Stepping into a low carbon world
Climate change affects us all - but we can all be part of the solution. We must all rise to the challenge now so that our children can benefit. The choices we make as individuals, communities and in business are less threatening.
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- EPIC Lincolnshire working for a low carbon world » EPIC Lincolnshire News
8th December, 2009 11:02amLincoln’s “Greener” buses will help save money and the environment
A fleet of improved buses is to aid the county in reducing its carbon footprint – while also cutting costs.
Lincolnshire County Council, working together with bus operator Stagecoach, is having 11 buses modified for dual-fuel operation. This will allow the buses to run on a combination of diesel and biomethane gas, which is expected to significantly cut carbon emissions and airborne pollutants, helping reduce the impact that the service has upon the environment. The improvements will also lead to significant savings in terms of fuel costs, which is particularly important in these difficult economic times.
Anita Ruffle, Public Transport Strategy and Development Manager, said:
“This innovative project will be a real benefit to all residents. The improved buses will not only be cheaper to run, but also more environmentally-friendly. The significantly lower carbon emissions will result in cleaner air for local people, while there will also be a reduction in noise levels. This is particularly important as many of these buses will be used on routes that pass through the Cathedral Quarter of Lincoln. This means they will also help protect the city’s heritage and could benefit the tourism industry.”
The improvements, being part funded by EMDA, will be carried out by bus and coach manufacturer Optare, and are expected to be completed by the end of March next year.
26th November, 2009 3:50pmShedding Light: System Investment to Brighten Future
Savings of over 125 tonnes of CO2 and £28,000 could be made each year, thanks to a project replacing all lighting in Lincolnshire County Council’s main building.
Starting this month, the scheme will install high-efficiency lights in county offices on Newland, Lincoln, which will automatically adjust to daylight and turn off when a room is empty.
Doug Robinson, Sustainability and Climate Change Team Leader, said:
“The new lights will be automatically controlled using a digital daylight-sensing controller with built-in passive infrared and microwave detection. This will monitor daylight levels and adjust the lighting dependant on the conditions, maximising energy efficiency. Movement and body heat in the space will be monitored and light fittings will switch on when a presence within the space is detected and switch off after a pre-set time when presence is not.
Cllr Eddy Poll, Executive Member for Economic Development, added:
“At Lincolnshire County Council, we have been looking carefully at our energy usage and carbon impacts and are keen to lead by example in limiting our impacts on the environment. This fantastic technology will really help us to do so. It is also another way for us to guarantee future cost-savings, which is particularly important during the current financial climate.”
New light fittings in corridors will be controlled by long-range, infrared detectors with photocells to keep lights off during daylight hours.
The work to install the new system - taking place overnight - will include removal of all manual switches and is expected to be completed around April.
15th November, 2009 8:54pmENVIRONMENT CHIEF SETS OUT VISION FOR LOW CARBON REVOLUTION WITHIN OUR LIFETIME
Lord Smith, head of the Environment Agency, speaking at the Environment 09 conference on November 9th & 10th, called for ‘more engineers’ and a ‘Climate Challenge Fund’ as part of the sort of measures that Britain must take in the next 20 years to achieve a dramatic reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
Lord Smith said that the Copenhagen Summit should be seen as “the crucial start to a process, not the end” and that it must achieve political agreement on cap and trade schemes across the world.
He urged Britain to lead a Green New Deal, creating more green jobs and technology to develop:
Carbon-free energy production – a mixture of renewables, nuclear and carbon-capture and storage (CCS) for coal and gas.
All cars, buses, lorries and trains running on electricity rather than petrol or diesel, supported by a recharging network.
High-speed rail links across the UK and into Europe, to reduce the need for air travel.
Minimal waste going to landfill, with emissions-free energy from waste in every area.
Work to reduce emissions for high CO2-emitting industries, such as steel.
High energy efficiency targets for all buildings and all major organisations.
Personal carbon allowances for individuals.
Lord Smith said:
“We have to be realistic about Copenhagen. It won’t solve all the issues. We have therefore to see it as the crucial start to a process, not the end. We need an agreement of principles and commitments that will at least give us a chance of beating the worst that climate change will bring.
26th October, 2009 11:51amLow Carbon Communities Challenge Launched with Imminent Deadlines
The Government has today launched the £10 million Low Carbon Communities Challenge - a two-year programme which will allow communities to build on existing low carbon schemes.
The Challenge will cover England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and offers the chance to be in the forefront of moving to a low carbon economy. Twenty successful communities will each receive support of up to £500,000 to pay for measures selected by the local residents themselves. These could range from a local biomass plant to electric car charge points.
For towns to be eligible they must demonstrate they are already making changes and are committed to developing both infrastructure and behaviour change that results in carbon reduction such as wind farms, electric car infrastructure or home energy refurbishments. A specialist support squad made up of partners with funding and expertise from inside and outside government, including The Energy Saving Trust, The Carbon Trust, WRAP and the third sector, will work together with each community to offer help on anything from negotiating in planning debates to identifying personalised low carbon answers.
The deadlines for applications to the two phases are as follows:
• Phase 1 deadline: 27 November 2009.
• Phase 2 deadline: 30 December 2009.
All applicants are requested to register their interest by noon on 28 October 2009.
The Challenge is scheduled to start in February 2010 with a series of workshops.
For more information go to www.decc.gov.uk/
13th October, 2009 2:14pmLast date for Extended deadline announced for funding for low-carbon pilot projects
Communities and Local Government has announced funding for up to 12 pilot schemes which would involve local authorities using Planning Performance Agreements (PPAs) to facilitate renewable and low-carbon energy applications.
A PPA allows both the developer and the Local Planning Authority (LPA) to agree a project plan and programme which will include the appropriate resources necessary to determine the planning application to a firm timetable.
The funding on offer would be used to deliver expert consultancy support to the LPA and developer.
Details of how to apply can be found on the Atlas Planning website
The deadline for Expressions of Interest has been extended to 31 October 2009. Completed applications should be submitted by e-mail to lowcarbon@atlasplanning.com or by post to:
ATLAS
Homes and Communities Agency
414-428 Midsummer Boulevard
Milton Keynes, MK9 2EA
24th September, 2009 8:08pmInterest free business loans from the Carbon Trust
0% business loans fight high energy bills – and climate change
Energy-guzzling heating, air conditioning and plant equipment could be draining your business of vital profits. To help businesses upgrade to more efficient equipment and cut energy bills, the Carbon Trust is offering 0% loans of up to £400,000.
No security is required for the interest free business loans – and the loans scheme is designed so that energy savings cover monthly repayments. What’s more, the new equipment may also qualify for 100% first year tax relief.
Thousands of companies have now taken advantage of the interest free loans. One company, Precision Engineering Plastics, has taken three consecutive loans totalling £67,685 and is now saving over £26,000 a year in energy costs.
More information is available at www.carbontrust.co.uk/loans
15th September, 2009 9:12amThe Lincoln Skills Sharing Event
Stay Solvent, Sane and Sustainable ...
Lincoln Skills Sharing event
Saturday 19th September 1pm - 4pm at
LINCOLN DRILL HALL
Workshops, demonstrations and displays so you can pick up tips and learn more about a wide range of skills including bread making, quilt making, bee keeping, making your own greenhouse out of plastic bottles, knitting and lots more (see attached for full list ). This is a free event suitable for all the family, so come along and learn something new or share some of your own tips with others!
For more information about the workshops please see the timetable attached to this email. Places on the workshop are limited so if you would like to attend please contact either Hazel or Kate to book a place. . For more information about this event contact Kate Bell on 01522 873311 or email kate.bell@lincoln.gov.uk or Hazel Swan on 01522 551683 email hazel@volunteercentrelincoln.org.uk
10th September, 2009 7:18pmFarm Energy Event 25th November 2009
Farm Energy Event 25th November
For further information go to www.farm-smart.co.uk/farmenergy
The Farm Energy Event is the first event of its kind which will deal specifically with farm energy use; ways to save it, equipment to reduce its use, and ways to generate it.
With costs at an all time high, energy is now a major item on the agenda of the farming industry. This will be the first event to allow farmers and growers to look at real practical solutions and the latest technology available to help cut energy costs and reduce carbon emissions.
Exhibitors will be offering products and advice to help farmers and growers to be more energy efficient; to save money and follow best practice.
The event will also be looking at agricultural applications for renewable energy, biofuels, and non-food crops. Visitors will be able to see first-hand the opportunities for diversification into energy crops, the generation of energy on-farm and recycling of valuable resources.
Key areas:
•Energy efficiency and benchmarking
•The most efficient conventional equipment and control systems
•Waste recycling
•Anaerobic digestion and biogas
•Energy supply and management
•Farm business advice and consultancy
•Biomass equipment suppliers
•Biofuels and bioenergy
•Irrigation and water management, including water recycling
•Building design and supply
•Efficiency in refrigeration and ventilation
•Efficient grain drying and cooling systems
•Field equipment use and management
•GPS technology
3rd September, 2009 2:27pmWhy not join in the Energy Saving Week challenge on the 19th-25th October
Energy Saving Week
Monday 19th- Sunday 25th October 2009
• Energy Saving Week is the Energy Saving Trust's nationwide campaign week to encourage people to save energy and help reduce their carbon emissions.
• A week long series of activity driven by Energy Saving Week and official partners
• This is its thirteenth year and is the longest established event of its kind
• Energy Saving Week is designed to help people adopt energy saving measures to reduce their impact on climate change.
This year's theme, WASTE examines how people are simply wasting money, energy and time - by bad home habits. The Energy Saving Trust will research, uncover and identify key areas in which we waste as well as create a compelling campaign to engage consumers to curb their wasteful behaviour and start saving energy through measures such as insulation, transport, Energy Saving Recommended, recycling and water saving.
Each day of Energy Saving Week will have a 'mini- theme' uncovering our wasteful behaviour in the following areas. Partners will be encouraged to support the whole week, but partners can also support a day that lends itself to their specific interest.
• Monday: Wasteful behaviour & Launch day
• Tuesday: Warmer homes day (Improving insulation)
• Wednesday: Smarter driving day (Transport)
• Thursday: Switch off, turn down, turn off day
• Friday: Buy better day
The Energy Saving Trust can offer
• On site Energy Doctors to advise customers on how to be energy efficient within the home
• One of our spokespeople will support and assist your Energy Saving Week media campaign
• Access to exclusive events as part of the week
• Home Energy Checks for residents in your area
• A wide range of literature to use as you please
If you are interested in working with the EST this year throughout Energy Saving Week, please contact:
Simmy Bilkhu on (0115) 959 7716
simreth.bilkhu@est-eastmidlands.org.uk
1st September, 2009 9:45amBe a Green Community Hero
Get your community recognised
The Energy Saving Trust in association with The Guardian is pleased to announce the very first Green Community Heroes awards. The purpose of the awards is too recognise those community groups who are getting together and making a real change in their community by reducing their carbon footprint.
From renewable energy projects, street by street home insulation programmes to climate change awareness events to get ideas off the ground, there are people out there who are making a difference, people with bright, innovative and scalable ideas and the Energy Saving Trust's Green Community Heroes are here to salute them.
The winners will get featured in Society Guardian, providing national press coverage for your project.
There are 5 categories that community groups can enter:
Best Rural Community Project and Urban Community Project
These categories are aimed to find the best community projects in the country based in a rural or an urban community. In order to determine the winner the judges will review the relative success and scale of the project - and ultimately the amount of carbon saved.
Most Innovative Project
For this category the judges will be looking for projects that have taken a fresh approach to the challenge of reducing carbon emissions through a community run project.
Most Sustained activity by a community group
This category aims to recognise community groups that have been active and working on energy saving projects for a long time and have committed to and completed projects that have had long lasting effects in their community and significantly reduced their carbon footprint.
Outstanding contribution by an individual
It is often the drive and commitment of one person that brings everyone together and their ideas that bring community energy project to life. This category will recognise one outstanding individual and the contribution they have made to their community.
Apply Now
or for more information visit
www.guardian.co.uk/greencommunityheroes
Energy from Waste
Work is progressing on the selection of a contractor to deliver the technology for Lincolnshire’s first Energy from Waste facility to be located in North Hykeham, to the south of Lincoln.
The facility will be designed and built to a very high standard providing a major energy efficiency boost to Lincolnshire’s economy. The design will ensure the facility is a 'good neighbour' to all in its locality.
Key facts and figures about the facility:
• Designed to treat approximately 150,000 tonnes of waste a year
• £110 million construction cost
• Plans include a visitor centre
• Between 20 and 40 jobs created
• Will be operational 24 hours a day
• Will produce 10 megajoules (MJ) of heat for local use
• Will generate 15 megawatts (MW) of electricity for sale to National Grid
Key next steps:
• Planning application submitted October 2009
• Planning consent in 2009
• Waste Management Company selected 2010
• Construction starts 2011
• EfW facility operational 2013
For more information:
Email: tacklingwaste@lincolnshire.gov.uk
Web: www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/energyfromwaste
Tel: 01522 782070
