1. Bulk Handling Systems acquire Nihot

American design and manufacturing company Bulk Handling Systems (BHS) has acquired Amsterdam based air separation specialists, Nihot Recycling Technology BV, in an attempt to ‘bolster’ its offerings worldwide.

BHS CEO, Steve Miller, said: “Having partnered with Nihot for a number of years, I have great respect for the company’s people and product quality. They are the best at what they do, and our new relationship will strengthen the integrated solutions that BHS offers its customers.”

Director of Nihot, Cees Duijn, added: “Combining our technology, product offerings, global resources and expertise will enhance every function of our business. BHS has positioned itself as the premier systems provider; Nihot is excited to be joining this team and is looking forward to a prosperous partnership.”

2. Construction of North East’s first AD facility underway

Emerald Biogas has announced that the development of a new anaerobic digestion (AD) facility is underway at Newton Aycliffe Industrial Estate, County Durham.

The £8 million facility, the first of it’s kind in the North East, is expected to come on stream in July, with construction already underway and commissioning set to take place in March.

Once built, the facility will have the capacity to process 50,000 tonnes of food waste per annum, generating a reported 1.56 megawatts of electricity. Should it be necessary, planning permission is already in place to ‘increase the facility to four times its current size'.

Director of Emerald Biogas, Antony Warren, said: “Once up and running, the facility will be the only one of its kind in the region and capable of not only providing renewable heat and electricity for neighbouring industrial companies, but also producing quality fertiliser from the digestate for use by the local agricultural community.”

3. Quieter bin developed to lessen noise pollution

Waste container manufacturer, Taylor, has developed a bin said to be ’22 decibels quieter than standard containers’, following reports into noise pollution by the Health and Safety Executive and WRAP.

Dubbed the dBin, it reduces noise pollution using an ‘advanced lining material’ that is said to deliver a ‘muting effect’ by way of improved sound insulation.

Rushcliffe Borough Council has been one of the first local authorities to implement the new bins and already has over 30 throughout its district.

Portfolio Holder for the Environment at Rushcliffe Borough Council, Councillor Debbie Mason, said: “A number of our recycling sites are located fairly near to people’s homes. Consequently, glass breaking onto glass creates quite a noise and this has become a concern for the Council and frustrating for some residents.

“By using Taylor’s dBin, we’ve been able to overcome this problem, by considerably reducing the noise.”

4. Solarlec announced as supplier for Siemens’ renewable energy scheme

Solar panel specialist, Solarlec, has been announced as an ‘approved supplier’ for the Siemens Energy Efficiency Financing Scheme, aimed at helping businesses fund ‘renewable energy solutions’.

The Carbon Trust supported scheme, in which Siemens has invested £550 million, works on a ‘lease purchase basis’, whereby energy systems are installed and leased out by Siemens. Businesses then pay Siemens a leasing fee subsidised by government schemes like the feed-in tariff and Renewable Heat Incentive.

Director of Solarlec, Nick Keighley, said: "It's a financial no-brainer and we expect huge take-up from a diverse range of businesses - particularly schools and colleges.

"Not only does it make great business sense but it helps businesses reduce their carbon emissions too. The fund is limited to £550 million and it will be allocated on a first come, first served basis so we urge businesses to make the most of this limited opportunity before it's too late."

5. Ecologist Tim Palmer appointed associate director of Wardell Armstrong

Senior ecologist, Tim Palmer, has been appointed associate director of engineering consultancy, Wardell Armstrong LLP.

Having previously been heavily involved in ‘ecological aspects of major infrastructure schemes’ such as onshore wind energy, Palmer will now spearhead the development of ‘ecological services’ in northern England.

Regional Director of Wardell Armstrong, Andrew Dunhill, said: “Tim’s experience and expertise will be a great asset to our team and to our clients”.

“Ecology is an increasingly important aspect of the projects we look after – whether they’re in renewable energy, waste resource management, land and property, infrastructure and utilities, or mining and minerals.”

Of his appointment, Palmer said: “I’m delighted to be joining such a well respected and multi-disciplinary consultancy as Wardell Armstrong”.

“Working alongside other interesting specialisms and technical disciplines such as noise and visual impact assessment, planning and landscaping, I’m convinced that there will be many new opportunities.”