The 12 technologies were selected as part of RBS’ Bristol Go Green Challenge, which encouraged SME’s to submit innovative ideas to save energy, water and waste at RBS properties in the current European Green Capital.
Justin Cottle, head of large offices for RBS, said: “Bristol Go Green was the perfect opportunity to introduce new, exciting and innovative ways to improve resource efficiency across our properties in Bristol and we were blown away by the response.”
“The successful innovations that will be trialled represent an exciting new stage for the bank, as we aspire to create the bank’s first carbon neutral branch at Fishponds here in Bristol and prove our credentials as part of the Go Green initiative in our office at Trinity Quay.
“Innovation is central to reducing the environmental impact of serving our customers and supporting SMEs to bring innovative sustainable products to market.”
Test bed
The Bristol Go Green Challenge is just one of several RBS Innovation Gateway Challenges that offers SMEs the chance to trial innovative resource efficiency solutions on the RBS estate.
A statement from the bank said: “By offering access to the RBS property portfolio as a test bed, RBS can trial new technologies, obtain real data, and achieve long term, significant changes to the resource efficiency of its buildings. “
The successful innovations to be trialled at RBS Bristol are:
- Halcyan Water Conditioners are a passive, eco-friendly solution to hard water which uses alloys to the change the shape and structure of the mineral content to create softer water.
- Bird Brick Houses provide essential nest sites for birds whilst fitting neatly into the brickwork of new and existing buildings.
- Green Rewards’ JUMP programme embeds sustainability and well-being in organisations via a platform that tracks positive behaviours and rewards participants for improvements.
- EndoTherm by EndoEnterprises is a unique, energy saving central heating additive that helps radiators heat up quicker and stay warmer for longer reducing boiler load and energy use.
- ShowerBoB from BoB Products helps people save water, energy and money every time they take a shower by providing a visual reminder of the impact of your shower.
- Oxypod, is a compact device that removes air from the water in heating systems resulting in warmer rooms, a reduction in energy usage and an improvement in boiler performance.
- Supergreen’s Infrastore is a Far Infrared, open vented thermal storage system that ensures heating and hot water requirements are met with optimal energy use.
- IES’ CI2 Technology Led Consulting makes smart use of operational building data together with 3D performance models and real weather data to better manage energy efficiency onsite.
- Ocuair Ltd’s IRT Carbon Dashboard can quantify a thermal image to identify the location and range of heat, energy, carbon and money that is being lost though a building’s infrastructure.
- Free Flow Valve from Envirowater is a retro-fit, water free urinal system which saves water, prevents bad odour and reduces costs.
- PhotonStar LED’s HalcyonPRO is an intelligent wireless lighting system, which uses the behavioural, environmental and energy data that it gathers to deliver the right light at the right time.
- E-Car Club is the UK’s first entirely electric pay-per-use car club which provides members with 24 hour access to cars parked in designated local spaces.
RBS is expected to save more than 40,000 tonnes of CO2 and 200 million litres of water each year from its Innovation Gateway programme – equating to savings of £7.5m.
Writing for edie earlier this year, RBS’ head of customer innovation Marcela Navarro explained the rationale behind the launch of the scheme.
Brad Allen