We are delighted that our Raven Delta Group sister companies – EFT Consult and RDM Electrical & Mechanical Services – are working with the Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA) on its Leading the Charge initiative. This initiative highlights the people and organisations in the electrotechnical sector engaged in driving us towards net zero.

Leading the Charge is a digital series that explores progress in the electrical industry and examines the electrotechnical sector’s pivotal role in realising the UK’s net zero ambitions.

Through a series of videos and articles, it focuses on some of the industry’s trailblazers – the individuals and businesses working in the vanguard of society’s transition to renewable energy and creating a cleaner, greener future.

The initiative covers several areas including renewables, energy storage, retrofitting, automation, electrical safety, policy and training. It provides a platform for the exchange of ideas and best practice, with the goals of raising awareness and helping inspire the next generation.

Formed in 1901, ECA is the UK’s largest trade association representing electrical, electrotechnical and other engineering contractors in England, Wales and Northern Ireland at regional, national and European level. ECA member-companies are rigorously assessed before membership is approved.

As long-standing members of ECA, we were invited to make a film for the Leading the Charge initiative about the cutting-edge project we are currently involved with in partnership with Swansea University and Active Building Centre (ABC).

On the project, EFT Consult and RDM Electrical & Mechanical Services are working in tandem to provide design and installation of a highly innovative project to install a comprehensive raft of integrated energy-saving, sustainable technologies at Swansea University’s Bay Campus.

The project – the first of its kind in the UK – encompasses a commercial rooftop solar photovoltaics (PV) scheme, a carport solar PV scheme, a battery energy storage system (BESS) and electric vehicle (EV) chargers.

A bespoke control system (Schneider Microgrid Controller) then controls the distribution of PV generated power between the BESS, EV chargers, and the adjacent School of Management building. Cleverly, the controller uses a cutting-edge web-based user interface that communicates real-time energy use, savings and CO2 emissions data. The system’s algorithms also enable optimisation of the site’s energy demands, managing the flow of energy between its various constituent parts.

The project has been funded by Active Building Centre (ABC) in partnership with Swansea University and the SPECIFIC Innovation and Knowledge Centre. It aims to demonstrate how a large site can control its impact on the grid by storing energy generated from renewable sources, drawing down from the grid only when power is cheapest or least carbon-intensive and releasing energy to power the buildings and the university’s EV fleet during peak grid times.

The scheme’s objective is to enhance the sustainability of the University’s buildings by reducing the site’s dependence on expensive and unsustainable fossil fuel energy sources. It is hoped that the project can be used as a standard-bearer for similar use of renewable technologies across the UK.

To find out more about the scheme, view the Leading the Charge video by clicking here.

The RD Group is delighted to unveil a new sponsorship and strategic partnership with Garrison Farm, a Community Interest Company formed to support veterans through outdoor/holistic activities and subsidised routes into sustainable living/agriculture.

Garrison Farm is building a team to set up an ecovillage in South Wales to deliver charity services while delivering support for veterans in collaboration with established veterans charities and sustainable development organisations.

The RD Group, which comprises EFT Consult, RDM Electrical & Mechanical Services and DRS Facilities Management, has the skills, knowledge and connections across the group to support Garrison Farm to deliver the framework for this ecovillage.

The group has a proven track record of providing design, engineering, installation and maintenance services for national and international clients and has agreed to use its strategic position and resources to help Garrison Farm fast track its ambitions for building a network of ecovillages and sustainable farming projects.

Dave Kieft, the founder of the RD Group, said:

“Both Garrison Farm and RD Group are interested in developing circular economy initiatives. Having successfully delivered sustainable development projects with similar organisations, we are optimistic we can assist Garrison Farm in successfully developing ecovillages to a high standard.

“This relationship will provide support not only to veterans personally but also provide a platform of support and career opportunity when they leave the armed forces. After protecting us and serving their country, this is our opportunity to show some appreciation and provide viable opportunities when veterans leave the support network they are used to. We are proud to be able to help.”

Chris Carrée, founder of Garrison Farm, said:

“Garrison Farm CIC are delighted to announce strategic support from EFT Consult, RDM Electrical & Mechanical Services and DRS Facilities Management to fast-track our plans to create ecovillages and sustainable farming projects to help veterans.”

Swansea facilities management company DRS FM Services has formed a partnership with international lighting company Philips Lighting to supply and fit its unique flexible, energy saving lighting systems to commercial and office buildings.

Engineers from DRS have been trained as Interact Pro installers, enabling them to bring connected lighting to South Wales and beyond. With connected lighting, LED lights with integrated sensors are connected to application software, opening up a whole new world of opportunities.

Interact Pro has an intuitive dashboard and app that create the perfect ambience to suit the task, time of day, security requirements or location. The dashboard gives business owners the oversight they need to save energy, and it allows installers to monitor their installations, perform health checks and receive invaluable information on energy and usage for further lighting optimisation.

DRS is delivering this in collaboration with EFT Consult, a Swansea-based company that specialises in cutting edge and innovative technologies in relation to the design and consultancy of the built environment. EFT designs the lighting set-up, while DRS fits it.

DRS FM Services and EFT Consult are both members of RD Group, which comprises three Swansea companies – RDM Electrical Services, DRS FM Services, and EFT Consult.

Mark Phillips, managing director, DRS FM Services, said:

“We’re very excited to bring this superb intelligent lighting to the region. By helping to save energy and create a healthier work environment, Interact Pro can help employers meet some of the aims of the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015, the Welsh Government initiative focussed on improving the social, economic, environmental and cultural well-being of Wales. The Act is designed to encourage companies to create a better working environment, help to reduce waste and improve organisational well-being.

“Our staff have now been trained to fit Interact Pro lighting, and we are pleased to also offer the design expertise of EFT Consult as part of the package. We now have a demonstration building in Fforestfach, Swansea that is fitted with Interact Pro lighting, so potential customers can come and see what a remarkable difference it can make, with benefits ranging from saving energy costs to improving staff wellbeing by creating a pleasantly lit environment.”