Atlas Copco's Mark Ranger appointed as new president of BCAS

The role of any trade association is to act as an independent source of trusted advice, for its members and the industry as a whole. BCAS is no different, and I am keen to continue the great work of the Society in ensuring we deliver the best value for our members while lobbying Government and helping define compressed air standards for the many thousands of compressed air users here in the UK. The recent COP 26 summit has focused everyone’s attention on mitigating the impacts of climate change, particularly by minimising electricity consumption. With an estimated 10% of all industrial energy consumed used to generate compressed air, it is vital that BCAS continues to educate operators on how to reduce their carbon footprint. This may be through simple energy-saving measures such as fixing air leaks or by switching off compressors when they are not being used, or by installing variable speed drives or the latest high-performing technologies, for example. I will also be working to bring an energy data sheet verification programme to market with members of the BCAS Compressor Committee. A similar scheme is already in operation in the USA with the Compressed Air and Gas Institute (CAGI). The voluntary scheme will see input from all the major UK compressor manufacturers and will provide basic information about compressor performance to help users make comparisons and select the compressor that best suits their needs. The success of the programme will centre around mandatory independent third-party verification of published performance figures, enabling operators to make an informed choice when selecting a compressed air system that can deliver the energy reduction and performance standards they require.

We are delighted to welcome Mark to his new role as President. He brings a wealth of compressed air experience alongside a real commitment to help drive standards and influence positive change within the industry; whether that’s using the collective expertise of our members to help deliver the most energy-efficiency products or helping influence legislation in our new legislative landscape post Brexit. “I also join with the entire BCAS board in thanking Jason Morgan, who now steps down from his role as President. We truly appreciate his hard work, enthusiasm and energy over the past three years, leading the society through unprecedented times. We have seen membership increase and positioned BCAS as a key source of independent advice for end users.