Mark Griffiths

🤔 Interested in delivering #netzero #operationalcarbon projects? US TOO! 🙌 The #LETI Operational Modelling Guide addresses why we need to use operational energy performance modelling & the key pieces in the jigsaw needed to make it effective for any project. 🧩 www.leti.uk/omg #BuiltEnvironment #BetterBuildings #ClimateAction #NetZero #wednesdaywisdom

51

Our 2024/25 Business Plan has been published reflecting the many different activities our 15 workstreams will be undertaking, working towards improving outcomes for people and places across the whole of Scotland. It continues to support the three priorities of Scottish Government’s Infrastructure Investment Plan of enabling the transition to net zero emissions, driving inclusive economic growth and building sustainable and resilient places. We highlight big themes for public sector infrastructure investment in which our teams will be engaged: ▪️ Delivering more affordable housing ▪️ Transitioning the public estate to net zero emissions ▪️ Enabling the transformation of public service delivery. Our focus remains on attracting private sector investment into digital infrastructure and supporting the energy transition, as well as assessing financial models to deliver heat networks and attracting further investment into electric vehicle charging infrastructure along with a new workstream dedicated to infrastructure for the hydrogen economy. We see new opportunities across the construction sector where increased digitalisation, modern methods of construction and the retrofitting of existing buildings will be vital in supporting the energy transition and Scotland's net zero requirements. For the year ahead, we are again looking forward to building on the deep and meaningful relationships we have developed with our partners to bring about improved outcomes, helping us towards our vision of world-class infrastructure for the people of Scotland. https://lnkd.in/emF6mbsP #infrastructure #construction #hydrogen #future #economy

44

6 Comments

The Cockshut Stream, Lewes and Invasive non native species - (INNS) The Cockshut Stream in Lewes, East Sussex rises at the foot of the South Downs near Kingston and runs a short 3km distance to Lewes and out to the River Ouse. It is a historically and ecologically important chalk stream that was once a working waterway which was used to transport stone to construct Lewes Priory in around 1080. Later the stream helped feed fish ponds within the Priory grounds which became known as Stew Ponds. Later still in the 1600’s the streams water helped feed Lewes’s first pumped drinking water supply. The upper reaches of this stream near the Lewes Brooks SSSI underwent a fantastic restoration in 2022/3 removing invasive plants like Parrots Feather and remodelling the route to maximise wetland habitat; a project involving Lewes District Council, The Ouse and Adur Rivers Trust, and the Railway Land Wildlife Trust with support from the South Downs National Park Authority and funding form the Veola environmental trust. However a stones throw down stream from this project, there is a significant problem with Japanese Knotweed. One of the very well known invasive plant species and rightly feared as it is so virulent and quick to spread vegetatively (i.e. it can reproduce from small fragments as well as spreading via rhizome's but sexual reproduction is also probable but less understood with this plant). Japanese knotweed can take over huge areas often along streams or river banks and railway lines where it grows very fast and tall and forms deep rhizomes. It will outcompete any other plant, creating a bland and daunting monoculture. This photo from the Ham Lane Lewes towards the Cockshut confluence with the River Ouse show the extent and challenge of Japanese Knotweed when active management has not been in place for some time. Land owners and managers struggle to get on top of this with is technically difficult and expensive and the biodiversity of this valuable chalk stream is shaded and smothered. The UK Non Native Species secretariat manages various partnerships (including the Aquatic Biosecurity Partnership linked below) aimed at reporting, monitoring and managing INNS species, including Japanese Knotweed and helping improve biodiversity of the fragile habitats that are impacted. https://lnkd.in/gdYz-2e4 https://lnkd.in/gBnCJzWm

12

3 Comments

Scottish ministers are asking for your views on the proposed Potentially Vulnerable Areas - places where significant flood risk exists now, or is likely to occur in the future. This will help Scotland understand flood risk and prioritise resources. Read more >> https://lnkd.in/eanUsrJN #consultation #scotland #floodrisk #floodpriorities #floodareas #potentiallyvulnerablearea #haveyoursay

7

We're half way through the enlightening IStructE Climate Emergency Conference. It's an incredible opportunity to engage with thought leaders and innovators who are reshaping our industry in response to the climate crisis. It is really interesting to find out the future of carbon standards, not just in the UK but across the world. It's becoming increasingly clear that these standards are not just a 'nice-to-have', but are set to become the new norm in the construction industry. The discussions have revolved around how we can play a pivotal role in reducing carbon emissions and creating a sustainable future. #IStructE #ClimateEmergency #CarbonStandards #Sustainability #Engineering

3

“Our current reservoir levels may look healthy following a wet winter and the interventions we and our customers have made, but the impact of climate change tells us we need to be more resilient to drought." - David Harris, South West Water’s Drought and Resilience Director 💧 We are pleased to share that our plans to deliver desalination in Cornwall as part of our investment in long-term water resilience across the region have progressed and we are preparing plans to deliver the scheme in two phases. Phase one, will focus on the pressing need to secure resilient water supplies - subject to planning approval and regulatory consent we will deliver a smaller plant later this year, using existing infrastructure to avoid any impact to the marine environment 💧 You can find out about phase two and read the full story here - https://lnkd.in/erAHriDJ #Desalination #WaterResources #ClimateChange

136

3 Comments

Happens to the best of us One of the drawbacks of architectural lighting (upward pointing) leading to sky glow https://lnkd.in/eaD3_PmP

5

Impact Assessment (IA), Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEA) have been a cornerstone of the planning system in the UK for decades. However the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act includes powers to revoke the EIA and SEA legislation and replace them with undefined Environmental Outcome Reports (EOR) in England, which could change the scope of impact assessments dramatically. IEMA is calling for the next government to ensure EIA and SEA planning and delivery is correctly handled to ensure the best outcomes for people and the natural environment. Read all 18 of IEMA's policy recommendations here: https://bit.ly/3yI6s8W #impactassessment #environment #GE24 #UKGeneralElection #sustainbility

114

5 Comments

Can you help decarbonise our UK energy system? Funded by Ofgem and delivered by Innovate UK, the Strategic Innovation Fund is actively tackling the big challenges that face our energy networks in achieving net zero! Join us to hear from our round three discovery projects, engage with the networks and their project partners, ask questions, find out if you can get involved in the next phase. Monday 3 June: 9:30am - Enabling future hydrogen pathways for industry 11am - Supporting networks to drive the decarbonisation of heat 2pm - Flexibility solutions for a responsive future network Tuesday 4 June: 10am - Advanced analysis to accelerate the clean energy transition and improve system visibility 2pm - Energy storage solutions to reduce stress on generation resources and improve demand side flexibility Wednesday 5 June: 10am - Network resilience against the impacts of climate change, digital threats and system disruptions 2pm - Accelerating asset rollout through network planning and modelling techniques Register now to secure your place, pick the sessions you’d like to attend, hear from the projects that are making the UK’s energy systems better for people, the planet and for business. https://lnkd.in/e8HtCBFE

20

1 Comment

This is a valuable report, shining a light on the progress and challenges of implementing BNG so far. If you are interested to learn more, I'd love to discuss how we are supporting planning authorities and developers to help smooth these bumps.

12

Transparency and accessible real time data is a first good step!

6

Starting the week with an #Impact case 💫 Paving the Way to Net Zero - The Utility Data Aggregator with Lichfield District Council In response to the commitment to achieve net-zero status by 2035 and the declaration of a climate emergency in December 2019, Impera and Lichfield developed a carbon emission baseline tool for Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions across the district. The primary goal was to support and inform the creation of a comprehensive climate action plan. Impera developed the following solutions: 1. Data Collection 🌐 : Conducted comprehensive data collection across all relevant assets to ensure a thorough understanding of the carbon footprint. 2. Utility Data Aggregator 💻 : Deployed an innovative automated data preparation tool capable of processing 100+ utility bills in just 3 minutes, streamlining the data compilation process for emission calculations. 3. Coaching 🤝 : Provided coaching and guidance to the internal climate and ecology policy team to enhance their capacity and understanding. 4. Data visualisation using PowerBi ⚡ . Read more at: https://lnkd.in/eUPbm8Ct

9

More news 📣👏…The Planning Inspectorate has responded to the government brief by developing a new pre-application service which is set out in this, the 2024 Pre-application Prospectus. The key areas of operational reform supported within the Inspectorate’s new service are: The introduction of three pre-application tier options reflecting different levels of service that applicants may receive from the Inspectorate ahead of submitting an application. The introduction of pre-application fees associated with the service under each pre-application tier, discharging government’s policy ambition for the Inspectorate to achieve full cost recovery for the services it provides. The introduction of a ‘Fast Track’ procedure which will allow some applications, that are able to satisfy a new Quality Standard, to potentially receive a decision within 12 months from the point that the application is accepted for examination. Updated government guidance has been published which provides the framework for our new pre-application service, including the Fast Track procedure. Government’s 2024 National Infrastructure Planning Guidance Portal. https://lnkd.in/e4AJrXWC.

20

6 Comments

Biodiversity is key in enriching new developments in our towns and cities. With the adoption of NPF4 in February 2023, it is no surprise that the Scottish Government placed a greater emphasis on delivering biodiversity enhancement as part of its commitment to tackle the climate emergency. https://hubs.ly/Q02BnBwL0

25

Following on from the great news on funding for Resource Efficiency from InvestNI, the highly anticipated #energyefficiency capital grant funding has been announced and is due to open on Monday 29th April 2024. Grants of up to £150,000 available, check guidance notes for eligibility. Examples of projects that will be considered for the grant include: - Heating and cooling equipment - Motors and drives - Compressed air - Lighting - Onsite renewable generation Projects must show energy / carbon savings and have a payback between 1-8 years. Full details are on the link below.   https://lnkd.in/eA58fADy #energyeefficiency #funding #investni #helpingbusinessgofurther

9

As some of you are no doubt aware we love a fact here at Pragmatic Consulting Ltd and today's fact comes from Energy & Utility Skills Jack Weston. "There are more atoms in one glass of water, than there are glasses of water in all the oceans in the world" So the math to prove the fact that Jack found is below - isn't google amazing at times. Let us take “one cup” to be 250 grams of water approximately The molecular mass of water is: 18.01528 grams per molecule Avagadro’s number (number of units in one mole of any substance (defined as its molecular weight in grams)) is: 6.0221409e+23 So, one cup of water holds 8.3569904e+24 molecules of water At 3 atoms per molecule, that is 2.5070971e+25 atoms per cup of water. All water on, in, and above the Earth, would be about 332,500,000 cubic miles or 5.54368183 × 10^21 cups of water on earth 2.5 x 10^25 >> 5.5 x 10^21 so there are far more atoms in a cup of water than there are cups of water on earth

14

4 Comments

Landscape Recovery week three reflections... This winter was the eigth wettest on record for the south of England. Rainfall in February was the highest since 1836. Unusually for April, many rivers are still topping their banks and fields are flooded far and wide. Is this a one-off or a sign of things to come? This extreme weather has made farming very difficult in many parts of the UK. Government has offered support for farmers impacted by flooding through the #FarmingRecoveryFund, however it's been a bumpy ride with an uncomfortably long wait and disputes surrounding eligibility criteria. It's not feasible for government to provide this level of financial support indefinitely. It's also adding challenge to an already overstretched sector. If we continue to experience winters like these, it will no longer be viable to farm on floodplains as we have before. What's the alternative? Well, the silver lining is that these difficult times present a major opportunity to reconnect rivers with their floodplains. When done properly, this can boost biodiversity, improve water quality and reduce downstream flooding by holding water back on land. Importantly, in many cases this is now affordable - often even profitable - via emerging natural capital markets. This diversification will becoming increasingly important to ensure that farming businesses are resilient in the face of a changing climate and a changing economy. If we do it right, returning this land to nature may be the best thing for wildlife, farmers and society. #RiverRestoration #NaturalFloodManagement #FloodplainReconnection #Biodiversity #NaturalCapital #NutrientNeutrality #LandscapeRecovery

151

17 Comments