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Michael's climate change battle
SELF-EMPLOYED engineer Michael Glanfield is determined to do his bit in helping to reduce the 'carbon footprint' left by companies and institutions in the Isle of Man.
Green-minded Michael wants to play his part promoting low carbon alternatives for the sake of his three grandchildren and for future generations.
The 54-year-old of Douglas has set himself up as a low carbon consulting engineer offering a service to both private and public sector clients.
He said:'I am determined to help in the battle against climate change and at the same time take part in a rewarding business venture. I realise it is an immense step to take.'
Plymouth-born Mr Glanfield first came to the Isle of Man in 1996 when he worked on the electrical services design of the new Noble's Hospital at Braddan.
It was during his work on the new hospital that he met a Manx nurse called Helen who was later to become his wife.
Michael went on to be the electrical services manager for Douglas Corporation. This role saw him responsible for the electrical services installations within Corporation properties including public street lighting.
He said he took the decision to set himself up on his own because of his keen interest in 'green' issues and also through his membership of Friends of the Earth in the Island.
'I suppose I thought there was more to life than repairing street lights,' he said.
Michael has read widely on the subject of global warming including books written by James Lovelock who came up with his Gaia theory on climate change.
Lovelock warns of 'cataclysmic consequences' for the planet if things are not done to reverse the build up of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
'We have the technologies now that will enable us to do something to tackle climate change but do we have the will?,' said Michael. 'On an international scale we should be worried.'
Locally, he is invited to visit premises where he will examine such aspects as the age of buildings and will issue an advisory report on how clients might be able to reduce their 'carbon footprint' and save money on their energy bills in the process.
He looks at issues such as how well the place is insulated, whether the building is poorly sealed against draughts and advise the client on measures to improve the energy performance of their building.
He could also recommend the use of alternative power sources such as solar panels and wind turbines or biomass boilers and various types of heat pumps.
Michael has applied to the Department of Economic Development to become an accredited energy consultant, this will enable clients to take advantage of the generous Government grants available to businesses who wish to make serious savings on their energy bills.
Michael also has a device called a power predictor which he can install in homes and businesses. It offers data on how suitable a premises could be for renewable energy.
His professional institution is the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers and much prefers to work with architects and developers at the design stage of a new building so that every opportunity for saving on energy costs and carbon emissions is taken at the earliest stage of a project.
Michael can be contacted on 346826 or email: admin@mgce.co.uk or alternatively visit his website at www.mgce.co.uk
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Weather for Isle of Man
Tuesday 07 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 2 C to 6 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 3 C to 5 C
Wind Speed: 21 mph
Wind direction: South
