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For those about to rock...
Natural Power's geotechnical specialist Toby Gilbert extols the virtues of digging holes, green glens and grass roofs.
Who is "Toby Gilbert" and where did he come from? Just a simple geologist with a bike habit and a penchant for AC/DC.
What did you do before joining Natural Power? Technical director of a company specialising in site investigations for power generation and infrastructure projects mainly in Scotland. I worked extensively with natural power as well as hydro and electrical infrastructure projects for other major power generators. I also got my sea legs on marine geotechnical investigations for a diverse range of purposes from oil rigs to harbours.
When did you see the light? In December 2005, just coming up to my second birthday!
Why did you join Natural Power? I wanted the opportunity be an integral part of Natural Power and to work exclusively on renewable energy projects where quality was more important than quantity. Bringing the geotechnical and site investigations in-house complemented the construction services and provided additional client benefits, particularly through contract risk management. The chance to work in such a unique environment with a bunch of great people was too good to pass up, it couldn’t be more different from working on the sharp end of the spade as a contractor. I can still remember my first visit to The Green House and thinking "just do what you have to do to get a job here!"
What Geotechnical Services does Natural Power provide? Coming to the end of our second year the geotechnical business has grown by 35% with the major areas being new wind farms and peat stability assessments although electrical infrastructure, detailed borrow pit design, investigation and planning . We provide a professional high quality service utilising a wide range of access, sampling and testing methods to suit the site, terrain, ground conditions and size of project.
I don't know of any other renewable consultants that can provide this service in house with such specificity to the end result. Having worked as a contractor for a long time it's easy to see the draw backs of not fully appreciating what is involved in developing a wind farm. Integrated working is a strong core value for NPC and our experience in developing and constructing sites is used to feedback into site investigation design and analysis procedures. The turbine base formation inspections we carry out during construction is one useful tool in cross-checking the accuracy of our geotechnical investigations. We are currently recruiting new geotechnical staff to supply the current demand and to continue our growth.
Best and worst things about the job? Being paid to go hill walking in Scotland, riding up a wee glen to work each day and thinking how lucky I am when the sun shines. Getting soaked for your third consecutive day on site is the worst bit- but it's still better than being in an office. Thankfully my waterproof GIS mapping tools and geotechnical logging equipment keeps my notebook dry, although, like my geologist hammer, it's seldom used but I still never leave it behind.
New years resolution? Not to take anything for granted whether it's working somewhere you love, doing what you believe in or that the weather will still be good tomorrow. Grab it whilst it's there!
What's a typical day for you? If I'm on site it's up early, get your head down and don't stop till it's getting dark. A head torch is one of my most used bits of site kit, other than waterproofs!
If I'm in the office it always starts with a good espresso and the 10 mile ride through the glens to work. The office shower is much better than my own and then it's an exciting daily office life, with challenging projects, the Rhins of Kells mountains overlooking, a grass roof over my head and every now and then a lot of barking from the office kennels!
The Green House – Phase 3
Work is nearing completion on the third extension to our 'Green House' which will nearly double our existing office space. The new areas are to include three small meeting rooms, a large open plan office space for up to 40 desks and a gymnasium looking out to the Rhins of Kells.
Views from the existing office are breathtaking for staff and sheep alike
It was decided that more dog housing was required to keep up with the ever increasing team, as such, the dogs are now happily settled in a new kennel block consisting of 20 individual runs.
Work on the office is due for completion in March 2008 and the inaugural ceilidh due to take place before final fitting out.
Proud to be stimulating community involvement and inclusion in the arts
On the 19th September 2007, the 21st Arts & business awards were held by the Arts & Business Scotland. For those who are new to the Arts & Business Scotland, it is an organisation that aspires to be the world's most successful and widespread creative network by helping business people support the arts and vice versa. Their belief is that good business and great art together create a richer society.
Natural Power were proud to collect the "Arts, Business & Community" award in recognition of building an effective partnership that stimulates community involvement and inclusion in the arts. Other businesses short listed were Total, Loganair, Royal Bank of Scotland, Shell and Scottish Friendly Assurance and the award sponsor was Edinburgh City Council.
The award was presented by Linda Fabiani MSP, Minister for Europe,External Affairs and Culture, and was accepted on behalf of Natural Power by Director Jeremy Sainsbury pictured above.
See www.aandb.org.uk/scotland for more information.
written by Alex Woodward
Committed to professional development to benefit both staff and clients
Here at Natural Power we are making increasing use of advanced CFD wind flow modelling in areas of complex terrain and forestry, in particular our CFD flow solver VENTOS.
However, in appropriate cases, the industry standard desktop wind flow model WAsP (Wind Atlas Analysis and Applications Programs) still forms a core part of our site assessment and energy yield analysis toolbox.
As part of our ongoing commitment to the delivery of quality results to our clients, as well as a commitment to the professional development of our staff, we ensure that our technical experts are trained to the highest possible standards. The latest beneficiaries of this policy are Will Barker and Mark Green of Natural Power. Both Will and Mark sat and passed their WAsP Certification exams at Riso/DTU in Roskilde, Denmark on December 14th, bringing the total number of certified WAsP users within Natural Power to six.
Will Barker is a member of the wind resource technical team at the Greenhouse in Scotland, whilst Mark Green provides site assessment and wind resource services to our clients in Western Canada from our office in Vancouver, British Columbia.