Network Update – February 2013

Welcome to February’s bumper Network Update. This month; Green Deal interest rates announced; breakfast presentations and dates; LED lighting update; community solar project; opportunity to exhibit at the Eco-Technology Show.

Green Deal Interest Rates Announced
The government’s Green Deal initiative allows householders and businesses to take out a loan to finance the installation of energy efficiency technologies, such as insulation, double-glazing or solar panels. The loan is paid back through instalments attached to the premises’ electricity bills. Including administration fees, a £5,000 loan with a ten year payment plan will have an interest rate of 7.96%. Interest rates. Green Deal information.

Exhibit at the Eco-Technology Show – Offer for Network Members
The Sustainable Business Network has sponsored an area at the Eco-Technology Show at the Brighton Centre on the 14th and 15th June at we have a limited number of spaces available exclusively for Network Members wishing to exhibit. We’ll be turning the space into a one-stop-shop for sustainable building solutions and are looking for exhibitors who can offer energy, water, waste or other sustainability products or services. Full details and contacts.

Breakfast Presentations and Upcoming Dates
Presentations from January’s Sustainable Business Breakfast focusing on sustainable procurement are now on-line. Our next breakfast, on the 21st March in Chichester, will focus on efficient technologies. We’ll hear from The Southern Co-operative, about how they have improved energy efficiency in their stores, as well explore with industry experts the pros and cons of voltage optimisation and air-source heat pumps. Event details.

Technology Update – LED Lighting
The below table shows the typical wattage and cost of a range of LED lamps, as well as the lamp types they can be used to replace. LEDs have an average lifespan of 30,000+ hours, compared to 15,000 hours, 2,000 hours and 1,000 hours for fluorescent, halogen and tungsten lighting respectively. Search for local suppliers in our on-line Sustainable Business Directory.

Community Solar Project to Generate 200 MWh Per Year
The community owned Wey Valley Solar Schools Energy Co-operative was established in 2011 and raised £625,000 from individual investors to put solar photovoltaic panels on the roofs of six state secondary schools in Surrey. With a combined 238 kW generating capacity it is one of the biggest solar co-operatives in the country and will produce 198,199 kWh of clean energy per year. www.weyvalleysolar.co.uk

Help Shape the Content of the Smart Business Conference
The second Smart Business Conference will be held at The Eco Technology Show in the Brighton Centre on the 14th of June 2013. The free to attend, one day event will address opportunities for business and the public sector to lower costs and increase return on investment through more efficient and sustainable resource usage. The organisers are keen to hear the topics you would like covered – spend 5 minutes to share your views and help shape the conference programme.