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Using Trained Dogs to Detect Japanese Knotweed

Published 15 February 2024 | Written by Jack Endean
CategoriesIdentify potential natural environment detriment Protect the local environment Protection of existing natural habitat Removal of invasive species

On this project they have found several areas where invasive plants particularly Japanese Knotweed and Himalayan Balsam is developing. As it is an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), to allow these species to spread in the wild, they want to do everything they can to prevent any spread at all. In their efforts to prevent…


Component Tracking

Published 15 February 2024 | Written by Jack Endean
CategoriesMaterials management Monitoring and recording of resource usage

This project comprises of over 14,000 structural components, the basic concept of component tracking is to monitor, communicate and record the progress of every single one of these pieces through the supply chain, from design to manufacture, installation and handover on site. The purpose is to create a single source of information for monitoring the value-add process through the supply…


Hydrogen Powered Excavator

Published 29 January 2024 | Written by Jack Endean
CategoriesCarbon reduction Conserve of energy Energy efficient plant and equipment Green/renewable energy

The project team team have investigated and implemented the use of hydrogen powered plant, specifically JCB’s new hydrogen combustion forklifts. Hydrogen is zero carbon at point of consumption, meaning it will dramatically reduce site based emissions that normally come from diesel. This will enable sites to dispense with diesel or electric powered forklifts which emit high carbon emissions.


HP Siteprint

Published 17 January 2024 | Written by Jack Endean
CategoriesConserve of energy Conserve of resources

This contractor is using HP Siteprint as a new way of setting out on site. The robotic printer is connected to a station and controlled with a tablet and can set out lines on the floor plate including gridlines and internal walls. This can be controlled and monitored by one person, therefore reducing the labour required and the physical strain…


Utilising Heaters to Optimise Concrete Mixes in Cold Weather

Published 15 January 2024 | Written by Jack Endean
CategoriesCarbon reduction Lower embodied carbon content materials

During winter when the weather is colder, you need to pour with a concrete with higher carbon content as this will allow it to cure correctly. By using heaters on slabs, this has allowed them to optimise concrete mixes. The goal is to be able to pour slabs using the summer mixes all year, therefore offering a carbon saving of…


Combined Noise and Dust Monitoring Equipment with Integrated AI

Published 15 January 2024 | Written by Jack Endean
CategoriesDust Inspection and corrective action Noise

Each noise monitor used on this project not only captures audio clips when any noise exceedance limit is detected, but it also identifies different sources of noise. Through the integrated artificial intelligence, sounds are automatically analysed and categorised as noise being from: construction activities, impact sounds, music or vehicles. The recordings are automatically stored on a cloud-based system that is…


EcoNet Power Management System

Published 4 December 2023 | Written by Jack Endean
CategoriesConserve of energy Energy efficient plant and equipment

EcoNet is a cloud based energy and power management system which controls energy demand between the welfare facilities and the site generator. Using sensors throughout the cabins, the wireless system monitors energy demand in real-time and a receiver sits inside each cabin to isolate circuits and turn off equipment as and when required. By controlling and reducing the baseline energy…


CellAED Units Fitted into Work Vehicles

Published 4 December 2023 | Written by Jack Endean
CategoriesDefibrillators Emergency preparedness First aid

This contractor is using the CellAED handheld, smart, personal Automated External Defibrillator (AED) in all of their work vehicles. This item is easy to use and carry, it is also more affordable that alternative units. The contractor first became aware of the product at an NEC Health and Safety Event in 2022 and has trial and then fully implemented the…


AI Briefing System

Published 4 December 2023 | Written by Jack Endean
CategoriesDisadvantaged and minority groups support Engagement and commitment from the workforce Facilities designed to accommodate equality and diversity needs Induction and training

This contractor employed the Synthesia AI avatar system to voice over in house videos using  3D modelled images and animations to visually communicate a variety of systems to the workforce. This is an AI avatar system that can voice over any animated document developed by simply typing the text into the system. The system allows you to choose from over…


Solar Powered Compound

Published 3 December 2023 | Written by Jack Endean
CategoriesCarbon reduction Conserve of energy Energy efficient plant and equipment Green/renewable energy

The contractor implemented a solar powered compound with supplier which has led to a carbon reduction of 1tCO2e per week throughout the trial. This was considered so successful that they have maintained the use post-trial and will be implementing solar power where possible in the future in combination with other energy sources such as Hydrogen. The contractor helped to design…


Lifting Prefabricated Modules

Published 3 December 2023 | Written by Jack Endean
CategoriesControls Positive reinforcement for good safety practices

A novel way to lift prefabricated modules into place was designed, which reduces the risk of the activity, makes it possible to set down heavy equipment in confined spaces and avoids the need for extensive temporary works. The initiative includes a C-shaped lifting hook fitted with an equalizer on top. The equalizer keeps the load completely leveled while lifting, while…


SlurrySep Concrete Washout

Published 6 November 2023 | Written by Jack Endean
CategoriesPlans to prevent pollution Prevention of surface water run-off

SlurrySep is a line of reactive separating agents composed of minerals, pH adjusting components, and polymers. They are specially blended high efficiency formulas designed to remove high levels of suspended solids from wastewaters leaving clean water for compliant discharge or reuse. Remaining sludge is non-leachable and will pass Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP). This is a cost-effective waste treatment process…


Independent Cab Heaters

Published 6 November 2023 | Written by Jack Endean
CategoriesConserve of resources Corrective action addressing waste

A cab heater has been installed to use during colder periods to reduce fuel consumption. The independent cab heaters mean that engines in the machines do not have to be on which then reduces idling times. Reduction on fuel is an important issue not just within construction but globally. This is a cost efficient way of managing the current crisis…


Fibre Reinforced Plastic Bridge

Published 6 November 2023 | Written by Jack Endean
CategoriesCarbon reduction Modern methods of construction

In their efforts to reduce carbon on the project this contractor has researched various methods of bridge building and materials used. This has seen them now working with Janson Bridges to create a Fibre Reinforced Plastic (FRP) bridge as the solution on the Tyn-y-Bryn project. Traditionally bridge construction consists of large amounts of concrete and steel which creates a large…


Biophilic Façade

Published 6 November 2023 | Written by Jack Endean
CategoriesCarbon reduction Lower embodied carbon content materials Modern methods of construction

This project will be the first of it’s kind to have a Biophilic façade. It refers to the utilisation of live plant species and the creation of a ‘live’ environment cavity along the façade that could support the species. This cavity is designed to be a fully automated, irrigated, ventilated and climate controlled space. Two layers of glass (double skin)…


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