Network Update – April 2016

Welcome to April’s Network Update. This month: MRF tour; solar PV framework; pub recycling success; tidal turbine power; Meet the Berkeley Group… and more!

Tour of Ford Recycling Facility – 5th & 6th May

Industry Insight Tours are back! Join us for a tour of Viridor’s Material Recovery Facility in Ford, near Arundel. The state of the art plant separates, sorts and bulks 100,000 tonnes of waste for recycling each year. Two dates available, limited places on each. 09:30 to 11:30. Free to attend as part of the Green Growth Platform events programme. Details and bookings.

Renewable Energy from the River Arun!

Local company, Saunders Energy Limited, have installed their PowerFrame in-stream electricity turbine under the pedestrian bridge in Littlehampton. As the tide flows in either direction predictable renewable energy is generated. Robust in design, PowerFrame is designed to withstand the harsh marine environment. An average flow rate of 1.5 metres per second (3 knots) is typically sufficient to provide an attractive return on investment.

Saunders Energy Limited spoke at the Low Carbon Innovation Showcase in Shoreham-by-Sea.

Recycling Success at the Shepherd & Dog!

Feeling hampered by their rural location, the Shepherd & Dog in Fulking contacted the Sustainable Business Partnership CIC for help finding recycling services. A few phone calls and a little negotiation later they had arranged glass, food and dry mixed recycling collections and reduced general waste pick-ups. Around 14 tonnes of waste will now avoid landfill each year, plus the county pub will enjoy cost savings of over £1,000. We’re also visiting next month to provide a free Environmental Healthcheck (thanks to funding through the Green Growth Platform).

Meet the Berkeley Group – 12th May, Horsham

One of the UK’s largest builders of new homes, the Berkeley Group are looking to grow their supply chain in Sussex and are interested in meeting local businesses from a range of trades, including electrical contractors, heating engineers, plumbers, carpenters, glazers, scaffolders and other construction professions.

We’ll hear from Sustainability Advisor Josie Cadwallader-Thornewill and Surveyor Chris Grammer about their current and forthcoming developments in Horsham, Southwater, Chichester and Winchester and requirements to join their supply chain.

The event is free to attend as part of the Green Growth Platform events programme. Booking is essential. 08:00 to 10:00, The Holbrook Club, Horsham. Full details and bookings.

In short…

Energy and carbon implications of rainwater harvesting – Study
Environment Agency finds the carbon footprint of rainwater harvesting is typically 40% greater than that of mains supply. Excellent water savings however!

Tender opportunity for solar PV companies – Further details
Portsmouth City Council are looking to establish a multiple supplier framework agreement to procure solar PV systems between £4,000 and £250,000.

European Solar Prize 2016 open for entries – Deadline 31st May
10 categories to recognise the accomplishments of towns, community businesses, architects, journalists and individuals towards the progression of renewable energy.

ISO 14021:2016 published – ISO website
Guidance for companies on the claims they are making about the environmental credentials of their products (chargeable).

EMAS celebrates 20th birthday – EMAS website
The European Eco-Management and Audit Scheme is similar to ISO 14001, but with an emphasis on public reporting.