Church, charity and business leaders call for community energy revolution

The National Trust, with a coalition of civil society leaders from UK organisations with over twelve million members, has called for community energy to play a substantial role in meeting the country's climate change targets.

Leading figures from The Co-operative; the National Trust; The National Federation of Women's Institutes; the Church of England and Campaign to Protect Rural England will today meet Chris Huhne, Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, to launch their joint 'vision for community energy', which supports dramatically scaling up the number of community owned renewable energy projects across the country, and to discuss how the Government can best assist.

The National Trust has been working on its low carbon villages (LCV) project which aims to tackle the disillusionment and helplessness that many people feel about climate change in two Trust owned villages, Coleshill in Oxfordshire, and Cambo on the Trust's estate at Wallington, Northumberland. Through a process of engagement over a three-year period, LCV aimed to develop positive and practical solutions that could set villagers on a journey to low-carbon living.

The energy projects the charity has undertaken across all of its places as part of its commitment to generating half of the UK's energy from renewable energy sources by 2020 can be seen on the National Trust energy map, found on the charity's site.

Patrick Begg, Director of Rural Enterprise at The National Trust, commented: "Many other European countries are way ahead of the UK, as we found out when visiting German communities last year. Germany produces over 20 per cent of its electricity from renewable sources, with communities generating about a quarter of this. In the UK, less than 1 per cent is generated by our communities, a figure this coalition wants to dramatically increase by 2020. We are asking the Government to support us in this."

At the same time, local energy schemes will receive another boost today as The Co-operative launches its Community Energy Challenge, a competition which will result in six communities across the UK receiving support to set up their own energy projects. The Co-operative is setting aside £1 million in 2012 to support community energy. This will involve everything from mentoring for start-ups through to the underwriting of co-operative share offers in local co-operatives.

Paul Monaghan, Head of Social Goals at The Co-operative, said: "We want nothing less than a clean energy revolution, with communities controlling and benefiting from their own renewable energy. Talk of a new dash for gas shales, which could see up to 3,000 wells installed across the UK, highlights the choices we face - more and dirtier sources of fossil fuels or clean energy owned and controlled by communities."

In the coming months and years, the coalition, who were brought together by The Co-operative and its partners, sustainable development organisations Forum for the Future and Carbon Leapfrog, collectively plan to meet at regular intervals to make practical steps to drive the shared vision forwards and champion community energy among their members. Late last year coalition representatives visited Germany to see examples of other successful community schemes.

The National Trust boost for Box Hill wildlife also benefits Olympic spectators

Rare wildlife has a better chance to thrive thanks to a scrub clearance at the National Trust's Box Hill in Surrey.

The work also allows many more cycling fans to watch the Olympic Road Races in July, combining a sustainable Games with excellent sporting facilities.

The hill is home to many endangered species that only live on chalk grassland such as small blue butterflies and man orchids. These species are protected nationally and internationally which is why Box Hill is a Special Area of Conservation and a Site of Special Scientific Interest,

A detailed wildlife survey funded by The London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) proved the Trust could safely remove some areas of scrub, creating more grassland where these species can flourish.

The National Trust, LOCOG and the government's wildlife and landscape advisers, Natural England, have worked together to create a balance between protecting wildlife and promoting enjoyment of top level international sport.

It is hoped the work will make room for up to 15,000 spectators to watch the world’s best cyclists tackle one of the most exciting sections of the Olympic race route - Box Hill's Zig-Zag road - on July 28 and 29.

Andy Wright, the National Trust Countryside Manager for Box Hill said: "It's great news that so many people will be able to enjoy the races in this wonderful natural setting.

"Since traditional farming ceased in the 1930s, woodland has been encroaching onto the grassland at Box Hill and we've been battling to keep it back.

"The surveys conducted by LOCOG are the most thorough ever carried out on this site and they have really helped us understand the best way to manage the habitat for the long term.

"The scrub alongside the road has very few species living in it so after we removed it, it didn't matter if people walked in those areas.

"Gradually, over the years that land will turn back into chalk grassland which is a much richer habitat - supporting around 60 to 100 species of plants, animals and insects per square metre."

As well as being a valuable area for wildlife, the steep and winding Box Hill loop is considered to be one of the most challenging stages of the Olympic Cycling Road Race.

Jim Smyllie, Natural England's Executive Director for Delivery, said: "The cycling road races will be world class events in world class scenery and the restoration work at Box Hill will help ensure they leave a living legacy."

The scrub clearance work began on January 30th and the Zig-Zag road was closed for a week to allow trees to be felled. Strips of land on both sides of the road were trimmed but occasional bridges of overhanging trees were left to allow dormice and other woodland creatures to cross.

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Last Chance to Take Advantage of Higher Feed-In Tariff

In recent years, solar panels have become a popular choice for homeowners. Not only because they reduce carbon footprint on the planet but also as they offer money saving opportunities. The latest news that the Feed-In Tariff will be halved in March has resulted in a ‘gold rush’ as people look to take advantage of the higher tariff. As the deadline gets closer, solar panels sites have seen a surge in sales.

It has come to light that the Feed-In Tariff will soon be cut from 43.3p per kilowatt to 21p per kilowatt. The cut will come in March but any installation which is completed before this time will benefit from the higher tariff.

Solar Panels Prices is offering customers the opportunity to compare prices from a range of installers. After filling in their details in the quote form, customers need only wait whilst the team at Solar Panels Prices scour customers’ local areas for the best deals on installation.

Each customer will receive three free, no obligation quotes on MCS registered suppliers and will be informed of the process before committing to installation. Those hoping to benefit from the higher Feed-In Tariff must act fast so that the installation can be complete before the deadline in March.

Further cuts will come in July and October so those who do miss out can still take advantage of the 21p per kilowatt tariff. For full details on installation and to save up to 75% off, visit www.SolarPanels-Prices.co.uk.

Warick University Research into possible Woodchester wild cat finds no cat DNA on deer

The National Trust asked the University of Warwick to test a roe deer carcass found near Woodchester Park, Gloucestershire in early January after examination of the wounds led to speculation that it may have been killed by a big cat.

Comprehensive DNA tests have found fox DNA on the Woodchester carcass and what is expected to be fox DNA on the second deer carcass found a few miles away.

Dr Robin Allaby, Associate Professor at the School of Life Sciences at the University of Warwick, said: "We did not detect cat DNA on either deer carcass. Other than deer, by far the strongest genetic signal we found on the Woodchester Park carcass was from a fox. That fox DNA was found on the ribs, legs and fur plucking sites from the Woodchester deer carcass.

"On the second deer carcass we found canid DNA. A more detailed analysis is underway to pin down the canid species but our expectation is that that will also be fox DNA."

Dr Robin Allaby took 45 samples in total, from the wounds of the deer carcasses with the aim of testing specifically for DNA from the saliva of any canid (for instance dog or fox) or felid (cat) species which had killed or scavenged from the deer.

He used those samples to carry out 450 PCRs (the polymerase chain reaction is a standard scientific technique to amplify the target DNA), and almost 600 sequence reactions. The team searched for two gene targets each of deer and canid, but over 30 different cat gene targets.

David Armstrong, Head Ranger for the National Trust in Gloucestershire said: "The story of the investigation of the dead deer has really sparked off local curiosity with a lot of people who visit Woodchester Park to explore. People love a mystery like this and although we haven't found a wild cat, many of our visitors clearly believe there might be something interesting living quietly hidden in Woodchester."

Rick Minter, author of a new book on big cats reported in Britain, said: "There has been some speculation of breeding amongst feral big cats in the UK. We are no closer to indicating that with these results, but lessons have been learnt from Warwick University's valuable input to this exercise. The strong media interest suggests an appetite to look into this subject further, and recent community surveys in Gloucestershire have indicated a strong desire for big cat evidence to be researched carefully. 

"We should not be complacent about possible big cats in the UK, but considering these animals living secretly in our landscape can fire people's imaginations and help us consider all of the wild nature around us. Our outdoors can still hold surprises maybe."

Big cats will do their utmost to avoid contact with people but anyone who does see a big cat in the wild is advised to stay composed and back away from the animal.

Any sightings or possible evidence on National Trust land can also be reported by email to nature@nationaltrust.org.uk.

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New agreement helps crematoria meet Defra's 2012 mercury emissions deadline

By the end of this year, all crematoria in the UK are required to comply with the AQ1 (05) note set by Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) – ‘Control of Mercury Emissions from Crematoria’. This note states that the local authority crematoria industry must meet a target of mercury abatement emissions of 50 per cent of cremations by the end of 2012.

The aim is to halve emissions of mercury from crematoria by the end of 2012, affecting approximately 260 publicly funded venues across the UK. Currently up to 16 per cent of all mercury emitted in the UK comes from crematoria, and without any action this percentage is expected to rise to 25 per cent by 2020.

The Pro5 Group, the national purchasing consortium for the public sector, has established a national framework to help the crematoria industry meet the fast approaching mercury emissions targets.

The framework is now in place to help crematoria achieve an efficient and fully compliant procurement solution in preparation for the deadline at the end of this year. With projects of this nature taking between six and nine months to plan, the Pro5 Group is urging crematoria to make their arrangements as soon as possible.

Paul Smith, Procurement and Supply Chain Director at YPO (Pro5 member organisation) said: “Crematoria are increasingly facing greater challenges of revised legislation, financial constraints, and a rising population creating increased demand.

“Through this framework, the industry will have immediate access to pre-approved suppliers who will manage requirements and ensure crematoria comply with the revised emissions targets.”

Mercury is a toxic substance, which can be found in thermometers, barometers and lamps as well as dental amalgams. It accumulates in the air and water, and can have harmful effects on human health and unborn children. The government’s target to cut mercury emissions from crematoria by half was determined after an extensive consultation to achieve a balance between costs to the sector and environmental benefits.

To find out more about the Pro5 framework, visit the Pro5 website at www.pro5.org or email enquiries@pro5.org .

FACTFILE:
· The Pro5 Group is a partnership of the five largest public sector buying organisations in the UK (CBC, ESPO, NEPO, WMS and YPO), committed to delivering national procurement solutions that achieve best value and cost savings for the public sector.

· The Pro5 framework is being led by member organisation YPO.

· All new crematoria are required to fit mercury control equipment but those conducting fewer than 750 cremations a year have until 31 December 2012 to do this.

· The continued rise in mercury emissions is thought to be caused partly by a generation of people who are more likely to have retained all their teeth, but have more fillings because they did not benefit from advances in oral hygiene.

· The two consultation papers leading to the decision to cut mercury emissions by half can be found at www.defra.gov.uk .

· Emissions of mercury from all sources have decreased by 89% from 1970 to 2004. They are expected to reduce further up to 2020 as a result of other measures.

· The improvements in mercury abatement are expected to put between £25 and £30 on the cost of a funeral by cremation. The Office of Fair Trading’s 2001 report put the average cost of a funeral at £1215 for cremation and £2048 for burial: www.oft.gov.uk

(EDITOR: Time to consider banning the use of mercury in dental fillings, then, one might think?) 

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Eco Green

 

 Eco Green Site Solutions Continues to Support the Renewable Energy Campaign for Connecticut by Providing Sustainable Solutions to Municipal and Higher Education Clients

Featuring Best in Urban Global Design: BigBelly Solar recycling bin – Smart Grid trash and recycling system!

Eco Green Site Solutions, a sustainable solutions company continues to make progress in deploying BigBelly Solar – Smart Grid trash and recycling systems to Connecticut schools, towns and cities. The BigBelly Solar system has been featured in several elite magazines, including New York: The Best in Urban Global Design.

The BigBelly devices are equipped with innovative technologies which enable departments to effectively manage their trash and recycling operations through any web-enabled device.

According to the Sustainability Coordinator at Eco Green Site Solutions, Tony Giordano, “A live status of how full or empty each device is will be sent to an online database for the entity to manage.” Thus far in the State of Connecticut, there are a plethora of schools and cities who utilise the BigBelly – Smart Grid system for their waste management including: Quinnipiac University, Yale University, University of Hartford, Eastern Connecticut State University, Southern Connecticut State University, Western Connecticut State University, Mitchell College, City of Hartford, City of Bridgeport, City of Manchester, Town of Hamden, Town of Middlebury, Town of West Hartford, and more.

In addition to BigBelly Solar, Eco Green’s website (www.ecogreensitesolutions.com) reveals many attractive and sustainable solutions. The company is an elite provider of "GREEN" electric vehicle stations, benches, tables, planters, bollards, trash bins, recycling bins and much more. Eco Green's mission is to assist clients throughout the country and relieve their headaches by utilising their network of sustainable solutions.

For specific product information detailing "BigBelly Solar", which includes both the trash and recycling bins, please visit www.ecogreensitesolutions.com/bigbellysolar.html or call an Eco Green Site Solutions specialist at 1-860-710-0394. (US phone number)

A Green Revolution! Parents, dispose of those disposables!

Reusable nappies have increased greatly in popularity over the past few years as more and more parents are becoming conscious about their many benefits.

Better for you - you can save up to £700 by using reusable nappies.
Better for baby - reusable nappies use absorbent fabric rather than chemical gels, which can in turn reduce nappy rash.
Better for the environment - reusable nappies are up to 40% better for the environment than disposables.

Each day 8 million disposable nappies are sent to landfill in the UK alone; this equates to 3 billion nappies being thrown away each year in comparison to only 48 reusable nappies needed throughout a child's nappy wearing years.

A third of parents are now using reusable nappies and even many high profile celebrity parents have opted for cloth from Elton John, Gwyneth Palthrow, Carla Bruni- Sarkozy and Julia Roberts, to name a few. Jessica Alba has also recently launched an eco-friendly parenting website which specialises in eco-friendly, healthy products for babies.

What better way to stay eco-chic than with stylish, modern cloth nappies? Even if one reusable nappy is used per day in place of a disposable it makes a significant contribution to waste reduction and one's overall environmental impact - and saves you some money too!

Bambino Mio, the reusable nappy pioneer, pride themselves on manufacturing a range of products that are stylish, affordable and environmentally friendly. Established in 1997, Bambino Mio was founded by husband and wife team Guy and Jo Schanschieff who, after the birth of their first daughter felt it was important to offer parents not only an environmentally friendly alternative to disposable nappies, but a modern, stylish reusable nappy that could easily integrate into parent's busy lives.

Guy Schanschieff comments, "When becoming a parent, you suddenly reassess the way you look at the world and your impact on the environment suddenly becomes more important as you look to the next generation."

15 years on, Bambino Mio continues to manufacture a range of products including two reusable nappy systems, swim and potty training ranges and accessories that are all designed to provide parents with flexible, reliable and affordable products that help reduce their impact on the environment and are easy to use.

www.bambino.co.uk

Rainforest Alliance's 2012 Green Guide To Valentine's Day

This Valentine’s Day spoil your loved one without spoiling the planet with the Rainforest Alliance’s green guide to gifts and activities that help to protect the environment and the rights and well-being of workers around the globe.

Breakfast in bed:

Get off to a romantic start by bringing your loved one breakfast in bed. Make sure that the coffee, tea and juice has come from a Rainforest Alliance CertifiedTM farm. The little green frog on the packaging – such as on Kenco coffee, PG tips or an Innocent Smoothie – is your assurance that it was grown using methods that protect forests, soils and waterways on farms that provide decent wages, housing, education and health care to workers and their families.

Choosing a card:
Take a minute to let your loved one know how you feel by sending a romantic e-card. E-cards are environmentally friendly, saving paper, emissions and also money!

If you’re going for the paper variety, then make sure you choose a card that is made out of FSC Certified paper. John Lewis has a gorgeous range starting at £2.35. Cards made from FSC certified wood come from trees harvested in ways that protect both the land and its people.

Say it with flowers:
Roses are so last year! Send your loved one a tropical hand-tied bouquet from Interflora. This stunning bouquet comes from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms, and in amongst the mass of vibrant foliage are fiery red gingers, red loufas and even mini bananas. It really evokes the spirit of the tropics and costs £37.99.

Intimate Night-In:
Enjoy a romantic candlelit dinner at home while saving carbon emissions and saving money. When selecting the perfect bottle of wine to complement your meal, choose one that has a cork stopper, particularly if it’s certified by the Rainforest Alliance to meet the environmental and social standards of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). Mediterranean cork forests provide refuge for the Iberian lynx and other endangered species and support local farmers who sustainably harvest the cork bark without damaging the trees, leaving them standing for future generations.

End your evening with a super sweet delight -- a chocolate fondue! Indulge in this decadent dessert while supporting wildlife and workers alike by buying fruit and chocolate that carries the Rainforest Alliance Certified green frog seal. Tesco’s own brand of rich plain chocolate made with cocoa from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms is ideal for melting over bananas and strawberries!

Romantic Get-Away
If you really want to push the boat out, then why not whisk your Valentine away on a romantic trip to the Caribbean or Latin America. Visit www.SustainableTrip.org to find hotels and lodges that conserve natural resources and contribute to the well-being of local communities.

Say I love you and the environment
For those that want to do away with the traditional gifts why not present your loved one with…a rainforest! Donate to Adopt-A-Rainforest through www.rainforest-alliance.org/aar to support conservation programmes run by the Rainforest Alliance’s partner organisations in Latin America.

The Rainforest Alliance works with people whose livelihoods depend on the land, helping them transform the way they grow food, harvest wood and host travellers. From large multinational corporations to small, community-based cooperatives, businesses and consumers worldwide are involved in the Rainforest Alliance’s efforts to bring responsibly produced goods and services to a global marketplace where the demand for sustainability is growing steadily. For more information, visit www.rainforest-alliance.org.

(EDITOR: May That's Green suggest that you bookmark this page for reference later this year for selecting some very special eco-keen Christmas gifts, too?) 

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npower installs solar power at Birmingham Airport

npower will help Birmingham Airport to save 22 tonnes of carbon dioxide each year with the installation of 200 solar panels on the roof of its terminal. The 1.6m x 1m panels will generate 40,000 kWh a year; sufficient to power 12 average sized houses.

The Airport has worked in partnership with npower to install the 50kpw solar photovoltaic (PV) systems to provide renewable green energy on-site as it reduces its dependency on mains power electricity. 

This is the first renewable energy and zero carbon installation on the Airport site and is part of a wider project to improve its energy management and reduce its carbon footprint. 

The solar PV panels capture the sun’s energy using photovoltaic cells, which then convert the sunlight into electricity and even on cloudy days can still produce some electricity, making it incredibly efficient. The system also generates no greenhouse gases, helping the Airport reduce its carbon footprint.

Paul Kehoe, the Airport’s CEO, said: "It's exciting for the Airport to present such a visible commitment to energy reduction. Managing our greenhouse gas emissions is a high priority for the company and we're always seeking new opportunities to work with partners to reduce our carbon footprint."

As a leading provider of solar PV in the UK for commercial properties, npower was selected to carry out the installation in partnership with Photon Energy. From initial meetings in October, npower was able to complete full site surveys, detailed designs, installation and commissioning in just over six weeks, ensuring the Airport could immediately benefit from the green energy. As a result, there has already been a reduction in energy consumption since the panels were installed in December.

Graham Ryott, Development Manager at npower, added: "Birmingham Airport is committed to a sustainable future so installing solar PV as a way of generating energy is fundamental to its on-going programme in reducing its environmental impact. As one of the busiest Airports in the country, Birmingham is understandably a large energy user but supplementing its energy use with on-site generation is a positive step for the site’s future and npower is delighted to be involved."

An added incentive of solar PV is the Government's Feed-in-Tariffs (FITs), which provide payment to the companies for every unit of electricity generated by solar PV panels.

For more information about Birmingham Airport and its environmental programmes, please visit www.birminghamairport.co.uk.

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