Network Update – April 2014

This month; Personal power station, Eco Open Houses, broadband grants for Brighton & Hove businesses; Solar PV presentations; Don’t waste it, WARPit, Green Growth Platform launch.

Join us for the Launch of the Green Growth Platform

The Green Growth Platform is an exciting 5 year programme led by the University of Brighton and offering a range of free and subsidised events and services to help small and medium sized business:

• Improve environmental performance and reduce running costs
• Develop and bring to market new environmental and low-carbon products and services
• Compete for public and large private sector contracts

The Sustainable Business Partnership is pleased to be working in partnership with the University to run the Green Growth Platform events programme.

Please join us on the 18th June, 15:00 to 18:00, at the Arora Hotel in Crawley for the launch of the Green Growth Platform. There’ll be topic and case study speakers, plus time to meet other local businesses, public sector organisations and university representatives, over wine and canapés. Details and on-line bookings.

Don’t Waste it, WARPit!

The Sustainable Business Network has joined an innovative new project that helps organisations re-home unwanted furniture, fittings and stationary instead of paying for them to be disposed of. Unwanted items can be uploaded to a website, available to other network members free of charge. It’s a win-win, reducing costs for both parties and environmental impact. Items from the University of Brighton are also available. Chairs, desks, folders… to be claimed! Sign up at: www.warp-it.co.uk/sbn.

East Sussex Firm Launch Personal Power Station!

The Independence, developed by Newhaven based Befree, integrates power generation, energy storage and water processing technologies in a stand-alone unit. As inventor Derek Burton explains, “We customise each system to match site requirements, whether it’s a high demand for hot water, or the need to store greater amounts of electricity.”

Befree are seeking both early adopters as well as potential partners, for example to invent new components or help rationalise production costs. www.befreepower.com

Presentations: Solar PV Breakfast

It was a sunny(ish) day in Burgess Hill for our latest Sustainable Business Breakfast. PDP Solar discussed panel efficiencies, inverter types, mounting systems and Feed-in-Tariffs. Mid Sussex District Council outlined on which occasions planning permission is required for renewable energy systems. Shoreham Port shared their experiences installing two large solar arrays.

Download their presentations.

Eco Open Houses – Steyning

The owners of energy and water efficient houses are opening their doors to give you the chance to find out how they have reduced their utility bills through measures including small behavioural changes, building fabric improvements and renewable energy systems. View flyer.

Savings Example: Cavity Wall & Loft Insulation

A Crowborough based business expects to save around £250 per year having installed cavity wall and loft insulation. With the work costing just under £1,400, the measures will pay for themselves in around 5.5 years, or sooner is gas prices continue to rise. Insulation can also help to keep a building cooler during warmer periods by reducing solar gain. Grants are available to East Sussex businesses to install energy efficiency measures. Details.

And finally…

£3,000 broadband vouchers – Website
Available to Brighton & Hove based businesses to connect to a faster service.

Post Code Lottery Green Challenge – Enter
Win €500,000 to bring your green business plan to market.

Looking for a team challenge? Like pizza? – Details
A Brighton community project is seeking an energetic team who don’t mind getting dirty!

Climate Change Levy increases – HMRC website
Tax on non-renewable electricity usage rises 0.541 p/kWh and gas to 0.188 p/kWh.