Network Update – October 2013

Welcome to October’s Network Update. This month; Green Deal & ECO update; Rippleffect water efficiency tool; subsidised utility management course; metal recycling legislation; have you booked for breakfast?

November Breakfast: LED Lighting, Heat Loss, G4S Case Study

Join us on the 5th November in Crawley for our next Sustainable Business Breakfast, focussing on energy efficient and sustainable buildings. We’ll have a live thermal camera demonstration from G&S Energy, an update on the latest energy efficient lighting solutions from The Green Light Company UK and a case study from G4S about initiatives they have taken at their Manor Royal site. Plus networking, fresh coffee and bacon butties! £20 or £30 for two. Event details.

Bookings: network@sustainablebusiness.org.uk or 01444 477501.

The Green Deal & ECO – Where Are We At?

At the end of September, Green Deal Plans (loans) had been taken out and energy efficiency measures installed at 57 properties and a further 505 Plans had been signed ready for works to start. The Green Deal is gathering pace….

For contractors looking to get involved, ECO  is providing a more immediate opportunity, with nearly 250,000 measures installed by the end of August (ECO provides funding for energy efficiency measures at fuel poor and hard to treat properties).

In Sussex, Carillion have been selected as the Delivery Partner for the local authority led Sussex Energy Saving Programme, which aims to improve the energy efficiency of thousands of properties using Green Deal, ECO and other finance. They have promised to subcontract work to local businesses and meet-the-buyer events are being held in Brighton, Worthing and Hastings.

Carillion require that contractors hold Green Deal Installer certification to fit both Green Deal and ECO measures. In West Sussex, grants of up to £1,000 are available to help small businesses achieve this.

The Rippleffect – Water Efficiency Tool for Businesses

Published by WRAP and free to use, the Rippleffect Tool comprises five on-line modules, guidance notes and case studies to help you develop and implement an action plan to reduce water usage and cost at your business. There is information on water reclamation and reuse, calculating the true cost of hot water and using the Mogden Formula to work out trade effluent charges. www.wrap.org.uk/rippleffect

Arun Business Partnership Awards – Deadline 21st October!

Who’ll scoop the 2013 Green Business of the Year Award? Open to both those that have made a significant improvement in their environmental performance, as well as those that offer an innovative product or service to help other organisations reduce their impact. Last year’s winner Newlife Paints divert hundreds of tonnes of waste paint from landfill each year, reprocessing it into a quality product now stocked by such as B&Q. Full details and entry forms.

Subsidised Utility Management Course for Businesses

UTILISE helps organisations identify areas at their premises where they can reduce energy and water usage, minimise waste and improve their environmental performance. Over 300 organisations have attended to date, view case studies.

Courses are being held in Horsham (28th November) and Chichester (29th January). Subsidised by the Sustainable Business Partnership CIC, the cost is £25 for West Sussex organisations and £50 for others. UTILISE is verified by the AQA Unit Award Scheme with delegates able to gain a Certificate of Learning for £25. Course and booking details.

Last but not least…

New metal recycling legislation comes into force – Further details
All site-based and mobile scrap dealers must obtain a licence from their local authority.

£1,000 energy efficiency grants for East Sussex businesses – Details and applications
For investment in projects such as LED lighting, insulation or heating controls. Plus free audits.

National Home Improvement Awards – Deadline 21st October – Details and entry
Recognising achievement in the UK housing arena. Categories include Best Home Energy Solution.