Network Update – April 2015

Welcome to April’s Network Update. This month: Meet Willmott Dixon; Environmental election promises compared; Composting site tour; Upcoming breakfast events; Heat loss competition; Boris bikes for Brighton; New rules for landlords.

LEDs in Littlehampton & Wind Turbines in Brighton

Join us for two great upcoming breakfast events… On the 21st April in Littlehampton we have a demonstration of the latest LED technology from JCC Lighting, plus a best practice case study from Canute Cottages. In Brighton on the 7th May we’ll hear from Glyndebourne about their iconic wind turbine, followed by an insight into the waste industry from Brighton Paper Round. Book online, call 01273 964239 or email network@sustainablebusiness.org.uk.

The Sustainable Business Network’s programme of Sustainable Business Breakfasts are run on behalf of the University of Brighton’s  Green Growth Platform. 

Energy efficiency regulations on their way for landlords

The government has now approved regulations that from April 2018 will make it unlawful for landlords to grant a new lease for a commercial property which has an Energy Performance Certificate rating of ‘E’ or worse. Some exemptions apply, including if energy efficiency measures are not cost effective under the Green Deal ‘golden rule’ or within a 7 year payback period, the lease is for less than 6 months or planning permission or consent from tenants cannot be gained. Read more.

Don’t Miss! In-Vessel Composting Facility Site Tour

Join us for our last Industry Insight Tour of this series, as we go behind the scenes at Veolia’s in-vessel composting site in Whitesmith, near Hailsham.The modern facility can process up to 46,000 tonnes of garden and kitchen waste. The tour is free to attend with two dates available; 28th and 30th April. Previous tours were oversubscribed. Book on-line.

The Sustainable Business Network’s programme of Industry Insight Tours are run on behalf of the University of Brighton’s Green Growth Platform.

The green vote – how the parties’ promises compare

The Liberal Democrats promise 5 ‘green laws’ to decarbonise the electricity sector and introduce legal targets for clean air and water. Labour say they will prioritise flood protection and climate change adaption, plus create a million green jobs by 2025. In their manifesto, the Conservatives pledge to ‘cut emissions as cost effectively as possible’ and state they will back an expansion of nuclear and gas power generation. The Green Party want to phase out fossil fuel and nuclear power altogether and launch a public programme of renewable energy generation and building insulation. UKIP promises to repeal the Climate Change Act and abolish DECC. Who gets your vote?

Final few place: Meet Willmott Dixon – 24th April, Hove

One of the UK’s largest construction and property companies, Willmott Dixon are looking to grow their supply chain in Sussex. Their construction and interiors teams are interested in meeting local businesses of all sizes from a range of trades. Free to attend, but booking essential. Event registration.

This event is run by Sustainable Business Network on behalf of the University of Brighton’s Green Growth Platform, working in partnership with the ERDF-part funded Build Green programme.

And Finally…

East Sussex Travel Choice Challenge – Registration & prizes!
Who can make the most journeys to work on foot, by bike, public transport or car-sharing?

BRE heat loss competition – Details & entry form
£50,000 award available to test and develop ideas to rapidly measure solid wall heat loss.

‘Boris Bikes’ for Brighton – Coming 2016-17
430 bikes from 50 docking stations from the marina to Portslade and north to the universities.

Postcode Lottery Green Challenge – Now open
Competition for sustainable entrepreneurs and start-ups. €500,000 prize to bring your green idea to market. Deadline early June 2015.