Project Management

There comes a time in any project's life when someone has to take the reins and run with it - or nothing gets done  - too many energy reports full of great ideas put forward by the likes of my good self sit on a shelf and gather dust.

So - several years ago I took the perhaps slightly dangerous step of offering one of my major clients (Moray Council) a turn-key service - not only would I survey their sites and provide recommendations for improving energy efficiency - I would also generate a specification document for the works required, source local (preferably) contractors to carry out any installation or other works, source and in some cases procure the necessary hardware and oversee the project, signing off (or commissioning as we like to call it!) on the finished job.  My thanks have to go to Ian Ross who was willing to take a chance on me at that time and for whom I have worked on countless projects since.

This has proved to be a popular service over the years since my clients find they only have one person to call if they have any queries or problems - very few of those of course!  One point of contact providing all services with one set of O & M (operation and maintenance) manuals - so much tidier than having a multitude of suppliers and contractors.  The following are just a few of the projects that I have completed or am working on at this time.

Hay Memorial Hall - current

This is my local village hall in Cornhill by whom I was approached several months ago to investigate new heating systems and energy efficiency improvements following a survey I carried out for Aberdeenshire Council.  The committee appointed me as Project Manager and I have now assisted in their procuring £50,000 from People's Millions plus a smaller grant from CARES to install secondary glazing, air source heat pumps for the Main Hall, loft insulation and long wave radiant heating for ancillary spaces.  We are now awaiting planning consent and the work should proceed to completion during Spring this year (2011).

McKenzie & Cruickshank - current

In 2009 Peter Wilson - the owner of McKenzie & Cruickshank appointed me to follow up an independent energy survey and report on his Garden Centre business based in Forres.

To date I have organised the removal and sale of an old standby generator set; the de-commissioning and removal of two oil fired boilers; the de-commissioning and removal of ceiling mounted air conditioning cassettes; the specification, procurement and installation of air source heat pumps for the main retail floor; the specification and procurement of radiant heating for the garden centre retail areas; the fitment of timer modules to electric DHW units that serve the kitchen; the specification and installation of an electric DHW unit with integrated solar coil for the toilets; and I am now working on:

• new lighting for the main retail areas

• new perimeter lighting for the building

• over-door air curtain heaters for all exists / entrances

• the possibility of a photovoltaic roof for the proposed extension to the building

• solar DHW for the toilets and kitchen

• obtaining a carbon Trust interest free loan to assist with some of these works

The energy bills for this site has been slashed by around 60% from first year of operation.

Anderson's Care Home, Elgin

Some years ago I was asked to carry out energy surveys of the two buildings that comprise Anderson's care Home and further to the resulting report was commissioned to replace the oil fired central heating with up to date gas fired systems.  This project included not only the safe de-commissioning and removal of the existing boiler plant but also asbestolux flues.  I also had to arrange for the installation of new gas mains to both buildings, specification and procurement of gas fired boiler plant, sourcing and over-sight of local contractors to carry out the installation and reporting to the Board on resulting energy savings.

McEwens of Perth

Many years ago I became involved with McEwens of Perth which is the oldest department in Scotland with a long and proud history of serving the good folk of Perth, Ballater and Inverness.

Following an initial energy report on the three properties I was taken on to project Manage various improvements which included:

• specification and procurement of new electric radiant heating systems for the entire store in Inverness and the new at home shop in Perth (pictured)

• Specification, procurement and installation of WindCatcher natural ventilation units for the at home shop in Perth

• design, specification, fabrication and installation of air conditioning and HVAC plant for the main original store in Perth

• specification, procurement and installation of water saving systems for the toilets at Perth

If you are finding it difficult to get things started with energy efficiency or just need a hand because the day job takes up too much of your think about shifting that responsibility onto the shoulders of someone who does this kind of thing for a living - ME!

Email me for details of my turn-key services