, it also highlights standard school holidays, bank holidays, important celebration and remembrance days and significant dates in the religious calendar for the five major religions, which makes The EnviroMedia Academic Year Wall Planner a useful resource for any education facility.

With a circulation of 28,668 the wall planner is mailed to every independent and state primary and secondary school in the UK and every Sixth Form College and Academy. It offers an unmissable opportunity to showcase your products and services to the education sector.

We only have one advert size available on the wall planner - 80mm x 80mm square for £795.

Multiple adverts can be purchased at a reduced rate and combined to give a larger advertising space.

Tel: 0161 3410158 Fax: 0161 7668997 Email: alex@enviromedia.ltd.uk EnviroMedia Limited, 254a Bury New Road, Whitefield, Manchester, M45 8QN

However when it comes to the single greatest problem that mankind has ever faced, we simply adopt a phrase handed to us by the scientists. These are people who deal in absolute and literal terms, and the phrase ‘global warming’ is entirely and scientifically accurate. There is no blame whatever to be laid at the door of the scientific community.

The point however, is that if you say that the world is getting warmer to the proverbial man on the Clapham omnibus, he’s not going to get too distressed about it.

For Mrs Smith in Acacia Avenue, a warmer world means more summer heatwaves, and milder winters.

Armed with that information, she’s off to B&Q in her 4x4 for a patio heater so that she can hasten the arrival of this warmer world.

Warming is – well – a warm word. It’s a positive. It’s about comfort, security. We like to keep warm. We love warm summers. We go to warm places. We warm up. We enjoy warm feelings. For every Independent reader who frets about their stand-by buttons and levels of recycling, there are a dozen Sun readers looking forward to record-breaking summers.

Increasingly, we use the phrase ‘Climate Change’, which although something of an improvement, still doesn’t come anywhere close to the Ronseal ‘does what it says on the tin’ kind of brand we really need. I would prefer us to be using Climate Damage, Climate Breakdown or similar. Suggestions on an email please – let’s find a badly needed alternative to the cuddly, positive and wholly counter-productive brand we use now.

Steve Grant

> More than just

a warm feeling inside

System 70 from Rotex is one of the world’s most advanced heating systems, so flexible that it is capable of servicing both under floor and radiator installations. It is designed to work with the company’s new generation of boilers maximising the use of solar power, conventional fossil fuels or a combination of both.

It offers new levels of green technology, delivering maximum economy and heating efficiency to ensure that there will always be a warm welcome at your new home.

System 70 offers a bespoke solution to meet every type of room layout or heating/hot water challenge at a highly affordable price.

Rotex UK, Unit 7, Lodge Road, Bristol BS15 1TA

To know more call 0117 961 1698 or e-mail sales@rotex.co.uk www.rotex.co.uk