Energy & Environmental Management articles from July 2002

Energy & Environmental Management archives from July 2002

Energy efficiency now on board agendas. (News).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... Do British companies really care about the environment? This was the subject for a talkback debate at the Climate Change--Our Business conference as part of the ET2002 trade show at the NEC. The consensus was that while most companies do not...

GEO3's vital reminder. (News).(environmental report details)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... By 2030, "there may not be a world worth living in," said Environment Secretary Margaret Beckett, "unless we take decisive action now." She was launching the global environmental outlook--GEO 3--from the UN's Environment Programme with UNEP's...

The UN environment programme's conclusion. (News).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... `The modern industrial economies of North America, Europe and parts of East Asia consume immense quantities of energy and raw materials, and produce high volumes of wastes and polluting emissions. The continued poverty of the majority of the...

New earth summit. (News).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... Following the Earth Summit in Rio in 1992, the UK launched strategies on Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Biodiversity as Energy Management (right) recorded in 1994; and 10 years later, the World Summit on Sustainable Development...

Bali achievements. (News).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... The hope everywhere is that the World Sustainable Development Summit at the end of August will not be a lost opportunity. Preparatory talks in Bali agreed around 80% of the action plan for Johannesburg, according to talks chairman Emil Salim....

Type 2 deals vital. (News).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... The World Summit in Johannesburg from 26 August is aiming for high-level political declaration and a programme of action for the further implementation of Agenda 21, negotiated and agreed by all governments (Type 1 outcomes). Non-negotiated...

Climate change: act now or pay the penalty. (News).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... Launching a new report on the impacts of climate change, Secretary of State Margaret Beckett urged British business and local authorities to start planning ahead now, or Pace the possibility of insurmountable problems in the future. "This...

Bids invited.
July 1, 2002... Proposals are invited for the latest round of the Sustainable Energy R+D Programme. This will allocate up to 15 million [pounds sterling] of DTI funds to support research and development of renewables technologies. The money forms part of the...

Air check.
July 1, 2002... DEFRA is seeking views on one of the key indicators used by the Government in assessing progress on sustainable development: the monitoring sites used in air quality measurement. The closing date for responses is 8 August. See:...

Changing the name. (News).(Energy, Resource, Environmental and Sustainable Management)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... The oil crises of the mid-70s with the three-day week led to the memorable "Save It" slogan and to Energy Management newspaper (right) being launched. In 1988 the newspaper merged with Energy Management Focus to become a magazine. Nearly...

2.3m [pounds sterling] for wave energy. (Renewables News).(Wavegen grant information)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... Inverness company Wavegen is to get 2.3 million [pounds sterling] to support the development and demonstration of new wave energy devices off the Western Isles. Announcing the decision, Energy Minister Brian Wilson commented: "Crofting...

A fresh wind.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... Michael Meacher has given the go-ahead to a 76 megawatt offshore windfarm, the first of a new generation of farms for the UK, to be built at Middle Scroby Sands, 2.5km off Great Yarmouth, Norfolk. Comprising up to 38 turbines, it should provide...

Wales wind farms.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... The Wales Assembly turned down two wind farm planning applications in May in Montgomeryshire--for 42 turbines at Cwm Llwyd, Carno, and a further 16 at Nant Carfan, Llnanbrynmair--but it passed 17 turbines at Mynydd Clogau, near Adfa. Two weeks...

Foundation to carbon savings. (News).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... The Foundation Programme, the first of The Carbon Trust's key product initiatives, was launched in May to accelerate the development of new and emerging low carbon technologies (energy efficient technologies and low carbon energy supplies) in...

Medal winner. (News).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... Dr Mary Archer, scientist and President of the National Energy Foundation, is the recipient of the 68th Melchett Medal, the Institute of Energy's most prestigious annual award. Dr Archer specialises in the direct conversion of solar energy to...

Colourless gold. (News).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... The new currency isn't the Euro--it's carbon dioxide. Royal Dutch/Shell and Elsam, Denmark's largest electricity generator, have established the first link between the only two national emission trading schemes in the world. They do it by...

NETA's first review. (News).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... Ofgem's first year review of the New Electricity Trading Arrangements (NETA) will be published in July. Keep an eye on www.ofgem.gov.uk.

Greening the summit. (News).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... A `Greening the World Summit' initiative aims to ensure the second Earth Summit brings real benefits to the people of Gauteng, near Johannesburg, who host the Summit. It is the first attempt to organise a major United Nations Summit in an...

Environment improvement patchy. (EU News).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... Efforts to lessen pressures on Europe's environment are making uneven progress, according to the European Environment Agency's annual assessment. Environmental Signals 2002 points to positive results such as: * Greenhouse gas emissions are...

Solar Olympics. (EU News).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... Photovoltaic modules will power the new offices of the Organisational Committee for the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece in 2004. They will be installed by new Greek solar firm Heliodomi S.A. Environmental awareness and sensitivity are...

How green is your procurement? (EU News).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... For a while now public authorities have been able to take into account "environmental characteristics" in setting criteria for the award of contracts, as long as it's "economically advantageous". But what does this mean? In a landmark case, a...

The economics of IPPC. (EU News).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... European Commission officials, stakeholders and industry have concluded that the integrated pollution prevention and control (IPPC) directive presents a major opportunity for industry. It applies best available techniques (BAT), in the process...

Blowing hot and cold. (EU News).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... Electric ovens and air conditioning systems, both high power consumers, have been added to the A-to-G energy rating system introduced in the EU for household goods like washers and fridges. Retailers must label products from 2003. More...

Councils hold key to recycling. (Waste News).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... Nine out of 10 people claim they would be "very likely" to sort rubbish for recycling if the local council provided containers, according to an Environment Agency survey. Where councils already provide containers, the survey shows that...

2.6m [pounds sterling] boost in waste war. (Waste News).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... Major UK company Allied Distillers has saved up to 2.6 million [pounds sterling] through waste minimisation in one year. It is now extending similar procedures throughout its supply chain. Seven suppliers saved 1.2 million [pounds sterling]...

Nuclear waste--`act now'. (Waste News).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... The biggest ever survey of what Europeans think about nuclear power has found that 80% want generators to be responsible for their nuclear waste now, and not leave the problem for future generations to sort out. The European Commission's...

Testing centre will help your meter measure up; the Measurement and Calibration Centre (M&CC) operated by ECS provides electricity meter refurbishment, calibration and certification. (Feature).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... It is one of only a few establishments remaining in the country able to carry out meter refurbishment. Its service is aimed at distribution and meter operator businesses responsible for meter re-certification. It works on behalf of...

Small step when the environment demands a giant leap. (CHP).(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
July 1, 2002... Publication of the Government's new Strategy for CHP to 2010 is a welcome step towards making efficient, sustainable energy supplies available to more consumers--the CHPA has firmly welcomed the strategy, albeit only in draft form, albeit a...

Now it's Action Energy. (News).(energy program)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... Action Energy has been launched by The Carbon Trust to help businesses and organisations of all sizes to cut energy costs through the provision of free, professional advice and assistance. The Government-backed initiative replaces the Energy...

Moving towards a web future. (News).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... As well as changing its name, for only the second time in 25 years, this magazine is now moving into the internet age as last year's reader survey (more than 500 responses) showed that our readers were very web aware. * Nearly all were on...

Going back to basics. (News).(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
July 1, 2002... Power firms Powergen and Innogy are thinking of burning wood and straw with coal in power stations to cut greenhouse gas emissions and get green certificates. "We are looking at wood burning. It would be a mixture--less than 10% wood," said...

`Twinkle effect' blocks wind farms. (News).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... The Ministry of Defence is opposing at least five of 18 proposed offshore wind farms and more onshore. It claims they will interfere with military aviation radar. If this view prevails, it may prevent the Government from meeting its target of...

New energy professor. (News).(David Strong)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... Dr David Strong, managing director of BRE's energy division, has accepted a position as an honorary visiting special professor at Nottingham University's School of The Built Environment. Special professorships are awarded to distinguished...

25m [pounds sterling] turbine deal. (News).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... Powergen Renewables is to buy its first British-built wind turbines in a 25 million [pounds sterling] deal. The company, a joint venture between Powergen and Abbot Group, is to buy 71 turbines from the new Vestas plant near Cambeltown,...

Knowledge is power at Nemex 2002; public sector, commerce and industry all have one thing in common this year--energy saving will be near the top of all their agenda. (Feature).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... This year's National Energy Management Exhibition and Conference (NEMEX) will take place November 20-21 at the Pavilion Halls, Birmingham, shortly after the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg. It is planned that the Kyoto...

What should business do about global warming? (Feature).(trading emissions credits)
July 1, 2002... What is the biggest contribution that business can make to tackling global warming? Could it be research and development into renewable energy technologies, or companies committing themselves to reduce their own greenhouse gas emissions? Or...

Toolkit for sustainable living. (Feature).(Hockerton Housing Project's)(The Sustainable Community)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... The Hockerton Housing Project in Nottinghamshire has been managing an initiative called The Sustainable Community for two years, supported by DEFRA's Environmental Action Fund. The key aim has been to produce a toolkit of services to enable...

Efficiency at the heart of smart business. (Feature).(Strategy for Sustainable Development)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... The environment and the economy ate often portrayed as being on opposing sides of the business equation--but not any more. The boom of the 80s that promoted growth and profits at any expense is a thing of the past--a glitch in our economic...

Scrap car mountain looming. (Transport).(British Metals Recycling Association)(report)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
July 1, 2002... The country faces the possibility of the recent fridge mountains being joined by similar mountains of abandoned cars. This is because funding for the EU's new directive on car recycling remains unclear, according to the British Metals Recycling...

Stepping on the gas. (Transport).(natural gas vehicles)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... Vehicle manufacturers can now apply for grants to demonstrate new, natural gas vehicles through the Energy Saving Trust's Transport Action initiative. They are quieter than diesels and emit lower levels of particulates and oxides of nitrogen....

Check on batteries. (Transport).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... International guidelines on the collection, transport and storage of used lead-acid batteries have been issued by a technical working group of the UN Basel convention on hazardous waste trade. The draft document aims to help governments develop...

Walk for a week. (Transport).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... Funding has been announced to help local authorities encourage children to take more environmentally friendly and healthier travel to school. They include Young TransNet, an IT-based network (www.youngtransnet.org.uk) set up by the National...

Pedal power. (Transport).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... A team of regional cycling experts has been appointed to bring improvements for cyclists throughout England. John Spellar, Minister for Transport, has asked consultants AEA Technology to create the new English Regional Cycling Development...

Switch to green power. (Renewables).(Questions and Answers)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
July 1, 2002... Q. What's the simplest thing you can do to make a large difference to your environmental `footprint'--the effect your activities have on the environment? A. Switch to renewable electricity--it is often as cheap as regular electricity and...

A guaranteed market. (Renewables).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... The Renewables Obligation (and the Scottish Renewables Obligation in Scotland) obliges all electricity suppliers to source a growing percentage of their total supplies from eligible renewable energy sources. It is set at 3% for the year...

Addressing Agenda 21. (Feature).(Rio Declaration on Environment and Development)(Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... Ten years ago, in June 1992, the world's nations sent their leaders to Rio de Janeiro where they debated the issues of how states should develop their own resources in the context of environmental concerns. They proclaimed some 27 statements...

Selling sustainable development: whether you are a manufacturer wanting to market a green product, or a manager trying to encourage people to behave more sustainably, you will know how difficult it is. David Thorpe looks at a new publication by the Green Alliance that throws some light on how to gear up green action. (Feature).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... People don't always mean what they say or say what they mean. Studies, for example by the Co-operative Bank, have shown that although 30% of people say they are concerned about environmental and ethical aspects of products and services, only 3%...

Energy policy--your view. (Resources).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... The next stage in redrafting the country's energy policy has begun, with opinions sought on the Performance and Innovation Unit's review, (see Energy & Environmental Management March/April), and the Royal Commission on Renewable Energy's...

Conference time. (Resources).(ENVEC 2002, energy and environmental management conference and exhibition)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... ENVEC 2002, the main energy and environmental management conference and exhibition in the South West, will be held on October 9 in Weston-super-Mare. Topics being covered are `The Impact of Climate Change on the South West--the Effects on...

CAP's influence. (Resources).(Common Agricultural Policy)(United Kingdom Department of the Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... A report on the environmental effects of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) subsidies has been produced by DEFRA and sent to the EC. It largely confirms that CAP has been the biggest influence on agricultural land use since the UK joined the...

CHP target. (Resources).(United Kingdom Department of the Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs conference)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... Environment Minister Michael Meacher will provide the keynote speech at the Domestic CHP 2002 seminar on July 10 at the CBI Conference Centre in London. Supported by DEFRA, the aim is to raise awareness of domestic CHP among potential...

Recycling as you build. (Resources).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... In a major effort to reduce the need for landfill disposal, the Building Research Establishment (BRE) is hosting an initiative from the Waste and Resources Action Programme to encourage the use of construction products with a high content of...

Upcoming events. (Resources).
July 1, 2002... 1-30 September: Management of Wastes from Drinking Water Treatment International Conference, London. Contact: Erica Hammond, Terence Dalton Ltd; Tel. 01787 249290; Fax: 01787 248267. 5-6 September: Second European Conference on Green Power...

Around the web. (Resources).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... Earth Summit The official Johannesburg Earth Summit is at www.johannesburgsummit.org/and contains details of all the preparatory discussions. It will supply daily updates during the gathering. Most relevant NGOs and companies have...

Conference date. (Resources).(United Kingdom Environment Agency)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... The Environment Agency will be hosting a major conference on 22-23 October at the National Agricultural Centre, Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, featuring a variety of free and accessible workshops, with four key themes--waste, health, energy and...

Cementing change. (Resources).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... The global cement industry produces 1.5 billion tons of cement annually--a `glue' which holds together much of our modern infrastructure. The industry is concerned about sustainability and has produced a new two-year initiative under the lead...

Sector projects. (Resources).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... `Sector projects', a new World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) brochure, outlines groundbreaking work carried out by six industry sectors toward sustainable development. It claims that sustainable development is too big for...

Health warning. (Resources).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... A new leaflet explains where to get up-to-date information on current levels of air pollution, what air pollution can mean for your health, and what you can do about it. It is co-published by DEFRA, the Department of Health, the Scottish...

Discharge rules. (Resources).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... The Environment Agency has issued a revised policy for consenting discharges that contain dangerous substances. The changes affect discharges with low concentrations of dangerous substances in the effluent, or lower inherent toxicity. The full...

Degree days--April & May 2002. (Resources).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... Degree Days--April & May 2002 Thames South Southern South Severn Midland Valley Eastern Western Valley 20yr.avg 186 212 221 198 188 227 Apr01 ...

Government office environmental and energy management contacts.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... There are 12 environmental and energy management contacts in government offices who can advise on energy and environmental business support activities in your region. Also contact the Environment and Energy Helpline 0800 585 794 for advice...

Focus on sustainable management.(environmental protection conference program)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... Getting a better quality of life, now and in the future, locally and globally is a challenging target. It was the aim of the Rio Earth Summit 10 years ago, and it is the aim of the Johannesburg Summit at the end of August. A World Summit...

A shared agenda for action: Environment Minister Michael Meacher looks forward to the World Summit as an opportunity to commit to ... (focus on sustainable management).
July 1, 2002... The World Summit on Sustainable Development, taking place in Johannesburg, South Africa, from 26 August-4 September, should be the largest gathering of world leaders, certainly since the Rio Summit on Environment and Development 10 years ago....

Building the business case: personalising sustainable development ... with Rowland Hill, Environmental Affairs, Manager, Marks & Spencer. (focus on sustainable management).
July 1, 2002... Even if you're not planning to attend in person, there can't be many of us who won't be watching developments at the up coming World Summit on sustainability--dubbed Rio +10. The debates seem likely to centre on two connected themes: global...

Our role in making the UK more sustainable: ignore the predictable cynicism. The World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) offers a unique opportunity to improve the lives of every single person on this planet, and that includes our own. (focus on sustainable management).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... Much has been, and will be, written about sustainable development at a global level, quite rightly given the international nature of the Johannesburg Summit. However as a counterpoint in this article, I will outline why, as Chairman of the UK...

Building to last. (focus on sustainable management).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... "Unless you involve the private sector in tackling sustainable development all you will be doing is rearranging deckchairs on the Titanic." That was the no-nonsense message of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors Foundation to the...

Brighton's Big Brother nine: still wondering how to get the sustainable development message across? Agenda 21 recognised the importance of local action in promoting real change. It inspired some innovative responses to raise awareness, not least from Brighton's local authority. (focus on sustainable management).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... Whether you love it or not, the chances are you won't be able to avoid Big Brother 3 in the coming weeks. But imagine what would happen if you brought together the video diaries of reality tv, with the 21st century fascination with the personal...

Keeping the focus for change: down the road from Rio ... what's top of the Local Agenda? (focus on sustainable management).
July 1, 2002... After the first Earth Summit, a decade ago, Agenda 21 set out the broad tasks that the world's nations needed to act upon to create a better future. These fell under the theme of `sustainable development', which had three pillars: economic,...

Eden--and a sense of what's possible. (focus on sustainable management).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... The Eden Project has made an astonishing impact. In its first year, the 86 million [pounds sterling] investment has generated a 150 million [pounds sterling] spend in the South West and attracted two million visitors. Its success in this...