CPA Bulletin

36 CPA Bulletin > May 2023 www.cpa.uk.net NEWS FROM CPA MEMBERS: 3 Helping the Transition to a LowCarbon Future LIFOS has launched an innovative solar PV battery storage system to help the hire industry in its transition to a diesel-free and low carbon future. LIFOS Fort is a new hybrid and renewable energy systemset to significantly reduce the cost, and emissions of using a diesel generator on site. It also means that when working in residential or urban areas, noise ismassively reduced due to less diesel generator time. With three models currently available - 12kWh, 23kWh and 35kWh - the LIFOS Fort is equipped with 18 solar panels delivering 3.4kw of green power, which can be quickly deployed either by using the fitted solar panel kick stand or the optional container roof mounting kit. The kit makes it ideal for use on site and it can be fixed onto the roof of a welfare unit. In addition, LIFOS has designed the LiQ Battery Management software to remotely control, monitor and report data from the Fort. It will provide information on diesel usage, CO2 savings and solar power generation for easier ESG reporting. Adrian Williams, CEO of LIFOS, said: “We are very excited about the potential of these new products. The environmental and operational benefits, and the 5-year warranty have great appeal but I think the biggest interest from the industry will be focused on the financial upsides and lifetime cost savings associated with new Fort range. “A major component of this is our new-life, battery cell replacement programme. It will enable hire companies to re-think how they price and finance our products. It will mean a faster deployment of batteries across the industry, helping to reduce diesel usage, reduce carbon and reduce costs.” Award Success for Rural Crime Taskforce The Thames Valley Rural Crime Taskforce is the second winner of a prestigious national award from the Construction Equipment Association (CEA) for being the most proactive rural crime team in the UK. The Rob Oliver Award, for excellence in the fight against construction plant and agricultural machinery theft, was awarded to the Thames Valley Rural Crime Taskforce as the team collectively made over 120 checks against the secure CESAR database. Three taskforce officers - PC’s James Gunner, Huw Kime and Dan Smith - also received CESAR Champion Awards for identifying different stolen plant equipment through the CESAR database. CEA Chief Executive Suneeta Johal said: “The CEA has a long standing and strong commitment to supporting the UK police force in the fight against machinery theft and we would like to congratulate the Thames Valley Police for their outstanding success.” The force launched the taskforce in March 2022 to make the Thames Valley a hostile place for those who commit rural crimes. The taskforce consists of a team of dedicated officers, as well as intelligence support, who work tirelessly with Thames Valley Police’s partners, drone units, and the Joint Operations Unit to tackle serious and organised rural crime. Presenting the award to the taskforce was Rob Oliver MBE, Director of CEE Ltd, former Chief Executive of the CEA and who the award was named after. He said, “In a time when police forces are under increasing scrutiny, it’s great to celebrate the good work of the team at Thames Valley. They have shown a great commitment to combatting machine theft by using the tools made available to them via the CESAR database. It’s a good example of a police partnership with business to help root out crime.” The taskforce is successfully working to support rural communities and tackle crime. In 2022, there were over 400 completed investigations where 30.4% achieved a positive outcome. Around £1.3mworth of trailers, plant machinery, caravans, power tools and other equipment have been recovered by the team. They have been proactively working with the Forensic Investigation Unit to address rises in thefts of GPS systems within tractor satellite navigation systems. This means the Forensic Investigation Unit is able to attend these incidents when they have taken place, helping the rural communities recover from the impact these offences, which can have severe consequences on the livelihoods of those affected.