Will the FIT (Feed –In –Tariffs) boost UKs solar industry?

Since the introduction of the feed-in tariff (FIT) scheme the PV installations have risen from around 400 in April to over 4000 by the end of July, according to iSuppli. Especially the majority of these installations has been undertaken in the commercial sector. The residential sector installations will increase dramatically as well with the implementation […]

Hybrid Low Zero Carbon Systems

Nowadays it has become obvious that in order to meet our future commitments in C02 reductions, more than one LZC technologies will have to be incorporated. Hence, we should look for hybrid LZC solutions instead of utilizing just one of them separately. Many LZC manufacturers have identified the need for hybrid LZC systems and have […]

Is all CO2 created equal?

If biomass from wood is actually “carbon neutral” then perhaps biomass-produced CO2 emissions are better than those from coal and other fossil fuels.  Wood will decay and release carbon into the atmosphere at some point, however not the same stands for coal and fossil fuels. Both biomass and fossil fuels produce CO2, although the emissions released […]

Will UK Offshore Wind farms lead the global market?

On a global scale only 1.25% of the installed wind power capacity, is from offshore wind farms. In recent years the UK government support for large wind capacity has driven wind farm development. Since 2010, all big wind turbine manufacturers such as Siemens, Clipper, Mitsubishi and GE established a UK presence. However, in order to […]

Code for Sustainable Homes Consultants – Home User Guide, SWMP production

Syntegra Consulting have been tasked to undertake the production of the specialist Home User Guide and Site Waste Management Plan for the mixed use development in Sidworth Street, Hackney, London. The mixed use development site comprises of 30 flats, 18 of which are to be built to Code Level 3 for rented social housing purposes.

Are MFCs (Microbial fuel cells) the way forward?

MFCs make use of wastewater treatment, although not commercially available yet, they could provide the solution for 100% Renewable Energy fuel cells.  MFCs use electrochemically-active bacteria grown on an electrode which are able to directly produce electricity from biomass in residential and industrial wastewater streams. These special bacteria have evolved a way to force electrons from […]

What is the future of fuel cells?

Until a few years back, the excitement around fuel cells was obvious. Then investors got burned when performances and costs were not realized. That put a break on the fuel cell boom and made the industry face reality. In order for fuel cells to be a competitive LZC (Low Zero Carbon) technology, it needs to […]

UK’s First PV Power Plant gets the green light

With about 5,000 2-metre high panels, the PV power plant is intended to generate 1.34 million kWh each year. The introduction of feed-in tariffs in April 2010 in the UK has attracted Renewable Energy developers to invest in solar power. The first PV power plant in Cornwall has been given the green light. The PV […]

Renewable technology continues its its increasing growth rate

A very interesting article by Renewable Energy World has demonstrated the global status of Renewable Energy growth for the last year. In 2010, renewable energy had reached a clear tipping point in the context of global energy supply, concludes the ‘Renewables 2010 Global Status Report’. With renewables comprising fully one quarter of global power capacity […]

The benefits of LED exit signage

As we have mentioned in previous articles LEDs last longer than conventional lighting, and  provide and provide the best energy and money savings when operated from 8 to 24 hours. Having said that, which type of lights stay on for 24 hours, 360 days per year? But of course,  Exit Signs. Every building from residential […]

School & Carehome Commercial Energy surveys – Berkshire portfolio

Syntegra Consulting have been appointed energy consultants to undertake commercial energy performance certificates (EPC) for regulatory compliance. The portfolio of 8no buildings consists of care-homes and a school within the Berkshire catchment. Substantial energy savings have been identified by Syntegra Consulting whereby OPEX costs can be reduced accordingly.

Commercial Energy Certificates (EPCs) – Western Trading Estate, London, NW10 7LU

Syntegra Consulting appointed to undertake Commercial EPCs for a portfolio of 6No. light industrial and commercial units circa 7000sqft – 12,000sqft each for a Trading Estate in London. It has been identified that for the majority of premises substantial energy savings can be made to OPEX running costs simply by replacing existing lighting lamps with […]

LED lighting FAQ

Can conventional lighting and fluorescent fixtures be retrofitted with LEDs? Lighting retrofitting will play a significant role in pursuing a sustainable green future. Nowadays, LED fittings can  be easily installed in traditional luminaire  holders. For example, LED T8 tubes can easily replace existing Fluorescent T8 tube light fittings with just minor modification to the circuit […]

SAP assessment & New build EPC – The Phillamores, Cobham, KT10

Syntegra Consulting have been instructed as energy assessors for the high-end residential development called the Phillamores in Cobham. The Phillamores is a 2No. Detached bespoke timber frame house development with prices start from £1.5m+ and a includes a basement swimming pool, flood wired Nuvo home entertainment and Ipod docking stations throughout the houses (www.thephillamores.com).

10 top tips to ensuring boiler energy efficiency

Energy costs continue to rise and it is becoming evermore vital to ensure that energy consuming plant not only is energy efficient but has the functional flexibility also. It is therefore important that existing boiler plant is fully optimised and maintained to deliver the maximum efficiencies. To that end it’s useful to have a ‘check-list’: […]

What tool actually saves the most energy?

Knowledge and education is key, else people ‘beleive they are doing their part to reduce energy use when they engage in low-effort, low-impact actions instead of focusing on changes that would make a bigger difference.’ – This is one of the key conclusions of a study by the Earth Institute and Centre of Research on […]

BREEAM office assessment – 63 Holland Road, Hove

63 Holland Road (Hove) is a new 6 storey mixed use development. It comprises of ground floor and basement retail and office accommodation and residential above. The commercial areas of the ground and basement level are non-fitted out areas of a speculative nature, more commonly known as shell & core. The client has been advised […]