Onboarding Top Gainers Polygon and Theta: How Crypto Exchange Aggregator Swapzone Addresses Community’s Demands

14/06/2021

While some of the mainstream cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum and Ripple, have been treading water and witnessing a downtrend movement, Theta’s THETA and TFUEL, as well as Polygon’s MATIC, have been showing positive trends: though occasionally hitting lows, all three demonstrated spikes and overall growth in price, positioning themselves as one of the top-performing cryptocurrencies on the market over the last month.

The buzz around the two networks and their native currencies as well as the community’s demand for more lucrative crypto exchange offers for MATIC, THETA and TFUEL made an instant crypto exchange aggregator Swapzone take a closer look at listed currencies to address the need for the best crypto exchange rates that it picks across the cryptocurrency exchange market.

Both Theta’s tokens gained over 50% in the light of the forthcoming Mainnet 3.0 launch, scheduled for June 30. But that may not be the only reason. Governed by THETA and fueled by TFUEL, the Theta network has also recently partnered with Creative Artists Agency, or CAA, one of the most prominent Hollywood sports and entertainment agencies that will join other big-name validators, such as Google, Sony and Samsung. This collaboration, according to Theta Labs co-founder and CEO Mitch Liu, will steer the project’s advancement in terms of full decentralization and help gain Theta wider acceptance.

Another hidden gem to look out for is Polygon’s Matic. Despite the fact that the MATIC price is falling after the recent breakout, according to analysts, the market may anticipate a sharp trend reversal, thanks to Polygon’s sidechain architecture. With social media dominance, immense tech milestones achieved and Mark Cuban’s vocal interest in the project, Polygon only continues to attract investors and secure partnerships to penetrate new industries, including insurance. Together with Infosys Ltd. Polygon hopes to reshape the sphere with the M-Setu initiative – an open-source Ethereum bridge designed to facilitate the porting of insurance policies.

“Adding support for currencies that are in great demand is crucial for us as a crypto exchange aggregator, whether a certain trend is random and occasional or not, since our main priority is to serve as an all-encompassing one-stop solution that has offers for any crypto pair, be it DOGE to BTC or BTC to THETA. Having projects with solid technology frameworks like Polygon and Theta is also something we’re very proud of”, says Swapzone.

About Swapzone

Swapzone is one of the leading cryptocurrency exchange aggregators that provides the widest selection of currencies and aggregates only the best exchange rates from over 15 exchange providers. Being non-custodial and instant, it lists exchange offers, sorting them out by real-time rates, speed, and rating, and lets users make an exchange in the same interface, ensuring common user flow for every swap. It acts both as an exchange tool and as a knowledge gateway so that the community could make an informed choice.

Tips and Tricks for Marine & Leisure Battery Maintenance in 2021

Shelby Grey

10/06/2021

Exide Technologies (www.exidegroup.com), a leading provider of stored electrical energy solution, is helping consumers and retailers make the most of its Marine & Leisure battery range with tips for the new season. This includes guidance on battery selection, battery recharging, battery maintenance and how to store batteries to maximise lifespan.Marine and Leisure batteries are designed for boats, mobile homes and caravans, so they are often used seasonally or occasionally. But batteries can degrade when left unused for extended periods. All batteries self-discharge when at rest, which can permanently reduce their lifespan and energy storage capability. Following the tips outlined below will help keep batteries in optimal condition for use and maximise their lifespan.

Take charge of battery lifespan

To prevent batteries from degrading, it’s recommended that you recharge them fully before leaving them to rest for any extended time. Batteries are not inert material like steel or plastic – they have chemical components that change over time, even when not in use. This natural degradation can be slowed or prevented through periodic maintenance.Always ensure your battery is properly charged. Marine & Leisure batteries are not designed for total discharges, and in fact this reduces their lifespan and energy storage capability. To avoid this, these batteries should always be recharged when OCV falls below 12.5V.When a battery is deeply discharged, an external charger will be needed to restore its energy. Solar panels alone cannot supply the strong currents needed for charge recovery. Repeated use of batteries that are insufficiently recharged can reduce their energy storage capability and lifespan. A good recharging protocol combines periodic voltage checks with the use of a reliable charger that can fully recharge the battery. A battery tender can be a good alternative to a charger, as it ensures that overcharging does not occur.During periods when the vehicle is not in use, always remember to disconnect the battery or make use of the disconnector switch if present. This ensures electric appliances do not continue to draw energy when not needed, and is particularly important if the vehicle will not be in use for extended periods.

Designed to support life on board

Choosing a supply battery is different from choosing a starter battery. It is based not on the vehicle or vessel but on how the on-board power supply will be used – how much electrical energy will be consumed and how long you’ll be away from a recharging point. It is vital to choose the right battery for your needs. Having insufficient stored energy is inconvenient at best, and life-threatening in the case of a boat without access to its navigation and communication systems.A unique advantage of Exide’s supply batteries is their specification and labelling in Wh (watt-hours) rather than the traditional Ah (amp-hours). This makes it much easier to calculate the typical daily usage of onboard electrical equipment, and therefore to select the right batteries for your power needs. Exide’s energy calculator demonstrates this process: www.exidegroup.com/eu/en/battery-finder/leisure/boat

Smart stock management strategies

Batteries are best stored in a cool (0–25°C), dry, well-ventilated environment free from sparks and frost. If you have a stock of batteries, use a suitable system such as FIFO (first-in, first-out), to minimise the time that any battery spends in storage. It is important to check voltage periodically, especially for flooded batteries.Battery self-discharge is influenced by room temperature. The warmer the storage space, the faster the self-discharge, and therefore the more frequently recharging is required. At the other end of the scale, conventional lead-acid batteries are sensitive to sub-zero temperatures when deeply discharged. In this state, the electrolyte can freeze, ruining the battery.For this reason, it is strongly recommended that conventional lead-acid batteries be fully recharged before resting over winter. Exide AGM and GEL batteries are not susceptible to the same freezing effect, so these are a good option if they are suitable for your vehicle’s needs.Batteries at rest should be kept clean, and not just for appearance’s sake. Dust, oil and moisture can accumulate on a battery to form a conductive layer that drains small current from the positive pole to the negative. Over time, this contributes significantly to self-discharge, decreasing battery power. Keeping the top of batteries clean helps minimise this current.Exide has a well-earned reputation for its Marine & Leisure battery range. As an original-equipment manufacturer, it also supplies high-quality aftermarket batteries to meet users’ needs. Exide’s M&L range comprises Exide Start, Start AGM, Dual, Dual AGM, Dual EFB, Equipment, Equipment AGM, Equipment GEL, and Equipment Li-Ion. The range includes products that are approved by DNV, the highest endorsement available for a marine-market product.Published on PRFIRE

IRS International Money Transfer Limits

Shelby Grey

01/06/2021

Transferring money internationally has become an increasingly popular and easier thing to do than it was in previous decades. Individuals and businesses have an unprecedented amount of information at their fingertips, and the ability to make investments and open accounts anywhere in the world. However, these liberties don’t come without responsibilities.

If you’re planning on sending or receiving international funds in excess of $10,000, you should familiarize yourself with the laws and regulations governing such transfers. The IRS has parameters within which you need to operate to avoid hefty fines for transferring money unlawfully. The majority of these regulations pertain to the amount of the transfer, the purpose of the transfer, and the country from which it came.

What is the IRS International Money Transfer Limit?

The IRS international money transfer limit is $10,000. If you receive an international transfer of funds into the US that exceeds that amount, you are required by law to report those funds to the IRS. This law is applicable whether you’re from the US or not. It exists to protect you, your money, and the interests of the American government and her people.

Banks in the US are required by law to report any transfers from overseas exceeding $10,000. They also report any transactions that seem suspicious or raise proverbial red flags within the banking industry. Some wire transfer companies go even farther and report transfers as low as $1,000.

Why is There a Limit on Money Transfers into the US?

The US government reserves the right to obtain information about funds coming into the country as part of national security measures. Large sums of money being transferred into the US are often investigated for potential fraud, money laundering, and other suspicious activities. The IRS places a limit on funds transfers to protect the security of the banking system and the government.

How to Receive a Large International Transfer

Receiving a large sum of money from a foreign country is less complicated than it sounds. Although it requires quite a bit of information and reporting, the process itself is fairly simple.

The Process

To ensure a smooth transfer of funds from overseas into your bank account, you should be prepared to follow the appropriate steps.

Gather and provide the necessary information to the sender. Ask your bank for their international wire transfer instructions and follow them. If you don’t follow the instructions and give the sender the proper information, you risk delay or cancellation of your transfer.
Understand the fees that are involved in your transfer. There are usually tons of fees involved in an international wire transfer, including fees from both the sending bank and the receiving bank, among others. If the transfer is between two individuals, the payment of fees can be discussed ahead of time. If you prefer, you can use a wire transfer company that can help reduce the total fees being paid.
Notify your bank about the incoming transfer. It’s important for your bank to know when to expect the money and what it’s for. You likely gave them this information during step one, but if not, now is the time!
Know when to expect your transfer and follow up on it. In the world of international banking, there are tons of things that could go wrong. Make sure you’re prepared to investigate if the wire transfer is less than what you anticipated, or takes longer than it should.

Documents Required

As you can imagine, there is quite a bit of information required in an international transfer. Here are the documents that are required to process the transfer. Depending on your banking institution, these may be online or physical forms that need to be completed.

Photo ID
Proof of bank account, including account and routing number
IRS Form 3520 to inform the IRS of the money you received

Information Contained in Those Documents

The documents listed above will require a variety of information about the transfer. That information may include, but is not limited to, the following:

Your full name
Your contact information
The name of the sender
The contact information of the sender
Your financial details, including applicable codes such as SWIFT Code and BIC
The name and physical address of your bank
Your account and routing numbers
The amount of money you received

How to Report it to the Government

In the United States, you are required by law to report any international transfers exceeding certain limits. If you are receiving money from overseas, it is your responsibility to report that money to the IRS when applicable. The form necessary to make this claim is form 3520.

Form 3520 should be used when one of the following statements is true:

You have received gifts or bequests in excess of $100,000 from a nonresident alien or foreign estate
You have received $15,601 or more from a foreign corporation, partnership, or person(s) associated with those corporations or partnerships

Filing this form is less about taxes and more about information. This form is designed to provide information to the government about the funds entering the country, who they’re from and why they exist. If you fail to report these funds appropriately, you could be subject to penalties and fines as a result.

Why Does the Government Need to Know?

The US government has a host of regulations in place to protect the country, US banks, US consumers and more. To do so, they must obtain detailed information about money coming into the country from foreign accounts. This helps lower the risk of fraudulent or illegal transfers.

Additionally, this practice helps the US government more accurately detect money laundering schemes. The quicker they discover those schemes, the more efficiently they can react and protect the interests of the victims. It also helps deter tax evasion by making it more difficult to hide funds in offshore accounts for later use.

Final Thoughts

There are tons of reasons for receiving transfers from overseas and the vast majority of them or legitimate, legal transfers. However, in order to protect the interests of the government and the country, you should be prepared to report your transfers and the reasons for them. If you do, it will alleviate several headaches that could arise by trying to hide those transfers that might save you a few bucks. When in doubt, report your transfers!

Reconomy Reveals Banking Giants as Leaders in Sustainability

Shelby Grey

10/05/2021

Reconomy, the UK’s leading outsourced resource management and recycling services provider, has revealed banking giants HSBC and Lloyds as two businesses who are shaping sustainability in the financial services sector.

The waste management specialists, who offer consultancy-led sustainability and circular economy solutions, analysed 157 companies in a Sustainable Giants study to determine which businesses were owning the conversation and making an impact.

HSBC and Lloyds ranked fifth and ninth respectively on the interactive study, which saw company strategies cross-referenced with social media insight to see who was doing the most to bring about change.

Global drinks manufacturer Coca-Cola topped the rankings overall, having used the most key terms on sustainability, with 676 mentions across social media and business strategy.

The study reflects businesses enhancing their sustainability efforts following the introduction of the Green Finance Strategy in July 2019, which promotes investment in clean, resilient, and sustainable growth.

Harvey Laud, Divisional Director at Reconomy, said: “With the pandemic highlighting vulnerabilities of current business practice, whether that be international trading, supply chain fragility or the current unsustainable level of consumption, it is encouraging to see many businesses, particularly those in the financial sector, placing such focus on sustainable commitments in 2021.”

Another key driver for change is the Government’s Environment Bill and 10-point plan which set out a target of 68 per cent reduction in emissions by 2030, compared to 1990 levels.

For many businesses, this target provides a clear milestone. The focus now should be on calculating scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions and introducing opportunities to minimise carbon. Reconomy advises that specifically on the subject of waste this relates to prevention, reuse, and recycling versus damaging methods such as incineration and disposal. This can be achieved through a more sustainable design, manufacturing process, and product use.

Natural catastrophe losses have been receiving considerable attention of late and they are only due to increase in the coming years without drastic changes – like the ones we are seeing promised – being made. These events and the damage they have on the global economy are all interconnected, with funding of unsustainable practices inevitably leading to climate change, which in turn inhibits sustainable growth. When it comes to financial lending then, the importance of supporting causes which consider the viability of future generations needs to be solidified.

Laud added: “The year ahead will be one of both challenge and opportunity – post-pandemic learnings, resource preservation and increased secondary resource utilisation will be more important than ever as we face a period of prolonged economic stress. The ethos of utilisation, rather than ownership and consumption is far more efficient and an approach that many have appreciated and experienced during 2020.”

The Bank of England and G20 ministers have also stressed the importance of more informed investment when it comes to sustainability and climate change. TCFD recommends that organizations describe the resilience of their strategy, taking into consideration different climate-related scenarios, including a 2°C or lower scenario, where such information is material. This is also supported by the EU Taxonomy by helping users to identify the sustainability of a financial product, to demonstrate accountability and transparency to reassure investors.

Laud summarised: “Having worked with a number of financial services businesses, developing sustainability plans and assisting them with their waste management strategies as they consolidate on their landfill avoidance and set a course for zero waste, we fully appreciate the concerted efforts being made. However, ambitious targets across the sector will only be met once all areas have been assessed, from bidding to lending, to eliminating wasted resources.”

For more information, visit https://www.reconomy.com/

CONTACT: For more information, imagery, or interview requests, please contact:

Stephen Kellie: stephen.kellie:@mediaworks.co.uk

NOTES TO EDITORS

About Reconomy:

Reconomy is the UK’s market-leading provider of outsourced environmental services including recycling, waste and resource management.
Reconomy works with thousands of UK businesses – from SMEs through to large blue-chip companies – helping them to manage their waste in a responsible, sustainable and cost-effective way using technology to enhance customer experience.
From its offices in Telford, Shropshire, Reconomy co-ordinates over 100,000 waste movements every month and annually manages approximately 3m tonnes of waste.
Reconomy is supported by a network of more than 1,000 pre-approved supply chain partners, ensuring all clients receive an efficient and environmentally compliant waste service.
Reconomy principally operates across five key sectors: commercial construction, housebuilding, infrastructure, business & industry and compliance

More information about Reconomy can be found here: https://www.reconomy.com/

The Potential Cost Saving Benefits of a Sustainable Supply Chain

Shelby Grey

10/05/2021

Back in 2016, a report from McKinsey showed that a typical company’s supply chain accounted for 80 per cent of its greenhouse-gas emissions. But not only is the impact on the environment severe, but it can also lead to financial issues for companies who don’t take action to be more sustainable.

A prime example of this is Unilever, who in 2014, stated natural disasters relating to climate change created annual losses of $300m. The severity of this led to then-Unilever CEO, Paul Polman, calling for robust action, not just from his own company but others too.

Fast forward to the present day and supply chain sustainability is no longer a luxury of choice. But with necessity comes the opportunity to reduce costs by operating in a greener way. Today we look at the potential cost-saving benefits of a sustainable supply chain.

Reduced environmental impact

At the heart of sustainability is the environment and how it can be protected. But often there’s a misconception that this comes at a cost. To highlight the benefits of an eco-friendly supply chain, let’s take a look at what French dairy producer Danone has been able to achieve.

In Evian-les-Bains, Danone worked with local authorities and farmers to convert 40,000 tons of organic waste into natural fertiliser while also producing biogas to provide power for 1,200 inhabitants. The organic waste helped to avoid contamination of spring water and ensured that farming continues without disruption or damage to the environment.

The switch from traditional farming to organic practices can see a 20% dip in milk production. But in the long term, the benefit of being able to sell at a higher price is realised, while using fewer resources keeps costs down and profits high.

It all forms part of Danone’s vision to be carbon-neutral across the full supply chain by 2050, something which will benefit the environment, the brand, and the profit margins.

Protecting against reputational damage

With information readily available online, your supply chain also affects your brand reputation, so it’s important to make sure that a lack of sustainability across the supply chain isn’t resulting in negative attention.

Warren Buffet, the American investor, famously once said, “It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you’ll do things differently.”

In the world of sustainability, Swiss confectionery giant Nestlé felt the wrath of a palm oil scandal that left it unable to claim the use of certified sustainable palm oil in its chocolates and other products.

In an age where consumers are more eco-conscious, it was a business headache that has led the company to publicly map out what it’s doing to ensure palm oil is sourced sustainably in an attempt to repair a damaged reputation that started over a decade ago.

Attracting new business

The world of online retail has experienced a major boom over the course of the last 12 months, and growing demand is shining a spotlight on supply chains.

According to a 2019 report, 85% of consumers are more likely to buy from a company with a reputation for sustainability. With so much worldwide focus on sustainability, green credentials can be the difference between winning new business and seeing it walk away.

Take Amazon for example. Its quarterly sales recently hit $125 billion, but that isn’t stopping it from creating a fleet of 100,000 electric vehicles, as part of its pledge to be carbon net zero by 2040. It’s a sign that even when you’re at the very top, you can’t ignore the need to go green.

A sustainable summary

If your business reviews its supply chain and can make changes, the rewards can follow. For retail and e-commerce businesses, it could be something like using a plastic pallet to reduce the reliance on single-use plastics.

For those in the food and drink industry, it could be the introduction of rotating crops to improve soil fertility – a step that helped France become the world’s most sustainable food country in 2019.

Taking positive action can lead to big savings and better margins, along with reducing damage to the planet. A sustainable supply chain is no longer a choice, it’s a necessity.

Sources

https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/sustainability/our-insights/starting-at-the-source-sustainability-in-supply-chains

https://www.unilever.com/news/press-releases/2014/14-04-08-Unilever-CEO-calls-for-decisive-action-to-tackle-climate-change.html

https://www.forbes.com/sites/mikescott/2019/02/11/companies-look-to-supply-chains-for-sustainability-gains/?sh=127a96d61c55

https://www.nestle.com/ask-nestle/environment/answers/palm-oil-sourcing

https://youmatter.world/en/sustainability-supply-chain-27935/

https://www.businessinsider.com/amazon-creating-fleet-of-electric-delivery-vehicles-rivian-2020-2?r=US&IR=T

Loadhog Lid Eliminated 108 Million Metres of Stretch Wrap in 2019

https://www.refrigeratedfrozenfood.com/articles/96476-study-shows-france-to-be-the-worlds-most-food-sustainable-country

An Essential Guide to Wild Camping

Shelby Grey

10/05/2021

Camping and caravanning is one of the most popular staycations in the UK. In fact, over 9 million trips were made to popular sites across the four nations in 2019, with that figure hopefully getting back to normal once restrictions are eased.

But whilst these trips are made to official campsites and holiday parks, there’s something known as wild camping that’s also a popular pastime for happy campers. It gives people the chance to sit under the stairs in stunning rural locations.

Today we’re going to share an essential guide on what it is, the legal aspects of camping in the wild, and the essentials you need should you decide to discover the great outdoors.

What is wild camping?

Essentially, wild camping is a concept where you set up camp outside of a campsite or caravan park and sleeping in the wilderness. People often camp in the wild if they’re completing a multi-day hike and need somewhere to stay that offers peace and tranquillity.

It can be daunting process if you’ve never done it before, so keep reading below for more information on how to wild camp in the UK.

The legal side

When it comes to the legalities of wild camping, it’s important to remember where you are before you decide to set up pitch. In England, Northern Ireland and Wales, wild camping is technically illegal if you don’t seek permission from the landowner — although there is the odd exception to the rule.

In Scotland, the picture is slightly different. As part of Scotland’s access legislation, the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003, campers can use most unenclosed land to get their heads down for the night.

Although, there’s a greater level of freedom in Scotland, there’s still areas where you need seek the landowner’s permission or have a permit. Areas of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park are subject to wild camping byelaws, meaning that you must use designated campsites due to overuse.

It’s also important to follow these guidelines whether you wild camp, whether that’s in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales:

Use a stove instead of a fire
If you light a fire, keep it small
Leave the area as you found it
Use public toilets where possible
Ask residents if it’s okay to camp near their property
Don’t litter and tidy up after yourself

Most searched for spots

Just like the most popular caravan sites, wild camping has its favourite hotspots amongst keen campers. Based on Google Trends data in 2020, these areas in the UK are the most popular places for wild camping.

Dartmoor wild camping – 2400

Dartmoor is an upland area located in the South of Devon. Its moorland and surrounding land have been protected by National Park status since 1951. Its status as a National Park makes it one of the most popular and stunning places to visit in the UK.

Dartmoor is one of the only spots in England where you can wild camp freely. Just make sure you check which area of the National Park you are in before you set up camp, as some areas are still restricted.

Lake District wild camping – 2400 searches

The Lake District is another area of the UK that’s known for stunning beauty and rural appeal – and holds the title for being the UK’s biggest National Park.

It sits in joint first place for wild camping searches with Dartmoor. You will need to seek permission from the landowner first to go wild camping, but we can see why so many people search for the area.

Peak District wild camping – 1600 searches

Much like the Lake District, the Peak District doesn’t allow wild camping in areas of the National Park without seeking permission from the landowner.

Its central location and beautiful scenery make it such a popular place to visit, so if you do have the green light from the landowner then you’re in for memorable treat.

Brecon beacons wild camping – 880 searches

Third on our list and the third National Park that doesn’t legally allow people to camp freely without seeking permission first.

Located in South Wales, if you do have permission to camp then you’ll get to experience the gorgeous mountain ranges and miles of open green space to walk in. It’s truly a breath-taking area of the UK and one that everyone should experience at least once.

Snowdonia wild camping – 880 searches

Snowdonia makes up our list for the most popular wild camping searches. Much like its counterparts, excluding Dartmoor, you can’t just turn up and pitch your tent, but if you can get permission you’re again in for an experience that will last a lifetime.

It’s the largest National Park in Wales and offers visitors stunning views, long stretches of green space and the challenge of reaching the summit of the largest mountain in Wales.

Don’t forget the essentials

So you’ve picked your spot, sought the landowners permission, and now you’re ready to go wild camping. But what do you take with you? Well, you need somewhere to sleep, so you’ll need a tent, along with a sleeping bag and other sleeping equipment.

When it comes to a tent, it’s practical to have one that’s easy to carry, especially if you’ve found more than one spot to rest your head. Make sure you research the best backpacker tents that suit your needs.

For cooking, it’s important to remember your trusty portable stove. It will allow you to cook all kinds of food and you won’t need to rely on a fire — that could be damaging for the surrounding area.

Don’t forget your supply of bottled gas and eating equipment or you may be left with a hungry belly. You may struggle for signal in rural areas too, so take a map with you. If only to embrace nature instead of technology.

That completes our essential guide to wild camping in the UK. Always remember to stay safe and if you need to, seek permission before you set off on your travels.

Meet the Businesses Leading the Way by Switching from Oil to Gas

Shelby Grey

10/05/2021

Back in June 2019, the UK became the first country to pass a net zero emissions law, with a target set for bringing all greenhouse gases to net zero by 250.

This pledge from the government has had a big impact on the way businesses work, inspiring many to introduce new ways of reducing their carbon footprint. For businesses operating off-grid, one of the options available to reduce carbon emissions is to switch to from oil to gas as a preferred energy supply.

Not only can switching from oil to gas help reduce carbon emissions, but it has the added benefit of potential cost savings. To find out who’s been playing their part in creating a green future, leading Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) supplier, Flogas have put together a list of businesses who’ve made the switch already.

Tamnavulin – whisky distillers

Based in Speyside, Tamnavulin is a single malt whisky distillery that produces over four million litres of Scotland’s favourite tipple a year. Driven by the Medium Combustion Plant Directive (MCPD), and a business requirement to cut carbon emissions and running costs, Tamnavulin turned to gas instead of oil.

Tamnavulin’s fuel requirements were assessed and a bespoke gas storage system was designed, along with all their pipework and civil work. This allowed the distillery to switch from heavy fuel oil (HFO) to LPG.

When compared to another distillery that still operates using HFO, Tamnavulin now produces 269 times less particulate matter, 767 times less sulphur dioxide, and three times less oxides of nitrogen.

Result of switching from oil to LPG: 19.7% per year reduction in CO2 emissions

Carden Park Hotel

Set within a picturesque 1,000-acre estate, Carden Park is a luxury 196-room hotel 196 that also boasts 18 meeting rooms, a spa, two championship golf courses, two restaurants and 10 wedding ceremony venues, as well as a three-acre vineyard.

Over 20,000 guests visit the off-grid hotel each calendar year, so a substantial amount of energy is needed to power heating, hot water, and other facilities like the kitchen.

With such a high energy consumption, the hotel was spending heavily on oil and were looking for more sustainable ways find a way to reduce their overheads. They researched other off-grid options, such as renewables, but LPG was deemed the most appropriate choice and provided them with the quickest results -which ended up being a saving of 277 tonnes of carbon every year.

10 LPG tanks were discreetly fitted underground in the vineyard to ensure there was no visual impact on the landscape for guests, staff and visitors.

Result of switching from oil to LPG: 23% reduction in annual CO2 emissions, 21.8% saving in fuel costs

Pat Munro – quarrying & aggregate production

As one of the biggest contractors in the Scottish Highlands, Pat Munro owns and operates quarries, and manufactures roadstone and concrete, as well as recycled aggregates and tarmacadam.

With vast production comes a huge heat demand on an annual basis. The company was previously using up to half a million litres of gas oil – also known as ‘red diesel’ – to heat tens of thousands of tonnes of rock in its roto dryer every year – generating 1,114 tonnes of CO2e in the process.

After Pat Munro’s energy needs were assessed, a project-managed team helped the switchover from start to finish, which included specifying, designing, and installing the fuel system and LPG tanks, and supplying the LPG.

Result of switching from oil to LPG: 25% reduction in CO2e emissions, 19% saving in fuel costs

The standard setters

This article has delved briefly into business examples of the companies switching from oil to gas. The benefits, including cost saving is clear to see, so the hope is that more businesses on a year-by-year basis give serious consideration to switching from oil to gas.

The British Bridges Built by Innovation

Shelby Grey

10/05/2021

It’s easy to forget how far we’ve come with regards to bridge engineering. Our favourite bridges become a part of our natural environment. They are monuments no less than they are essential infrastructure.

But even new bridges appear ageless despite their novelty. This emphasises the prowess of engineers to integrate these giant structures into towns and cities. However, this can prevent us from appreciating the technological marvels that stand before us.

While size and span are already impressive, design and functionality should be recognised. In fact, bridge design has forced innovation in the construction sector. Some bridges are the largest moving structures. Unsurprisingly, bridges push technology to its limits.

Whether modern or historic, many bridges are defined by innovation. Here, we look at the bridges where technology has fronted innovative design.

The Infinity Bridge, Stockton

Not many bridges are shaped by their users, but the Infinity Bridge in Stockton uses innovative technology to react to pedestrians crossing the River Tees. The design of the bridge is striking itself. The dual tied arch design means that, when reflected in the water below, the image of a looping infinity symbol can be seen. However, it’s at night when the design really comes to life.

The bridge is illuminated with custom-designed LEDs, shining blue and white lights on the bridge’s handrail, footbath, and across the arches. While most modern bridges are illuminated in such a way, the innovation of motion sensors sets this crossing apart. When pedestrians use the bridge, motion sensors will detect the user and change the lights from blue to white on the handrail and footpath. Walking across the bridge will slowly return to a blue colour, leaving the impression of a comet tail in your presence. At night, walkers can enjoy dancing across the bridge to create unique light shows for themselves. Inaugurated in 2009, the bridge is expected to last 120 years. While this isn’t quite an infinite amount of time, the innovate design will certainly leave a lasting impression.

The Forth Bridge, Edinburgh

When thinking about innovation, looking beyond the past 100 years may seem questionable. However, Victorian engineering technology is still at the forefront of modern design. It continues to shape how the industry continues to grow.

The Forth Bridge, west of central Edinburgh, was completed in 1889. The bridge was innovative due to its construction material—steel. Previously, structures of this size were made from wrought iron. The Eiffel tower is a contemporary example of this.

Technological innovation allowed for the progression to harder and stronger metal alloys. The Bessemer process was the first inexpensive industrial process for the mass production of steel. This invention allowed the 53,000-tonne bridge to become the first prominent steel structure in Britain.

The longevity of structural steelwork means that it’s still used today as the foundation for many bridge designs. Despite over 100 years of technological innovation, and the changing process to produce steel, the material remains favourable in the industry.

Humber Bridge, Hessle

When the Humber Bridge opened in 1981, it was the longest single-span suspension bridge in the world. With a total length of 2,220 metres, it held its record until 1998.

The bridge was innovative for several reasons. Most importantly, the bridge’s spans were constructed from hollow reinforced concrete towers. This was the first time concrete had been used in this way. Previous long-span suspensions bridges had to use steel to sustain the weight of the bridge and heavy traffic.

Since then, research has revealed the effectiveness of this technique, showing how hollowed concrete is particularly suited for suspension bridges. One paper compared the strength of solid concrete beams and hollowed concrete beams. The researchers designated their comparative strengths in various scenarios. The study concludes: “when torsion is dominant, it is advisable to construct the beam as hollow”.

Torsion is a prominent movement in suspension bridges. It involves the twisting of an object when it meets an applied force. This force may be wind or traffic. Many suspension bridges have failed through aerodynamic instability. Preventing torsion reduces the risk of collapse in this situation. The maintenance of steel wires and bridge supports is essential for longevity, and innovation continues to make bridge engineering easier.

The future of bridge engineering relies on increasing innovation. Reinventing common materials and finding new ways to impress bridge users has been a staple of British engineering for generations. Moving forward, technology will play a bigger role in engineering designs and solutions. Pushing construction to its limits it the best way to move the industry into the future.

Sources

https://www.gateshead.gov.uk/article/4596/Gateshead-Millennium-Bridge-facts

https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/gateshead_millennium_bridge_tilt

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/225417520_Comparison_between_solid_and_hollow_reinforced_concrete_beams

Fresh Ideas: How Amazon Is Transforming the Grocery Industry

Shelby Grey

10/05/2021

Since the first supermarket was opened in the US in 1930, the industry hasn’t changed much. Supermarkets are handy places for us to go and pick up what we need, when we need it, all from one place. It’s fair to say that expectations are limited when it comes to supermarkets—customers know what’s coming: baskets, shelves, and checkouts. However, this all changed when Amazon opened its first physical grocery store location in 2018, Amazon Go.

The move created shockwaves throughout the grocery industry for one major reason—there are no checkouts at Amazon Go. In this article, we look at all the latest grocery innovations Amazon has brought to the table.

Online to onsite

For a traditionally online retailer, opening a brick and mortar store may seem like a strange move, but Amazon’s shift into the supermarket industry should not come as a surprise. Of course, Amazon’s new line of grocery stores does not replicate the existing shopping experience. Instead, every aspect of the process is optimized with technology and efficiency in mind.

Amazon describes its outlets as “a new kind of store with no checkout required”, all thanks to their innovations. These stores use the same technology that you would find in driverless cars. Cameras track the movement of customers and products to calculate what you’ve taken. There’re no checkouts, so just leaving the store with your goods is your checkout experience. Your Amazon account would then be charged.

For consumers, the appeal of an instant checkout grocery store offers two main benefits. First, the experience is more efficient and enjoyable. Second, lower employee costs can translate into cheaper products. These ideas are priorities for supermarkets approaching the future of food retail, especially with the growth of discount marketers like Aldi. In 2019, Aldi had 1,800 stores in the US, with plans to increase this to 2,500 by 2022. The average Aldi shopping basket cost is 20 percent less than in Walmart.

Amazon’s mission to produce high-quality goods at reasonable consumer prices is ambitious but is already clawing away at the competition. According to one report, Amazon Go is up to 25 per cent cheaper than its nearest rival, Kroger-owned QFC. The stiff competition means Amazon is willing to go the extra mile to dominate this industry.

Competition or a boost for businesses?

The expansion of Amazon into the grocery market could be frustrating for their new competition, but it creates a powerful sentiment: physical shops are not doomed to be a thing of the past. While it does create additional competition, it also invigorates the industry and promote in-store shopping over online commerce.

Amazon’s move has pushed many grocers to offer click and collect options. Plus, the expansion of self-serve checkouts and scan-as-you-shop devices reflect a new era of innovation for supermarkets. Most importantly, Amazon’s physical shops can help alternative and growing businesses.

Amazon Go stores can be used as fulfilment centers for small businesses that are registered as sellers on Amazon. This means that customers can pick up their packages with ease at any of their grocery stores. Furthermore, the physical locations mean that construction and engineering jobs can be created to build the new no-checkout stores.

A rapid expansion along with reinvigorated needs for safe and hygienic shopping locations means that manufacturing can benefit from Amazon’s expansion. The growth of factories and fulfilment centers also needs to ensure safety. Safety and hygiene practices would also need to be considered with the increasing number of factories and fulfilment centers, with stainless steel electrical enclosures and cable management systems being an effective solution.

The contactless nature of Amazon’s grocery stores has come about at the right time too. In a world where we are becoming increasingly conscious of our interactions with people, contactless is the way to go.

Your new shopping assistant

As well as AI being used to calculate what you’ve bought in an Amazon Go store, the experience of shop assistance has also been digitized. Amazon’s own Alexa is a prominent feature of the shopping experience. Units across the store are ready to give guidance and advice on your shopping needs. The Echo devices with the enabled voice assistant can guide you to locations in the store and offer information about their products.

As well as the virtual assistant, the digitized stores also offer customers the ability to track their spending. Receipts are automatically emailed and grant customers access to product information online. The ability to access this information not only changes how we shop, but potentially how we eat. In the future, grocers may recommend products based on our dietary choices, and offer healthier alternatives. While moving into a physical location, Amazon is moving a conception of shopping to online spaces.

This business premise is expected to expand globally from 2020. With triumphs throughout the country, it will likely and continually grow at successive rate here in the USA as well. With this in mind, it could be expected that these innovations will expand not only into other supermarkets and grocers but into other retail sectors as well. Hospitality and fashion retail may benefit from a similar approach to no-service-needed businesses, where products can be taken, and your account will be automatically charged. Every industry is changing through technology, and our lives will be wildly different as a consequence.

Sources

https://www.geekwire.com/2016/amazon-go-works-technology-behind-online-retailers-groundbreaking-new-grocery-store/

https://edition.cnn.com/interactive/2019/05/business/aldi-walmart-low-food-prices/index.html

https://www.geekwire.com/2020/price-analysis-shows-amazon-go-grocery-already-undercutting-nearby-retail-rival/

https://www.theverge.com/2020/2/25/21151021/amazon-go-grocery-store-expansion-open-seattle-cashier-less

LESS CARBON, LESS ENERGY AND LESS MONEY SPENT

Shelby Grey

10/05/2021

What is the future of BIM in the Rainscreen Cladding Industry?

BIM can be used to design and document entire buildings including the full infrastructural designs. Every single detail can be modelled in BIM, right down to the material selected, the thickness of that material and the finish used. This can be used to explore design options, to create visualisations to bring a project to life before it is built and even to test certain build ups and how they will look in practice.

BIM is no longer new in the construction industry. If you work within the architectural or construction contracting field, it is very likely that you have seen or heard about BIM objects, 3D models and Common Data Environment (CDE).

But here’s the true question: Are you using BIM to its full, competitive edge?

Sotech, are advocates of BIM. Not only can it help all parties in the supply chain get the job completed on time and within budget, but using BIM to its full potential can lead to huge cost savings and time efficiencies in designing and constructing a building.

In house, we have seen BIM objects revolutionise the way a building is conceived and built, and dramatically cut lead times from conception through to manufacturing. This is made possible not simply because architects and designers have immediate access to the latest models specified in the project, but as a direct result of the relationships built during the design stage.

Sotech doesn’t just advocate using BIM, they also advocate working directly with architects during the BIM modelling stage to ensure every aspect of the model is feasible and cost effective in practice and not just in principle. By doing this, costly mistakes can be avoided, cost efficiencies can be highlighted, and alternative solutions can be tested quickly and effectively.

The truth is that this real competitive advantage of BIM isn’t yet being utilised to its full potential industry wide. In this article, we would like to make a case for both (1) making more use of BIM Objects in all stages of your project and for (2) engaging the Sotech team much sooner in the process to input and advise on the best possible solution for your design.

WHAT IS BIM?

Keeping this brief, BIM stands for Building Information Modelling, and was originally introduced more than a decade ago to make the workflow in a construction project more efficient and less wasteful. The three things that can be saved in abundance by using BIM are energy, carbon and money.

BIM is used in different ways by manufacturers, architects and main contractors, and every individual has a preferred way of using BIM tools and techniques. Generally speaking, BIM is a process that can be tailored to suit people depending on their core functionalities.

Using BIM, participants can improve document management, coordinate actions and map out the entire lifecycle of a project, from planning and design to building, operations and ongoing maintenance.

However, the most effective use of BIM from a manufacturer’s perspective is the accuracy of the products being selected. When used to its full potential, BIM can be used to design and document entire buildings including the full infrastructural designs. Every single detail can be modelled in BIM, right down to the material selected, the thickness of that material and the finish used. This can be used to explore design options, to create visualisations to bring a project to life before it is built and even to test certain build ups and how they will look in practice. The model created can then be used to generate the full design documentation for construction.

WHAT ARE THE MAIN BENEFITS OF BIM?

The main benefits of BIM will vary, depending on your objectives as an organisation. However, there are two main benefits to using BIM:

CapEx, relating to design and capital expenditure. By modelling a project, using BIM objects supplied directly by the manufacturers, a user can cost up a project effectively and efficiently. The costs go beyond the cost of material to, for instance, the energy required to produce the materials and carbon footprint created as a result. By tweaking the design and working closely with manufactures, like Sotech, users can see how different materials and processes can affect the overall cost and environmental impact of a building. This means that designers can specify the most cost-effective material and system, exploring different options in the early design stages. More information = more informed decisions.

OpEx, relating to operations and running the building. The asset information for each material and element of the build is digitised through BIM documentations for the Facility Management (FM) team. This means if during the lifespan of a building a lift or even a door handle needs replacing, the FM team can look through and search for the manufacturer who provided the specific product and either re-order or use the warranty to replace the specific component.

The combination of CapEx and OpEx benefits produces higher quality work, increased productivity and stronger project coordination. This in turn leads to improved relationships and further opportunities for collaboration on other projects.

WHAT ARE THE BIM LEVELS?

There are currently 4 levels of BIM:

Level 0 BIM

In its simplest form, level 0 means unmanaged CAD. 2D CAD drafting only is utilised, mainly for production information. The majority of the industry is already well ahead of this.

Level 1 BIM

This comprises a mixture of 3D CAD for concept work, and 2D for drafting of statutory approval documentation and production information with a collaboration tool providing a common data environment.

Level 2 BIM

Is an information exchange process which is specific to the project and coordinated between various systems and project participants. This method of working has been set as a minimum target by the UK government for all work on public-sector work.

Level 3 BIM

The jump from Level 2 to Level 3 is a big step and is unlikely to happen in the next five to ten years, this highlights that it is likely to be an “integrated” solution around open standards such as IFC with everyone working from a single model.

AT WHAT STAGE CAN SOTECH GET INVOLVED IN A PROJECT?

Typically, there are five main design stages:

Start – creating an overall picture of the project

Concept – outlining the ideas for the building

Design – getting into the crux of the building’s look, form and shape

Technical design – increasing the information in the model to show how the project will work in principle

As built – what the final building will look like, down to every detail with all the information required to run and manage the building.

With new customers, Sotech is typically engaged at stage 4 or 5 AKA technical design or just after design intent stage. There are invariably large edits to make at this stage. Perhaps a material for the rainscreen cladding has been specified at the wrong thickness. Perhaps a certain bend isn’t fully possible in that unique build design. Perhaps the combination of materials and finish won’t give the wind protection needed. Changes like this can take weeks to correct and can have surprising consequences to the project cost and timescales.

In truth, the Sotech team aim to be involved from the initial conception of the project, advising on the best possible combination of rainscreen systems, materials and finishes to suit the look, the budget and the timescales for the given project. Sotech can even advise and highlight common issues with other elements of the build.

When the model is then completed, there are no mistakes to correct and no surprise adjustments to the budget. The model will work, and we can move directly to documentation and manufacturing. This can save huge amounts of time, money and energy. In this respect, BIM isn’t just about the model, it’s about different parties working together during a project to arrive at the best possible solution for the best possible price.

Engaging Sotech at an early stage allows them to make suggestions, spot opportunities for efficiencies and crucially, highlight any risks or mistakes. That way, when the model is complete, everyone can be certain it will work in practice and not just in principle.

As a business, Sotech has been working with and advising clients for four decades and we are BIM compliant, following the NBS rules and IFC rules of government for BIM compliance. Each of the unique Optima rainscreen cladding solutions is represented in BIM. If you are about to start a new project, we’d welcome a conversation about how we can advise you from the outset.

WHAT IS THE FUTURE OF BIM?

BIM level 2 was formally mandated by government since April 2016 and over the last few years it is safe to say that 3D modelling is now fully realised. We envisage that the next focus will be on dimensions of BIM (above 3D) prior to BIM level 3. The next ambition is linking 4D into our 3D model where the project programme is linked to the federated model and schedule is updated in real time. This will have huge additional benefits. For example, it will be easier and faster to plan for and arrange storage, shipping and handling of materials because exact weights and sizes can be calculated in real time.

Once this is fully achieved and understood, the next important dimension is 5D which is related to costs, meaning to add the full cost, size and weight of the component parts into the model. Using the model to cost the jobs by linking 3D to 5D. Sotech can offer this service now, by extracting the BIM model and using an Excel programme to calculate the cost. In the near future, this will be built directly into BIM.

Internally, Sotech is very excited about the evolution of BIM and continues to invest heavily in the development of its models and the training of its team. They are committed to having the right software, the right skills and the right experience in house to help our customers build buildings that are safe, stunning and sustainable.

To be frank, BIM will become the norm in the construction industry over the next five years and so any time spent learning and using the system available in more advanced ways will provide even more advantages in the future.

WHAT ARE THE THREE MOST COMMON MISTAKES MADE WITH BIM MODELLING?

Sotech have looked at over many models in the last few years. Here are the top three mistakes we see most commonly:

The models they receive often lack many manufacturing detail where they could have these ironed out if we were to be involved earlier in the project.

The thickness of the material isn’t possible in certain projects. For example, an architect might have specified 2mm, when 3mm is required for that material to function as desired. When these changes are made, it affects everything in the model because it is all linked, and this can take days to correct.

Clashes between elements – sometimes Sotech see notch details or panels that clash with each other because the return isn’t correct. Sometimes we see panels being overlapped the wrong way around making them ineffective. Sometimes we see fire barriers or rail carriers placed upside down or the wrong way around. By spotting this on one floor of a building, the corrections can be made and then correctly replicated as each new floor is built.

If the model is correct on completion, we can go direct from the 3D model to the shop floor. This saves a lot of time and money in the design stage. Any mistakes can take days or weeks to rectify. And they’re 100% avoidable. That’s why we recommend calling Sotech as early as possible and having an experienced member of our team review the model in stages, rather than on completion. Our ultimate goal, for our teams and the customer, is to receive a model, check it and send it to the machine. This is only possible when BIM Objects are used to its full potential and we’re invited to review models in stages, rather than on the final completion.

WAYS SOTECH CAN HELP:

Sotech provide support and advise early doors to their customers during the conceptual design stage. Ensure the components suggested at the design intent stage are feasible to manufacture. Help and support customers to specify the right Optima system for their projects. Provide our customers with BIM objects and other 3D templates.