BOOK REVIEW/ PRODUCTS AND PROCESSES
A positive blueprint for the UK’s sustainable future Book review by Natasha Wiseman, Editor WWT
Zero Carbon Britain 2030 – A New Energy Strategy
Edited by Martin Kemp and Josie Wexler
The Centre for Alternative Technology’s update of its 2007 energy policy strategy might be best placed on the science fiction shelf of your
local bookstore, given the failure of international governments to respond adequately to the threat of climate change. Its expanded scenario ‘Zero Carbon Britain 2030’ could not be better timed in a year that has seen spilled oil lapping against the US coast and dangerously contrary climate change sceptics leading the public debate. Through the vision of ZCB2030, we would all be culpable, because the exploitation of fossil fuels is the crime. However, the redemptive sentence is very much a community-based one. In ZCB2030 we are asked to roll forward 20 years to an alternative scenario with energy efficient homes, a low-carbon approach to travel, a green workforce and national self- sufficiency in food production. Energy, buildings, transport, agriculture and behaviour change are all given comprehensive coverage, although water and sanitation are notable omissions from the vision. However, there is much for anyone in the water industry to take from this document. Land use of
Electric P8 release enhances software EPLAN’s new version of its Electric P8 2.0 software for global engineering offers practical potential whether for enhanced project reliability, functionality and speed point wiring and active device protection or for channel oriented PLC design. The quality of all documentation is guaranteed by active check functions and the system automatically prevents incorrect data from being entered. With the new ‘protected device’ function, all project parts
Quality guaranteed: all project parts are retained
are retained, even in the case of graphic delete commands. Active protection of project data is freely defined in the parts definitions in the EPLAN platform.
www.eplan.co.uk
livestock, for example, is water intensive and “powering down” would involve a switch to a largely vegetarian diet. Further a switch to non-grazed grassland and crops that do not require fertilizer will reduce the demand for artificial nitrogen – thus reducing run-off pollution and eutrophication of water resources. Or take a look at the chapter on energy security. Have water companies carried out an analysis of their vulnerability to oil price volatility? Where are the pinch points? Renewables are the way to “power up” ZCB2030-style. The chapter analysing the social and psychological barriers to the transition to ZCB2030 is of particular interest to any industry struggling to communicate its water saving and water valuing message to consumers. One model likens the experience of the switch in lifestyle to grieving. Other models show how it is better to engage with difference sections of the population in accordance with their own attitudes and values in an effort to remove the barriers to action. What is very clear is that the public wants its leaders and service providers to demonstrate their own commitment with action first. While this book has not incorporated water and wastewater management as issues that will need to be addressed by 2030, it is a welcome addition to the climate change library. As a blueprint for a sustainable future its message of positivity is encouraging to citizens, businesses and policymakers.
Veolia extends Elster meter contract Elster has been awarded a contract extension from Veolia Water for the supply of Q4000 battery-powered
electromagnetic meters. The Q4000 is ideal for utility applications including network monitoring and commercial billing. The Q4000 features bi- directional pulse
The Q4000 features bi-directional pulse communications
communications that are fully compatible with the data logging and advanced meter reading equipment used by Veolia Water. Along with low head loss, high accuracy and a fully sealed IP68 construction, the Q4000 represents a leap forward in electronic water metering.
www.elster.com
Hazard ready: the new range
Hazardous area cable glands launched Weidmüller, a provider of solutions for electrical connectivity, transmission and conditioning of power, has launched a range of hazard area cable glands. Weidmüller says it takes the safety of its customers seriously and takes a tough approach to ensuring its products always meet the necessary regulations. The Klippon Cable Glands have therefore been designed to complement the range of hazardous area enclosures. The Klippon Glands for armoured and un-armoured cables are designed for use in Ex e (increased safety) and Ex d (flameproof) applications.The new range is in addition to their already established assortment of cable glands.
www.weidmuller.co.uk
44 Water & Wastewater Treatment September 2010
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