Attended:

Barry Bassett, VMI; Sally McEnnallay, Green Kit Rental; Rob Brown, ProAV; Dave Amphlett, Panalux; Laurence Johnson, Film London; Steve Spence, Lens Flare TV.

Overview

The 11th Sustainability Meeting. Adam from Albert provided an update on the Albert Suppliers Directory, detailing the new rigorous selection process that includes paid applications and external assessments, while discussions focused on sustainability criteria related to supplier size. Company updates revealed various sustainability initiatives, such as funding for energy improvements at Green Kit and advancements in electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure. A segment on the fuel project highlighted the next steps, including electric truck trials and bespoke requirements for heavy loads. Additionally, the meeting addressed the need for industry-wide data collection regarding battery usage and discussed advancements in EV hybrid vans. Action items include sharing project suggestions, feedback on application fees, and leveraging collective power to resolve manufacturing issues.

Notes

Albert Suppliers Directory Update (05:49 – 17:15)

• Adam from Albert provided update on new suppliers directory
• Adam from Albert provided an update on the new suppliers directory:
• Albert’s new suppliers directory has a more rigorous application process, requiring suppliers to pay for their application and undergo external assessment.
• The aim is to achieve a high pass rate by implementing pre-screening questions and a feedback loop for resubmissions, minimising costs for suppliers who do not meet the criteria.
• Albert is focused on ensuring the directory works for all suppliers, from micro businesses to larger companies, by offering flexibility in criteria based on different categories of suppliers.
• New rigorous process with paid applications and external assessment
• The new process requires suppliers to pay for their application to ensure commitment and resource allocation.
• An external assessment team will evaluate applications to enhance the credibility and rigor of the supplier directory.
• The aim is to minimise unsuccessful applications by implementing pre-screening questions and a feedback loop for resubmission.
• Criteria specific to different suppliers
• Different categories of suppliers have tailored criteria to ensure relevance and appropriateness for their specific operations.
• The application process includes pre-screening questions to help suppliers understand if they meet the necessary standards before applying.
• There is a feedback loop allowing suppliers to resubmit applications if they initially do not meet the criteria, promoting a higher success rate.
• Feedback loop and resubmission process implemented
• The feedback loop allows suppliers to receive constructive criticism on their applications.
• Resubmission is permitted for companies that nearly meet the criteria, enabling them to improve their submissions.
• This process aims to increase the overall success rate of applications by providing guidance and support.
• Discussion on sustainability criteria and company size considerations
• Sustainability criteria should be adaptable to accommodate companies of varying sizes, from micro businesses to large suppliers.
• The assessment process includes pre-screening questions to ensure applicants meet the necessary sustainability standards before applying.
• Feedback loops are implemented to allow companies that nearly meet criteria to improve and resubmit their applications, promoting inclusivity.

Company Updates and Sustainability Initiatives (17:16 – 27:29)

• Sally (Green Kit): Received funding for energy improvements, focusing on sustainability culture
• Sally’s company received funding for energy improvements, which includes:
• Encouraging a sustainability culture within the team through practical initiatives and training.
• Implementing energy-efficient heating and cooling systems, including double A-rated equipment.
• Engaging in community projects, such as biodiversity efforts, to enhance environmental responsibility.
• Steve: Pushing landlord to remove gas from building and install EV chargers
• Steve is advocating for the removal of gas from the building to enhance sustainability efforts.
• The plan includes transitioning to electric heating and cooling systems, which are more environmentally friendly.
• He is also pushing for the installation of electric vehicle (EV) chargers to support the growing use of electric vehicles among employees and clients.
• Rob: Focusing on sustainable small batteries and products to sell
• Rob is exploring sustainable small battery options to enhance product offerings.
• He aims to gather feedback on the Anton Bauer Eden battery at the BSC Expo.
• Rob believes that the demand for AC power solutions will continue to grow in the industry.
• David: Settled into new building with 240kW solar array and EV charging points
• Settled into a new building with a 240kW solar array
• The solar array powers daily operations, including equipment charging
• The facility includes a dozen EV charging points to support electric vehicles

Fuel Project and Electric Vehicles (27:29 – 39:47)

• Lawrence discussed next stages of the fuel project
• Lawrence is exploring potential next projects for the fuel project, including further data analysis on over specking and electric truck trials for the sector.
• He aims to gather feedback from industry stakeholders to ensure the projects are useful and relevant.
• There is a focus on creating a centralised hub for data collection related to power usage in the industry.
• Potential projects: data analysis, electric truck trials, power planning
• Potential projects could include:
• Exploring data analysis to identify trends in over-specification and energy usage across productions, helping to optimise resource allocation.
• Conducting electric truck trials to assess their viability for transporting equipment, focusing on payload capacity and operational efficiency within the industry.
• Developing accurate power planning tools to assist productions in estimating energy requirements, ensuring that generators and batteries are appropriately sized for their needs.
• Dave highlighted payload issues with electric vehicles for heavy loads
• Payload capacity is a critical factor for electric vehicles (EVs) used in industries requiring heavy loads, as many current models struggle to meet the demands of transporting substantial equipment.
• The design and structure of EVs often limit their ability to carry heavy payloads, necessitating bespoke solutions that can accommodate specific industry requirements.
• Ongoing advancements in EV technology and vehicle design may lead to improved payload capacities, but industry-specific trials and collaborations with manufacturers are essential to address existing limitations.
• Discussion on bespoke truck requirements for the industry
• Bespoke trucks are essential for the industry’s operational efficiency and safety.
• The design of trucks must accommodate specific equipment and racking systems to ensure safe transport and accessibility.
• Payload capacity remains a significant challenge, as many electric and hybrid vehicles currently do not meet the industry’s heavy load requirements.

Data Collection and Battery Information (39:48 – 48:48)

• Sally raised question about accessing battery usage data for productions
• Accessing battery usage data for productions can enhance sustainability efforts by providing insights into energy consumption patterns.
• Real-time monitoring of battery usage can help productions optimise their energy strategies and reduce waste.
• Collaboration with battery manufacturers to develop user-friendly data access solutions can empower productions to make informed decisions regarding energy management.
• Lawrence mentioned potential industry-wide data collection project
• Lawrence proposed an industry-wide data collection project to centralise power usage information across productions.
• The project aims to gather data from various power sources, including batteries and generators, to provide insights into energy consumption patterns.
• This initiative seeks to facilitate better power planning and sustainability efforts within the industry by making data accessible to all stakeholders.
• Discussion on telematics and power usage tracking for various battery sizes
• Telematics systems can provide real-time data on power usage, enabling better energy management and efficiency for battery-operated equipment.
• Access to detailed power consumption data can help productions optimise their energy usage and reduce costs associated with electricity consumption.
• Collaboration between battery manufacturers and users is essential to ensure that valuable performance data is shared, allowing for improved sustainability practices within the industry.
• Dave provided update on EV hybrid vans and their charging capabilities
• Dave mentioned that the majority of their vans are now EV hybrids.
• He noted that these EV hybrids are effective for long distances but only capable of slow charging.
• The Bristol EVs are performing well but often require charging outside of the office.
• Videndum’s response to repairing equipment discussed
• Videndum has shown willingness to collaborate on equipment repairs after initial communication challenges.
• They provided a solution for repairing monitors and wireless systems that were previously deemed beyond economic repair.
• The approach taken involved escalating the request to a wider audience, which prompted a positive response from Videndum.

Action items

Lawrence

• Lawrence to share detailed project suggestions with the group for feedback (35:38)

Sally

• Sally to email Lawrence with any additional thoughts on the fuel project (35:32)

Unassigned

• Group members to consider and provide feedback on Lawrence’s fuel project ideas (35:45)
• Group to follow up with manufacturers if issues arise, using collective leverage (47:41)

Adam

• Adam to feedback Sally’s suggestion about application fees to Sabrina (16:19)

The next meeting will be on Wednesday 16 April at 11am.