Nick Grant


Nick Grant
- Principal
b 1963


KEY SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Technical

 - Originally trained in mechanical engineering and engineering design. Designing and building ecological wastewater treatment systems since 1988, research and development of water efficient products, rainwater and greywater systems since 1995. practical and theoretical experience in water efficiency and reuse. Particular experience in evaluation of site-specific ecologically appropriate solutions, life-cycle and economic assessment.


Ecological expertise

 Trained in appropriate technology, total of 1 year living and working at the Centre for Alternative Technology, 9 years living and working off the grid with renewable energy systems. Self-designed and built his low carbonhome, workshop and office.


Communication skills

 - CAD, Excel, Powerpoint, computer modeling, report writing. Writer and publisher. Lecturing, CPD seminars.


Research, policy and guidance

- Technical guidance on reed beds supporting the UK Building Regulations.
- Report on the Economics of Domestic Water Efficiency Products for the EA.
- Steering group member CIRIA Grey and Rainwater project.
- Corresponding advisor WRc Reedbed Manual.
- Member of Watersave Network and National Water Conservation Group.
- 2 year waterless urinal research for the National Trust.
- Development of 4 litre WC suite and invention of the Airflush Waterless Urinal.
- Development of high quality compost toilet system.
- Developed the 'Grant sand test'.
- Member of Design and sustainability Working Group within Herefordshire HAG.
- Study tours and training in California, Australia, Sweden and Germany.


EMPLOYMENT SUMMARY

 - 2005 - present
Technical Director NatSol Ltd, compost toilet systems.

 - 2002 - present
Director of Solution Elements Limited, water efficient products and technologies.

- 1996 - present
Principal in Elemental Solutions a consultancy specialising in all aspects of ecological water management.

- 1992 -1996
Voluntary work in South India, self employed as wastewater treatment consultant.

- 1987 - 1992
Responsible for building and maintenance for an educational ecological charity. First experiments with reed beds and self-study of wastewater treatment biology and engineering.

- 1985 - 1987
Co founded Michaelis Engineering designing the 'Neater Eater' a millennium product for people with intention tremor (www.neater.co.uk.).

- 1982 - 1985
Mechanical Engineering at UCL, Engineering Design and Appropriate Technology at Warwick, left before graduation to help start Michaelis Engineering.

- 1981 - 1982
Sponsored student technologist, GEC diesels.


PUBLICATIONS AND CONFERENCES

- Publications include Sewage Solutions, Septic Tanks; an overview, Saving Water in Buildings (EA), CPD module in sustainable Water Management (Gaia Research). Water chapter in Ecohouse 2 2003. 2 Articles in Ecodesign and 2 in Building Services Journal. Technical papers presented CIBSE 1999, Coventry Stormwater Conference 2002, Watersave Network 2002, Advances in Water Supply Management, Imperial College 2003, CIBSE 2004, Ecohouse Conference 2005. Water Demand Management (water efficient technologies chapter) IWA 2006.

Also see publications page.