Welcome to 2009!

This year is likely to be one of the top five
all time hot ones

Researchers at the Met Office (www.metoffice.gov.uk) are predicting that the global average temperature for 2009 will be of the order of 0.40C above the long term average of 14.440C. This continues the trend where the average global temperature over 2001 - 2007 was 0.210C warmer than the average for 1991 - 2000.

The prediction is linked to relative changes in the performance of the El Nino and La Nina Pacific Ocean circulations. El Nino causes warming of the surface waters of the North East Pacific thus releasing extra heat into the atmosphere. Its activity is linked to the extreme heat wave of 2003 and its activity is predicted to increase this year relative to the cooling effects of La Nina.

Earth Hour

Don't forget Saturday 28th March; your chance to get romantic and 'save the earth'! Join millions around the world and switch off the light and dine by candle light between 20.30 & 21.30.

Biomass: Carbon Sink or Carbon Sinner?

The Environment Agency has published a report that indicates the way in which biomass is grown (including potential crop displacement), harvested, processed and transported and the efficiency with which it is converted to energy are critical to realising the potential carbon savings from this fuel when compared to fossil fuels especially gas. Using the heat as well as the electrical energy from biomass power stations is essential to maximise the efficiency of the energy conversion process. The report concludes that CHP (Combined Heat and Power) is the optimum way forward for large scale biomass fuelled power plants of the future.

The report also concludes that using biomass as a domestic heating fuel is an effective way of lowering household carbon emissions although wood pellets are significantly less effective than using wood chips.
A full copy of the Environment Agency’s report, Biomass: Carbon Sink or Carbon Sinner,is available to download at:

www.environment-agency.gov.uk/business/sectors/32595.aspx.

Research for the report was carried out for the Environment Agency by AEA TechnologyThe Biomass Environmental Assessment Tool, BEAT2, is available to download free from the Biomass Energy Centre website at:

 www.biomassenergycentre.org.uk/.

Faith in Nature 

This years event will be co-hosted by the Environment Agency and Lincolnshire Chaplaincy Services.  It is aimed at faith and community groups in Lincolnshire and the surrounding areas who have an interest in taking practical steps to create a low carbon sustainable environment.

The Bishop of Lincoln, the Right Reverend John Saxbee will again be hosting the event which will feature keynote speakers, Martin Palmer and Aubrey Rose, and breakout sessions. In these sessions, participants can get practical information on taking environmental projects, whether large or small, forward.

The event is free and will run from 10:00 to 16:00. Lunch and refreshments will be provided. 

To book your place at the event, please complete and return the enclosed booking form by Wednesday 23 September. 

 The Low Carbon Business Network Symposium:
Building and living with Bio-renewables!

Tuesday 24th November 09.30 – 17.00
EPIC Centre, Lincolnshire Showground, Grange-de-Lings, Lincoln, LN2 2NA

Buildings contribute significantly to the UK carbon footprint due both to what they are constructed of and their subsequent energy consumption. Lincolnshire is a rural county capable of producing large quantities of ‘bio-renewable’ materials such as straw, hemp and timber that can be used successfully as construction materials. As experience in construction is expanding we are on the cusp of being able to assess the enhanced energy efficiency claimed for bio-renewables. 

Registration/ Coffee 09.30

Speakers 10.00 – 12.30

Straw bale construction in the UK

Barbara Jones FRSA, founder and Director of amazonails has been designing and building straw bale and natural buildings since 1994. Several amazonails' buildings have won awards for environmental design and sustainability including the Sworders Ltd saleroom and the Calderdale library extension.

Building a big one

Robert Ward-Booth FRICS, Director of G.E. Sworder & Sons Fine Art Auctioneers designed and led the team that built their new Auction Rooms, the largest straw bale building in Europe. The building won the East of England RICS Award for Sustainability and was Commended in the International RICS Awards for Sustainability.

Potential for reducing GHG emissions through the use of Bio-renewables 

Dr Behzad Sodagar Reader in Architecture and Co-Director of the Centre for Sustainable Architecture and Environments, University of Lincoln. The Centre is heavily involved in projects to monitor the energy efficiency of buildings that use bio-renewables.

Supporting Innovation

Inet for Sustainable Construction (Speaker to be confirmed)

Buffet Lunch & networking 12.30 – 13.30

Site Visits 13.30 – 17.00 (Two groups, [a] Waddington Straw Houses 14.00 – 15.00, Hill Holt Wood self build Community Hall 15.30 – 16.30 & return to EPIC Centre for 17.00 [b] Hill Holt wood & the Waddington & return to EPIC

Coach transport to both sites with cars remaining at the EPIC Centre
50 Delegates maximum,
Delegate fee @ £60.00 + VAT
Booking deadline Wednesday 18th November

All general enquiries to editor@epic-lincolnshire.org