Reviving the housing sector

Grant Shapps has announced in August  that action is required as housebuilding was at its lowest level since 1924! Furthermore, a New Homes Bonus scheme will be introduced early in the spending review period. – This is designed to reward local authorities who give consent and support for building new homes. Under the new homes […]

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 […]

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

With advancements in LED technology, it is now possible—and increasingly essential—to replace traditional exit signs with LED exit signage. LEDs offer superior efficiency, longevity, safety, and cost savings, making them the most practical and future-proof solution for modern buildings. Below are the key benefits of LED exit signage, explained in detail. The Benefits of LED […]

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?

In the pursuit of a more sustainable future, knowledge and education play a critical role. Without a clear understanding of the actual impact of various energy-saving actions, individuals often fall into the trap of engaging in low-effort behaviors that offer minimal benefits. This concern was at the heart of a compelling study conducted by the […]

Renewable Energy Technology Developers & Manufactures seek Syntegra’s advice for the implementation in the building environment

The introduction of Feed-in- Tariffs, Code for Sustainable Homes and the EPBD,(Energy Performance of Building Directive) in conjunction with the transformation of Building Regulations towards a highly sustainable approach, and the  popularity  of BREEAM sustainability assessments, has lead many RET developers and Manufacturers to turn their eyes to the building environment. It is well known […]

Wind power growth set to halt after 2009 peak

According to the Worldwatch Institute, in 2009 wind power contributed 2% to global electricity consumption worldwide and global wind power capacity increased by 31%, the highest rate in the last 8 years despite the recession.  However this growth is unlikely to continue in 2010 and the US market is facing increased competition according to recent […]

Global recession creates drop in energy consumption

It was announced in BP’s Statistical Review of World Energy 2010 that energy consumption reflected the pattern of the recession and recovery.  On a global scale it was reported that coal consumption was flat and the consumption of oil, natural gas  and nuclear power had all declined.  Hydroelectric output and other sustainable forms of energy […]

High performing insulation – cork insulation

Cork serves as a natural insulation system for the oak tree, by governing its temperature and moisture levels it protects the tree from temperature fluctuation making it a natural alternative to current insulation materials. Cork is a sustainable insulation material and no chemicals are used in the manufacturing process which requires a low amount of […]

Listed on Thames Valley company watch list for 2010

Syntegra Consulting have again been recognised by industry as leaders in the field of energy consultancy. The company has recently been identified on the Thames Valley watch list of fast-growth, businesses from across the Thames Valley region. The list comprises companies that have the potential to innovate and grow significantly. To view the list visit: […]

Award – Listed on the Courvoisier ‘The Future 500’

Another award for Syntegra Consulting: Director Alan King has recently been selected onto the ‘Courvoisier The Future 500 list as one to watch over the next year in the science & technology category. Every year Courvoisier set out to identify outstanding individuals for its Future 500, a list of the country’s top achievers across ten […]