Lean2Sustain

Cheaper Wind Energy

Posted on 18th September 201711th January 2018 by John Cockburn-EvansLeave a Comment

It is great to see that the most recent rounds of CfD ,Contracts for Difference, that renewable energy (see link to Carbon Brief report for detail ) is becoming considerably cheaper with the unit prices of wind energy and solar, continually coming down.

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Green Light for WE Wind Farm

Posted on 29th August 201711th January 2018 by John Cockburn-EvansLeave a Comment

The UK government has recently given the green light for the next phase of the EA Wind Farm off the coast of Norfolk. It looks like Scottish Power are going to have some stiff competition in the bidding process from DONG Energy.

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Extending the Life

Posted on 4th July 201711th January 2018 by John Cockburn-EvansLeave a Comment

There was a very interesting article in the June TCE (Chemical Engineer Magazine) around battery recycling particularly in respect to EV’s, in an article called “Back from the Dead”. A company called Aceleron, ar looking behind the science, data and technology for getting the most out of Li Ion cells used in EV batteries.

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A Circular Economy – A Paradigm too far ?

Posted on 13th June 201711th December 2018 by Philippa StanleyLeave a Comment

For as long as I can remember we have lived in a boom-bust economy. Our GDP linked to global markets – at the mercy of the next world economy to come on stream wanting to develop infrastructure and create commercial growth as far as the money lasts. We gear up to meet demand, and then fall into recession when the bubble bursts, creating hardship and casualties for those caught up in fallout.

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Rubber (Plastic) Roads

Posted on 10th May 201711th January 2018 by John Cockburn-EvansLeave a Comment

If you hear the words rubber roads a number of things come to mind. As a amateur racing driver, I think potentially more “grip”. There is a new phenomena taking place. The concept of recycled plastic containers and bottles being combed from our seas and waste dumps, to be converted and substituted for the bitumen that binds our road asphalt. India has been doing it since 2002, and the Netherlands is now actively pursuing it.

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Alternative Transport

Posted on 27th April 201711th January 2018 by John Cockburn-EvansLeave a Comment

There is a lot in the press at the moment about sustainable transport , e-cars, hybrid cars, hydrogen trains, LNG powered super-tankers, but what about e-bikes. These are gradually gaining profile.

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First Hydrogen Train Tested

Posted on 3rd April 201711th January 2018 by John Cockburn-EvansLeave a Comment

The first Hydrogen Train has been successfully tested in Germany. Another major step on the journey to “zero” emissions. Still a lot to be done to make these commercially viable, but we keep edging closer. Passenger trials are set to start in 2018. It is pleasing to see that fuel cell technology has not been abandoned, and with design development and “lean” thinking the trains will become even more effective /efficient.

Scorched Earth

Posted on 20th March 201711th January 2018 by John Cockburn-EvansLeave a Comment

The term “Scorched Earth” has been used widely as a military term for removing potentially useful things away from a withdrawing or advancing enemy in the field of battle. However, I would also like to use this as a metaphor for just destroying anything rapidly, without a great deal of thought.

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Sustaining & Saving

Posted on 3rd March 201711th January 2018 by John Cockburn-EvansLeave a Comment

A fantastic announcement from the new owners of the Lochaber Smelter this week. They are going to produce automotive components from a new manufacturing facility on the site. Initial planned investment is £120m, leading to an ultimate planned investment of £450m.

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Getting Traction

Posted on 21st February 201721st February 2017 by lean2sustadminLeave a Comment

In order to get traction you need to engage the workforce. This can be achieved through awareness training, and creating a passion for change. It is essential to demonstrate quick results in order that the workforce can buy-in to the changes. A first step will be to identify the “Change Agents” who will generate the passion to achieve your goals. These individuals can help you with the scoping and planning for the programme.