Network Update – December 2012

This month; compare your water use, PV installed at schools, fuel oil collective buying scheme, subsidised business coaching, Display Energy Certificates and breakfast dates finalised for 2013.

How Much Water Do You Use? Benchmarks Published
Environment Agency research shows that a ‘typical’ office uses 9.3 m³ of water per person per year. Offices implementing ‘good practice’ however, use on average 30% less, at 6.4 m³; savings achieved through measures such as low flush toilets, controlled urinals and regularly checking for leaks. Benchmarks are available for a range of premises, including museums, care homes, schools and sports centres. www.environment-agency.gov.uk/business/topics/water/34866.aspx

Display Energy Certificates – A Visual Representation of Energy Use
A Display Energy Certificate (DEC) provides a visual representation of how energy is used in a building. It compares an organisation’s energy usage to that of a ‘typical’ organisation of the same business activity, using premises floor area as a standard variable. They are compulsory for public sector buildings over 1,000 m², but can also provide a number of benefits for businesses. More.

Renewables Breakfast: Presentations Online
It was a full house in Littlehampton for our Sustainable Business Breakfast – renewable energy special. Delegates represented manufacturers, museums, solar and biomass installers, lighting specialists, colleges and a hair dressers to name but a few! Presentations from our speakers Southern Solar, Hampshire Cosmetics and Arun District Council Planning Team are available to view on our website.

Join us in Haywards Heath, Chichester, Horsham and Shoreham-by-Sea in 2013. Event dates.

Solar PV Installed at West Sussex Schools
Chichester High School for Girls is one of 17 West Sussex schools to have installed electricity generating photovoltaic solar panels. The school’s 50 kWp system covers 350m² and is predicted to generate 50,000 kWh of electricity per year. In the first six months the school has received £13,000 through the Feed-in-Tariff. 13 of the 17 schools received interest free loans from West Sussex County Council. Loan details. Contact: carbonmanagement@westsussex.gov.uk

Reliant on Oil for Heating & Hot Water?
Rural West Sussex residents and businesses have formed groups to collectively buy oil and achieve better prices for members. More information and contacts.

Subsidised Business Coaching
The Growth Accelerator scheme provides coaches to help businesses develop leadership skills, create a growth strategy, access finance and/or commercialise products and services. The scheme is Government subsidised with charges based on employee numbers. www.growthaccelerator.com

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