Network Update – September 2012

This month: tree surgeons video case study, 0% loans for schools, upcoming breakfast events and free energy efficiency courses.

Sustainable Business Breakfast: Crawley, 25^th September
Join us in Crawley for our next Sustainable Business Breakfast. We’ll be hearing from Ben Brakes of Whitbread about their new eco-friendly Premier Inn in Burgess Hill, Catherine Bottrill from energy efficiency experts Pilio and Conrad Healy an independent consultant about the pros and cons of green ICT. Plus fresh coffee, bacon butties, networking and an opportunity to introduce yourself and your business to the audience. 25^th September, 08:00 to 10:00, Crawley Library. www.sustainablebusiness.org.uk/events

Book today! 07807 588887 or network@sustainablebusiness.org.uk. £20 or £30 for two (why not bring a colleague or invite a client?).

Shelaine Shortlisted for WISE Women Award
Congratulations to the Sustainable Business Partnership’s Shelaine Siepel who has been shortlisted for the Women of Outstanding Achievement Award for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the 2012 WISE Awards, for her work with the Sustainable Business Partnership, and especially the insight to establish as a Community Interest Company in 2011. The awards are being held in November. Good luck Shelaine. www.theukrc.org/news-and-events/the-2012-wise-awards

Video Case Study: County Tree Surgeons
County Tree Surgeons of Crawley Down minimise the environmental impact of their activities on and off site. They reuse waste wood to produce signposts, engage staff to minimise energy and paper use in their office and have installed a rainwater harvesting system. They attended a UTILISE Workshop run by the Sustainable Business Partnership in 2011. Watch the video online.

Network Member Award Funding for Food Waste Service
Sustainable Business Network member Brighton Paper Round has been awarded funding from WRAP, the government agency, to expand their new business food waste recycling service. The funding will cover the initial purchase cost of food waste caddies, bags and bins for each business that takes up the service. www.paper-round.co.uk/brighton

Retro Expo Awards!
Do you have an innovative product or service that has revolutionised the retrofit market? Have you delivered an inspiring retrofit project that others should know about? If so, why not enter the Retro Expo Awards. Deadline 21^st September. Details at: www.retroexpoawards.co.uk/award-categories

Interest Free Loans for West Sussex Schools
West Sussex County Council is offering interest free loans to schools within the county for investment in energy and water efficiency and renewable energy projects. Capital costs must pay back within 7 years (or 9 years for solar PV). Details available from: carbonmanagement@westsussex.gov.uk or 01243 752201

And finally…
Solar PV Feed-in-Tariff rates, for installations as of August 2011
http://tinyurl.com/9lw59o5
Free renewable energy feasibility studies on offer to South East SMEs. Ends December 2012.
www.lowcarbonessentials.co.uk
Join our group on LinkedIn
http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=4051302&trk=myg_ugrp_ovr