Green

Tech 2015 #Greentech2015

Celebrate ’s year as the UK’s first European Green Capital For the latest news and events, visit bristol2015.co.uk

/Bristol 2015 /@bristol_2015

Innovation for a better future

4064_Bristol_festival_of_ideas_ad_A5_AW.indd 1 01/04/2015 14:08 FOREWORD CONTENTS

Foreword Contents

Bristol and the surrounding region has a rich history of FOREWORD ...... 2 technological innovation. The nation’s most famous engineer, CONTENTS ...... 3 INTRODUCTION ...... 4 Isambard Kingdom Brunel, is closely associated with the city. THE RISE OF SUSTAINABLE TECH IN THE WEST OF ENGLAND ...... 5 We witness his entrepreneurship and technical excellence on ADVANCED ENGINEERING a daily basis: the Suspension Bridge, the Floating Harbour, SS Airbus ...... 7 Great Britain and the Great Western Railway. CFMS ...... 8 DNV GL ...... 9 This proud tradition has continued RegenSW & Marine Energy Accelerator Programme (MEAP) ...... 10 over the centuries, now in areas of National Composites Centre ...... 11 Renishaw ...... 12 advanced engineering and aerospace, Stirling Dynamics ...... 14 high technology, ICT (information CITY INNOVATION and communications technology) FirstGroup ...... 16 and microelectronics, digital and Fusion Processing ...... 17 creative, city innovation and, most Civic Centre ...... 18 recently, clean technology. HAB Housing ...... 20 Skanska...... 21 As an engineer and as a businessman Warm Up Bristol ...... 22 I have found this heritage inspiring. Wessex Water ...... 23 It helps to make Bristol the ideal DIGITAL & CREATIVE place to base an innovative, Bristol City Council ...... 25 Capital 2015 and this provides a great technologically driven company. Crocodile ...... 26 opportunity to showcase the expertise Green Running ...... 28 I see Garrad Hassan, now part of and successes of these companies. I Power Up Bristol...... 29 DNV GL, as a microcosm of the local hope that you find their contribution Playwest ...... 30 innovation and entrepreneurship. Simpleweb and The Curve ...... 32 to the nation’s economy inspiring and We are part of the vibrant sustainable see it as proof of how the region is HIGH TECH energy sector which has made this Atkins ...... 34 leading national and international region the national centre for green Bristol BlueGreen ...... 36 innovation. For Venturefest many technology and business. Western Power Distribution ...... 37 of them are gathered in Brunel’s FINANCIAL INNOVATION This guide to a selection of the very own Engine Shed. He will be Bath & West Community Energy ...... 39 exciting technology companies in keeping an eye on us all! Triodos ...... 40 Bristol and the surrounding region Clean Energy Prospector ...... 42 Andrew Garrad is a celebration of green technology ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ...... 43 Chairman, Bristol 2015 based here. Bristol is European Green

2 #Greentech2015 www.bristol2015.co.uk 3 INTRODUCTION THE RISE OF SUSTAINABLE TECH IN THE WEST OF ENGLAND

Introduction How the rise of sustainable tech The 2015 International Green Technology Festival, in the West of England is great held as part of the Bristol 2015 European Green Capital celebration, involved a series of events news for our economy and activities designed to promote innovative and successful green technology from the region. As the companies featured here show, the opportunity to shine a light on entrepreneurs and businesses in its existing greentech businesses, z Greentech is at the centre of City Innovation the West of England are increasingly as well as helping to create new economic growth for Bristol and Bath. – the city is focusing their attention on the ones. A great example of this was Environmental challenges are now a test-bed for many future city significant commercial opportunities Bristol 2015’s Green Capital Digital core to the requirements of many new innovations combining cutting-edge being offered by greentech, that is the Challenge where teams competed technologies. It is now increasingly advanced engineering, digital and technology which makes a positive to develop apps and games that accepted that commercial technology high technology. change by reducing our impact on tackle environmental challenges. development has to also be green and z Digital innovation – drawing the planet. And it’s a great place for sustainable. It is no longer a trade-off, on the region’s expertise in them to do it, as McKinsey & Co. and “Bristol & Bath is the but part of the core requirements. high performance computing, the Centre for Cities stated in a report This collection of company profiles silicon chip design and last year “Bristol & Bath is the only only fast growing & offers an insight into some highlights software development. fast growing & globally significant globally significant of the region’s strengths in greentech. z High Technology – a significant tech cluster in the UK.” It cannot be comprehensive, but it will growth opportunity for the region Greentech is profitable because it tech cluster in the UK” provide an indication of the growth covering ICT, microelectronics and makes sound business sense. Today, McKinsey & Co. & Centre for Cities, 2014 opportunities in the Bristol area and their combination in robotics. the conservation of natural resources for Great Britain to create jobs and z Financial Innovation – finance and the use of renewable resources Not only are these greentech inward investment. is required to bring forward new is seen as a business imperative, companies improving our everyday The companies are grouped in the greentech products and services, not just because it is good for the lives, but they are helping to following five sections: and we have pioneers in the region. environment but because there bring jobs and investment to the are commercial opportunities and region which in turn is great news z Advanced Engineering – to I hope you find some inspiration business risks in corporate supply for our economy, both regionally recognise the region’s aerospace, and opportunity in this greentech chains that are over-exposed to and nationally. engineering, materials and introduction to the region. needing energy, water or other manufacturing heritage and Sonny Masero scarce resources. strengths in innovation. International Greentech Advisor In 2015, as part of Bristol’s European Bristol 2015 European Green Capital Green Capital year, the city has had

4 #Greentech2015 www.bristol2015.co.uk 5 ADVANCED ENGINEERING

Advanced Engineering Airbus Bristol and the West of England has long been a home for innovative Makers of the world’s first series production electric plane engineering. The advanced engineering and manufacturing technologies being used in the region cover an incredibly diverse range of disciplines. This includes www.airbus.com Airbus plans to produce the E-Fan 2.0 by 2017, and it will be followed by composite materials; low-carbon fuels; metal 3D printing; Unmanned Aerial @Airbus Vehicles (UAVs); and cleantech from the energy and water sectors. the 4.0. The 2.0 will be powered by batteries alone, and is likely to weigh The world’s first series production The action to reduce environmental impact is a thread which runs through all less than 600kg and able to fly for up electric plane, the E-Fan, has been of these technologies; and this is increasingly a prerequisite for 21st century to 5 hours. The 4.0 on the other hand, designed and engineered by Airbus, engineering. The companies profiled here are just some of the many in the will be a 4-seater hybrid training who has a significant engineering aircraft with an additional combustion region using these new advances in engineering to make greentech even centre in . It’s extremely efficient engine to provide extended range. more efficient and profitable. and almost silent in flight, as well as The designs for the aircraft have won producing nearly zero CO2 emissions. several awards, including the Personal Airbus General Manager Mark Fact 1: Aircraft Design Academy (PADA) award Stewart says: “We are leading the The South West is the first region in the UK to be designated in 2014 and a 2015 iF DESIGN AWARD way in environmental performance. as a marine energy park within the mobility category for the As an industry we have reduced E-fan 2.0 – chosen out of nearly 5,000 CO emissions by more than 70% 2 entries from 53 countries. Fact 2: in the last 50 years.” The world’s first series production electric plane was designed and engineered by Airbus Fact 3: The headquarters of the largest renewable energy consultancy in the world is located in Bristol

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CFMS DNV GL Supercomputer simulations supporting leaps Encouraging and supporting growth in renewable energy forward in renewable energy applications www.dnvgl.com www.cfms.org.uk “For every piece @DNVGL of new equipment @CFMSuk introduced, there is a DNV GL, the largest renewable focus on techniques energy consultancy in the world, The Centre for Modelling and that will improve is head-quartered in Bristol. Simulation (CFMS) uses a high performance and performance computer to reduce a Leading the way in encouraging new energy consumption.” company’s product development costs innovation and investment into the and the time it takes to get it to market. For example, The Simulated Wake renewable energy market, a big part of Effects Platform for Turbines (SWEPT) DNV GL’s involvement has been in the Encompassing aerospace, renewable project has CFMS investigating development of wind farms. energy, civil engineering, utilities and innovative hardware to support the transport, the CFMS is working on Earlier this year Dr Andrew Garrad, use of Computational Fluid Dynamics numerous projects where, as Chief founder of renewables consultancy (CFD) software in wind turbine Operating Officer, Sam Paice tells us, Garrad Hassan (now part of DNV simulations, making them more GL), was awarded the AIOLOS award efficient and affordable. Ghezelbash commented: “Renewables for his career-long services to the face different pressures. Global Sam explains: “This will provide the development of wind energy. economic pressures and a shifting industry with an advanced toolset DNV GL also recently developed energy policy landscape have led to to design larger turbines and larger an innovative Operations Control reduced levels of subsidy in many arrays of turbines, which reduces Room containing a complete suite leading national markets.” financing cost and allows energy of information about the portfolio of primes to cut carbon emissions and Nonetheless, DNV GL have recently wind farms it manages. It supplies a design better wind farm layouts.” released a manifesto announcing variety of analytical tools that monitor commitments to work with industry The potential savings for companies the wind farms for alerts that require partners in a number of areas using CFMS’s energy efficient tools investigation and diagnosis. including improving the efficiency of is impressive, Sam says, as “Even Its commitment is strong, especially existing processes. It’s hoped that a moderate user of simulation can in the face of challenges to the these actions could have the potential equate to power savings of the order renewable energy industry. Regional to achieve reductions in the cost of of £100,000 per year.” Communications Manager Ali off-shore wind energy by up to 25%.

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RegenSW & Marine Energy National Composites Centre Accelerator Programme (MEAP) Green innovation in advanced materials and composites

www.regensw.co.uk www.nccuk.com with lighter structures, will save millions of tonnes of greenhouse @NCCUKinfo @RegenSW gases from being released into the atmosphere. With a wealth of tidal energy Based at the Bristol and Bath Science resource available right on our Park, the National Composites Centre The NCC will also be helping the UK doorstep in the Bristol Channel, (NCC) brings together top engineering reach its target of generating 15% of South-West renewable energy experts companies and academics to its total energy needs from renewable RegenSW is working towards giving accelerate innovation in the use of sources by 2020 by collaborating the region the priority focus for the advanced materials in composites with renewable energy developers to development and deployment of manufacture and product design. innovate the next generation of large marine energy technologies. wind and tidal devices. Composites, with their strength, As a member of Bristol City Council’s durability and low weight, provide Marine Energy Accelerator Programme some of the UK’s most innovative (MEAP), RegenSW is instrumental in engineering solutions: from reducing a the programme’s aims to support vehicle’s fuel consumption, providing the development of the marine ways of producing greener energy, Programme and includes the Bristol renewable energy sector in the to reducing maintenance costs in Tidal Energy Forum – a technical, Bristol City Region. bridges, roads and railways. international and industry led RegenSW’s Offshore Programme network and bi-annual conference. Within automotive, for example, EU Manager Ian Godfrey tells us: “If fully manufacturers will have to achieve The programme also integrates with exploited, marine renewable energy fleet average carbon dioxide (CO ) the wider South West Marine Energy 2 could eventually supply as much as emissions of 95g/km (around one Park (SWMEP), a programme for 20% of UK electricity demand, saving third less than today’s average). marine technology development, 30 million tonnes of CO2 emissions Much of this will be achieved by the especially green energy-generation each year when compared with use of lighter-weight materials and projects, established by the fossil fuel generation.” structures. The NCC is working with Department of a number of companies to provide MEAP builds on four previous years Energy and Climate technology development advice for of support for the sector through Change (DECC) more efficient engines which, together Bristol City Council’s Offshore Energy back in 2012.

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Renishaw Makers of the world’s first metal 3D-printed bike

www.renishaw.com @renishawplc

Global engineering company Renishaw has developed the world’s first metal 3D-printed bike frame for bike designer and manufacturer, Empire Cycles – producing a leading mountain bike that’s 33% lighter than the original and extremely strong. Based in Gloucestershire and specialising in everything from friendly vehicles and transport as scientific measurement and well as developing even lighter bikes calibration to 3D printing and that will encourage more people advanced materials, Renishaw is to get into cycling. Empire Cycles the UK’s only manufacturer of a They’ve been a success for dentists Extending additive manufacturing metal-based additive manufacturing too, providing many other benefits techniques across a wide range machine that prints metal parts. including a better fit. Chris tells us: of industries, Renishaw has also “We make thousands of metal teeth As additive manufacturing is used this process to machine every month in Gloucestershire.” developed further, it’s hoped that it non-precious metal alternatives can be used across a wide range of for use in dental crown and bridge applications to provide a number of frameworks. The process is called “Advanced manufacturing environmental benefits including a LaserPFM and produces crowns reduction of waste in manufacturing, and bridges that are free from has produced a mountain lighter weight products and an metals such as nickel, beryllium and bike that’s 33% lighter increase in strength. cadmium – making them a much more environmentally friendly and Some examples of where it could than the original and cost-effective alternative to cast or be used in the future include the machined semi-precious metals. extremely strong” manufacture of more environmentally

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Stirling Dynamics City Innovation Advanced engineering for environmentally friendly There is a wide range of city innovation technologies already present in Bristol & Bath. Companies based here are helping create smart, green cities in many waste water treatment different ways: smart lighting; green buildings; smart meters; energy efficiency; hybrid vehicles; intelligent mobility; renewable energy; power management; www.stirling-dynamics.com green & digital street furniture; and open data. The Bristol & Bath region @StirlingDynamic also has several city innovation hubs that help accelerate the take up and implementation of these forms of innovation like Bristol & Bath Science Park; Stirling Dynamics provides advanced The algae consume the nutrients and Filwood Green Business Park and Temple Quarter Enterprise Zone. engineering design services to minerals in the waste water, while also customers in the aerospace, marine, absorbing carbon dioxide (CO ), to The advantages for cities embracing greentech in terms of reduced costs, defence and energy sectors. 2 grow and reproduce. This algae emissions and even congestion are clear. Here are a few of the many companies Recently, Stirling teamed up with biomass can then be used as a based in the Bristol region already utilising innovative greentech to make green start-up Industrial Phycology renewable fertiliser or as biomass to our cities a better place to live. to provide engineering expertise to create sustainable power – while

its innovative and environmentally reducing CO2 emissions which friendly method of using algae to contribute to climate change. Fact 1: convert waste water from sewage The algae is grown in a bespoke The European Commission awarded Bristol the title of works into biomass and fertiliser. industrial photobioreactor using European Green Capital 2015 advanced LEDs provided by Stirling Dynamics. The company is also Fact 2: supplying the advanced control system and systems integration. The first VW Beetle to run on bio-gas from human sewage was created in the region Stirling’s Energy Business Manager, Peter Stirling, tells us: “The process has been proved at lab and pilot Fact 3: scale, and we’re preparing to commission a full-scale demonstrator The region has one of the largest council-owned solar panel system, funded by DECC and West of systems in the UK England LEP. This will let Industrial Phycology demonstrate the technology to industry, and move closer to commercialisation of the system.”

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FirstGroup Fusion Processing Eco-friendly transport for an eco-friendly city Tech innovation for safer, more cycle friendly cities

www.firstgroup.com/bristol www.fusionproc.com of cars, vans and buses, alerting the driver to any cyclists coming @FirstBSA @FusionProc up alongside the vehicle.

Transport operator FirstGroup provides Cycling is one of the most Jim Hutchinson, founder of Fusion travel solutions for 1,000s of people environmentally friendly ways to Processing, explains: “There are every day. It operates trains, buses travel and is great for your fitness too. many causes of collisions between and coaches across many UK cities Yet to encourage confidence and get bicycles and large vehicles, but a and towns – so it understands the more people on their bikes, we need common factor in many collisions need to have as minimal an impact to make our roads safer – for drivers is that the driver is unaware of the on the environment as possible. as well as cyclists. presence of the cyclist.” For example, working with Fusion Processing has potentially The Cycle Eye is unique in that it can Avonmouth-based Wessex Water, First solved one of the biggest safety reliably identify cyclists against the West of England is trialling a brand concerns for cyclists on the road background of road clutter and other new Bio-Bus powered by sewage and with the Cycle Eye – a custom camera vehicles, quickly alerting the driver. food waste on a route in Bristol. The which can be placed on the sides Today, there are already five cameras Bio-Bus is fuelled by bio-methane being trailed on , a gas, a by-product of Wessex’s sewage further two on buses in London, with processing, which is how it’s gained others fitted to a fleet of trucks and its friendly nickname, the ‘poo-bus’! vans from a major UK retailer. This isn’t the only innovative green Having garnered some really great transport technology FirstGroup Jim has high hopes for the impact feedback already from passengers, has utilised. Take the micro-hybrid Cycle Eye will have on our roads the team at FirstGroup are Wright Streetlites buses, which are and the environment: “We hope considering introducing more bio- currently used by First in Bristol. that widespread use of CycleEye buses to their fleet in the future. These buses can harness power will greatly reduce the numbers of Using bio-gas replaces the need from their own braking system and collisions, saving lives and reducing to use diesel fuel produced from use it to power lighting and passenger the number of injuries sustained by finite oil deposits. It also creates information systems. This makes cyclists. The improved safety will lead less pollution and emissions which them some of the most fuel-efficient to more people feeling confident contribute to climate change. diesel buses in the world. enough to cycle in the city.”

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Keynsham Civic Centre Bath Council’s flagship civic centre provides for the community

www.bathnes.gov.uk @bathnes

As part of a wider development plan for Keynsham town centre, which has ambitious aims to boost the local economy and greatly

contribute to carbon dioxide (CO2) emission reduction targets, the Keynsham Civic Centre was opened

in the summer of 2014. Reducing CO2 emissions is important for tackling global climate change. The centre has one of the largest council-owned solar panel systems square. The centre has also created sense of pride in what we’ve achieved in the UK, and produces enough solar a range of new jobs needed to staff and how we can now use that to energy for all its needs as well as the shops and services that are inspire developers and partners generating excess energy which can housed in the building. to do the same.” be sold to create additional savings. For the council teams occupying the The council offices within the centre offices of the civic centre, having the have already achieved an outstanding opportunity to work inside such a Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) unique and innovative building has rating of 5, which is equivalent to created a real buzz. almost zero CO . 2 Corporate Sustainability Manager, The flagship building also benefits the Jane Wildblood explains: “It’s a really local community; 50% of the site has beautiful building to work in and it’s been given over to new public space, fantastic to know that it’s got such All images ©AHR Architects including a new library and market a low carbon impact. There’s a real

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HAB Housing Skanska Bespoke sustainable home design Constructing with green technology to cut schools’ energy costs in half www.habhousing.co.uk @HABHousing www.skanska.co.uk in further school developments since – including biomass boilers designed @SkanskaUKplc HAB Housing is flipping traditional to generate 80% of the school’s heating, intelligent lighting systems home development on its head. Skanska, one of the world’s leading and toilets flushed entirely from Speaking to Communications and project development and construction rainwater using a harvesting system. Sales Director Simon McWhirter about groups, has been employing HAB Housing’s ethos, he explains: “We innovative green technology to build Skanska’s Bristol Project Manager, adopt an intelligent balanced, holistic sustainable schools in Bristol for a John Brennan tells us: “We know that approach in line with One Planet number of years now – building and sustainable buildings offer healthier Living principles and we’re committed refurbishing 43 schools since 2007. environments as well as cutting to ensuring that our homes are costs, so we build to some of the Committed to using cutting-edge economic and efficient to run.” highest green standards.” technology, Skanska achieved a Green HAB Housing’s first project, The Guide rating of A+ for the straw bale Triangle, uses a smart heating system construction of May Park Primary in generated via an air source heat Bristol, which was not only deemed pump and distributed via under a zero carbon frame but was a first floor heating. The homes also have for this method of construction in mechanical ventilation and heat the industry. It’s a method that has recovery systems. helped to cut the energy use of the lighting. This not only reduces the Other features include a communal school in half. Skanska also installed consumption of energy, but also kitchen garden and a car club to solar panels on its roof, which has reduces household energy bills. help reduce emissions. The green generated over 20% of the school’s technology used at The Triangle won With plans to develop up to 1,000 annual electricity requirement. the 2012 RIBA award for Sustainability. homes per year by 2019, many more During the construction of its first will be offered the opportunity to Homes from their second project, South West school build, Bristol own one of these award-winning The Applewood, trialled Moixa AC-DC Brunel Academy, the Skanska homes in the near future, with systems which store electricity from group implemented many green potential projects in the pipeline the home’s solar panels to power technologies which have been utilised from Bristol to Bicester.

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Warm Up Bristol Wessex Water Offering funding to make your home more Transforming waste food and water into bio-methane gas energy efficient – fuel for the city

www.warmupbristol.co.uk and a further www.wessexwater.co.uk 283 have @bristolenergy #wessexwater completed installations. Warm Up Bristol is a four-year Bristol Wessex Water’s subsidiary company Council initiative focused on ensuring “We want to GENeco, a waste-to-energy business that Bristol’s homes are as energy empower as based at Bristol sewage treatment efficient as possible. many people works in Avonmouth, built a gas-to- as we can to improve the efficiency grid plant to inject gas generated With help from a £7.3m grant from the of their homes and, where possible, from treating sewage and food waste Department of Energy and Climate enable people to generate their into the national gas network. The Change (DECC) and Energy Company own energy,” says Mareike Schmidt, use of this bio-gas can reduce carbon Obligation subsidies from EDF, Warm Energy Service Manager. “We hope to dioxide emissions and air pollution Up Bristol is able to assist Bristol install around 30,000 energy saving as well as avoiding the use of finite householders (including people who measures over the next four years.” natural gas and oil. rent) through the process of making their home more energy efficient. Ian Drury from Wessex Water explains: “Enough gas is produced to supply This includes initial assessments and more than 8,500 homes in Bristol.” advice on grant funding available, to providing quotations and arranging Also, working alongside transport the final installation of improvements. group First, they launched the Bio-Bus Assessments are subsidised at just – the first bus in the UK to run on the Another green solution from £49 and there are up to 45 measures gas generated from sewage and food Wessex Water is its use of specialist on offer ranging from solid and cavity waste (see page 16). robots to gain access to maintain wall insulation to double glazing, Wessex Water also recently launched underground sewers. The robots draught proofing and new boilers. the Bio-Bug – the first VW Beetle to reduce the need for the heavy The scheme has only been running run on bio-gas produced from human machinery required to dig up the for a couple of months, but already sewage, which can run for a whole road – so not only is that great news 3,000 householders now understand year on the waste flushed down the for road users, it also reduces cost, Bristol City Council/Warm Up Bristol City Council/Warm Bristol the energy efficiency of their homes toilets of just 70 homes! materials and CO2 emissions.

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Digital and Creative Bristol City Council The Bristol region is one of the most important digital hubs outside of London. Using Bristol’s open data to support positive Digital and creative innovation centres based in the area, like the Pervasive Media Studio, Bristol Games Hub and the Engine Shed, ensure that there is an environmental action established ecosystem for new digital and creative businesses. https://opendata.bristol.gov.uk/ The innovation shown here comes from both large and small businesses @BristolCouncil showing the diversity in the region: big data; open data; games with social purpose; and consumer digital innovation. All of these fields can be used As part of the Bristol Open Data to power greentech innovation, as the following creative companies show. project, Bristol City Council, in partnership with leading platform developer Socrata, has developed Fact 1: a pilot scheme to open up council Clearly there is a public appetite for data to the general public. Over 500 million people a month see digital content produced getting the lowdown on and improving in Bristol & Bath Kevin O’Malley, Bristol City Council’s Bristol’s environmental impact. City Innovation Partnership The council recognises this: “We Development Manager explains: are opening up a wide range of Fact 2: “Bristol has long recognised the environmental datasets to support potential of open data and has been The region’s Digital and Creative sector is expected to create 17,000 positive action and initiatives to actively involved in releasing data new jobs over the next 15 years reduce impact,” says Kevin. “One of the and encouraging its reuse since 2010.” datasets we have been capturing is Fact 3: Some of the most visited areas air quality and we have been working on the site are visualisations of with the Open Data Institute to use The Bristol 2015 Green Capital Digital Challenge tasked digital companies environmental datasets like the this information to inform the council to develop apps, games and websites that tackle environmental issues City Centre Congestion Map, a graph of the optimal bus routes to utilise showing the number of installed solar hybrid rather than diesel buses.” panels generating electricity and a It’s an on-going scheme, as Kevin map showing the explains: “We intend to continue to levels of hourly load more and more data into the nitrous oxide (NO ) 2 platform, incorporating data from as a measure of air other authorities and agencies to quality in the city. give a rounded picture of the City.”

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Crocodile An app to encourage kids to walk to school

www.crocodile.org.uk Walking buses and cycling trains offer a greener and more active way @crocodileapp for pupils to get to school safely, by foot or by bike, escorted by adult Crocodile is a mobile app that hopes volunteers. Much like a regular bus or to revolutionise the school run, train, there are pick-up times as well encouraging children to walk to school as designated stops along the route. to reduce road pollution and increase child fitness. The project is the winner The Crocodile app allows parents to of the £50,000 Bristol 2015 Green view the walking bus routes nearest Capital Digital Challenge grand prize, to them, book their child into their a Bristol 2015 initiative to encourage preferred route for their children’s digital companies to develop software school, check progress on the day “An app that encourages children to walk to school to applications and games that tackle and confirm that their child has environmental challenges. arrived at school safely. reduce road pollution and increase child fitness”

Sustainability solution expert Kevin The app could also have an expected Ramm, who was part of the winning educational benefit: research has Crocodile team, explains: “We were shown that children who walk, scoot shocked to discover that every school or cycle to school arrive more alert day in the UK, around 40% of primary and ready to learn. school children are dropped off by car. High traffic volumes cause continued poor air quality in UK cities, linked to asthma and other health problems.” Kevin adds: “By catalysing more active travel for children, Crocodile should also bring health and fitness benefits, and increase social interaction between children.”

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Green Running Power Up Bristol Helping you to better understand your electricity The eco-friendly puzzle game usage at home and at work www.natalt.co.uk/project/game-power-up-bristol/ www.greenrunning.com learn more about how their energy @PowerUpBristol bills are calculated. @GreenRunningUK for cities without creating too much Founder Peter Davies tells us: “This pollution. At the same time they will Green Running provides a range is a fantastic tool for demonstrating also have to avoid crazy obstacles of products to help businesses and the cause and effect of using electrical like zombie attacks! individuals monitor, analyse and appliances, educating individuals on manage their energy consumption, the cost and environmental impact of James says, “The game makes use enabling them to make savings, lower their energy usage and encouraging of a cast of lovable characters – The their carbon footprint and achieve behavioural change.” Power Pack – to gently make players aware of the choices that need to be sustainability targets. He adds, “For future generations, made when balancing power supply Its products are unique in that they this means that they will get a true and usage against the environmental work together to measure energy understanding of how their behaviour impacts of those choices and the usage on a second-by-second basis. affects their carbon footprint and well-being of the population.” This allows individual electrical see all the benefits associated with Power Up Bristol is a green-energy appliances to be monitored in the being more sustainable.” focused puzzle game for mobile The Power Up team have created a home as their unique electrical devices. It was shortlisted for the prototype version for any town so that patterns and footprints can be Bristol Green Capital Digital Challenge each version of Power Up [Your Town] recognised. Green Running products which asked Europe’s brightest minds can include local characteristics. can tell you anything from how much to develop new ways for software to Fellow team member Nat Al-Tahhan energy your kettle is using when you tackle environmental challenges. adds: “Our primary aim for the game make a cuppa to the cost of running James Parker, part of the team of six was that it would be fun, first and your freezer for a month. who created the game, explains: “We foremost, and that through creating a By being able to see how much created a light-hearted puzzle game game that people genuinely enjoyed energy appliances are using in real which challenged players to power we would be able to use it as a time, and the cost associated with their town (in this case, Bristol) in the mechanism for delivering a variety that usage, enables individuals to most efficient way possible.” of messages about how people can identify and reduce wastage, choose approach the issues of energy use In the game the characters need more energy efficient products and and supply in their own lives.” to generate and connect electricity

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Playwest Making games to spread awareness about food waste

www.playwe.st For the challenge, Playwest came up with an impressive retro-themed @PlaywestHQ game called Super Trash Heroes where players have to tackle food-waste Playwest are a graduate-driven related challenges to progress to the videogame studio in Bristol that is next level. Waste is the bad guy in this on a mission to create ‘games that highly imaginative game, especially develop you’. Earlier this year the if there is the chance for it to be company put together a team that was re-used or recycled. This means the shortlisted for the Bristol 2015 Green game characters are breaking open Capital Digital Challenge. Participants rubbish bags to collect good food to had just 48 hours to design a website, power their vehicle one minute and app or game that highlighted or over-taking dirty rubbish trucks taking Team member Andy King explains: solved environmental issues. waste to landfill the next. “Games are powerful and persuasive experiences, especially when shared; yet are so often overlooked or misunderstood. With Super Trash Heroes we are creating a videogame to facilitate the removal of the cognitive and behavioural barriers to issues around food waste, because to change our future, we’ve got to reach the next generation.” “Busting myths Andy is confident the game is a force for good: “We truly believe around food waste and we can raise the level of practical awareness by busting myths around empowering people who food waste and empowering people might otherwise have who might otherwise have ignored the issue to act.” ignored the issue to act”

30 #Greentech2015 www.bristol2015.co.uk 31 DIGITAL & CREATIVE

Simpleweb and The Curve High Tech Sharing the world’s energy expertise with businesses Numerous high-tech companies have established research centres in the Bristol region to innovate in Information & Communications Technology www.thecurve.thecrowd.me (ICT). However, the successful growth of the ICT sector has brought its own @thecrowd green issues. For example, the Internet, including ICT, already consumes 8% of the UK’s power and increasing consumer and business demand means Bristol web design agency Simpleweb this will grow. This means energy efficiency is now an integral requirement is working with business community for innovations in ICT. The Crowd on The Curve, a peer-to It’s not just energy though, high tech industries offer numerous ways to peer platform to share ideas and prosper in greentech, from utilising the benefits of driverless cars to combat innovations around environmental and social sustainability. pollution, to monitoring and storing power to increase efficiency to save costs and reduce waste. The following are some high-tech companies operating in The initial focus of The Curve the Bristol area that are already leading the way. is sharing information between businesses about energy investment accelerate the take up of cost- projects, both energy efficiency effective energy investments, which Fact 1: and renewable energy. By creating will improve energy security, reduce There are over 18,000 engineers employed in Bristol and Bath an easy-to-use online platform to carbon emissions and create jobs.” share experiences The Crowd aims Simpleweb is taking care of all to accelerate the uptake of these aspects of technical development Fact 2: projects by more businesses. Luke and providing business development Clarkson, The Crowd’s Business The joined up nature of the high-tech cluster mean green innovators advice and support where possible. Development Director explains: have a wealth of experience to draw upon Mark Panay, the company’s founder “There are now many ways that explains: “Simpleweb and The Crowd companies can reduce carbon whilst share a passionate belief that sharing making an attractive return, but the Fact 3: ideas and innovations is key to the problem is that most companies future of profitable and socially ”Bristol & Bath is the only fast growing & globally significant tech cluster are yet to find them.” responsible businesses. Simpleweb in the UK” McKinsey & Co. & Centre for Cities, 2014 He adds: “The aim for The Curve is believes that the team behind to make the world’s energy expertise The Crowd, and their established accessible to every organisation. We network of organisations, have the believe it will transform the way that potential to make a real impact on expertise is shared and exponentially sustainability in business.”

32 #Greentech2015 www.bristol2015.co.uk 33 HIGH TECH HIGH TECH

Atkins Research and development into cleaner driverless cars in Bristol

www.atkinsglobal.com promise to create improvements in road safety, reduce traffic congestion @atkinsglobal and air pollution, and have the potential to help reduce carbon The VENTURER consortium, made up dioxide (CO ) emissions which of a range of South West academic 2 contribute to climate change. organisations and companies from across different sectors, has secured Atkins, one of the world’s most funding from the UK government’s respected design, engineering and innovation agency Innovate UK to project management consultancies, test driverless cars in the Bristol is leading the extensive research and Atkins region. Cars that can drive themselves development needed for the project.

Atkins is looking into all aspects Project Manager, Carolyn Mitchell, of public reaction to the driverless explains: “Using safe on-road trials car – including concerns about how of cars and electric passenger driverless cars will respond in real- pods, alongside an accurate virtual life road situations such as when simulation, VENTURER will gain an encountering cyclists, pedestrians in-depth understanding of public and other drivers. attitudes and reactions to inform public policy and signpost the A big part of this is the VENTURER way towards a safe and managed car trial, which is due to continue transition to driverless cars.” for 36 months in the Bristol Council and South Gloucestershire Council She adds, “With the development regions. Bristol-based company of testing facilities for autonomous Fusion Processing is also part of vehicles and their related the VENTURER consortium and is technologies in the Bristol area, providing their technology to help the VENTURER will boldly go where manage these real-life road situations. no car has gone before!” Atkins

34 #Greentech2015 www.bristol2015.co.uk 35 HIGH TECH HIGH TECH

Bristol BlueGreen Western Power Distribution Voltage management for effortless energy savings Battery storage to capture excess household-produced solar power www.bristolbluegreen.com @BlueGreenSES www.westernpowerinnovation.co.uk @WPDUK Bristol BlueGreen (BBG) has a mission to become the leading voltage The positive environmental effects South West electricity Distribution management provider for domestic of BlueGreen are also impressive Network Operator Western Power and light commercial applications. with a number of trials and studies Distribution (WPD) is the largest of BBG’s product works by stabilising on the predecessor to BlueGreen its kind in the UK. Responsible for voltage in properties to a point at demonstrating a reduction in the operation and maintenance of the which all applications are designed electrical consumption typically distribution network from 230 volts schools and an office to their own to operate efficiently. Chief Executive, around 9 to 10%. up to 132,000 volts, it covers the South individual battery storage systems. Rick Smith, explains: “There isn’t BlueGreen can also reduce the West, South Wales, and the Midlands. enough emphasis on energy demand The batteries are charged by the solar carbon footprint of the average Having such a large network comes reduction. For every 1kWh of electricity panels at low demand periods so that home by 4 tonnes over the 25-year with many challenges, with high not used we can reduce traditional the stored energy can be used by the life of BlueGreen (the equivalent of demand and generation putting generation by 2.5kWh: the difference household at peak demand times taking one small car off the road great pressure on electricity networks. is lost in generation and transmission or exported to the local network. for one year). In addition, homes A potential solution is WPD’s Sola (largely as heat). BlueGreen reduces Homeowners are then rewarded by with BlueGreen fitted benefit from Bristol project. This is a research electricity consumption without the a variable tariff for exporting their longer life in light bulbs and other and development project that has need for behavioural change. We see stored power and supporting the appliances, creating less waste. the potential to not only reduce this as not only a great environmental network during peak times. pressure on the network but also opportunity but also a great to reduce unnecessary energy usage You can follow the progress of the commercial opportunity.” and electricity bills. project, which will be running until BBG has also placed its product into November 2015, by reading the early The Sola Bristol Project, which started the heart of tomorrow’s intelligent learning reports on WPD’s website. back in 2012, entered the data analysis home by integrating its voltage phase last year and is funded by management with energy monitoring Ofgem’s Low Carbon Networks Fund. and wireless communications. Rick It’s trialling a system that links the tells us “It gives guaranteed savings, solar panels of 26 Bristol homes, five and lower energy consumption.”

36 #Greentech2015 www.bristol2015.co.uk 37 FINANCIAL INNOVATION

Financial Innovation Bath & West Community Energy Bristol is a hotbed of greentech innovation, and more and more companies are Community-owned clean energy for the South West realising it makes sound sense to offer financing in this lucrative business area. This includes banks seeking to progress social, cultural and environmental www.bwce.coop sustainability through offering finance opportunities, or companies enabling @BWCE communities to generate their own green electricity to save home owners and businesses money while also saving the planet. Bath and West Community Energy (BWCE) was set up in 2010 as a near Bath, is an impressive ground- Community Benefit Society with The kind of financial innovation in greentech already in existence in the Bristol mounted solar array. To date, the a vision to create a financially region proves profit and principles need not be mutually exclusive, and the BWCE’s projects have generated sustainable, community-owned companies over the following pages are some of its pioneers. 1,886,177 KWh of clean electricity – energy enterprise. enough to power nearly 500 average Fact 1: households for a year and saving over 1m tonnes of CO2. The estimated size of the retrofit market in the West of England Community Manager Peter Andrews is c£600m creating an estimated 800-1,600 jobs over a 10-year period comments: “The feedback from our community has been amazing. Fact 2: We have had three public share offers each of which has been Bristol’s banking and insurance sector contributed £1.8B to the oversubscribed raising over £3 million. economy in 2011 In addition we have been able to contribute £25,000 to the BWCE Through its 13 solar energy projects, it Community Fund which is giving is delivering renewable energy, energy Fact 3: grants to other low carbon projects efficiency and energy supply services in and around our area.” Bristol is a leading financial services centre with many major via a strong community model that international and national companies locating head offices here will maximise local investment, BWCE has no plans to stop there strengthen the local economy and though, with plans this summer to build community resilience. build a waterwheel on the River Avon. Peter adds: “In the not too Its solar energy projects range from distant future we hope to be able to 8KW to 2.34MW installations. Eight supply our members and the public of these benefit local schools with with electricity generated from the free electricity, while its biggest, installations that they own.” the Wilmington Farm Solar Array 38 #Greentech2015 www.bristol2015.co.uk 39 FINANCIAL INNOVATION FINANCIAL INNOVATION

Triodos Investing in a greener future

www.triodos.co.uk @triodosuk

Triodos is a global pioneer of sustainable banking; its mission is to make money work for positive social, environmental and cultural change by connecting savers and investors who want to help make the world a better place. Triodos Renewables PLC, managed by Triodos Bank, invested in its first South West project in 2012 – a four 2.05MW wind turbine site at Avonmouth, which provides enough power to produce the average annual electricity needs of 4,500 homes. The impact Triodos’ sustainable With offices in Bristol, Triodos have banking has made is also clear. By played a great role locally. Head the end of 2014, Triodos Group and of Communications Lisa Stanley its climate and energy investment comments: “In our twentieth funds were financing 379 different “Contributing to the anniversary year we are delighted environment projects across Europe, generation of electricity to support Bristol as European contributing to a generating capacity Green Capital and the myriad of 2,100 MW of energy, or enough needs equivalent to opportunities this will bring, both energy to meet the electricity in terms of awareness of sustainable needs of the equivalent of 1 million 1 million European banking, Bristol’s role as a leading European households during the households” European sustainable city as well year. So for each European customer, as the increasing numbers of Triodos financed the electricity visitors to Bristol and the bank, needs of 1.9 homes. from both near and far.” 40 #Greentech2015 www.bristol2015.co.uk 41 FINANCIAL INNOVATION Acknowledgements

Clean Energy Prospector Acknowledgements Finding smarter ways to get households producing Bristol 2015 Official Partners Produced by: more green energy

www.cepro.co.uk TechSPARK is the information @ceprouk hub for all things tech in Bristol, Bath and the West of England region. Bristol-based Clean Energy Prospector (CEPRO) is developing smarter ways www.techspark.co to get more people generating solar energy. Originally set up to provide Designed by: busy people with the information to www.barryhalldesign.com deploying commercial and domestic make informed choices towards a low Bristol 2015 Official Supporters rooftop solar panels. Funders and carbon society; it has recently begun developers can use the platform to Printed on 100% de-inked to focus on the deployment and third- pulp recycled fibre which is create and operate businesses that party ownership of renewables. FSC certified. generate income from these panels. It Third-party ownership is where also provides residents with tools that generation equipment such as solar visualise the savings they’re making. panels are provided to households Co-founder of CEPRO, Damon Rand and businesses with no upfront cost. explains: “Before Simtricity, operating This encourages adoption, with the a large rooftop solar portfolio owner recouping their investment and required significant resources and making a financial return as the asset deep industry experience which generates energy over its life. is why third-party ownership has Using a model that addresses mostly been restricted to large solar the two key barriers preventing installers. With Simtricity even small individuals and organisations from community groups can run free solar deploying solar panels, the cost and schemes in their communities.” Green cities – responsibility of the new technology, CEPRO is also excited about its big fit for life CEPRO has also designed Simtricity. future plans, which will also see the Simtricity is an online smart meter company developing support for platform that supports organisations heat and power microgrids.

42 #Greentech2015 www.bristol2015.co.uk 43