Network Update – February 2016

Welcome to February’s Network Update. This month: Exporting and crowd funding seminars; Typical install timelines; Ringmer College renewables tour; EYE Project seeks workshop leaders; City Innovation Challenge; Floating solar; It’s our birthday!

Sustainable Business Partnership CIC turns five!

It’s our birthday! Five years ago the Sustainable Business Partnership became a Community Interest Company, transforming from a public sector partnership and widening our range of services in recognition of the increasing value businesses were placing in sustainability.

From Emma, Rowan and Shelaine and Brett and Jeremy behind the scenes, many thanks to the 1,062 different businesses that have attended our events since then as well as all those we have worked with on other projects. Thanks also to the original partners for their continued involvement and promotion of our activities and to all other customers and contractors. Here’s to another five years and beyond…

Events

The Sustainable Business Network runs the Green Growth Platform events programme on behalf of the University of Brighton. Coming up…

Case Study Visit – Ringmer College, 15th March

Go behind the scenes to see Ringmer College’s renewable energy and environmental technologies in practice, including solar PV, rainwater harvesting, a biomass boiler and ground source heat pump. 09:00 to 11:00, free. Details.

Exporting Green – Brighton, 22nd March

Explore the risks and rewards of trading internationally. Designed for both organisations new to exporting and those who already sell overseas but are considering expanding into new markets or looking to improve their exporting processes. Case study and UKTI expert speakers. 09:00 to 11:00, free. Details.

Raising Green Investment – Crawley, 23rd March

Back by popular demand! Following dates in Brighton, Eastbourne and Chichester, Raising Green Investment is heading to Crawley. It’s an essential seminar for businesses looking to finance the development of environmental or low-carbon products or services or fund a large project. Focus on loan and equity crowd funding, investment schemes and tax incentives. 09:00 to 12:00, free. Details.

Find out more about the other free and subsidised services offered by the University of Brighton’s Green Growth Platform at: www.greengrowthplatform.co.uk

How long does it take to install an energy efficiency project?

DECC’s recently published Guide to Implementing Energy Efficiency Measures suggests at least 2 months is usually required to install energy efficient technologies, from the date a supplier is selected to full operation (based on analysis of 780 projects by the Carbon Trust).

It says contingency is key however and can help you manage expectations with stakeholders as to when the project benefits you outlined in your business case will start to be realised.

The guide also includes useful information on how to initially convince decision makers and create a project plan.

E.Y.E. Project seeks workshop leaders

The E.Y.E. Project (Eco, Young and Engaged), are organising two Eco Summits for local schools in Worthing (June) and Chichester (September). They are looking for environmental educators or businesses / organisations with outreach teams to deliver fun and interactive educational workshops with environmental, sustainability and healthy living themes, as well as a key note speaker for each event. If you are interested please email Clare Sutton.

And finally…

Does premises ownership effect energy efficiency uptake? PhD study
Yes, finds thesis, including that relationships with landlords are often one of the sticking points. Proposes a Carbon Allowance Scheme as a solution.

Construction of Rampion Wind Farm foundations begins – Press release
To support 140 metre turbines. Project sits 13 km off the Sussex coast.

The City Innovation Challenge – Enter on-line
Brighton & Hove City Council seeks ideas to make savings, benefit the community or generate income. £1,000 prize. Deadline 19th February.

Floating solar! Article & image
23,000 solar PV panels to be floated on the 317-acre reservoir near Walton-on-Thames.

ESOS: 30% still non-compliant as deadline day passes – Article
Environment Agency yet to hear from around 3,000 organisations.