United Utilities champions asset standardisation

United Utilities has showcased ‘Project Blueprint’ – an initiative to promote standard asset designs, products and solutions within the company and across the wider industry.

At an event for other water companies and supply chain partners, United Utilities explained standard assets are faster to get onsite because they are pre-designed and suit multiple site scenarios; offer better value than bespoke solutions; can be greener; bring consistency to maintenance and repair requirements; and provide the opportunity for new technologies and developments to be more readily incorporated at scale.

The company showcased how it has reduced costs and carbon emissions by buying standard asset designs in bulk – including kiosk designs, pumps, panels and storm overflow chambers, saving 83% in design time and 46% in operational carbon in some cases.

Commercial engineering and capital delivery director Jane Simpson commented: “Standardising our assets has been on our radar for some time, but with AMP8 around the corner it’s never been more important for upgrading sites and equipment safely and quickly as part of our huge investment proposals. We want high performing assets which are quicker to design and get on site, make life easier for operational colleagues, reduce our carbon footprint, and deliver greater value for customers.”