News archive
Botanic Gardens
Quiet Revolution turbine at Edinburgh’s Royal Botanic Gardens. The new visitor centre which is home to the turbine will open its doors on 7th October 2009.
week ending 18 September 2009
National Retrofit
The Green Alliance advocated bringing in a new nationwide housing retrofit programme by 2011 to boost energy efficiency in homes.
Low Carbon Economy 18th Sept 2009 more >>
Common Cause
Green Alliance, Friends of the Earth, the Woodland Trust, WWF, the Wildlife Trusts, the RSPB, the Campaign to Protect Rural England, and Greenpeace have joined together to produce the report, ‘Common Cause: the Green Standard manifesto on climate change and the natural environment’, to urge the parties to adopt its proposals into their 2010 election manifestos.
New Energy Focus 18th Sept 2009 more >>
Co-operative Grants
SUPPORT from The Co-operative has started Transition Town Sherborne on its climate change journey, as the new activist group steers the town along the first tentative steps towards an oil-free existence. Almost half of the official Transition Towns in the UK are in the South West and The Co-operative wants to encourage even more communities to follow their lead. To help communities along the way, The Co-operative is awarding grants of £100 - £150 as a contribution towards anything from organising a community meeting to developing an energy action plan.
Western Gazette 18th Sept 2009 more >>
Master Builders
Homeowners would be more inclined to improve energy efficiency within their properties if they were given financial incentives. That is the view of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), which has called for more focus upon environmental issues in homes. Changes in homes such as small scale renewable energy projects need to account for 15 per cent of the UK’s annual emissions cuts up to 2020, the Department of Energy and Climate Change has indicated.
Low Carbon Economy 17th Sept 2009 more >>
Welsh Pioneers
Pioneering low-carbon work in Wales looks set to increase the number of construction jobs as a large-scale initiative gets under way. Installation of renewable energy methods and improving residential energy use will transform the town of Aberdare into one of the UK’s largest low-carbon zones. Workers will be needed to conduct energy efficiency assessments in 65,000 properties, and a further 40,000 homes will receive efficiency improvements under the Heads of the Valleys strategic regeneration programme.
Construction News 17th Sept 2009 more >>
East Devon Housing Plan
HOUSING bosses have secured £1 million of Government cash to help build affordable homes in East Devon. The new homes will be using sustainable materials wherever possible, as well as renewable energy supplies, so they will be cost-effective to live in.
Exmouth Herald 17th Sept 2009 more >>
West Midlands Grants
ENERGY experts will explore the big issues faced by businesses and prepare them for future challenges during a free environmental event. RE:think Energy, a renewable energy technology grant scheme, has joined forces with Midlands Environmental Business Company to host the session on October 15.
Staffordshire Newsletter 17th Sept 2009 more >>
Rutland Church
A GREEN heating system has been installed at Bisbrooke church as part of a £100,000 refurbishment project. The transformed church is officially re-opening next month following the installation of a ground source heat pump.
Rutland and Stamford Mercury 17th Sept 2009 more >>
Exmouth Vision
TWO environmental campaigners who have a vision for a solar-powered Exmouth have started up a new organisation to help voluntary groups become greener. Their aim is to increase the amount of energy Exmouth generates from renewable sources like solar power, wind turbines and wood pellet boilers. And they will help not-for-profit organisations secure the funding they need to install renewable energy systems and start generating their own power.
Exmouth Herald 17th Sept 2009 more >>
Kwik-Fit Turbine?
A WORKINGTON garage will have an eyecatching addition to its building if an application for a wind turbine is accepted. Kwik Fit, just off Washington Street, wants to erect a 36-feet-high turbine on top of the building to supply electricity to try to reduce energy costs.
West Cumbria Times and Star 17th Sept 2009 more >>
Micro-CHP
Groundbreaking micro-CHP (combined heat & power) technology is available for the first time in the UK following a new Anglo-Japanese agreement. Greater Manchester-based sustainable power business ENER-G Combined Power Limited has entered into a technology partnership with Japanese manufacturer Yanmar that will enable whole new sectors to harness low-carbon technology.
Environmental Expert 17th Sept 2009 more >>
Peak Advice
Peak District residents are being offered expert planning advice at two evening events.
The national park authority’s planning officers will answer questions about house extensions, renewable energy schemes, conversions, designs, materials and development locations.
Bakewell Today 16th Sept 2009 more >>
EU Smart Cities
Europe will select 30 cities to pioneer “smart” electricity grids and space-age insulation as it seeks to lead the global race for green technology. The project envisages 25 to 30 “smart cities” -- highly insulated cities that glean energy from their waste and the sun and wind overhead and channel it down to the electric cars, trams and buses in the streets below. Billions of euros will be needed for the transition, but EU officials are still calculating the exact need. Environmentalists gave the plan a mixed reception, saying it should have completely ditched coal power and nuclear.
Yahoo 16th Sept 2009 more >>
Devon Funds
A NEW fund which enables small rural community projects to tap into up to £15,000 in grant funding has been launched in South Devon. The Community Facilities Fund is designed to provide capital funding for small local projects in rural areas which seek to deliver, amongst other things, environmental sustainability.
Devon Herald Express 17th Sept 2009 more >>
Nottingham Schools
Two Nottingham schools have achieved the biggest ever carbon emissions cuts through renewable integration ever, according to the firm carrying out improvements on campus. Both the Big Wood and Oakfield schools in the city have dramatically reduced their carbon footprint as part of the Building Schools for the Future refitting scheme.
eGov Monitor 16th Sept 2009 more >>
Council Action
ECO-PIONEER Ossie Goring is calling on Gloucestershire councils to do more to encourage renewable energy generation. Mr Goring, owner of hydro-electric firm Water Power Engineering, wants authorities to draw up a specific policy to guide businesses and householders when making planning applications for green technologies.
Stroud News and Journal 16th Sept 2009 more >>
Stroud 50:50
We’re kicking off the energy debate in the Stroud District by pushing for 50% of our energy needs to come from clean, green energy from wind turbines right here in Stroud.
Ecotricity 16th Sept 2009 more >>
Sidmouth Solar
REDUCING fuel costs through solar energy is the topic of an information evening in Sidmouth next week. The event, hosted by the Sid Valley Energy Action Group. In the first of a series of investigations into practical aspects of alternative energy supply, two group members will be bringing along their own bills as evidence.
Devon 24 16th Sept 2009 more >>
European Solar Study
Twelve EU countries have launched a major investigation into the problems associated with installing advanced solar power systems. The project, which is being led in the UK by the Renewable Energy Association (REA), aims to examine why installation of such schemes can take several years, with issues concerning connecting to the electricity grid also being covered. Research has shown that solar systems have the potential to supply as much as 12% of Europe’s total power needs by 2020, but poor take up means it currently accounts for only 1% or 1.5m homes.
New Civil Engineer 16th Sept 2009 more >>
Aberdare Project
The Welsh Assembly Government (WAG) has this week (September 14) revealed that renewable energy will have a key part to play in its plans to turn Aberdare in South Wales into the country’s first ‘low carbon town’. The WAG said that, within the first year of the Aberdare project, around 500 of the 1,500 social housing properties in the town would be fitted with 300 renewable energy systems, including solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and solar thermal hot water heating systems, as well as micro-CHP (combined heat and power) systems and air source heat pumps for hot water.
New Energy Focus 16th Sept 2009 more >>
Build.co.uk 16th Sept 2009 more >>
News Wales 16th Sept 2009 more >>
Low Carbon Economy 15th Sept 2009 more >>
Biomass Plan
Proposals have been unveiled for an £8million biomass heat and power plant at a former wartime airfield at Boyndie, near Banff. It will generate enough electricity to the national grid to power 2,500 houses and contribute to the carbon-neutral renewable energy production in the area.
Press and Journal 16th Sept 2009 more >>
Farm Wind
The Balnamoon Wind Energy Project at Balnamoon Farm, near Keith, was launched by Moray SNP MP Angus Robertson as part of an open day at the site. The project was set up by organic farmers Michael and Paulina Johnston. The couple, who borrowed almost £1million from the Co-operative Bank to finance the project, predict it will produce around 2,500MWh of electricity for the National Grid. They expect the loan to be paid back in three years.
Press and Journal 16th Sept 2009 more >>
Windsave
Creditors of Windsave, the Scottish green energy company that went into liquidation on September 4, are raising questions over the continued trading of associated company Windsave Holdings. They include former employees who claim they are owed wages withheld from January this year, The Herald has learned. A major claim is from HM Revenue & Customs, which forced the compulsory wind-up of Windsave Ltd in the Court of Session, and which is believed to be owed £130,000.
Herald 16th Sept 2009 more >>
Renewable Progress
Prof David Elliott: Last year, solar PV generation capacity grew by 70% around the world, wind power by 29% and solar hot water increased by 15%. By 2008, renewables represented more than 50% of total added generation capacity in both the US and Europe, ie more new renewables capacity was installed than new capacity for gas, coal, oil, and nuclear combined; with no emissions, no wastes and no security issues to worry about – and no worries about fuel running out, or increasing in price.
Guardian 16th Sept 2009 more >>
Morrisons get turbine bug
Supermarket chain Morrisons has appointed Galliford Try Renewables to reduce its carbon footprint and electricity bills via onsite generation from large-scale wind turbines. Galliford Try will start by establishing the feasibility of wind power at some of Morrisons’ stores.
BIP Solutions 15th Sept 2009 more >>
Business East Midlands 16th Sept 2009 more >>
VW m-CHP
Volkswagen has recently announced a rather ambitious project that, for a change, has nothing to do with cars. Teaming up with regenerative-power company Lichtblick, it aims to install 100,000 co-generation power units in Germany as part of a concept called ‘SchwarmStrom’ which, literally translated, means ‘swarm power’. Successful application would allow Germany to abandon the use of nuclear and coal power stations and provide adequate backup to renewable energy sources, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by up to 60%.
Gizmag 15th Sept 2009 more >>
City Action
The City of Los Angeles is retrofitting a total of 140,000 high-pressure sodium (HPS) luminaires to LED technology over the next five years. It’s estimated LED streetlights will reduce the City’s energy usage by 40 percent and lower carbon dioxide emissions by 40,500 tons per year or the equivalent of taking 6,700 cars of the road. The City will save approximately $10 million annually from a combination of reduced energy usage and lower maintenance costs.
Euro Investor 15th Sept 2009 more >>
River Cottage
Renewable electricity supplier, Good Energy, has joined forces with River Cottage in a bid to make its headquarters run as sustainably as possible. In an episode of the television series that was shown in June, River Cottage installed a wind turbine which will provide most of its electricity requirements. Good Energy will take any excess power produced and supply 100 per cent renewable electricity when they need it. Under its HomeGen scheme, Good Energy will pay River Cottage for all the electricity it generates, even the units it uses itself.
Connecting Industry 15th Sept 2009 more >>
National Trust
As part of its drive to reduce carbon emissions across its estate, the National Trust has replaced two oil fired boilers at Sudbury Hall in Derbyshire with wood pellet biomass boilers manufactured by Hoval.
Connecting Industry 15th Sept 2009 more >>
Solar Struggle
Falling prices and demand for solar photovoltaic (PV) cells and modules are causing pain for some of the largest companies in the solar sector, which may have to wait until 2010 to feel the benefit of renewable energy stimulus packages, analysts say. Meanwhile, technology giant Bosch announced plans to take over two German solar companies – potentially representing the largest clean-tech deal since the financial crisis and heralding likely consolidation in the sector.
Environmental Finance 15th Sept 2009 more >>
Sustainable Hackney
Berger Primary School in Hackney has gained a BREEAM Excellent rating, making it the most sustainable school in Britain when complete. The building design has scored 74.26%, this is the highest scoring ‘Excellent’ rating ever awarded to a school project.
24 Dash 15th Sept 2009 more >>
Micro-CHP
Micro CHP is likely to be one of the high-growth areas in the next few years. Similarly, the district heating sector could yield steady if not spectacular growth in the medium term. Biomass-fired CHP also has growth potential, but it is likely to remain a more niche market in most countries as it struggles to overcome significant hurdles.
Bharat Book 15th Sept 2009 more >>
Derbyshire Commercial Development
The Markham Vale scheme has a successful flagship Environment Centre, which is now 90% occupied by a range of firms from the environmental technology sector. The 18,000 sq ft building is fully sustainable and environmentally friendly with a roof-mounted wind turbine to generate electricity, solar panels and a water recycling facility.
Derby Telegraph 15th Sept 2009 more >>
Eco-dolls house
A dolls’ house, with solar panels and a wind turbine, designed to educate children about global warming, is expected to be one of the best selling presents this Christmas, a department store has predicted.
Telegraph 15th Sept 2009 more >>
Solar Barriers
The Renewable Energy Association (REA) has kicked-off a 30 month project to analyse the barriers to installing and connecting solar photovoltaic (PV) power systems.
New Energy Focus 15th Sept 2009 more >>
Low Carbon Zone
Energy-efficient technology is being installed at homes in a town to turn it into Wales’ first low-carbon zone. New boilers, special energy panels, low energy street lights, and smart meters will be used to bring down energy consumption in Aberdare, Cynon Valley. And across the heads of the valleys the scheme will cost between £70m and £90m from the public and private sectors over 15 years of the project. The aim is to make the area one of the biggest low carbon zones in Britain.
BBC 14th Sept 2009 more >>
Chester-le-Street
A new health centre and library complex near Chester-le-Street will have 69 various forms of sustainable technology and renewable energy, such as rainwater harvesting and ground source heat pump systems.
Northern Echo 14th Sept 2009 more >>
Kinross Community Energy
THE KINROSS-SHIRE village of Milnathort is considering the creation of a community wind turbine scheme. Tillyrie Hill has already been identified as a potential site for the scheme, which would cost the community £1.35 million. It would be similar to those already established on Gigha and in Fintry, Stirlingshire small-scale schemes designed to meet local needs. Milnathort Community Council is leading the project in consultation with Social Investment Scotland.
Dundee Courier 14th Sept 2009 more >>
Role of the individual
The Government’s low-carbon transition plan comprises five key points, ranging from securing international climate agreements to action on carbon budgets. All the points are important, but it is the fifth that will make the real difference “supporting individuals, communities and businesses to play their part”. This plan will work only if individual consumers embrace it and change their behaviour. This change must be significant and go much further than simply switching the television off standby or installing a few low-energy light bulbs. Its success depends on motivating individual consumers to make energy efficiency a priority.We have an opportunity comparable to mobile phones and the internet to transform our energy supply by augmenting large-scale power generation with community and consumer contributions.
Times 14th Sept 2009 more >>
New York
The Perry Avenue Building on the Brooklyn waterfront features solar panels, rainwater-fed toilets and six rooftop windmills, which will produce 10% of its energy supply. “Wind power in this city,” said the mayor, “is one of the solutions to our problem.” That problem – devising more sustainable cities – has rightfully drawn a great deal of attention of late. In February, Barack Obama created the White House office of urban affairs and quickly set about staffing it with experienced urban planners, to complement what many have called his “green dream team” on environmental policy.
Guardian 13th Sept 2009 more >>
Energy Co-op
Under the plan, to be launched in Edinburgh by the Co-operative party at its annual conference today, local residents will join schools, community organisations and businesses to form consumer energy co-ops. These would negotiate with wholesale energy groups to supply gas and electricity at between 10 and 20% less than the normal domestic price. A modest step towards reducing emissions would occur at this first stage because the co-ops would install smart meters in members’ homes. A bigger step in cutting emissions would occur later when co-ops install environmentally friendly technology, including combined heat and power systems (CHP), heat pumps or biomass boilers. CHP is the process by which heat generated at power stations while creating energy supplies is captured and used to heat the homes of local people.
Guardian 12th Sept 2009 more >>
FT 12th Sept 2009 more >>
Mirror 12th Sept 2009 more >>
Electric Heating
When electricity is produced from renewable sources such as water, it is an extremely environmentally friendly fuel option. Heatrae Sadia has helped property developer Freshwater Estates to create Parker’s Mill in Mildenhall, Cambridgeshire, one of the UK’s first carbon-neutral housing schemes.
Plumbing Park 11th Sept 2009 more >>
Theatre Initiative
A new green scheme is set to be unveiled that intends to reduce the carbon emissions of theatres in London. The UK initiative is being run by the Theatres Trust and includes 48 fringe and community venues. By 2025, organisers hope that the project will have reduced CO2 levels in participating theatres by 60 per cent.
Low Carbon Economy 11th Sept 2009 more >>
West Lothian Saving Scheme
AN energy saving project in Linlithgow has received a bumper cash bonus of £38,693 from government funds. The Energy Saving Schools project members were left feeling flush in the latest round of awards from the Scottish Government’s Climate Challenge Fund. The project’s aim is to reduce energy consumption in primary and secondary schools throughout West Lothian.
Bo’ness Journal 11th Sept 2009 more >>
Windsave
A Glasgow-based company which makes wind turbines for domestic homes has gone into administration. Windsave was founded in 2002 and the company and its products have won many environmental awards. A separate part of the business, Windsave Holdings, which supplies turbines to companies and public buildings, is continuing to trade. A spokesman for Windsave blamed planning regulation for making it difficult for people to fit windmills.
BBC 11th Sept 2009 more >>
Windsave, the high-profile Scottish developer of the ‘roof windmill’, has gone into liquidation. Tory leader David Cameron and former energy minister Brian Wilson are among those to have installed windmills on their roofs amid the green energy revolution, although Cameron’s device came from another supplier.
Herald 11th September 2009 more >>
The residential arm of Scottish micro wind generation company Windsave, which supplied ‘roof windmills’ to former energy minister Brian Wilson, has gone into liquidation. Speaking to newenergyfocus.com today, a spokesman blamed planning regulations for damaging the micro-wind market. He said: “The key problem has been the planning rules. The government has talked about relaxing them both nothing has really been done. The planning regulations mean that residential wind is not a profitable market.” David Gordon, chief executive of Windsave, has said in the past that planning had been a problem and that thousands of applications were held up in red tape.
New Energy Focus 11th Sept 2009 more >>
