News week ending 29 June 2007
Homeowners only slightly green (1)
Calum Innes of CKD Galbraith Property Consultants asks if homeowners are truly embracing the green agenda. The Institute for Energy and Environment at Strathclyde University was commissioned to carry out an extensive survey. The majority appear to be willing to spend only a small amount each month.
Scotsman 29th June 2007
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Eco-mortgage
SAFFRON Building Society has launched its first ‘green’ mortgage as an incentive for those looking for an energy-efficient home. And chief executive Andy Goldsmith has accused the country’s largest mortgage lenders of dragging their feet when it comes to similar products.
Herts and Essex Online 28th June 2007
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Turbine Shortage
Concern is mounting that the escalating cost and scarcity of wind turbines could threaten small-scale community projects in the Highlands and Islands. Highlands and Islands Community Energy Company (HICEC) yesterday revealed that the increasing demand for turbines in the United States and worldwide has resulted in a shortage of turbines of a suitable scale for use on community projects, typically requiring one to five wind turbines of less than 1MW generating capacity.
Press and Journal 28th June 2007
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Manchester University
A new £59 million construction project known as AMPPS (Astronomy, Mathematics, Physics and Photon Sciences) at The University of Manchester includes the UK's largest solar shading array using thin film technology.
Edie 28th June 2007
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HSBC
The Global Environmental Efficiency Programme will enable HSBC offices worldwide to showcase green innovation and share best practice with the aim of helping the bank achieve its environmental reduction targets. Simon Martin, HSBC head of group sustainability and corporate responsibility, said: "HSBC is determined to develop a sustainable business.
Channel 4 News 28th June 2007
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Costly zero-carbon homes
From October 1, 2007, new zero-carbon homes up to £500,000 will be zero rated for Stamp Duty purposes, and those above will get a £15,000 reduction in Stamp Duty.
Lichfield Mercury 28th June 2007
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Organic Bread
An organic bakery in Cumbria has received an award for its pioneering use of wood-fired ovens.
Carlisle News and Star 28th June 2007
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Kent refusal
AN ENERGY conscious couple are likely to be refused permission for a wind turbine. They had hoped to erect a 14 metre high turbine in their back garden at 72 Queens Road. They say it is a Quietrevolution model, designed to be installed on or near buildings. However, planning officer Ruth Tittensor is worried it would be a noise nuisance to neighbours.
Whitstable Gazette 28th June 2007
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Eco-Highland-Village
FORMER PROVOST Alex Murray was celebrating yesterday after councillors backed his plans for an innovative “eco-village” in Highland Perthshire. The eco-village, which it has been pledged will be 100% carbon neutral, involves building seven holiday chalets, a manager’s house, a community building and an office.
Dundee Courier 28th June 2007
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Dundee Courier 25th June 2007
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Cardiff Carbon Management
A CARDIFF secondary school is trying to reduce the size of its carbon footprint. Fitzalan High School has been audited by the Carbon Trust and it is now working with Cardiff City Council to implement the trust’s recommendations. Steps already taken include the installation of a pool cover on the newly-refurbished swimming pool, to reduce heating and ventilation cost. Lighting controls have also been put into some classrooms and energy efficient eco-quiet computers have been installed. And one of these computers will be powered by a small wind turbine to demonstrate renewable energy to pupils.
Western Mail 28th June 2007
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Telford
A new 900 place academy is being planned for Telford to replace Madeley Academy, formerly Madeley Court School. Included in the scheme are three freestanding and six roof mounted wind turbines.
Telford Journal 27th June 2007
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Homeowners only slightly green (2)
Scottish homeowners and house buyers are not yet ready to embrace a green property agenda, according to research. Most are only willing to pay a small amount to reduce their properties' carbon footprint, according to study published yesterday by researchers at Strathclyde University. They found that the public appear willing to pay £5 to £10 a month on green energy measures for their homes but not much more.
Herald 27th June 2007
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East-end Turbines
In Dalston, in London's East End, builders are about to go on site to start constructing what could be a crucial step towards making urban wind-turbines a feasible source of renewable energy. The Metropolitan Housing Trust has commissioned the architects Waugh Thistleton to build a new block of social-housing flats that incorporates four stunning large, vertical-axis wind-turbines.
Independent 27th June 2007
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Antipodean Micro-wind
Micro wind turbines could be the way of the future for electricity generation in New Zealand if a trial is successful. Vector has launched a trial of the small wind turbines which could be used domestically. The lines company is trailling 10 of the turbines, which weigh around 50 kilograms, in various locations around the country to see where and how they work best. The small silent turbines are already installed in the UK.
Tvnz 27th June 2007
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Parliamentary Esco
Nottingham South MP Alan Simpson today laid down the gauntlet to Gordon Brown to tackle climate change. A Bill being launched by Mr Simpson in the House of Commons today would allow local green energy companies to be set up to produce their own environmentally-friendly power for homes rather than taking it from the National Grid. It would also allow ministers to set a price for homeowners who produce energy through solar panels and wind turbines to sell any excess back to power companies for a profit.
Nottingham Evening Post 26th June 2007
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Manchester Eco-village recycled
A £100m eco-friendly estate which was originally blocked by a council that boasts of its `green' credentials could still be built. Developers have resubmitted a scheme to build 350 homes on derelict land in Monton, Eccles. Chester Developments is trying again to get permission for an estate which would have wind turbines to supply energy, rainwater harvesting, solar energy and recycling facilities.
Manchester Evening News 26th June 2007
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Eco-uni
HATFIELD'S University of Hertfordshire has been ranked third out of more than 100 in the country for its environmental performance. The league table, based on criteria such as green travel plans, the number of environmental staff and the use of renewable energy and recycling was compiled by the campaigning student body People and Planet.
St Albans & Harpenden Review 25th June 2007
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Climate Partnership
The first meeting of the North-East Climate Change Partnership, involving between 40 and 50 organisations, will be held on July 12 at the Rivergreen Centre in Durham. The aim will be to evaluate what is already happening in the region to meet the challenges of climate change and identify what needs to be done. The partnership will draw up action plans and lists of priority tasks as part of a bid to co-ordinate a regional approach to global warming.
Newcastle Journal 26th June 2007
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Aberdeenshire wind co-op
A Pioneering north-east community is on the verge of launching an ambitious bid to power its village with green energy. The project to build a 240ft-high wind turbine at Fetterangus, in the heart of the Buchan countryside, will be the first of its kind in mainland Scotland. The unit will be capable of generating enough electricity to power nearly 300 homes. Members of the Deer community council, which is spearheading the scheme, hope to sell electricity to the national grid and use profits to pay for local environmental projects in and around village. The group lodged its plans with Aberdeenshire Council last year.
Press & Journal 26th June 2007
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Glasgow
A £13MILLION environmentally-friendly health centre, believed to be the first of its kind in Scotland, is to be built in Glasgow. If it gets the go-ahead, it should be the first "carbon-neutral" building in Scotland which is open to the public.
Glasgow Evening Times 25th June 2007
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London offices
Letter from Ken Livingstone: Comments from the British Council of Offices and developers that the 20 per cent renewable energy targets we are setting are unachievable could not be further from the truth (“Livingstone’s green office targets are doomed to fail, say property developers”, June 19). To say that I am too focused on renewable energy rather than on designing buildings that need less energy is obviously incorrect when they know that the new policies I am proposing do precisely what they say they want – ensuring that developers first design the most energy efficient building they can and then look to design in new technologies such as connecting to or the installation of local energy networks.
Times 25th June 2007
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Small-business green revolution
Thousands of small businesses across the UK are going on a green offensive, it has been claimed, by either generating their own heat and power or planning to do so. A report, published today by investment service Cornwall Pure Business, calculated that if these businesses put their plans into action they could save up to half a million tonnes of carbon a year. The research found that 16% of small to medium-sized businesses have already adopted or intend to adopt solar heating, and 11% said the same for wind turbines. Perhaps surprisingly, however, the survey also suggested that far lesser known technologies, such as photo voltaic (solar) cells and ground source heat pumps that heat water, are actively being investigated by thousands of small firms.
My Business 25th June 2007
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Telford
Multi-million pound proposals have been submitted to build a 900-place academy school in Telford. The application includes three freestanding and six roof mounted wind turbines.
Shropshire Star 23rd June 2007
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South-west Micro
The region's renewable energy champion has received a cash boost to continue its work with businesses across South West England.The £849,000 investment from the South West England Regional Development Agency paves the way for Regen SW to help a further 60 businesses to improve their performance and assist 200 more people to develop their skills. Part of the money will also go towards appointing a new Regen SW member of staff to support micro-renewables companies, businesses which develop small-scale renewable technologies such as solar and wind energy devices.
Plymouth Herald 22nd June 2007
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Aberdeen turbine rejected
Residents in Aberdeen have won their fight to stop a man from erecting a domestic wind turbine at his house, it emerged yesterday. John Read, of Gladstone Place, Queen's Cross, applied to erect the equipment on a 10ft pole on the rear gable wall of his terraced house. Six neighbours objected on the basis it would be unsightly, noisy and set an "dangerous precedent". The plans were considered by the city's planning committee yesterday. It was the first time members have considered such an application. Councillors rejected the application on the basis the location was unsuitable.
Press & Journal 22nd June 2007
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Kirklees
Kirklees Council has boosted its aim to become a "beacon" eco-friendly council by investing £170,000 in four renewable energy projects. Plans include development of sites across the Kirklees area for hydro-electricity generation; development work on the heating, cooling and electricity network scheme; solar plumbing and electrical training; and renewable energy installations in council houses.
24 Dash 22nd June 2007
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Windy Schools
Schools across the United States are taking renewable energy education to a whole new level as they build wind turbines to generate their own power. In more than 24 states, schools are working on wind energy projects, according to the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.
UPI 22nd June 2007
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Scottish Parliament
Sarah Boyack asked the Scottish Executive, what the timescale is for this year’s consultation on changes to permitted development rights for microgeneration proposals for existing buildings. Stewart Stevenson replied that a three month consultation is expected in the Autumn regarding permitted development rights, including draft proposals, for micro-renewable equipment.
Written Answers 22nd June 2007
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Scottish Housebuilding
Scotland needs many more homes in the right places and housing solutions that the government can afford, the Parliament was told today. Minister for Communities Stewart Maxwell said the challenges were 'immense' and that he was acutely aware of the difficulties many people face achieving their basic housing aspirations. He laid out a number of steps that the government will take to tackle the problems.
Scottish Executive Press Release 21st June 2007
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Climate Change Bill
The Scottish Government is to begin consulting on a Climate Change Bill with a target of cutting emissions by 80 per cent by 2050.
Scottish Executive Press Release 21st June 2007
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Ministerial Statement by John Swinney MSP 21st June 2007: more >>
Solar Education
RWE npower is launching npower solar PV, an integrated service offering UK customers solar energy information through to installation and electricity generation. The introduction of this new service comes after new research revealed that only 4.5% of Brits are considering switching to solar energy in the near future. The UK electricity supplier hopes that the new initiative will make solar power more accessible and educate homeowners about the value that solar panels can add to their homes, as well as about the environmental benefits of using pollution-free power.
Energy Business Review 21st June 2007
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Wood Fuel Taskforce
Environment Minister, Michael Russell, announced today that he has asked Forestry Commission Scotland to convene an industry-wide 'task force' to consider how to increase the supply of wood for renewable energy production.
Forestry Commission Press Release 15th June 2007
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Micro-CHP Milestone
Disenco Energy, based in Sheffield, England, is developing a revolutionary HomePowerPlant, a direct replacement for a domestic boiler, that converts waste heat into electricity for use in the home. Disenco’s HomePowerPlant is a micro Combined Heat and Power unit (“m-CHP”). Disenco’s m-CHP generates heat and electricity at efficiency levels of over 90 per cent., reduces consumer costs and could create independence from the National Grid. The system generates 15kW heat and 3kW electrical power and is expected to reduce the average home’s annual carbon emissions by between two to six tonnes.
Disenco Energy Press Release 2nd June 2007
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