Briefingthe newsletter of ICE Yorkshire and Humber

In this issue:

Past ICE President receives CBE

TMICE Success at Leeds Met

Nuclear v Alternative Energy

Haiste Reunion

Your Committee

September 2010

Welcome to the September edition of the Briefing

David Neeve (Incoming Chair, 2010)

Twelve months ago I was question understand what we do and are in general honoured to become Chair of appreciative of our work for them and society. In fact, it is quite the Region. My highlight of refreshing to talk about our work to our ultimate client and end the year has been the user and I would strongly recommend that any of you in a opportunity to meet with so similar position take full advantage of the opportunity.many members, both across the Region and nationally. In June we published the State of the Nation Report and

although not front page news it has become a publication One of the most rewarding experiences for members is to which is being read by more people, both within and outside meet other members and guests at our evening meetings the profession. The publication of the State of the Nation which are held across the Region. Not only is this an Report was well received both nationally and within the opportunity to meet with old friends and colleagues, but it also Region, this in no small part to the work which was undertaken provides the opportunity to network and to meet with the by the Regional Support Team.members of your Committee.

This is the perfect opportunity to thank David Tattersall and the The Institution is indeed fortunate to have so many other members of the Team who continue to work on behalf of members who are passionate about their chosen us all across the Region. In addition, I should also like to take profession and the delight they express in talking about this opportunity of thanking the Committee who freely, with the their work. I mentioned in the last Briefing that the public support of their employers, give up their time to support and perception of Civil Engineers has for many years been one of promote our profession.indifference. This, however, is changing.

Finally, I would like you all to join me in welcoming your new Whenever I am asked what I do, I take great pride in telling Chair for 2010/2011, David Neeve, who is a terrific people that I am a Civil Engineer. It was not so many years ambassador for civil engineering.ago that the answer would have been met by raised eyebrows, a blank look, a repeat of the question or a mixture Best Wishes,of all three reactions Today, most of those who ask the Ian (Immediate Past Chair)

Ian Parke (Chair: ICE Yorkshire and Humber, 2009-10)

It is around four months since the coalition government came and activities, both regionally into power, and a common theme during the coverage of the and nationally, and it is easy to Liberal Democrats' conference this week seems to be, “What forget all the hard work and have they achieved?”. When this Briefing is published, I will effort of volunteers that goes have been chairing the Region for 22 days and, unfortunately, into the Institution. At the recent I cannot report that I have made the public respect and admire UK Regional Affairs Committee Civil Engineers or that we will be the envy of other ( U K R A C ) , w e h a d a professions. It is with sadness that I am sure that after 100 presentation from Barry Clarke days in office, or even when I am writing my departing article (current Vice President), who in 12 months' time, I will not be able to produce this “Holy informed us that over 700 volunteers are involved just in Grail” of the ICE Member Satisfaction Survey. producing the Institution's journals, briefing notes and sitting

on the national expert panels. This shows that there is great Although it would be very nice if the public held me as a Civil passion within our profession and reflects the purpose of the Engineer in the same esteem as a lawyer or doctor, would this Institution, which is for the benefit of society. For those of you make any real difference to what I do and love every day? In that have dedicated some of your time towards this collective my case, I did not join the profession because I thought it goal, I sincerely thank you. For those that wonder what would be prestigious or glamorous or well paid; it was possible benefit the Institution can provide to yourself and because I was drawn to the challenge. society, I encourage you to get involved, I promise you will not

regret it.However, I do think it is an important step, on the way to the real goal of influencing those people in power, to make the One such person that has fully engaged with the Institution correct decisions for our national and regional infrastructure over many years is the Immediate Past Chair, Ian Parke. I and now is a unique time to gain that influence with the would like to thank him personally and on behalf of the Region forthcoming changes to regional governance. Therefore, for his hard work and dedication.please take up Ian's challenge to engage with the ultimate user, the public. I do not think that any other profession I am looking forward to hearing your views on the touches humanity in such a fantastic and all-encompassing profession and what you believe the Institution should be way as civil engineering. From when people get up to the time engaged with, so please do not be shy in expressing your they go to sleep, virtually everything they do is provided by opinions. Through your Regional Committee we have a Civil Engineers. If you ever want to remind yourself how strong voice in Great George Street and can make a real important and valued our work is, volunteer for a school difference.Ambassador visit and watch the children in amazement when they realise what we do and provide for society. Kind regards,Over the past decade I have been involved in many ICE roles David

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September 2010

This is my final article as Regional Member of Council, as my three-year spell will be over in November. From then, Richard Dew takes over following his recent election and I wish him every success. Council is a signif icant commitment, both in terms of time and responsibility. Being a Trustee of the Institution brings with it quite onerous personal responsib i l i t ies for the governance of the Institution, although you do find yourself at the heart of decision-making.

Since my last article, most of Council's time has been spent considering matters financial, with a decision on the 2011 subscription rate and a discussion on how the Institution can generate income from sources other than subscription. The former decision was made after two heated debates, with a pronounced polarization of views and a close vote.

Some major developments that were discussed over the past three years have now become a reality, such as the new website and the commencement of the development of 8 Storey’s Gate. Both of these should bring long term benefits to the way the Institution communicates with its membership and provides support and services. It will be interesting to review such improvements at the end of Richard's term on Council.

Probably one of the most significant decisions taken by Council at its last meet ing was regard ing the ICE Conditions of Contract which had been the mainstay of contracting in the civil engineering industry for many years. Following representation from the ICE, the Office of Government Commerce agreed to make the NEC the preferred contract for public construction works, but only on condition that ICE removed its name from the ICE Conditions of Contract. This Council has agreed to do by mid 2011. The existing ICE Conditions may well continue, but under the banner of the ACE (Association for Consultancy and Engineering) and CECA (Civil Engineering Contractors' Association).

When my term as Regional Member of Council ends, I will also leave the Regional Committee, the Regional Executive, the RAB (Regional Advisory Board) and UKRAC (UK Regional Affairs Committee). I would like to thank all the members of those bodies for their sterling work during the past three years.

Regional Member of Council - John Branton

Jean Venables, Immediate Past President of the ICE, honoured with a CBE

Dr Jean Venables was awarded a CBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours List in June, following her distinguished service as President of the Institution of Civil Engineers in 2008-9. This follows her MBE in 1997 for Services to civil engineering and her OBE in 2004 for services to flood defence. Jean is a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering, Fellow of ICE, Member of CIWEM and Fellow of the City & Guilds of London Institute.

Jean was the first woman in the Institution's 190-year history to be elected ICE President. Her theme during her ICE Presidential Year was climate change, especially the need for both mitigation of CO2 emissions and adaptation to the predicted effects and the crucial role of engineers and related disciplines in delivering both. As well as being Chairman of

Crane Environmental, she is Chief Executive of the Association of Drainage Authorities (ADA), whose members are at the forefront of dealing with day-to-day water level management, the seemingly increasing number of extreme rainfall events and rising sea levels. Jean participated in the Pitt Review following the 2007 floods, leading to the consultation on and influencing role during the passage of the Flood & Water Management Bill (Flood & Water Management Act 2010) in the last Parliament.

Further details of Jean's work are available at and at www.crane-environmental.co.ukwww.ada.org.uk

The Reunion

ICE's e-news notice of the reunion alerted a member who, as a child, lived near Haiste's first international project, a pontoon bridge in Kenya, completed in 1931. Fascinated by the bridge, he grew up to become a civil eng ineer and years la te r found employment with Carl Bro, where he discovered its Haiste origins.

80 former employees of Yorkshire based consultants, Haiste, gathered at a reunion in Leeds on 10 April 2010. They came from all parts of the UK and from Algeria and Libya. Amongst the colleagues who met up again after many years were eight who joined the firm in the 1950s, all of whom were in great form. Haiste starters in the 1960s, 70s and 80s/90s accounted for 18, 29 and 25 of the total respectively. Between them they had accumulated more than 1000 years of service with Haiste and its successor companies!

disciplines. Technically, Haiste became a The firm was founded by John Herbert Haiste leading consultant in the new areas of in 1920. In the mid 20th century, John H Haiste computer modelling of water distribution and Partners were responsible for numerous networks and in process automation and water and sewerage schemes throughout telemetry, whilst consolidating its traditional Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. The sea wall at design and construction services.Robin Hood's Bay stands as a visible and enduring example of Haiste's sea defence In 1988, the potential of what John H Haiste's work. successors had created was spotted by the

Danish consultant, Carl Bro, which duly In 1974, new commissions in the UK dried up acquired Haiste to establish a foothold in the rapidly due to reorganisation of local UK, the Haiste name being retained into the government. But survival and recovery was 90s.realised through overseas activity of very considerable commercial and technical challenge. Some projects were massive in scale, such as Baghdad sewerage, solid waste plants for Tripoli and Bengahzi in Libya, and the Greater Athens Wastewater Treatment Plant. Heady days for what was still a medium sized Yorkshire firm, recognised in 1982 by a Queen's Award for Export.

In the mid 1980s, a further change saw the Hugh Allanformation of Haiste Group Ltd and separate (ex Haiste and Carl Bro 1971-2000)operating companies for the various

Haiste 90 Year Reunion - 1920 to 2010

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TMICE Successat Leeds Metropolitan University

Technician Membership (TMICE)

Leeds Metropolitan University (LMU) is the This year was very much a pilot process and Region's sole provider of BSc qualifications in three students asked for the opportunity to civil engineering. Their main feeder colleges take the TPR – Peter Campbell, from the JNP are based in Bradford, Leeds and Wakefield, Group, and Mark Calvert and Frazer although many students gain access to LMU Hyndman, both from Mouchel. All three having obtained good A Level grades from candidates obtained their own mentors in the school. workplace, and I visited to ensure that the

TPR standards (the attributes in ICE 3002A) Over the years there has been much liaison and also the processes were clearly between LMU and the Region and this has understood. The mentors were just as recently resulted in the ICE Development enthusiastic as the candidates and their input Objectives (ICE 3005A) being embedded in contributed significantly to the outcomes.the student personal development portfolio. This was a hugely enlightened (and bold!) So what did happen? Peter, Mark and Frazer decision by LMU as it significantly prepares prepared and submitted their TPR documents the student for life after university and helps and arrived at LMU where a degree of them to fast-track to their professional nervousness pervaded the atmosphere. The qualification. Dave Allen, who is a senior tutor two Reviewers called each of them in for at LMU, took the initiative in this and linked in interview in turn and, almost in the blink of an with the ICE, both to develop and implement eye, the Reviews were finished – at least it felt the Development Objectives. This lead to the like that! The result was that each of them was opportunity to offer the Technician successful and can now use the post-Professional Review (TPR) to selected part- nominals, 'Eng Tech TMICE'. Congratulations time students, with the Review being based at are well deserved.the University itself.

For Mark and Frazer the challenge didn't end The rationale for this initiative is that part-time there as they both presented their students gain signif icant workplace experiences at a TMICE Conference in experience during the BSc programme and Coventry. Not only has this been a personal are able to capture this experience in their triumph for all three but it has also lead to Development Objectives. There is a point Leeds College of Building deciding to follow a during the course when a formal HND in civil similar process for their own civil engineering engineering is awarded and it was firmly students with 'Eng Tech TMICE' being the believed that, at this point, an appropriate potential reward.student should be well prepared for their TPR.

Peter's account of his experience follows.

Bob BennettMembership Development Officer (MDO)

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Technician Membership (TMICE)

I applied for Technician Membership of the The meetings with Bob were very informative; he Institution of Civil Engineers (TMICE) because it answered any questions I had and reassured me would provide proof of my work experience about any parts of the process that I was anxious alongside my BTEC National Diploma (ND) in about.Construction and Higher National Diploma (HND)

I was anxious before the Professional Review but in Construction, both of which are proof of my felt comforted by the fact that I had produced all academic abilities.the required work for the Reviewers and I had

I also believed that obtaining TMICE would be reflected on my learning over the last few years. I beneficial to my career as it would make me stand was reassured because Bob had told me that out, especially in the current economic climate. during the Professional Review the Reviewers Successful achievement of TMICE shows would be trying to extract the relevant information employers that I am interested in civil out of me and most importantly, they wanted me to engineering both within and outside work, that pass!I'm dedicated to progressing professionally

I found time management a challenging part of the and willing to devote a lot of time and effort to process. I was working full time and attending obtaining a professional accreditation.university on day release. I was in the final year of

Prior to the initial meeting with the Membership the HND course which meant there was increased Development Officer, Bob Bennett, I was anxious pressure from coursework and examinations. about whether I would be suitable for TMICE Late nights were an inevitable part of the process membership and whether I had enough work but all the bleary eyes were worth it when I experience. After the meeting, I felt reassured received my university grades and TMICE.because Bob said that if I had been working as a

I was elated when I received the email from the competent and diligent technician for the last four Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) confirming years then I should be suitable. I was confident I that I had successfully achieved TMICE. I felt had.that all the time, effort and preparation had

I was pleasantly surprised when writing my been worth it and I felt proud that the Reviewers development objectives by the amount and decided I was suitable for TMICE. At work people variety of work I had produced and the skills I had are impressed that I have achieved TMICE. My demonstrated. When you are working full time it is manager told more experienced technicians that I easy to take for granted how much you have was showing them up by successfully achieving progressed and how many skills you have this accreditation.demonstrated. When I had completed the

I am keen to become an active member of the ICE Development Objectives I was proud of what I had by attending events and contributing to the ICE achieved and how much I had progressed over where possible such as by writing this article. I feel the last four years.that I am taking the first steps of a long journey in

I found my mentor's contribution very helpful. We my civil engineering career; in the long term I hope met on a number of occasions and reviewed my to become a competent, diligent and well rounded reports and Development Objectives and he Chartered Civil Engineer.provided reassurance, advice and constructive criticisms.

Peter Campbell

Eng Tech TMICE

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Debate: Nuclear v Alternative Energy

ICE Yorkshire and Humber evening meeting 8th July 2010

Chair:David Hirst, Risk Manager, member of the Institution of Civil Engineers Y&H Regional Advisory Board and the ICE Energy Board. Past Editorial Panel chairman of the Energy Journal.

Speakers:

Bob Ayers, UK Business Development Director, Enfinity UK ltd. Renewable energy consultant and developer. Past member of ICE Energy Board, and Editorial Panel of the Energy Journal

Malcolm Grimston, Associate Fellow at Chatham House, author of numerous articles for journals, and co-author of Double or Quits? – The Global Future of Civil Nuclear Energy.

The speakers took turn about to introduce their themes and respond to one another before opening the floor to questions. Although it was billed as a debate, there was a lot of common ground between the speakers.

Bob Ayers confirmed that there had been a reduction of 7-8% in renewable energy delivered to the national grid in the first quarter of 2010. This was attributed to a less windy quarter. Overall the proportion of electricity generated by renewable sources in 2009 was 3% or 6.9%, depending on the definition adopted.

Malcolm Grimston claimed that nuclear power and renewables are not in competition - they complement one another, with nuclear being particularly suitable for base load generation.

Bob said that onshore wind farms currently cost about £2,000/kW and low-head hydroelectric power is about £3,500/kW. Offshore wind power is more expensive and a big challenge for Civil Engineers to find ways to reduce the cost of the foundations. With the new government incentives for solar power, farmers are investigating turning their fields into solar energy parks – even in the UK. Water companies are also developing small scale hydroelectric systems tapping the energy in the outflows from water supply reservoirs. The current government subsidy to renewable energy amounts to £13.50 per customer per year .

Malcolm Grimston commented that in the USA the cost of new nuclear power stations is estimated as $6-7,000/kW (£3,800-£4,400/kW). The average load factor from onshore wind power is 26-27%, although larger turbines can achieve 31%. The expected load factor for offshore wind power is 29-30%.

A questioner pointed out that wind power is only available when the wind blows, and nuclear power stations have a similar problem as their output is constant, so they can only be used for base load and cannot follow variations in demand. As base load is only about 20-25% of peak demand, aren't wind and nuclear competing for the same limited part of the market?

Malcolm Grimston said that in future, spare output could be used to generate hydrogen for use as a fuel. The development of modular nuclear reactors with subcritical operation could allow some seasonal load following. He said that at present, uranium reserves amount to enough to supply 3-4 times current demand for 60 years.

Bob Ayers sees the government's planned expansion of offshore wind power as a massive challenge to engineers. However, there is a reluctance to devote the resources to development due to the lack of long-term stability of government plans, with continual changes in targets and incentives, often with very little notice.

The chair and speakers were thanked for a very interesting and stimulating evening.

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1 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/energy/windpower/7061552/Wind-farm-subsidies-top-1-

billion-a-year.html

Thanks to Alasdair Beal and David Hirst for compiling this report.

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ICE Yorkshire and Humber Committee 2010-2011

Contact details

Twelve people stood for election at the AGM in July 2010 and five of these were elected, making the full complement of seven elected members on the Committee. The Committee had elected the officers (*) of the Region prior to the AGM and these appointments were approved. The Committee for the 2010-11 session is therefore:

David Neeve Chair *vacant Senior Vice Chair *vacant Junior Vice Chair *Ian Parke Past Chair *Sandie Forte-Gill Honorary Treasurer *vacant Honorary Secretary *John Branton / Richard Dew Regional Member of Council (Richard

Dew will take over from John Branton in November)

Claire Dooley G&S Representative (nominated by G&S)Ron Warner Humber Branch Representative

(nominated by Humber Branch)David Tattersall Regional Director (appointed employee)Andy Arnison electedJohn Bowes electedLynden Cable electedAlex Holt electedCrina Oltean-Dumbrava electedAndy Thompson electedCath Topliss elected

Thanks are due to Steve Keetley, who resigned as Honorary Secretary at the end of the 2009-10 session, Maria Melton, whose Committee term ended, and to Richard Robson, who resigned in September 2009.

To get in touch with any member of the Committee, please contact: Regional Support Team

0114 232 5044iceyandh@ice.org.uk

Your Committee

Why do people say that they are “good” when asked how they are?

Shouldn’t others be the judge of their level of saintliness?

Why do they do that?

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Highlights of Forthcoming Events

5 October 2010

14 October 2010

28 October 2010

4 November 2010

25 November 2010

15 December 2010

Can we keep wasting waste?

Working towards the Attributes - a Seminar series for Graduates

Flooding in East Yorkshire (RICE event)

Speaker: Peter Kite

John Armitt - a Career in Civil Engineering

Getting Professionally Qualified

Technical Report Route (TRR) Seminar

The Rose Bowl, Leeds Metropolitan University, LS1 3HB

Rogerthorpe Manor Hotel, Badsworth, Pontefract, WF9 1AB

Rogerthorpe Manor Hotel, WF9 1AB

St George’s, University of Sheffield, S1 4DA

Rogerthorpe Manor, WF9 1AB

Rogerthorpe Manor Hotel, WF9 1AB

Contact Us

Email:

Telephone/Fax:+44 (0)114 232 5044

Write to:ICE Yorkshire and HumberPO Box 4317SheffieldS6 9DT

Website:

iceyandh@ice.org.uk

www.ice.org.uk/yorkshireandhumber

To book a place on an event, please contact

0114 232 5044 unless an alternative contact name is given.

While we have worked hard to ensure that all details are correct at the time of publishing, changes may sometimes be unavoidable. Please check the website.

All meetings start at 18:00 for 18:30 unless otherwise stated.

iceyandh@ice.org.uk

All members of the Institution whose registered address is in the Region are members of the Yorkshire and Humber Region unless they have requested membership of another Region, in which case they may ask to be honorary members of the Region as well. Student Members and Graduate Members are automatically members of the G&S Section.

Members with a registered address in the north and south Humberside areas are automatically members of the Humber Branch, as well as of the Region, and any other member of the Region may request membership of this. Members of the Institution who have retired or are nearing retirement are invited to contact us in order to join the Retired Members' Section.