Network Update – October 2012

This month: £1,000 grants for businesses, Brighton Marina cuts utility bill by £35,000, Littlehampton renewables breakfast confirmed.

Sustainable Business Breakfast: Littlehampton, 28th November, 08:00 – 10:00
Our next Sustainable Business Breakfast will focus on renewables. Tony Book, Chairman at Riomay and a Committee Member of the UK Solar Energy Society, will provide an insight into the latest solar technologies and whether the Feed-in-Tariffs and Renewable Heat Incentives can still make renewables a beneficial business investment. Plus, a case study speaker, fresh coffee and bacon butties, networking and an opportunity to introduce yourself and your business to the audience. Event details.

Book today! 07807 588887 or network@sustainablebusiness.org.uk. £20 or £30 for two.

Grants Available for Businesses
Match funded grants of £1,000 are available to help small and medium sized business reduce their travel, cut costs and lower CO2 emissions. Businesses must have been trading for a year and have a turnover of at least £40,000. Projects supported to date include equipment for web-conferencing, bike racks and the conversion of vehicles to alternative fuels. The scheme ends December 2012. Last 100 grants available! Register today at: www.sustainableroutes.co.uk

Case Study: Brighton Marina Saves £35,000
Brighton Marina attracts 8 million visitors a year. With such a high profile, Manager Rui Gomes is keen to demonstrate his company’s commitment to environmental best practice, understanding it also makes financial sense. Through initiatives such as installing sensor controlled and LED lighting, fitting waterless urinals and providing recycling services for both visitors and operators, the Marina have reduced their annual electricity usage by 45,000 kWh, cut water consumption by 900,000 litres and achieved a 99% landfill diversion rate. Read the full case study.

Rui is now keen to help local businesses reduce their utility bills and has teamed up with the Sustainable Business Partnership to host a free UTILISE Energy, Waste & Water Efficiency Course this month.

Opportunities…
For energy consultants – Isle of Wight Council requires Display Energy Certificates.
http://tinyurl.com/922ypcz
For manufacturers – up to £3,000 match funded consultancy support
www.mymas.org/services/subsidised-consultancy-support-for-smes
For energy entrepreneurs – £16 million to support the development of energy efficiency and building technologies and low carbon power generation and storage.
http://tinyurl.com/d2sg6mz

Waste or Non-Waste, That is the Question
The EU definition of waste ‘“…any substance or object which the holder discards or intends or is required to discard…” has caused confusion since its adoption. For example, many businesses have been left wondering if they donate old equipment for re-use, is it classed as waste and do they need therefore to ensure Transfer Notes are completed? Defra has released guidance to (somewhat) clarify the matter: www.defra.gov.uk/publications/files/pb13813a-waste-business-guide.pdf

And Finally…
Presentations from September’s energy efficiency Sustainable Business Breakfast
View on-line
Trading Standards wants your views on the services they should offer.
http://tinyurl.com/9gtgxuy