Energy & Environmental Management articles from January 2004

Energy & Environmental Management archives from January 2004

Chancellor promises to consult more--but disappoints many.(News)
January 1, 2004... The December preview of the 2004 Budget revealed few new policy changes for the environment, but promised more talks, which disappointed many. Road fuels The Government was accused of creating confusion for motorists over plans to...

Energy Bill covers nuclear clean-up.(News)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... A new Energy Bill is finally in the Government's legislative agenda for what is widely seen as its last full session before a general election. It will implement commitments in the Energy White Paper, published nearly a year ago, to develop...

Big rewards in prospect.(News)(opportunities from energy, environmental policy changes)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Forewarned is not only forearmed, but yields a strong competitive advantage for companies and investors when it comes to climate change, Environment Secretary Margaret Beckett told a city audience from the investment, financial and insurance...

Pitching Green.(News)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Businesses must do more to make sure their environmental claims are true, according to a new Defra and DTI report, Green Claims--Practical Guidance. Minister for Business and the Environment Lord Whitty said: "False, misleading or meaningless...

... And renewables.(News)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... electricity transmission and distribution companies facing actual or threatened insolvency. We are already seeing gas pipelines from the continent having exemptions from European gas and electricity directives in preparation for the UK...

Fuel cell design takes top prize for innovation.(News)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... A fuel cell design has been chosen as one most likely to be a market leader in the race to meet the energy needs of the future. Ceres Power Ltd is the overall winner in the Carbon Trust Innovation Awards 2003 for the UK's top low carbon...

City-wide heating scheme.(Energy)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Leicester is to host the first city-wide community heating scheme to be supported under the Government's Community Energy programme. 5.1 million [pounds sterling] will help heat university buildings, four housing estates and 16 council-owned...

Plug-and-play generation.(Energy)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Could a small box bring DIY renewables to the masses? An innovative "plug-in" rooftop wind generator has been launched by former Energy Minister Brian Wilson in Glasgow, with two of the UK's largest councils signing up to pilot the scheme. ...

Biofuels policy 'muddled'.(Energy)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... A House of Commons select committee has recommended that biofuels should increasingly be used in transport to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, it accuses the Government's biofuels policy of being "muddled and unfocussed". ...

Tops in energy efficiency.(Energy)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... A record 28 organisations gained the Energy Efficiency Accreditation Scheme Award in December. A further 38 gained re-accreditation, meaning they had maintained the highest standards of energy efficiency for a further three years. Amey &...

Generating power offshore.(Renewables)(RWE Innogy plc)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... In a first for Britain, celebrated by full page adverts in national papers, North Hoyle Offshore Wind Farm started to generate clean, green electricity for some 50,000 homes across the country on November 25. National Wind Power, a...

Investors need more certainty.(Renewables)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... The Government needs to offer far greater certainty to the investment community in terms of incentives on renewables if the target of 10.4% by 2010 is to be met, according to a new report from the Carbon Trust, examining Investor Perspectives...

Electrical goods face big clean-up.(Waste News)(Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive)(Restrictions of Hazardous Substances Directive )
January 1, 2004... The Government has come up with ideas to deal with the mountains of redundant electronic equipment set to erupt upon the introduction of the EC WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Directive on August 13. Exactly a year later...

Mercuric cure for lamp recycling.(Waste News)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Currently, around 100 million fluorescent lighting tubes are landfilled in the UK each year due to lack of an alternative destination. Now, research by WRAP (the Waste & Resources Action Programme), has shown how recovered lamp glass could be...

Waste Trading Bill.(Waste News)(Waste and Emissions Trading Act )(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... The Waste and Emissions Trading Act became law in November. It aims to reduce progressively the amount of waste going to landfill to 35% of 1995 levels, in 2020 (the maximum length of time allowed by the EC Landfill Directive), partly by...

Composting up 100%.(Waste News)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... The amount of material being composted in the UK increased 100% between 1999/00 and 2001/02 according to The Composting Association's latest survey. It shows that 1.66 million tonnes was processed at 218 composting facilities. The State of...

PFI waste schemes boost.(Waste News)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Environment Minister Elliot Morley has announced two changes to the waste PFI criteria. The cap of 25miilion [pounds sterling] for PFI credits for a single project has risen to 40million [pounds sterling] and could be more. References to...

New packaging targets.(Waste News)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... New business recovery and recycling targets for 2004-2008 came into effect on January 1. The business targets for packaging waste will go up from the previous 59% recovery and 19% material-specific recycling as follows-Packaging recovery and...

Pollution charges.(Waste News)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... The Environment Agency is changing the amount it charges for regulating polluters. Those affected by Waste Management Licensing, Pollution Prevention Control, Integrated Pollution Control and Radioactive Substances Regulations have until...

Pollution control.(Waste News)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Almost 6,500 installations in the UK are affected by the EC's IPPC Directive. The largest sector, waste management, contains 1,424. Details of how the UK manages all of them and implements the Directive can be found in its report to the EC on...

Recycling Bill.(Waste News)(Household Waste Recycling Act )(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... The Household Waste Recycling Act is now on the statute book. It means that English waste collection authorities must, by the end of 2010, collect at least two recyclates separately from "absolute rubbish". Defra will be consulting on guidance...

Sewage emissions.(Waste News)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Water companies are being consulted on changes to the Pollution Inventory reporting requirements relating to emissions from sewage treatment works. New substances have been added to the list and thresholds changed, to match those reported by...

Hazardous report.(Waste News)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... The Hazardous Waste Forum, set up by the Government a year ago, has published an advisory document setting out key issues and actions to ensure sound management of hazardous waste. It calls for a new task force to review progress for hazardous...

10m [pounds sterling] drive for future cars.(Environment)(developing fuel efficient vehicles)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Five exciting projects have been selected for funding under a Government drive to make future transport more fuel efficient. They include four hybrid powertrain prototypes from the MG Rover Group, Ricardo UK, Daimler Chrysler, and Bertrandt UK,...

Call for business to come clean on greenhouse emissions.(Environment)(Institute for Public Policy Research )(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... A survey has found that only 39% of large companies monitored emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, but 44% had a policy in relation to reducing emissions, leaving vague the question of how 5% evaluate the policy. The...

Methane growth halts.(Environment)(Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation )(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... The concentration of methane, the second most potent greenhouse gas in the atmosphere, has stopped growing and levels could begin to decrease, according to the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO). "Over the...

Saving online.(Environment)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... A new web-based List now makes it easy to find approved water efficient technologies such as water meters, flow controllers, leakage detection equipment, water efficient taps and toilets. Businesses purchasing products on the List will save...

Flight plans.(Environment)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Emissions from aircraft are an increasingly significant contributor to climate change. At present there is no attempt to make the aviation industry and its customers pay for the pollution they cause. A Sustainable Development Commission...

Mini-CHP, a practical step towards environmental sustainability.(CHP)(Combined Heat & Power)(Advertisement)
January 1, 2004... Tough times continue to prevail for the Combined Heat & Power (CHP) industry in the UK, and it could be argued that 2003 was not an ideal time to launch a new CHP product. Low electricity prices and high gas prices experienced across most...

Kyoto calling: greenhouse gas trading draws near.(News)
January 1, 2004... The Environment Agency is keen to fire up interest in emission trading among businesses and organisations across England and Wales as the first stage of implementating the Europe-wide scheme in the UK, due to commence on January 1 2005. ...

Sort out food's impact.(News)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Reducing C[O.sub.2] emissions from our food systems is vital to efforts to meet the total target of 60% cuts by 2050, according to a new study by Transport 2000. UK-based food distribution and travel for food shopping account for 3.5% of...

Turn off, tune in ... drop off: what the changes will mean: eco-design, take-back schemes, clearing houses. A change is in store for those white, grey and black gadgets ...(Feature)(Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment directive)
January 1, 2004... Manufacturers will have to register as producers, and arrange and pay for the recovery, reuse and recycling of waste electrical and electronic equipment; and to deliver target levels of recovery and reuse/recycling jointly with other producers...

How UK can rule waves again.(Renewables)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Britain could rule the waves again--if it chooses to invest wisely. Wave and tidal power, and offshore wind, have the medium-term potential to satisfy our energy needs and to build a world-leading industry providing many jobs, says a new report...

Fastest growth rate.(Renewables)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Offshore wind was signalled again as the major plank in the Government's bid to meet its targets for renewable energy with the announcement of 59million [pounds sterling] of new funding for six wind farms. They are: * Burbo, Liverpool...

Doing more with less.(Focus on ... sustainable consumption and production)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Doing more with less, and cradle-to-grave rethinks, sound like simple ideas. They are at the heart of "Changing Patterns" the Government framework for Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP) launched last September. But how can they be put...

Building blocks for progress.(Focus on ... sustainable consumption and production)
January 1, 2004... The Government's "Changing Patterns" framework emphasises the need for cost-effective measures in the life-cycle or supply chain hierarchy--preventions rather than cures--and considers the Government's role to work with others to set sensible...

Industrial symbiosis--sympathy for the wider picture that repays dividends: Peter Laybourn of the Business Council for Sustainable Development lets you into the secrets of how to tease out additional resource efficiencies and market opportunities that can get you ahead of the game.(focus on sustainable consumption and production)
January 1, 2004... Many individual companies or industry associations have made (or perceive they have made) progress on single issues like energy efficiency, waste minimisation, resource efficiency and logistics. Some have experimented with waste exchanges,...

Spending wisely: how the market transformation programme helps green procurement.(focus on sustainable consumption and production)
January 1, 2004... The Energy White Paper has set the UK on course for a low carbon economy. One of the themes of its energy efficiency implementation plan is to raise product standards. In parallel, the Government has already committed to sustainable procurement...

Cleaner design track to sustainable profits.(Design track: savings from smarter design)
January 1, 2004... An understanding of sustainable development embraces the realisation that natural resources are vital to economic activity. By examining how to reduce waste throughout their manufacturing processes, conserving raw materials and considering end...

Enworks' know-how pays off.(focus on sustainable consumption and production)
January 1, 2004... For small to medium sized companies, managing environmental performance is often seen as 'too difficult' or 'not relevant' to their business. Too often the environment is simply ignored. But if you're an SME in the North West, count yourself...

Sustainable shopping now top of the list: 13bn [pounds sterling] a year on goods and services ...(focus on sustainable consumption and production)
January 1, 2004... Government buys some 13billion [pounds sterling] of goods and service every year. It therefore has a significant role to play in promoting sustainable procurement. In October, Ministers across Whitehall signed up to the immediate implementation...

More than just a wake-up call.(focus on sustainable consumption and production)(report of the Advisory Committee on Business and the Environment)
January 1, 2004... The Advisory Committee on Business and the Environment (ACBE) has spent the last two years considering environmental issues that are key to both business and Government--from planning, energy, waste, economic instruments, internalising...

Measuring up to the challenge: David Cutteridge of Inchferry Consulting discusses the Sustainability Assessment Model (SAM), developed to represent visually and monetarily the impact of any activity.(focus on sustainable consumption and production)
January 1, 2004... Sustainable development (the journey to a sustainable society) is becoming seen increasingly as a critical issue for present and future generations. The Sustainability Assessment Model (SAM) measures how the activities of a project,...

Sustainable consumption: the key route to business competitiveness.(focus on sustainable consumption and production)
January 1, 2004... With the recent publication of Changing Patterns: UK Government Framework for Sustainable Consumption and Production, the Government has further highlighted its determination to move UK PLC further along the road to sustainable economic growth....

Retro fit for a greener Nottingham semi.(Feature)
January 1, 2004... A Nottingham couple has been working on the ecological renovation of a turn-of-the-century semi-detached home in West Bridgford, just outside Nottingham. It shows what can be done to make existing housing stock as resource-efficient as...

Planning to speed up renewables.(Energy)
January 1, 2004... Frustrated by the slow pace of renewable energy installations and the fact that many fail in the planning process, the Government is seeking views on proposed changes to the planning process. Its new draft Planning Policy Statement 22 (PPS22),...

Peterborough poised for growth and expansion.(Focus on Peterborough)(Advertisement)
January 1, 2004... Gillian Beasley, Peterborough City Council's chief executive, is passionate about what the city has to offer environment sector businesses. At a time when many local councils are working hard to persuade the government not to 'force'...

Peterborough delivers environmental message to Europe.(Focus on Peterborough)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Representatives from Peterborough's growing cluster of environment companies travelled to an exhibition in France to encourage more of these firms to move to the East of England Staff from Greater Peterborough Investment Agency (GPIA) and...

Consultancy awarded waterways project.(Focus on Peterborough)(The Fens Waterways link funded in part by several agencies has placed a contract with Atkins)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Internationally renowned engineering and environmental consultancy Atkins has been commissioned to produce an implementation plan for a prestigious new waterways project to link the East of England with the rest of the UK. Atkins'...

PECT initiative receives national recognition.(Focus on Peterborough)(Green Apple awards given to Peterborough Environment City Trust)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Peterborough Environment City Trust has received national recognition for its Business & Environment Management Scheme. It has won a Green Apple environmental award from the green organisation The Green Apple awards are an annual campaign...

Sweet success in Peterborough.(Focus on Peterborough)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Business is booming for specialist engineering company Peter Brotherhood Ltd, based in Peterborough, with year end sales anticipated to be significantly ahead of forecast. The company's turbine division has been particularly successful,...

Wood 'n' Things plans expansion.(Focus on Peterborough)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Award-winning furniture manufacturer Wood 'n' Things, which produces individually crafted garden furniture built entirely from reclaimed timber pallets, is planning to open a showroom in Peterborough so it can satisfy demand for its popular...

Buglife sets up offices in Peterborough.(Focus on Peterborough)(Buglife, the Invertebrate Conservation Trust set up)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Buglife, the Invertebrate Conservation Trust, has set up new offices in Peterborough. The offices provide Buglife with a central location from which it can travel efficiently across the UK and be amongst the many environmental organisations...

Leading consultancies expand.(Focus on Peterborough)(Sustainable Construction Unit of Scott Wilson appoints Nicholas Lander and Mark Gatterel)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Peterborough is proving an ideal location for growth and expansion, with two of the city's environmental consultancies undertaking recruitment drives. Halcrow, which provides consultancy resources for the planning, design and supervision...

New national recycling resource launched.(Focus on Peterborough)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Two Peterborough-based marketing consultancies are working on the launch of a new national resource for waste management professionals. Smye Holland Associates and Burall Myles are promoting Bankit--an innovative new resource to help local...

Save more in 2004.(Best Practice)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... The days of cheap energy are over for UK business. Action Energy's free New Year Starter Pack to cut energy costs and protect the environment should be a vital aid to business as energy bills threaten to become a key issue in 2004. Dr...

Safeway to energy efficiency.(Best Practice)
January 1, 2004... Staff training is the route to energy savings at the Safeway supermarket chain, where the first phase of a national energy awareness campaign has just been completed. Keith Piller, of the Safeway energy team, says: "We have had extremely...

How to influence senior managers.(Best Practice)
January 1, 2004... The role of senior managers should be one of vision, leadership and delivery. Yet vitally they need to be kept informed and motivated, and that is often where the middle manager becomes most influential. With this in mind, Government Office...

Supergen to the rescue.(Resources)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... The Carbon Trust continues its drive to increase R&D into low carbon technologies with a new collaborative approach with the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). Their joint Carbon Vision project will how include those...

Creating excellent buildings.(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... A series of free events is being run by CABE (the Commission for Architecture & the Built Environment), to disseminate the practical advice provided in their Creating Excellent Buildings: A Guide for Clients. The dates are: Jan 22, MAGNA,...

Events diary.(Resources)(Brief Article)(Calendar)
January 1, 2004... 3-February: Scottish Energy & Environment Conference; Glasgow: www.seecon.org.uk, T. 01257 276176. February: Finding Hidden Profit--Practical ways to minimise waste and convert turnover, and Waste Minimisation Seminars around the country....

Degree days--October & November 2003.(Resources)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Degree Days--October & November 2003 Thames South Southern South Severn Valley Eastern Western Valley 20 yr. avg 120 147 140 110 122 Oct '02 126...

Affymetrix.(Products & Services)
January 1, 2004... Affymetrix is a pioneer in creating breakthrough tools that are driving the genomic revolution. By applying the principles of semiconductor technology to the fife sciences, Affymetrix develops and commercialises systems that enable scientists...

Slim inverter for motor drive control improves energy efficiency and extends equipment life.(Products & Services)
January 1, 2004... Honeywell's versatile new NXL Series of compact inverters for motor drive control improves energy efficiency and extends equipment life. It includes ultra-slim models--down to 60mm wide--so the space occupied can be as small as possible for...

Eco adventure.(Products & Services)
January 1, 2004... As part of its 10-year celebrations, CARE International's Challenge Series is launching a new eco-friendly charity event--the Eco-Adventure Challenge. Organised in association with green energy supplier Ecotricity, the 24-hour challenge...

Servomex: combustion analyser boosts efficiency of cremation ovens.(Products & Services)
January 1, 2004... The leading cremation oven manufacturer, DFW Europe BV, based in Heergugowaard in the Netherlands, is now installing Servomex 2700 combustion analysers as standard equipment on most of its range, which is sold and maintained throughout...

Clarks has passion for waste.(Products & Services)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Thames Valley law firm Clerks has seen its Environmental and Waste Management Team grow from strength to strength in recent months. The latest recruit is Libby Cooper as Environmental Consultant from waste management company SITA, where she was...

npower MBA secures first Irish gas contract.(Products & Services)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... npower major business accounts (mba) has secured its first gas supply contract in the recently deregulated Irish gas market. Lakeland Daries, one of Ireland's largest dairy processors, has signed a one year contract with npower mba to...

Energy indicators.(Products & Services)(Defra)(DTI)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Defra and the DTI have established 24 indicators for the implementation of the Energy White Paper. They will match the four key goals of the White Paper (cutting C[O.sub.2], maintaining reliable energy supplies, promoting productivity and...