Unmanned Survey Solutions Finalists in the ‘Heroes of Net Zero’ Competition

As the engineers at Unmanned Survey Solutions continue to reassess and develop their Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) design, they are constantly reviewing their commitment to NetZero. From humble beginnings, the vessel design has changed dramatically to focus on using better energy sources to become more energy efficient.

The newest vessel in the USS fleet has been installed with both solar panels and a smart power monitoring system. This system has been designed to maximise efficiency and only operate when the system calculates that it will run at maximum efficiency to charge the electric batteries onboard. Once the batteries are charged, the generator switches off and operations will continue in electric mode. For shorter survey distances the USV is operated in solely electric mode.

Survey operations have also improved, wherever safe and possible – surveys are now remotely operated from home, meaning reduced manpower going to site and reduced emissions through transport and distribution. Members of staff have started sharing lifts and cycling where possible.

This commitment to help reduce climate change has seen USS become finalists in the Heroes of Net Zero competition, created by The Department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) as part of the UK Government’s ‘Together for our Planet’ campaign. The winner of the small business category with the most innovative actions to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions will be announced at an awards ceremony at the UN Climate Change Conference – COP26, on the 2nd of November in Glasgow. The best entries have been judged by a panel of experts including the government’s Net Zero Business Champion, Andrew Griffiths and will receive a lucrative prize package along with the opportunity to attend COP26.

James Williams, Director of USS said:

‘My daughter and ‘eco-warrior’ Fleur Williams (aged 10 years) inspired USS to go green and sign up to the SME Climate Commitment. Fleur created the slogan below in her desire to help combat the Climate Crisis. This has further encouraged our team who are now cycling to work, reducing the printing of documents, creating less waste and all are recycling as much as possible. The Climate Crisis is real and USS will do its best to reduce its impact on the environment and educate others to the cause.’