Presentations – Electric Vehicles & Renewable Energy Breakfast, Chichester

A range of businesses and a few electric cars joined us on a glorious day in Chichester to find out more about Electric Vehicles and Renewable Energy as well as meet like-minded organisations interested in energy efficiency. The learning and networking event was held by the Sustainable Business Network working in partnership with the Green Growth Platform.

Keith Lewis from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders and Go Ultra Low introduced the latest advancements in Electric Vehicles, including efficiency, cost and potential savings. He also dispelled a few myths regarding the range of  EVs and charging availability.

Keith explained that for a driver who normally drives under 100 miles a day an EV can provide reliable, cheap transport. Running costs are typically 2p a mile compared to 12-21p a mile in a traditional combustion engine, although the initial investment is higher, with government incentives over a period of years the saving do add up!

Steven Peace and Andrew McBean from Peace Marsh Renewables discussed  the different forms of renewable energy available and how these can be incorporated into businesses. As well as payback period and savings on bills, potential returns through the Feed in Tariff and Renewable Heat Incentive were also explained  and illustrated with business examples.

Case study speaker Keston Williams from Barfoots shared how an Anaerobic Digester installed at their site to initially deal with excess vegetable waste has enabled them to be self-sufficient in electricity ever since, as well as earning a Feed in Tariff as well and there is even enough electricity available to power a fleet of electric cars and vans! The AD plant has been so successful in fact that they now have two with another four in the pipe line.

The morning’s presentations are available to download here.

The Sustainable Business Network links businesses interested in improving environmental performance. Regular learning and networking events and Industry Insight Tours are held across Sussex.

The Sustainable Business Network works in partnership with the Green Growth Platform, a five year programme led by the University of Brighton that aims to support the growth of a local low-carbon economy. It offers a range of free and subsidised services to businesses that offer, or are looking to develop, environmental products and services.