Energy & Environmental Management articles from January 2002

Energy & Environmental Management archives from January 2002

Carbon Trust's international debut. (News).(in Marrakesh)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... The Carbon Trust, which began operation in July, made its international debut at November's COP7 Climate Change Conference in Marrakesh. Senior members of The Carbon Trust, including Chief Executive Tom Delay, were in Marrakesh as part of...

Delay hopeful of US action. (News).(the Carbon Trust working to help the US and the UK in environmental aspects)
January 1, 2002... The Carbon Trust is a "unique body because it is rooted in the private business sector, investing in pursuit of public policy objectives," Tom Delay, Chief Executive of the Trust, told his international audience at the Marrakesh reception. This...

Undersea vision. (News).(for electricity transmission grid)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... Brian Wilson, Minister for Energy, has laid out an ambitious vision for the construction of an offshore electricity transmission grid to be built undersea along the west coast of Britain, an area rich in renewables resources, linking it...

Professor named associate director. (News).(Professor Michael Grubb appointed as Associate Policy Director of The Carbon Trust)
January 1, 2002... The appointment of Professor Michael Grubb of Imperial College, London, as Associate Policy Director of The Carbon Trust, was announced during the Marrakesh conference. Speaking at the reception, Professor Grubb said he agreed to take up...

Building for the future. (News).(research and training through the Integration of New and Renewable Energy in Buildings)
January 1, 2002... The energy and construction industries will be able to influence future research and training in new and renewable energy technologies with the launch of INREB, the Integration of New and Renewable Energy in Buildings. Many research and...

Energy efficiency's major boost. (News).(awards for the Energy Efficiency Accreditation Scheme)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... Most businesses could make savings of up to 20% by introducing basic improvements in energy efficiency. That was the message from Tom Delay, the Chief Executive of The Carbon Trust, when he presented the awards for the Energy Efficiency...

Minister's challenge for business. (News).(Environment secretary Margaret Beckett plans for the UK)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... Environment secretary Margaret Beckett called for a genuine investment of energy and resources to meet the environmental challenges facing the world at Equity for a Small Planet, an international workshop globalisation and sustainability forum...

1.5b [pounds sterling] fuel boost. (News).(energy assistance)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... Three million UK pensioners, family and disabled households currently struggle to keep warm in winter -- one in eight of all households. The Government expects to spend 1.5 billion [pounds sterling] a year to remove fuel poverty (defined...

London's exchange of views. (News).(launch of London Sustainability Exchange for information exchange)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... The London Sustainability Exchange (LSx) has been launched as a "one-stop shop" for the transfer of expertise, information and knowledge between organisations, involving the public, private and voluntary sectors. Penny Shepherd, the SLx's...

Cutting edge of recycling. (News).(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... Comet managing director Rob Cissell (left, above) and trainee Mark Gregory cut the cake to celebrate the first anniversary of Renew North East, the social recycling/training enterprise backed by electrical retailer Comet. In its first year...

On-line talks. (News).(online discussion about sustainable development)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... DEFRA has been conducting an on-line discussion about the content of its proposed Sustainable Development Strategy on its website. The mini-site also contains background information on sustainable development and current plans for the strategy....

Protocol can be ratified. (News).(Kyoto Protocol)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... The 170 countries who are signed up to the Kyoto Protocol met in November in Marrakesh and agreed legal safeguards to the Protocol on climate change. The conference turned the summer agreement made in Bonn into a full set of legal texts to...

New scale of waste charges.(U.K.'s Environment Agency)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... The Environment Agency's charge levels in the Waste Management Licensing (WML) scheme have been reviewed and interested parties are being invited to comment on the new scale. The scheme provides for the recovery of the EA's costs of...

Emissions trading go-ahead. (News).(European Commission approves the UK's greenhouse gas emission trading scheme)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... The European Commission has approved the UK's greenhouse gas emission trading scheme, due to launch in April, but warned it must align its rules with the EU scheme, due to begin in 2005. The Commission drew attention to "substantial...

New director. (News).(Carbon Trust)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... The Carbon Trust has appointed Peter Shortt (right) as the director of the Low Carbon Innovation programme. He was formerly head of the Wales Innovation Fund and a director of GLE Development Capital, part of Greater London Enterprise.

Strong wind. (News).(wind power capacity in the UK on the rise)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... The British Wind Energy Association (BWEA) reported the most successful year yet for new wind energy capacity in the UK. 750MW is to be submitted for planning in 2002. If approved, this will set the industry well on the way to its target of...

Sir John appointed Chairman of Energy Advisory Panel. (News).(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... Energy Minister Brian Wilson has announced new appointments to the Energy Advisory Panel which provides advice to Government on a wide range of energy issues. The new Chairman is Sir John Collins, Group Chief Executive of the Vestey Group. Dr...

Waste mountain vow. (News).(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
January 1, 2002... The UK produces more than 400 million tonnes of waste a year and the level keeps rising. In November DEFRA brought together key players to tackle the issue at the Waste Summit. Environment Secretary Margaret Beckett told the delegates that "we...

140m [pounds sterling] in the fighting fund. (News).(proposed environmental spending)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... DEFRA is proposing to provide 140 million [pounds sterling] over the next two years to help local authorities deliver their legal obligations to increase recycling and waste minimisation. Copies of the consultation paper are available at...

Relief for green generators. (News).(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... The Government, in addition to encouraging more local generation of energy by making grid connection easier, is to examine ways to ensure that the New Electricity Trading Arrangements do not disadvantage renewable power sources and CHP. ...

Fuel savings for hotels. (News).(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... The hotel industry in Wales has the potential to save 1 million [pounds sterling] in fuel costs -- up to 400 [pounds sterling] per hotel bedroom. These significant energy savings can be achieved from utilising the information and support...

ECAs' extra cash. (News).(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... Tom Delay, Chief Executive of The Carbon Trust, has welcomed the extra money announced by the Chancellor in November for Enhanced Capital Allowances (ECA) for low carbon technologies. "The opportunities for business are two-fold," said Tom...

Blair's backing. (News).(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... Prime Minister Tony Blair has welcomed the publication of `Resource Productivity: Making More with Less' by the Performance and Innovation Unit. It highlights the scope for improving the environment while also benefiting the economy. "This...

100m [pounds sterling] energy spend. (News).(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... The analysis that underpins the Government's allocation of 100 million [pounds sterling] for the development of renewable energy has been published. The Cabinet Office Policy and Innovation Unit report recommends: * 25 million [pounds...

Firms home in on savings. (News).(The Energy Conference 2001)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... Fast-track learning was the objective of delegates attending the last three sessions of The Energy Conference 2001, organised by ESTA and sponsored by Powergen. Some 500-plus delegates, keen to learn more about NETA and The Carbon Trust, filled...

Wind farm expansion. (EUNews).(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... The world's largest offshore wind farm, consisting of 200 turbines (520MW) and generating enough electricity for half a million homes, could be constructed in the Irish Sea. The Irish Marine and Natural Resources Ministry is considering the...

Lorries feel the pinch. (EUNews).(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... The Chancellor, Gordon Brown, announced in his Pre-budget speech that the Government is planning to charge foreign-registered lorries for the use of British roads. Consultation is taking place on whether charges should be based on travelling...

Good news on air pollution. (EUNews).(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... Most EU countries appear to be on target to meet reduced air pollution levels set out by the National Emission Ceilings Directive and the Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution Protocol. Sulphur dioxide emissions are down 50% and those of...

New low-cost pvs project. (EUNews).(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... Akzo Nobel and Shell Renewables have initiated a joint project to investigate a low-cost process for mass producing flexible solar PV modules. The process, which will apply a special coating to rolls of flexible foil substrates, will be tested...

Germans back solar heating. (EUNews).(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... The German government is to provide increased financial support for the use of renewable energy in the 2002 budget. The total amount allocated is to increase from euros 128m (DM250m) to euros 204m, benefiting mainly solar thermal technology.

Suppliers face electric shock. (EUNews).(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... Upper Austria has introduced a law requiring electricity suppliers to state on their bills what percentage has come from renewable sources. It also gives small renewable energy producers the right to connect up to the grid.

Biofuels priority. (EUNews).(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... The EU Commission has prioritised the use of biofuels in road transport and plans to achieve 20% substitution of diesel and gasoline by alternative fuels by 2020. It is considering two proposals for directives. One would set a minimum...

Dishwashers more efficient. (EUNews).(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... The energy efficiency of EU dishwashing machines is set to improve by 20% come the end of 2002 compared with the late 1990s, under voluntary agreement with manufacturers similar to the one agreed for washing machines. The Competition...

Management making a mark: Martin Fry, Chairman of ESTA, gives a personal perspective on the World Energy Congress, Buenos Aires. (News).(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... The theme set for the 18th Congress, held for the first time in the region of Latin America and the Caribbean, was `Energy Markets: The Challenges of the New Millennium'. Historically the congress has focused on supply side issues and on the...

Taking the chill out of CCL. (Best Practice).(reducing energy use helps food and drink companies remain eligible for Climate Change Levy agreements)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... Now more than ever, food and drink companies are looking for ways to reduce their energy costs. Those who have signed up to Climate Change Levy agreements will know that energy savings achieved will `count twice', by reducing the amount of fuel...

Last call for Euro funding: the last Call for Proposals for the SAVE II and the ALTENER programmes has been recently announced. For those organisations involved in promoting energy efficiency and renewable energy this is one opportunity not to be missed. As Clare Downing, SAVE II Manager, explains, funds of up to 50% are on offer from these European Community programmes. (Feature).(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... SAVE II provides support for non-technological pilot projects to promote energy efficiency within the EU and was designed to complement the efforts of member states in improving energy efficiency. ALTENER promotes similar actions in the...

Fired up with VSD. (Best Practice).(variable speed drives help Hanson Brick save energy costs)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... In the current climate of economic and environmental stringency an increasing number of companies are looking to reduce the energy used by ancillary equipment, as a means of cutting costs and improving their profits. One tool, which has proved...

Waste busters. (Best Practice).(Dundee Electroplating Ltd., Expert Heat Treatments use biotechnology solutions to save money, more)
January 1, 2002... In the engineering industry, biotechnology solutions are being used to treat wastewater, clean metal components, improve health and safety, and reduce solvent emissions to air. Today, simple micro-organisms and enzymes are saving companies...

Cutting car use with networks. (Best Practice).(UK government promotes "travel plan networks" among organizations and businesses)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... Widespread acceptance that continued growth in road traffic is damaging our towns, harming the countryside and contributing to global warming underpins the Government's commitment to an integrated transport policy. An important element of that...

Sound packaging advice: packaging is a necessary fact of life for most manufacturers. So anything that can cut these costs is welcome. The Government's Envirowise has advice and help in good measure to assist companies considering how to reduce packaging. Redesigning packaging options, by reducing material use, also improves a company's environmental impact. (Best Practice).(Harman Pro Audio Manufacturing)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... Harman Pro Audio Manufacturing, based in Cornwall, produces transducers for loudspeakers. As a small operation, it is always looking to improve efficiency and minimise costs. Tackling packaging was an obvious target. The company's experience is...

New publications. (Resources).
January 1, 2002... Solar water heating The Energy Savings Trust has published four case studies on how local authorities are promoting domestic solar water heating. There is also a briefing note which explains solar power and its advantages. All can be...

Website updates. (Resources).
January 1, 2002... * The DTLR Greening Operations Policy Statement is at www.dtlr.gov.uk/about/greening/index .htm and details procurement policy for the department. * The DEFRA website, www.defra.gsi.gov.uk, is being revised to bring it up the new...

Climate solutions. (Resources).
January 1, 2002... Stormy Weather: 101 Solutions to Global Climate Change, by Guy Dauncey is a new encyclopedia of practical information for both individuals and organisations to help find solutions to the problem of climate change. Fifteen key solutions are...

Degree days -- Oct & Nov 2001. (Resources).(temperature statistics of various regions in the United Kingdom)(Illustration)(Statistical Data Included)
January 1, 2002... Degree Days -- Oct & Nov 2001 Thames South Southern South Severn Midland Valley Eastern Western Valley 20yr-Avg 120 145 142 111 117 165 Oct '01 ...

Efficient utilities. (Resources).
January 1, 2002... Most companies are now switched on to the importance of energy efficient process plant but many have yet to consider the energy consumption of the utilities used to serve that plant. Compressed air, motors and boilers all consume...

Positive weblinks. (Resources).(Web sites focusing on renewable energy)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... Positive Power at www.positivepower.co.uk is a UK based web portal focusing on renewable energy, bridging the gap between the companies and organisations involved with renewable energy and people wishing to use it. Future Energies at...

Rising energy costs? -- We can help. (Resources).
January 1, 2002... Many businesses could easily reduce their energy costs by up to 20% using simple actions that produce quick returns. A 20% saving can represent a 5% increase in sales. Although today's businesses have very little management time, expertise...

Government office environmental and energy management contacts.(Brief Article)(Directory)
January 1, 2002... There are 12 environmental and energy management contacts in government offices who can give advice on: * the opportunites for improved energy efficiency and environmental management in your organisation; * the technologies and...

Focus on solar energy.(renewable energy market in Britain)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... Solar energy technology using silicon cells to turn sunlight into electricity -- photovoltaics -- has found many uses since tiny cells first powered calculators. PV's potential for clean, renewable electricity generation is winning widespread...

Incentives for solar energy. (focus on solar energy).(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... The three basic ways of using solar energy in domestic buildings are passive solar, active solar heating and solar photovoltaics. Passive solar is a matter of good design and maybe a small extra cost -- maximising natural light and solar...

Building brighter PV business: the world-wide markets for solar photovoltaic electricity have been growing at 20 to 30% per year for some time and the UK is now starting to catch up. Rod Hacker, Chairman of PV-UK, considers our progress and prospects for catching the sun. (focus on solar energy).(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... The advantages of PV on buildings and the potential for solar energy to eventually meet a significant proportion of electricity demands even in less sunny climates like the UK, has driven several countries to provide a stimulus to their PV...

The positive solution. (focus on solar energy).(Editorial)
January 1, 2002... As society revises definitions of security in the wake of the attack on America, and under the threat of further terrorist attacks, one potential plan leaps out. The modern renewable energy industry could in principle build a world with much...

PV in buildings -- the trials. (focus on solar energy).(photovoltaics)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... "The Government's solar housing and large-scale building trials are the start of a long-term strategy," says Energy Minister Brian Wilson. "I want to see tens of thousands of roofs covered by solar panels over the next 10 years, rivalling the...

The future of transport. (focus on solar energy).(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... Three exciting technologies -- photovoltaics, electrolysers and fuel cells -- are being used in a new Cambridge enterprise to create the first carbon-free buses. USHER is the world's largest solar hydrogen energy project designed to power...

Breaking down the barriers. (focus on solar energy).(publicizing solar energy)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... The integration of sustainable energy issues into government programmes and practice can help to blend the best of what market economics can offer with the intervention necessary to promote development, protect consumers and bring environmental...

Voters pick solar. (focus on solar energy).(solar and wind power in San Francisco, California)
January 1, 2002... Seventy-four per cent of San Francisco residents have voted to issue $100 million in revenue bonds to install solar and wind energy facilities on city buildings, making the city the solar Capital of the US, despite its frequent fog cover. ...

Solar canopy experiment. (focus on solar energy).(United Kingdom)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... The largest solar canopy in the UK has been installed at Doncaster's Earth Centre. It provides a sheltered plaza with pools of dappled sunlight while emphasising the importance of on-site electricity generation using photovoltaics. The...