Nightingale HQ (NHQ) is a technology-based business that was developed by Wales (Caerphilly) and Ireland (Dublin) and this company has supported a major UK and EU consortium during the process it is currently going through to address a large issue.

At the moment, the consortium is working on transforming the process that is used to reinforce steel manufacturing into a greener process. There are multiple collaborators involved in this significant and important project, such as Midland Steel and Bastal AS who are steel manufacturers, Kuka Robotics and civil engineers OCSC, plus VTT the research partners. Another involvement in this project are EIT Manufacturing and Innovate UK who are generously funding the project.

All of these companies have come together with the shared aim of reducing carbon emissions within the steel manufacturing industry. The companies plan to achieve this goal through applying standardisation, modular prefabrication with advanced Building Information Modelling (BIM) and optimisation solutions techniques. NHQ’s role in this project is to work on, develop and optimise the planning production process, which will aim to produce the result of reducing rebar waste, along with associated carbon emissions.

The aim of reducing rebar waste is extremely significant within this project, as rebar is a key part of the concrete reinforcing process. However, the material is also major threat and challenge to the environment. This is because rebar produces more carbon dioxide per unit weight in comparison to other construction materials. Furthermore, a study performed in 2019, proved that rebar waste produces 9.7 million tonnes of carbon emissions.

CEO of Nightingale HQ, Ruth Kearney, commented, “We are entering into an era where manufacturers’ adoption of greener software principles is a growing strategic move to enhance sustainability. This is no small environmental challenge and one where smarter technology choices and greener practices will contribute to carbon reductions and savings. We are excited about the potential impact we can have within the sector, along with our industrial partner Midland Steel”

CTO, Chris Wilson, mentioned, “We want to emphasise the shift towards serverless computing as a key element in reducing environmental impact while increasing operational efficiency in manufacturing. In 2024 we’re focused on ramping up development for our clients using greener software principles in what’s proving to be a changing and challenging industrial environment.”