Network Update – January 2015

This month: Green Guide to Specification; Typical payback periods; Raising Green Investment; Low oil prices – good or bad?

Is it Really Worth it? Case Study Payback Periods

The table below shows payback periods from actual energy efficiency projects at Sussex businesses. Bear in mind that all businesses and buildings are different and variables such as hours of operation, building fabric and energy tariffs paid will effect the savings that can be expected. For example, the nursery school also installed roof insulation and double glazing, therefore reducing energy demand and the savings that would have been achieved if the boiler upgrade was a stand alone project. The three measures combined however, the nursery are enjoying a more comfortable building and cheaper gas bills.

£12,000 Energy Efficiency Grant Funding Remaining…

For small and medium sized businesses in East Sussex, grants of up to £1,000 are available to install energy saving measures, for example LED lighting or insulation. No match funding is required.

To date 27 grants have been awarded, which collectively will help local businesses save 136,800 kWh and £15,070 off their energy bills each year. The application deadline is 17:00 Friday 27th February. Full details.

Great Idea? Need Money?

Last week Pod Point, who design and manufacture electric car charging points raised £1,200,000 in return for 6.89% equity in their company through crowd-funding site SEEDRS.

If you have a great idea, but need funding to get it off the ground, or to expand operations, then join us on the 25th February for a free seminar exploring crowd-funding, angel investment and other alternative methods to raise finance. The last session was over-subscribed! Book on-line.

The Sustainable Business Network’s programme of business breakfasts, Industry Insight Tours and specialist seminars are run on behalf of the University of Brighton’s Green Growth Platform. 

Green Guide to Specification

Whilst a material may boast high performance in helping minimise the energy use of a building, what impact on the environment has the production of that material had in the first place? BRE’s Green Guide to Specification ranks a range of material types based on life cycle assessments covering such as the impact of mineral resource extraction, waste disposal and fossil fuel depletion. View guide (free registration required).

Last but not least…

Eco-Technology Show Offer – Email for more information
Up to 20 free stands and speaker slots for innovative environmental technologies. Show organisers especially keen to hear from new businesses that have not exhibited in the UK before.

Over a barrel? – New Scientist article
Is the recent oil price crash good or bad for the environment?

Exhibition space at schools conference – Booking form
For suppliers of environmental / energy efficient products and services. 20th February, Midhurst. Stands from £475 plus VAT. Contact APS Consulting on 01424 839832 or by email.