Woody Woodpecker
The picture shows the Gerkros Wood Pellet Boilers Roadshow.
Gerkros boilers are being promoted and installed by Blackhall Plumbers in Edinburgh.
week ending 9 January 2009
Zero Carbon Definition
New developments will not be required to produce all the renewable energy for new homes on-site, under proposals put forward by the Government. The measure is part of a consultation defining zero-carbon homes, published by the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) before Christmas.
Regen.net 9th Jan 2009 more >>
Obama
He intends to double the amount of renewable energy being generated, to make 75 per cent of federal buildings energy efficient as well as millions of private homes. Billions of dollars would be saved and jobs created that “cannot be outsourced,” he said.
Independent 9th Jan 2009 more >>
Hyndburn Rules
PLANS for the new £16.1million Accrington Academy have been approved. However, Hyndburn Borough Council’s Planning Committee added a condition some energy used by the school must be produced on site, even after hearing that the building’s design would automatically save 10-15 per cent more than usually recommended. This could mean a wind turbine, solar panels or other renewable energy could be incorporated onto the 1,150 pupil academy, but it is thought that these plans are yet to be finalised.
Blackburn Citizen 8th Jan 2009 more >>
Aston University
Aston University’s new student residences project will be at the cutting edge of sustainable construction. The residences will be equipped with the most efficient heat, power and mechanical systems available. Not only that, we are implementing innovative features which will further improve our environmental performance, including green roofs, wind turbines and wastewater recycling. We are also building a combined heat and power plant, as part of the central Birmingham scheme.
Birmingham Post 8th Jan 2009 more >>
Asda Turbines
ASDA has pulled a planning application for a wind turbine at its Barrow supermarket – but says it still intends to put one up at the store. After talks with Barrow Borough Council planning officials about the idea, Asda has withdrawn its application. It says it will, however, table a tweaked proposal for a turbine soon.
North West Evening Mail 7th Jan 2009 more >>
Cornwall Solar Dispute
SOLAR panels should not be installed on Helston’s Guildhall because it is a listed building. That is the view of a planning officer, although one that has not so far been tested by an application for permission for such an installation. The Kerrier officer made the remarks to veteran Helston councillor Keith Reynolds, who inquired on behalf of the council about the likelihood of energy-producing panels on the Guildhall, one of the town’s most prominent buildings.
This is Cornwall 7th Jan 2009 more >>
Birmingham
Central government officials must give support and funding for Birmingham to tackle climate change, the deputy leader of the council says. Local government needs certainty over how projects will be funded. “It would be very useful for the government to consult with us on the best way to support our climate change activities. What we need is certainly on appraisal systems for funding climate change projects and proof carbon reduction is seen as a real priority in supporting investment decisions. Climate change is a global issue and one that needs local government and citizens to act together.”
Birmingham Post 7th Jan 2009 more >>
Solar Warehouses
Whirlwind Steel Buildings Inc. recently introduced Whirlwind Solar Energy Systems, a renewable energy alternative for metal rool and building applications. The new product is an amorphous photovoltaic peel-and-stick system that is factory or field applied to standing seam roof panels.
Inside Self Storage 6th Jan 2009 more >>
Nottingham Turbine
A WIND turbine could generate electricity for a community centre being built in Bingham. The town council has applied to erect a 15-metre turbine on Butt Field. It will power the new clubhouse.
Nottingham Evening Post 6th Jan 2009 more >>
London’s Green New Deal
Letter from Cllr Darren Johnson: An immediate programme to improve the energy efficiency of all homes across London could create up to 17,000 new jobs for builders, joiners, plumbers, electricians, roofers, heating and structural engineers as well as builders’ supply merchants.
East London Advertiser 6th Jan 2009 more >>
Cornish School
PUPILS at St Kew Primary School have welcomed their Windsave wind turbine. The new device will feed directly into the school’s power supply and make the most of the building’s elevated position. Blustery playtimes will never be the same again as the children watch the LED display telling them how much energy they are saving. The students won the turbine through the B&Q One Planet Living awards, which promote awareness of current consumer lifestyles.
This is Cornwall 6th Jan 2009 more >>
Tesco CHP
A SCHEME to make Tesco in Eynesbury more eco-friendly have been given the go-ahead. A green heating and power system for the supermarket has been approved by Huntingdonshire District Council’s development control panel.
Hunts Post 6th Jan 2009 more >>
Baxi Chief
Former Baxi Group chief executive, and Vice President of the Micro Power Council, Bryan Gray received a CBE in the Queen’s New Year Honours list for his services to regeneration through his work with the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA).
H&V News 5th Jan 2009 more >>
Welsh Hospital
PLANS for a green energy centre to power a Welsh hospital have been unveiled. Cefn Coed Hospital could be powered by bio fuels and a wind turbine in a bid to make the site more environmentally-friendly.
Western Mail 5th Jan 2009 more >>
Manchester Anaerobic Digestion
Planning has been approved for the Fairfield Bio anaerobic digestion plant in Bredbury, Stockport, which will create green energy from food leftovers with the aim of cutting carbon emissions and preventing tonnes of waste food ending up in landfill. The site will process commercial food waste through a natural process that produces bio gas to generate heat and electricity. Some of the bio gas could in turn be purified and used to fuel vehicles.
Crain’s Manchester Business 5th Jan 2009 more >>
Bristol
A new sculpture at the gateway to Cabot Circus was recently unveiled to mark the completion of the scheme’s sustainability agenda. Twist, a 65.7ft-high sculpture created by artists Ackroyd and Harvey, takes the form of an elegant illuminated tower and turbine, powered solely by wind and solar energy.
Bristol Evening Post 5th Jan 2009 more >>
Micro-CHP support
New research has suggested householders would readily take up fuel cell combined heat and power systems instead of ordinary gas boilers. The study saw researchers asking the views of 1,000 people across England suggesting that around a sixth of home-owners could be described as “enthusiasts” to the low-carbon energy technology.
New Energy Focus 5th Jan 2009 more >>
New York
Ten small-scale wind turbines cut New York apartment building electricity costs in half.
The $100,000 investment in wind turbines will cut the building’s common electricity costs in half, according to a representative of Blue Sea Development.
Tree Hugger 5th Jan 2009 more >>
Scottish Schools
Measures aimed at making Scotland’s schools greener have been announced by Education Secretary Fiona Hyslop. The initiative aims to boost the use of renewable energy in schools and also improve their energy efficiency. It comes after a report by watchdogs Audit Scotland last year said councils needed to do more to ensure environmental sustainability is a key factor in the design of schools.
IC Scotland 5th Jan 2009 more >>
Scottish Government Press Release 5th Jan 2009 more >>
Aberdeen Press and Journal 5th Jan 2009 more >>
eGov Monitor 5th Jan 2009 more >>
New Energy Focus 6th Jan 2009 more >>
Proven Capital Injection
Low Carbon Accelerator has increased its stake in Proven Energy after investing a further £800,000 into the wind-turbine manufacturer.
FT 5th Jan 2009 more >>
Anglesey School
More than 300 pupils on Anglesey are beginning lessons at the island’s first purpose-built ‘eco-friendly’ school which has a wind turbine and a plant and insect-friendly roof, and solar roof tiles. The £3.7m primary school has been designed to generate up to 50% of its own electricity.
BBC 5th Jan 2009 more >>
Daily Post 5th Jan 2009 more >>
Accrington Academy
PLANS for the new £16.1million Accrington Academy look set to be approved - but only if developers improve its green credentials. Although the superschool in Queens Road West has included a wildlife pond in its design, Hyndburn Council planning committee has said it must produce 10 per cent of its own renewable energy because of the size of the building.
Lancashire Telegraph 4th Jan 2009 more >>
Smart Meters
Smart metering are a tool to manage consumption and facilitate the deployment of local domestic generation devices such as wind turbines, solar cells. With these needs in mind, energy suppliers are piloting and implementing smart meters at an accelerating rate.
Sunday Herald 4th Jan 2009 more >>
Stockton Schools
Two Stockton schools may soon boast their own renewable energy wind turbines thanks to a £50,000 pledge from a power company. Stockton Council’s electricity supplier npower has made the pledge to improve energy efficiency within the schools as part of its Climate Cops programme, a five year scheme designed to help make UK schools more sustainable. Feasibility studies are now being undertaken for two 6kW Proven wind turbines.
Middlesbrough Evening Gazette 2nd Jan 2009 more >>
Northern Echo 2nd Jan 2009 more >>
Somerset Eco Centre
Somerset’s eco-friendly outdoor activity centre, the Mill on the Brue, begins the new year on a high after celebrating a very successful 2008 in terms of recognition.Its award-winning eco building, the Longhouse, is built with wood sourced from four miles away, has a roof made from recycled tyres, is insulated with sheep’s wool and uses ground source heating. Rainwater is harvested to flush the loos. A small wind turbine powers the straw bale education centre, the Apple Store, and the Rawlingson Plants have planted about 4,000 trees on the land.
Western Daily Press 2nd Jan 2009 more >>
B&Q Wind
Green electricity suppliers Ecotricity have completed construction of the first large-scale wind turbine in Nottinghamshire, at the B&Q distribution centre near Worksop. The 120 metre high turbine has a 2MW rating and has been supplied by Enercon.
New Energy Focus 29th Dec 2008 more >>