September 2010
Briefing the newsletter of ICE Yorkshire and Humber In this issue: Past ICE President receives CBE TMICE Success at Leeds Met Nuclear v Alternative Energy Haiste Reunion Your Committee
Welcome to the September edition of the Briefing Ian Parke (Chair: ICE Yorkshire and Humber, 2009-10) Twelve months ago I was honoured to become Chair of the Region. My highlight of the year has been the opportunity to meet with so many members, both across the Region and nationally.
question understand what we do and are in general appreciative of our work for them and society. In fact, it is quite refreshing to talk about our work to our ultimate client and end user and I would strongly recommend that any of you in a similar position take full advantage of the opportunity. In June we published the State of the Nation Report and although not front page news it has become a publication which is being read by more people, both within and outside the profession. The publication of the State of the Nation Report was well received both nationally and within the Region, this in no small part to the work which was undertaken by the Regional Support Team.
One of the most rewarding experiences for members is to meet other members and guests at our evening meetings which are held across the Region. Not only is this an opportunity to meet with old friends and colleagues, but it also provides the opportunity to network and to meet with the members of your Committee.
This is the perfect opportunity to thank David Tattersall and the other members of the Team who continue to work on behalf of us all across the Region. In addition, I should also like to take this opportunity of thanking the Committee who freely, with the support of their employers, give up their time to support and promote our profession.
The Institution is indeed fortunate to have so many members who are passionate about their chosen profession and the delight they express in talking about their work. I mentioned in the last Briefing that the public perception of Civil Engineers has for many years been one of indifference. This, however, is changing.
Finally, I would like you all to join me in welcoming your new Chair for 2010/2011, David Neeve, who is a terrific ambassador for civil engineering.
Whenever I am asked what I do, I take great pride in telling people that I am a Civil Engineer. It was not so many years ago that the answer would have been met by raised eyebrows, a blank look, a repeat of the question or a mixture of all three reactions Today, most of those who ask the
Best Wishes, Ian (Immediate Past Chair)
David Neeve (Incoming Chair, 2010) It is around four months since the coalition government came into power, and a common theme during the coverage of the Liberal Democrats' conference this week seems to be, “What have they achieved?”. When this Briefing is published, I will have been chairing the Region for 22 days and, unfortunately, I cannot report that I have made the public respect and admire Civil Engineers or that we will be the envy of other professions. It is with sadness that I am sure that after 100 days in office, or even when I am writing my departing article in 12 months' time, I will not be able to produce this “Holy Grail” of the ICE Member Satisfaction Survey.
and activities, both regionally and nationally, and it is easy to forget all the hard work and effort of volunteers that goes into the Institution. At the recent UK Regional Affairs Committee (UKRAC), we had a presentation from Barry Clarke (current Vice President), who informed us that over 700 volunteers are involved just in producing the Institution's journals, briefing notes and sitting on the national expert panels. This shows that there is great passion within our profession and reflects the purpose of the Institution, which is for the benefit of society. For those of you that have dedicated some of your time towards this collective goal, I sincerely thank you. For those that wonder what possible benefit the Institution can provide to yourself and society, I encourage you to get involved, I promise you will not regret it.
Although it would be very nice if the public held me as a Civil Engineer in the same esteem as a lawyer or doctor, would this make any real difference to what I do and love every day? In my case, I did not join the profession because I thought it would be prestigious or glamorous or well paid; it was because I was drawn to the challenge. However, I do think it is an important step, on the way to the real goal of influencing those people in power, to make the correct decisions for our national and regional infrastructure and now is a unique time to gain that influence with the forthcoming changes to regional governance. Therefore, please take up Ian's challenge to engage with the ultimate user, the public. I do not think that any other profession touches humanity in such a fantastic and all-encompassing way as civil engineering. From when people get up to the time they go to sleep, virtually everything they do is provided by Civil Engineers. If you ever want to remind yourself how important and valued our work is, volunteer for a school Ambassador visit and watch the children in amazement when they realise what we do and provide for society. Over the past decade I have been involved in many ICE roles
One such person that has fully engaged with the Institution over many years is the Immediate Past Chair, Ian Parke. I would like to thank him personally and on behalf of the Region for his hard work and dedication. I am looking forward to hearing your views on the profession and what you believe the Institution should be engaged with, so please do not be shy in expressing your opinions. Through your Regional Committee we have a strong voice in Great George Street and can make a real difference. Kind regards, David
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September 2010
Jean Venables, Immediate Past President of the ICE, honoured with a CBE Dr Jean Venables was awarded a CBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours List in June, following her distinguished service as President of the Institution of Civil Engineers in 2008-9. This follows her MBE in 1997 for Services to civil engineering and her OBE in 2004 for services to flood defence. Jean is a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering, Fellow of ICE, Member of CIWEM and Fellow of the City & Guilds of London Institute. Jean was the first woman in the Institution's 190-year history to be elected ICE President. Her theme during her ICE Presidential Year was climate change, especially the need for both mitigation of CO2 emissions and adaptation to the predicted effects and the crucial role of engineers and related disciplines in delivering both. As well as being Chairman of Crane Environmental, she is Chief Executive of the Association of Drainage Authorities (ADA), whose members are at the forefront of dealing with day-to-day water level management, the seemingly increasing number of extreme rainfall events and rising sea levels. Jean participated in the Pitt Review following the 2007 floods, leading to the consultation on and influencing role during the passage of the Flood & Water Management Bill (Flood & Water Management Act 2010) in the last Parliament. Further details of Jean's work are available at www.crane-environmental.co.uk and at www.ada.org.uk
Haiste 90 Year Reunion - 1920 to 2010
In 1974, new commissions in the UK dried up rapidly due to reorganisation of local government. But survival and recovery was realised through overseas activity of very considerable commercial and technical challenge. Some projects were massive in scale, such as Baghdad sewerage, solid waste plants for Tripoli and Bengahzi in Libya, and the Greater Athens Wastewater Treatment Plant. Heady days for what was still a medium sized Yorkshire firm, recognised in 1982 by a Queen's Award for Export. In the mid 1980s, a further change saw the formation of Haiste Group Ltd and separate operating companies for the various
This is my final article as Regional Member of Council, as my three-year spell will be over in November. From then, Richard Dew takes over following his recent election and I wish him every success. Council is a significant commitment, both in terms of time and responsibility. Being a Trustee of the Institution brings with it quite onerous personal responsibilities for the governance of the Institution, although you do find yourself at the heart of decision-making. Since my last article, most of Council's time has been spent considering matters financial, with a decision on the 2011 subscription rate and a discussion on how the Institution can generate income from sources other than subscription. The former decision was made after two heated debates, with a pronounced polarization of views and a close vote. Some major developments that were discussed over the past three years have now become a reality, such as the new website and the commencement of the development of 8 Storey’s Gate. Both of these should bring long term benefits to the way the Institution communicates with its membership and provides support and services. It will be interesting to review such improvements at the end of Richard's term on Council.
The Reunion 80 former employees of Yorkshire based consultants, Haiste, gathered at a reunion in Leeds on 10 April 2010. They came from all parts of the UK and from Algeria and Libya. Amongst the colleagues who met up again after many years were eight who joined the firm in the 1950s, all of whom were in great form. Haiste starters in the 1960s, 70s and 80s/90s accounted for 18, 29 and 25 of the total respectively. Between them they had accumulated more than 1000 years of service with Haiste and its successor companies! The firm was founded by John Herbert Haiste in 1920. In the mid 20th century, John H Haiste and Partners were responsible for numerous water and sewerage schemes throughout Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. The sea wall at Robin Hood's Bay stands as a visible and enduring example of Haiste's sea defence work.
Regional Member of Council - John Branton
disciplines. Technically, Haiste became a leading consultant in the new areas of computer modelling of water distribution networks and in process automation and telemetry, whilst consolidating its traditional design and construction services. In 1988, the potential of what John H Haiste's successors had created was spotted by the Danish consultant, Carl Bro, which duly acquired Haiste to establish a foothold in the UK, the Haiste name being retained into the 90s. ICE's e-news notice of the reunion alerted a member who, as a child, lived near Haiste's first international project, a pontoon bridge in Kenya, completed in 1931. Fascinated by the bridge, he grew up to become a civil engineer and years later found employment with Carl Bro, where he discovered its Haiste origins. Hugh Allan (ex Haiste and Carl Bro 1971-2000)
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Probably one of the most significant decisions taken by Council at its last meeting was regarding the ICE Conditions of Contract which had been the mainstay of contracting in the civil engineering industry for many years. Following representation from the ICE, the Office of Government Commerce agreed to make the NEC the preferred contract for public construction works, but only on condition that ICE removed its name from the ICE Conditions of Contract. This Council has agreed to do by mid 2011. The existing ICE Conditions may well continue, but under the banner of the ACE (Association for Consultancy and Engineering) and CECA (Civil Engineering Contractors' Association). When my term as Regional Member of Council ends, I will also leave the Regional Committee, the Regional Executive, the RAB (Regional Advisory Board) and UKRAC (UK Regional Affairs Committee). I would like to thank all the members of those bodies for their sterling work during the past three years.
Technician Membership (TMICE)
TMICE Success at Leeds Metropolitan University Bob Bennett Membership Development Officer (MDO)
Leeds Metropolitan University (LMU) is the Region's sole provider of BSc qualifications in civil engineering. Their main feeder colleges are based in Bradford, Leeds and Wakefield, although many students gain access to LMU having obtained good A Level grades from school.
This year was very much a pilot process and three students asked for the opportunity to take the TPR – Peter Campbell, from the JNP Group, and Mark Calvert and Frazer Hyndman, both from Mouchel. All three candidates obtained their own mentors in the workplace, and I visited to ensure that the TPR standards (the attributes in ICE 3002A) and also the processes were clearly understood. The mentors were just as enthusiastic as the candidates and their input contributed significantly to the outcomes.
Over the years there has been much liaison between LMU and the Region and this has recently resulted in the ICE Development Objectives (ICE 3005A) being embedded in the student personal development portfolio. This was a hugely enlightened (and bold!) decision by LMU as it significantly prepares the student for life after university and helps them to fast-track to their professional qualification. Dave Allen, who is a senior tutor at LMU, took the initiative in this and linked in with the ICE, both to develop and implement the Development Objectives. This lead to the opportunity to offer the Technician Professional Review (TPR) to selected parttime students, with the Review being based at the University itself.
So what did happen? Peter, Mark and Frazer prepared and submitted their TPR documents and arrived at LMU where a degree of nervousness pervaded the atmosphere. The two Reviewers called each of them in for interview in turn and, almost in the blink of an eye, the Reviews were finished – at least it felt like that! The result was that each of them was successful and can now use the postnominals, 'Eng Tech TMICE'. Congratulations are well deserved. For Mark and Frazer the challenge didn't end there as they both presented their experiences at a TMICE Conference in Coventry. Not only has this been a personal triumph for all three but it has also lead to Leeds College of Building deciding to follow a similar process for their own civil engineering students with 'Eng Tech TMICE' being the potential reward.
The rationale for this initiative is that part-time students gain significant workplace experience during the BSc programme and are able to capture this experience in their Development Objectives. There is a point during the course when a formal HND in civil engineering is awarded and it was firmly believed that, at this point, an appropriate student should be well prepared for their TPR.
Peter's account of his experience follows.
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Technician Membership (TMICE) Peter Campbell Eng Tech TMICE I applied for Technician Membership of the Institution of Civil Engineers (TMICE) because it would provide proof of my work experience alongside my BTEC National Diploma (ND) in Construction and Higher National Diploma (HND) in Construction, both of which are proof of my academic abilities.
The meetings with Bob were very informative; he answered any questions I had and reassured me about any parts of the process that I was anxious about. I was anxious before the Professional Review but felt comforted by the fact that I had produced all the required work for the Reviewers and I had reflected on my learning over the last few years. I was reassured because Bob had told me that during the Professional Review the Reviewers would be trying to extract the relevant information out of me and most importantly, they wanted me to pass!
I also believed that obtaining TMICE would be beneficial to my career as it would make me stand out, especially in the current economic climate. Successful achievement of TMICE shows employers that I am interested in civil engineering both within and outside work, that I'm dedicated to progressing professionally and willing to devote a lot of time and effort to obtaining a professional accreditation.
I found time management a challenging part of the process. I was working full time and attending university on day release. I was in the final year of the HND course which meant there was increased pressure from coursework and examinations. Late nights were an inevitable part of the process but all the bleary eyes were worth it when I received my university grades and TMICE.
Prior to the initial meeting with the Membership Development Officer, Bob Bennett, I was anxious about whether I would be suitable for TMICE membership and whether I had enough work experience. After the meeting, I felt reassured because Bob said that if I had been working as a competent and diligent technician for the last four years then I should be suitable. I was confident I had.
I was elated when I received the email from the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) confirming that I had successfully achieved TMICE. I felt that all the time, effort and preparation had been worth it and I felt proud that the Reviewers decided I was suitable for TMICE. At work people are impressed that I have achieved TMICE. My manager told more experienced technicians that I was showing them up by successfully achieving this accreditation.
I was pleasantly surprised when writing my development objectives by the amount and variety of work I had produced and the skills I had demonstrated. When you are working full time it is easy to take for granted how much you have progressed and how many skills you have demonstrated. When I had completed the Development Objectives I was proud of what I had achieved and how much I had progressed over the last four years.
I am keen to become an active member of the ICE by attending events and contributing to the ICE where possible such as by writing this article. I feel that I am taking the first steps of a long journey in my civil engineering career; in the long term I hope to become a competent, diligent and well rounded Chartered Civil Engineer.
I found my mentor's contribution very helpful. We met on a number of occasions and reviewed my reports and Development Objectives and he provided reassurance, advice and constructive criticisms. 5
Debate: Nuclear v Alternative Energy ICE Yorkshire and Humber evening meeting 8th July 2010 The speakers took turn about to introduce their themes and respond to one another before opening the floor to questions. Although it was billed as a debate, there was a lot of common ground between the speakers. Bob Ayers confirmed that there had been a reduction of 7-8% in renewable energy delivered to the national grid in the first quarter of 2010. This was attributed to a less windy quarter. Overall the proportion of electricity generated by renewable sources in 2009 was 3% or 6.9%, depending on the definition adopted. Malcolm Grimston claimed that nuclear power and renewables are not in competition - they complement one another, with nuclear being particularly suitable for base load generation. Bob said that onshore wind farms currently cost about £2,000/kW and low-head hydroelectric power is about £3,500/kW. Offshore wind power is more expensive and a big challenge for Civil Engineers to find ways to reduce the cost of the foundations. With the new government incentives for solar power, farmers are investigating turning their fields into solar energy parks – even in the UK. Water companies are also developing small scale hydroelectric systems tapping the energy in the outflows from water supply reservoirs. The current government subsidy to renewable energy 1 amounts to £13.50 per customer per year . Malcolm Grimston commented that in the USA the cost of new nuclear power stations is estimated as $6-7,000/kW (£3,800-£4,400/kW). The average load factor from onshore wind power is 26-27%, although larger turbines can achieve 31%. The expected load factor for offshore wind power is 29-30%. A questioner pointed out that wind power is only available when the wind blows, and nuclear power stations have a similar problem as their output is constant, so they can only be used for base load and cannot follow variations in demand. As base load is only about 20-25% of peak demand, aren't wind and nuclear competing for the same limited part of the market? Malcolm Grimston said that in future, spare output could be used to generate hydrogen for use as a fuel. The development of modular nuclear reactors with subcritical operation could allow some seasonal load following. He said that at present, uranium reserves amount to enough to supply 3-4 times current demand for 60 years. Bob Ayers sees the government's planned expansion of offshore wind power as a massive challenge to engineers. However, there is a reluctance to devote the resources to development due to the lack of long-term stability of government plans, with continual changes in targets and incentives, often with very little notice. The chair and speakers were thanked for a very interesting and stimulating evening. 1
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/energy/windpower/7061552/Wind-farm-subsidies-top-1billion-a-year.html
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Chair: David Hirst, Risk Manager, member of the Institution of Civil Engineers Y&H Regional Advisory Board and the ICE Energy Board. Past Editorial Panel chairman of the Energy Journal. Speakers: Bob Ayers, UK Business Development Director, Enfinity UK ltd. Renewable energy consultant and developer. Past member of ICE Energy Board, and Editorial Panel of the Energy Journal Malcolm Grimston, Associate Fellow at Chatham House, author of numerous articles for journals, and co-author of Double or Quits? – The Global Future of Civil Nuclear Energy.
Thanks to Alasdair Beal and David Hirst for compiling this report.
Your Committee
Contact details
To get in touch with any member of the Committee, please contact: Regional Support Team iceyandh@ice.org.uk 0114 232 5044
ICE Yorkshire and Humber Committee 2010-2011 Twelve people stood for election at the AGM in July 2010 and five of these were elected, making the full complement of seven elected members on the Committee. The Committee had elected the officers (*) of the Region prior to the AGM and these appointments were approved. The Committee for the 2010-11 session is therefore: David Neeve vacant vacant Ian Parke Sandie Forte-Gill vacant John Branton / Richard Dew Claire Dooley Ron Warner David Tattersall Andy Arnison John Bowes Lynden Cable Alex Holt Crina Oltean-Dumbrava Andy Thompson Cath Topliss
Chair * Senior Vice Chair * Junior Vice Chair * Past Chair * Honorary Treasurer * Honorary Secretary * Regional Member of Council (Richard Dew will take over from John Branton in November) G&S Representative (nominated by G&S) Humber Branch Representative (nominated by Humber Branch) Regional Director (appointed employee) elected elected elected elected elected elected elected
Thanks are due to Steve Keetley, who resigned as Honorary Secretary at the end of the 2009-10 session, Maria Melton, whose Committee term ended, and to Richard Robson, who resigned in September 2009. 7
Why do they do that?
Why do people say that they are “good” when asked how they are? Shouldn’t others be the judge of their level of saintliness?
Highlights of Forthcoming Events 5 October 2010 Can we keep wasting waste? The Rose Bowl, Leeds Metropolitan University, LS1 3HB 14 October 2010 Working towards the Attributes - a Seminar series for Graduates Rogerthorpe Manor Hotel, Badsworth, Pontefract, WF9 1AB 28 October 2010 Flooding in East Yorkshire (RICE event) Rogerthorpe Manor Hotel, WF9 1AB Speaker: Peter Kite
To book a place on an event, please contact iceyandh@ice.org.uk 0114 232 5044 unless an alternative contact name is given. While we have worked hard to ensure that all details are correct at the time of publishing, changes may sometimes be unavoidable. Please check the website. All meetings start at 18:00 for 18:30 unless otherwise stated.
4 November 2010 John Armitt - a Career in Civil Engineering St George’s, University of Sheffield, S1 4DA 25 November 2010 Getting Professionally Qualified Rogerthorpe Manor, WF9 1AB 15 December 2010 Technical Report Route (TRR) Seminar Rogerthorpe Manor Hotel, WF9 1AB
Contact Us Email: iceyandh@ice.org.uk Telephone/Fax: +44 (0)114 232 5044
All members of the Institution whose registered address is in the Region are members of the Yorkshire and Humber Region unless they have requested membership of another Region, in which case they may ask to be honorary members of the Region as well. Student Members and Graduate Members are automatically members of the G&S Section. Members with a registered address in the north and south Humberside areas are automatically members of the Humber Branch, as well as of the Region, and any other member of the Region may request membership of this. Members of the Institution who have retired or are nearing retirement are invited to contact us in order to join the Retired Members' Section. 8
Write to: ICE Yorkshire and Humber PO Box 4317 Sheffield S6 9DT Website: www.ice.org.uk/yorkshireandhumber