MARKET REPORT HEATING & LIGHTING
Innovation fuels demand
New technology incorporated in the latest heating and lighting products is offering benefits that are being recognised by more and more end users. Alan Guthrie reports.
In case it had escaped your attention, 2015 has been the International Year of Light, a global initiative adopted by the United Nations to raise awareness of how new technologies are meeting challenges relating to energy provision and sustainable development. If any evidence were needed regarding the progress that has been made in this field, many of the latest lighting products provide it.
“Sustainability is certainly the buzz word in this market,” said Ray Caulfield, Sales Director of Generac. “Developments like LED lighting and machines with hybrid generators have been available for several years and, as in other Health & Safety areas such as dust and emissions, it has taken time for people to grasp the concepts. However, demand is growing strongly for products like our VB9 lighting tower with LED lamps, as well as the Hybrid version. Customers appreciate the fuel savings, the longer running times and the environmental benefits in terms of noise and emissions.
More customers appreciate the benefits of sustainable lighting products.
“This year, the ratio of sales of VB9s to our diesel powered VT1 lighting tower has been approximately 80:20, up from 70:30 in 2014. Some major contractors are now specifying that hybrid machines must be used at their sites, as part of their commitment to meet their social and environmental responsibilities. Hirers also recognise benefits such as the
reduction in refuelling and service visits required, and the extended life of the equipment, as the engines typically run at lower speeds.”
Another company reporting a similar increase is Morris Site Machinery, which offers SMC lighting products. “2015 has been our biggest year yet for lighting tower production volume,” said MD Phil Winnington. “As well as construction industry growth, the events market has remained very strong, with more concerts and festivals being held, and organisers invariably have detailed environmental
management policies. New technology is creating new solutions. We now offer ten variants and derivatives of our TL-90 lighting tower, including units with LED lamps and our solar-powered model, which is arousing interest among hire companies.
“Environmental responsibility is becoming increasingly important for end users, and they recognise the benefits that solar lighting products and similar equipment can deliver.
Morris Site Machinery says demand is growing for machines with LED lamps.
Adopting these machines is more than just ticking a ‘green’ box: they bring significant operational advantages. Similarly, three diesel TL-90s can be linked together to run from one engine consecutively for greater fuel efficiency. We are also developing bespoke machines for specific purposes, such as units that are tough enough to withstand being dropped from a helicopter for military applications.
“The government’s commitment to infrastructure spending, such as on road construction, is also creating demand. As highways are so congested during the normal working day, more projects are taking place through the night and require adequate lighting provision.”
Also exploring new technology is TCP (Taylor Construction Plant), which has developed derivatives of its Ecolite lighting tower that run on hydrogen fuel cells from BOC. “Interest is now really growing, and once people see the machines for themselves, they understand the benefits,” MD Andrew Barker told EHN. “They appreciate the zero carbon footprint of the units, as well as the lack of noise and emissions, making them ideal for urban locations. This enables contractors to meet requirements like Section 61 of the Control of Pollution Act 1974 regarding noise, and many are using machines like these to positively engage with the local community and demonstrate the measures they are taking.
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