Driving efficiencies through standardisation
SEESA used Lean process and product improvement techniques to develop a standardised design consisting of an uninsulated, naturally ventilated aluminium-clad GIS hall and a standard modular annex. All components are manufactured offsite and combined to meet a broad range of requirements.
The first project, a 400kV substation at Bramford, was delivered for 27% less than the estimate for a conventional build. The solution can be applied in any location and has been further refined, offering additional savings of 10% cost on foundations, 30% cost on protective bunds and 47% on steel. Combined, these yield a further 25% cost saving and a carbon reduction of 75t per building.
This could provide a template for the greening of the government estate, which is one of the crucial tasks in meeting the UK's target of cutting CO2 emissions 80% by 2050. Nick Ray, director, Cynergin