Network Update – July 2014

This month: Breakfast presentations; 17th century case study; Raising green investment; Retrofit guides; In-roof rainwater harvesting.

Slides: Electric Vehicles, LEDs, Monitoring & Renewables 

LED lighting, energy sub-metering, electric vehicles and renewable energy were the topics of discussion at this month’s Sustainable Business Breakfast events in Eastbourne and Chichester. Presentations from the expert and case study speakers can be found on our website.

After summer it’s environmental management in Horsham and solar PV in Hastings. These events are held in partnership with the Green Growth Platform.

Case Study: Guildhall Museum Reduces Bills by £6,000

The Guildhall Museum in Rochester has implemented a range of initiatives to monitor and reduce utility consumption and spend.

Based on rateable value, unmetered water charges at the 17th century, town centre building were particularly high. Installing water meters on each of the four water supplies has saved over £5,000 per year.

Likewise through monitoring electricity consumption they were better placed to negotiate a tariff that matched their demand, resulting in a £1,000 reduction on the previous years. Further savings have been achieved through increased recycling rates and LED lighting. Read the full case study.

Raising Green Investment – Event & Free Support

A free seminar is being held in Brighton on the 25th September exploring the different options available for businesses seeking to raise investment to develop or launch a new environmental or low-carbon product or service or finance a large scale project. Details and bookings.

The event is being held in partnership with the Green Growth Platform, a project led by the University of Brighton through which there is also available a range of free and subsidised services including one-to-one business support and R&D expertise. More information. 

West Sussex Be the Business Grants are Back

Grants of up to £25,000 are available to help businesses to start-up and to grow in West Sussex. Projects that may be eligible for a grant include the purchase of machinery or equipment, premises refurbishment or expansion, product development or efficiency improvements. 50% match funding is required. Half of the £600,000 funding pot is reserved for businesses in specific sectors: manufacturing; low carbon and renewable technologies; tourism and local food; care; land based business activities. Full details.

In-Roof Rainwater Harvesting

A new in-roof rainwater harvesting system has been revealed. A vent is embedded within the roof tiles of a property to collect water which then flows through a filter to a tank located in the attic. As opposed to conventional rainwater harvesting systems, outdoor space to sink a tank and an electric pump are not required. Local supplier Chandlers hope the system will allow for rainwater harvesting to be installed in a greater number of buildings.

Building Opportunities for Business – Retrofit Guides

The Institute for Sustainability has produced a series of ‘Building Opportunities for Business’ Retrofit Guides for both building professionals and those interested in improving their buildings. Topics covered include planning, funding, procurement and managing retrofit projects. View guides.