Energy and Environment Feature Library

Operations Engineer's library catalogues editorial features going back five years.

Access to all archive material is free to all, including non-members of IPlantE (the Institution of Operations Engineers) or BES (Bureau of Engineer Surveyors), under the umbrella of SOE (Society of Operations Engineers). However, to discover the many benefits of becoming an SOE member, please click here.

08/04/2025 Ensuring humidity control Humidity is the enemy of battery manufacturers, so its measurement and control is extremely important – not just for the plant’s energy efficiency, but also for the quality and yield of batteries, affecting issues such as range in EVs. ... » Read More

18/03/2025 Accelerating the green revolution The transition of the UK power sector to clean energy presents challenges, but by embracing the opportunities industries can contribute to national decarbonisation goals while enhancing competitiveness, writes Tom Austin-Morgan » Read More

07/11/2024 A centre of sustainability A novel sensor system has been developed to help data centres optimise the energy efficiency and sustainability of their operations. Anu Kätkä, product manager at measurement technology company Vaisala describes the technology, which has ... » Read More

08/05/2024 HVAC challenges A white paper from the Advanced Services Group looks at some of the current challenges facing the HVAC industry, from the energy crisis to stakeholder education to decarbonisation » Read More

08/03/2024 The importance of measuring Industry faces mounting pressure to prioritise decarbonisation for the Government’s 2050 Net Zero targets. But how can businesses begin reducing energy consumption if they aren’t measuring? » Read More

16/05/2023 Tips for reducing energy use Within the water treatment industry, aeration processes consume the most energy. However, costs for electricity are continuing to rise. Reviewing current processes and taking advantage of some modern technology are just two ways to ... » Read More

05/10/2021 Tracking carbon in construction product manufacturing At the Energy Management Exhibition (24-25 November), SOE is presenting a panel discussion on reducing energy consumption. It features members working across industry. Also speaking is Matthew Jenkinson, Tarmac Alfreton senior site ... » Read More

01/11/2019 Show business Energy efficiency and sustainability movers and shakers meet at The Energy Management Exhibition (EMEX) – a free to attend annual event – from 27-28 November at ExCeL in London » Read More

06/09/2019 Solar powering industry High-temperature solar power has been used in a demonstration project to produce liquid hydrocarbons from CO2 and water. This breakthrough is expected to lead to new renewable solutions from energy-intensive industries » Read More

23/10/2014 More for less Getting something for nothing isn't everyone's experience, but when it comes to energy efficiency it's easier than you might imagine to come close. Brian Tinham talks to Bosch Thermotechnology and Autoglym » Read More

27/09/2014 Opportunity knocks? While the temptation is understandably to tackle energy-saving projects piecemeal on the shopfloor, taking a holistic approach will reap far bigger rewards. Brian Tinham reports » Read More

26/09/2013 Balance of power Most plants would benefit from a structured energy review of their plant operations. Steed Webzell examines the latest methodology and equipment able to transform existing plants. » Read More

16/09/2013 Full head of steam Although most plant's steam systems could be doing better, in terms of energy efficiency, methodology is as important as technology. » Read More

06/12/2012 Fuel from air Following a flurry of news reporting the apparent achievement of practical fuel from air plant, Brian Tinham talks to the developers about the present and the future » Read More

05/10/2012 Laundry saves £30,000 thanks to flash steam recovery Commercial laundry Bates of London is reporting savings of tens of thousands of pounds in energy since installing FREME (flash recovery energy management equipment) plant, from Spirax Sarco. » Read More

01/08/2012 Cool solutions Most plants would benefit from an energy audit, but where should you focus your efforts? And what kind of technology might yield the best dividends? Brian Tinham reports » Read More

06/02/2012 Maintec 2012 With this year's Maintec show just a few short weeks away, Brian Tinham takes a lok at what engineers, technicians and mangers can expect to find » Read More

06/02/2012 Power play Combined heat and power, and energy storage plants are the biggest games in town. Brian Tinham looks at latest developments » Read More

07/12/2011 Compressing costs As compressors and associated plant continue to see engineering updates, Steed Webzell examines the cost/benefits for plant engineers seeking to improve operations » Read More

07/12/2011 Energy efficiency is effective now Just a few short weeks ago, npower raised concerns that, with the UK's wide portfolio of energy regulations, this country simply cannot now raise the investment to build the low carbon future to which it is already committed. » Read More

08/08/2011 Energy event 2011 The upcoming Energy Event promises a packed agenda focused on optimising energy management, procurement and efficiency. Laura Cork reports » Read More

07/06/2011 Spirax Sarco helps Heinz save 473 tonnes of carbon per year Heinz reckons it is saving 6% of its average steam load per year at its baked bean factory in Wigan by recovering energy from effluent. » Read More

07/06/2011 Green without eco-bling As energy saving climbs up plant engineers' agendas, Dr Tom Shelley reviews some of the good and not so good technologies for heating, ventilating and air conditioning » Read More

09/02/2011 Bioenergy:the next generation Biomass plants are more advanced and more prolific than many realise. Birmingham City University's head of bioenergy research Dr Lynsey Melville looks at what's out there – and the future » Read More

10/08/2010 Energy Event Energy efficiency and energy saving are right up there on plant engineers' agendas. Brian Wall previews the forthcoming Energy Event 2010 conference and exhibition » Read More