Network Update – November / December 2013

Welcome to November and December’s Network Update – a double bill! This issue; Spotting building heat loss; Cardboard office furniture; Prison open day; Gatwick Diamond Business Awards; Energy Assessor opportunity; How to spend £56 million; Business leader or eco warrior?

Spotting Building Heat Loss

Whilst building heat loss from windows and doors is often more noticeable, the effect of unwanted air flow through holes, cracks and insulation gaps can be just as significant. Air infiltration into ceilings, walls and floors should be considered, as should air leaks around skirting boards, piping and sockets.

These images are taken from G&S Energy’s presentation at our last Sustainable Business Breakfast. View more images.

£56 million to help the local economy – YOU can help decide where it is spent

The Government has allocated 67.3 million euros to support business and skills in the parts of the South East covered by the Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership. In the past this funding has supported some of the Sustainable Business Partnership’s free services to local businesses including grants, events and UTILISE Workshops. If you’ve ever benefited from one of our free services (or even if you haven’t and think you might like to) we’d like to hear from you.

Coast to Capital are asking for views on where the money should be spent in the future and we will be asking that a significant proportion of the money is used to support sustainable businesses and particularly smaller businesses. We’re looking for network members to sign our joint response or submit one of your own. Please contact shelaine@sustainablebusiness.org.uk if you think you can help.

Gatwick Diamond Business Awards – Deadline 6th December!

Who’ll scoop the 2014 Green Business or Corporate Responsibility Awards? The first is open to both those that have made a significant improvement in their environmental performance, as well as those that offer an innovative product or service to help other organisations reduce their impact. The second is open to businesses that demonstrate their commitment to corporate responsibility throughout their operations and are having a positive environmental, social and economic impact within their community and supply chain. Full details.

Rethinking Office Furniture – The 100% Cardboard Desk

Following a four year R&D programme, Fluteoffice, based near Horsham, have unveiled a 100% cardboard desk. Made from corrugated paper board, containing a mix of recycled paper and virgin material from sustainable sources, the desk weighs just 15 kg, but can support over 1.7 tonnes in weight, meeting British and European furniture standards. At the end of its life it will be collected by the company for re-manufacture or recycling. Fluteoffice have recently joined the Sustainable Business Network.

Business Inside Out – Prison Open Day – 3rd December

Social enterprise Work This Way, who provide training and support to help ex-offenders into employment, are holding a Business Open Day at HMP Coldingley in partnership with HM Prison Service. Local businesses will have the chance to find out more about prison life as well as the commercial opportunities within prisons. For details and bookings contact Harriet Bartley.

Potential Opportunity for Commercial Energy Assessors

The Sustainable Business Partnership are delivering Energy Efficient East Sussex, a grants and audit programme funded by East Sussex County Council. 30 energy audits are on offer to SMEs within the county, with grants of £1,000 available for them to act on the audit recommendations. We are looking for Commercial Energy Assessors to carry out the audits. If you are interested please contact info@sustainablebusiness.org.uk and we’ll send further details.

Last but not least…

Low-Carbon Makeovers and Developments – Event details
Free seminar exploring sustainable commercial retrofit and new build. Hastings 4th December.

Brighton Energy Co-operative Raises £200,000 in Three Weeks – Read more
200 kWp array being installed at Shoreham Port. Next funding round planned for 2014.

Legislation Update: Packaging – Download guide
BIS guidance notes for businesses on the Packaging (Essential Requirements) Regulations.

Video: Business Leader or Eco Warrior? – View on-line
Starring Theo Paphitis, Deborah Meaden, Sir Richard Branson and Stephen Fry.

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