EPIC Lincolnshire - working for a Low Carbon World

 Welcome to the February EPIC Lincolnshire update

 A cold, snowy winter seems to be causing some to confuse weather changes with climate change trends leading to a slightly downbeat national attitude in the aftermath of Copenhagen. However, as Lincolnshire’s After Copenhagen conference made very clear, the challenges remain but there are also opportunities for response and these are sometimes best addressed at the local level. Successful, grass roots projects can send strong encouragement up the tree of government and perhaps provide impetus for the national and international dialogues that were so sadly lacking at the UN’s COP 15 event.

The new Feed – in – Tariffs for renewable electrical generation may give a significant boost to local generation if the capital and funding numbers can be made to stack up. They may open the door to many more households becoming involved in the renewable energy sector through the installation of their own solar photovoltaivs. However the average capital expenditure of around £5,000 per kilowatt-hour of installed pv can be quite inhibitory to many especially with the abrupt withdrawal of domestic low carbon buildings programme grants. However the projected return on investment of 7 – 10% on retro fitted pv looks a lot more attractive than many savings accounts will offer. So how about it Mr Banker; are there opportunities to provide elements within your mortgages to help home owners make solar pv, micro wind turbines or solar thermal the new 'must have' for those remortgaging or moving house?

Any comments to editor@epic-lincolnshire.org  

Up coming events
The Sustainable Schools Showcase at the EPIC Centre builds on a very successful event in 2009. The Lincolnshire Agricultural Society’s Spring Lecture covers the topical debate about the support of science for agriculture and the challenge of increasing demand for food. On Tuesday 30th March the SUSTAIN Lincolnshire project will beholding its inaugural event at the EPIC Centre.

The main calendar is also becoming busy again as we emerge from winter with a range of events from across the county. Please don’t forget that this is your website so keep sending in information on events and reports on those that have already happened. 

The Lincolnshire Agricultural Society's Spring Lecture always attracts a large audience and induces vigorous, local debate on current affairs affecting Lincolnshire's agricultural industry. This year's key note speaker, Professor Crute, is Chief Scientist at the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) and the former director of the Rothamstead Research Institute. 

Alongside Professor Crute Nick Ward will  give a report on his recently completed Nuffield Farming scholarship looking at 'Arable input efficiency' in combineable crops. Discussions continue afterwards over refreshments and a hot buffet.

Free to LAS members, non-members £10, all enquiries are welcomed , please phone 01522 585522 for further details

SUSTAIN Lincolnshire EXPO 2010

Sustain Lincolnshire’s First Annual Low Carbon Technology and Resource Efficiency Event

Tuesday 30th March
The EPIC Centre, Lincolnshire Showground, Grange de Lings, LN2 2NA

Call for Exhibitor’s Expression of interest

Sustain Lincolnshire’s first annual resource efficiency event will be an open expo marketed to SME businesses from across Lincolnshire where there will be opportunities for organisations, projects and businesses to promote new technologies, goods, services, or project activity by taking free exhibition space. The EXPO is about encouraging business to business contacts and promoting opportunities to access financial and technical advice and support, gain exposure to low carbon technologies and assess the opportunities for skills development. Wherever appropriate exhibitors will be encouraged to bring demonstrations and / or give short presentations.

The EXPO will be opened by: Chris Goodall
Chris Goodall is a world-leading expert on climate change solutions. He writes an environment column in the Independent on Sunday and regularly features on ‘News-Night’ and other television shows. His book, ‘How to Live a Low-carbon Life’, won the 2007 Clarion award for non-fiction. He has also published ‘The Green Guide for Business’ as well as the Carbon Commentary, a website on climate issues. 

Other short presentations will cover topics such as commercial applications for biomass heating, low carbon vehicle opportiunites, improving the carbon footprint of your business, business development advice, grants and zero interest loans to green your business, sustainable buildings and opportunities for skills development.

The event is free to attend, exhibit or speak at. If you are interested please use the pdf application form below and forward to editor@epic-lincolnshire.org.