Network Update – December 2014

Merry Christmas from the Sustainable Business Network! In this month’s update: Keep sustainable; Urban energy fund; upcoming events; Rampion Wind Farm; Eco-Tech Show.

Wind & Fire! Upcoming Breakfast – 29th January 2015

Glyndebourne’s wind turbine currently generates 95% of the opera house’s electricity requirements. On the 29th January join us in Lewes to hear from Executive Chairman Gus Christie about their reasons for installing the turbine, as well as other measures including a biomass boiler and low-energy lighting. We’ll also hear from biomass experts Baystar Energy and South East Wood Fuels. Part of the Green Growth Platform events programme, delivered the Sustainable Business Network. Details and bookings

Keep Sustainable

The Keep, record and archive office, is BREEAM excellent rated and incorporates a range of energy and water efficient technologies. A biomass boiler provides principle heating. Solar PV panels generate 44,000 kWh of electricity each year. A green roof provides evaporative cooling, reducing solar heat gain, and enhances local biodiversity. Insulation materials installed all achieve A and A+ ratings in BRE’s Green Guide to Specification. Building Manager Elizabeth Hughes spoke at our last breakfast event. Presentation.

Sustainability in the Workplace – New Dates

An essential training course for businesses with premises who are keen to reduce their utility bills. The half day session explores; utility billing and tariffs; quick-win energy, waste and water efficiency measures; environmental policy and green marketing. Delegates will also hear from a previous attendee about the efficiency measures they have implemented at their premises. Part of the Ride the Wave programme. Information and bookings: 21st January – 3rd March.

What do you want to discover at the Eco-Technology Show?

Next year’s Eco-Technology Show is going to be held at the AMEX Stadium on the edge of Brighton on the 11th and 12th June. The show organisers are currently designing the seminar programme and would like to know which topics you would like to see covered or if there are any inspirational speakers you would be keen to hear from. Please complete their six question survey

Rampion Wind Farm – Final Design

E.ON has published its final design for the Rampion Wind Farm, which has government consent to be built 13 km off the Sussex coast.It will comprise of 116 turbines, each measuring 140 metres from sea-level to blade tip, providing capacity to generate 400 MW of electricity, enough to supply the equivalent of up to 290,000 homes. E.ON press release. Wind farm map.

And finally…

Low Carbon Language – Contribute to the report
How do you communicate the environmental credentials of your products and services to your customers?

Urban Community Energy Fund – Details
Grants and loans available to community groups for renewable energy developments.

Grants towards the cost of environmental consultancy – Website
33% funding, up to £3,000. available to SMEs for such as ISO 14001 support.

West Sussex Be the Business Grants re-open – Application details
For projects that will create or safeguard jobs. 50% match funded. Deadline: 22nd January 2015.