Energy & Environmental Management articles from July 2003

Energy & Environmental Management archives from July 2003

Europe a key to low carbon future says Turner.(News)
July 1, 2003... Taxation, Europe and transport were highlighted as three policy areas demanding bold action in the face of the real threat of climate change, according to Adair Turner in presenting the first Carbon Trust lecture. The vice-president of...

Sustainable Oscar.(News)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... A community-owned wind farm set up by three Welsh upland sheep-farming families to provide an alternative income and energy for the community has won 30,000 [pounds sterling] as part of the prestigious Ashden Awards for Sustainable Energy 2003....

Reforming action.(News)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Minister Alun Michael reported strong support to improve local environments across England and Wales following a consultation to consider options for legislative reform. Defra received 248 written responses and high attendance at seminars. Some...

Reader responses.(News)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... This magazine sets great value on feedback from its readers. That is why we have carried out regular reader surveys. Thanks to everyone who returned the most recent, comprehensive questionnaire. You report that Energy Resource Environmental &...

Energy savings play huge role.(News)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Lord Whitty, Minister for Sustainable Energy, set out the key role the Government expects energy efficiency and combined heat and power to play in delivering the Government's goal of a 60% reduction in UK carbon emissions. He was addressing a...

Going greener--and cleaner.(News)(Sustainable Energy Policy Network)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... New guidelines to help green up Ofgem's activities and those of the energy companies it regulates have been proposed by Trade and Industry Secretary Patricia Hewitt. A new Sustainable Energy Policy Network (SEPN) website, bringing a new...

Planning for sustainability.(News)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... The Government is proposing to reform the planning process and the compulsory purchase system as part of its programme to deliver sustainable communities and reform the housing market. It is working on a Planning and Compulsory Purchase Bill....

Banks to adopt 'Principles'.(News)(Equator Principles)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... About 10 US and European banks--including Barclays, Citigroup, ABN Amro Holding and WestLB--are preparing to adopt the "Equator Principles," drafted by the International Finance Corp, the private sector arm of the World Bank. These classify...

Defra's plan.(News)(United Kingdom. Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Defra's three-year strategy, Our Strategy 2003-2006, listing the department's priorities in all key policy areas, from rural affairs to waste reduction, has been published. Sustainability will underwrite everything. The department will strive...

Innovation awards.(News)(Carbon Trust Innovation Awards)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Individuals and organisations who are developing new technologies which help reduce C[O.sub.2] or are taking other practical measures to tackle climate change can find support from a new national award scheme backed by the Carbon Trust and the...

Call for better justice.(News)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... University College London has launched a Defra-funded research report recommending new environmental tribunals be set up to improve access to and the quality of environmental justice. The idea of a specialised environmental court was explored...

Commitment to protection policy.(News)("Environment for Europe" May 21-23)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Representatives from 55 countries gathered in the capital of Ukraine, Kiev, from May 21-23, for the fifth "Environment for Europe" conference to discuss the strengthening of environmental protection and policy harmonisation across Europe and...

Come clean on oil rights.(News)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Investors with funds equal to the value of the world's top five oil firms are urging companies to come clean on payments they make to governments for drilling and mining rights, in a campaign backed by Prime Minister Tony Blair. ...

Boots new pilot.(News)(Boots Group PLC's energy management)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Boots Group plc, the retailers employing more than 63,000 staff in the UK alone, has announced a major new pilot study with Carbon Trust's Action Energy programme, which will help make changes in the company's energy use and improve management...

Recycle your investments.(Waste)(Waste and Resources Action Programme)(Waste and Resources Action Programme fund)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... A Waste and Resources Action Programme fund, a European groundbreaker, is seeking 1 million [pounds sterling] from private investors to tackle capital shortfall in the recycling sector. The UK's first equity fund designed specifically for...

Glass to filter water.(Waste)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... An innovative new 500,000 [pounds sterling] plant in Scotland will process recycled glass into high value filtration media for the treatment of drinking water. This first production facility of its kind in the UK, at Dryden Aqua's site near...

Building waste boost.(Waste)(Waste and Resources Action Programme)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... More cash to help increase aggregate recycling has been announced by WRAP. The recycling agency wants to up the production of recycled and secondary aggregates, especially from industrial slag and clay contaminated construction and demolition...

Construction research.(Waste)(papermill waste)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... A new research project aims to develop innovative construction products utilising papermill waste--renders, blocks and clays, wood-based joinery and industrial materials such as additives and extenders. The idea is to find viable...

25m [pounds sterling] for waste PFI.(Waste)(Private Finance Initiative)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Cornwall County Council has been promised 25million [pounds sterling] towards a PFI project for a materials recycling and composting facilities. It hopes now to increase recycling rates in the county to 40%. Waste PFI schemes are expected...

Cleanaway--investing in the future.(Renewables)(Cleanaway Holdings Ltd.)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... The Waste Management Industry operates in a challenging and changing market, underpinned by ethical obligations, legislative requirements and commercial and public needs. Together, these ensure that the industry maintains exemplary operational...

Community heating hots up.(Energy)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... The Community Energy programme has been extended to 2005, with an announcement of 6.7million [pounds sterling] for 11 community heating schemes. Community heating reduces carbon dioxide emissions by using a heat network. The I I schemes will...

Rich nations can cut energy by 30%.(Energy)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... The world's rich industrial countries could slash 30% of their energy use by 2010 by using more energy-efficient electrical appliances, according to the International Energy Agency. Such a move would cut greenhouse gas emissions by the...

Technique not targets.(Energy)(Gerald Doucet on renewable energy polices)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Gerald Doucet, secretary general of the World Energy Council (WEC), has criticised the renewable energy policies of industrialised countries, but implied support for those of the UK. "These (countries) know very well how to set ambitious...

Ofgem's environmental path forward.(Energy)(United Kingdom. Office of Gas and Electricity Markets)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Plans on how energy regulator Ofgem will contribute to achieving a low carbon economy as set out in the Government's Energy White Paper have been published in Ofgem's annual review. It details how its environmental impact assessment work has...

Simpler sales.(Energy)(gas and electricity)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... It's now easier to sell gas and electricity.Any companies wanting to enter the gas and electricity markets will now find it easier after energy regulator Ofgem announced it is to simplify the process of getting a licence. The aim is to create...

Innovations funding.(Energy)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... The Innovation Programme supports projects that reduce carbon emissions from domestic housing. Deadlines for applications are October 31 for feasibility studies and implementation grants and January 30 2004 for feasibility studies only. ...

Solar power for CIS.(Energy)(Co-operative Insurance Society)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Twenty one solar power projects will receive 2million [pounds sterling] as part of the DTI's major photovoltaic demonstration programme. Among the recipients is the Co-operative Insurance Society (CIS) which is to get 175,000 [pounds sterling]...

Driving force for fuel cells.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... A new body to drive forward the development of fuel cell technology--Fuel Cells UK--has been launched. Brian Wilson, then Energy Minister, hailed fuel cell technologies as a major potential contributor towards the UK becoming a low carbon...

50m [pounds sterling] export help.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... 50million [pounds sterling] of cover for the UK renewable energy sector is being made available by the Export Credits Guarantee Department (ECGD) to help developing countries limit greenhouse gas emissions. International Trade Minister Baroness...

Rigs revival.(Arnish)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... The Arnish fabrication yard in Stornaway, closed five years ago when it made rigs for the oil industry, has reopened and secured rig-making contracts for the Scroby Sands wind farm. Brian Wilson welcomed the news, saying: "Arnish has been...

Stingray cash.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... A further 2.1 million [pounds sterling] grant to The Engineering Business Ltd (EB) to part fund the continuing development of the Stingray Tidal Stream Generator has been announced. This is the third such grant from the DTI.

Scaling up for new technologies.(Renewables)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... The Renewable Power Association is establishing new technology groups to foster the development and commercialisation of next generation renewable energy sources. Chief executive Philip Wolfe said: "We have had groups active in the more...

SW dreams of green power.(Renewables)(South West)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... The people of the South West--at least 89% of them--support renewable energy, according to a MORI opinion poll released at the launch of the South West's renewable energy strategy. The strategy outlines plans for generating up to 15% of the...

... While the SE is more modest.(Renewables)(South East England)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Over in South East England, a draft energy efficiency and renewable energy strategy, 'Harnessing the Elements', is proposing to link energy efficiency and renewable energy to the economic development, social and other goals of the region. The...

Tackling technology barriers.(EU News)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... A new initiative to boost the impact of environmental technologies has been launched by the European Commission. "Developing an action plan for environmental technology" will, through stakeholder responses, enable research and business...

Winning cities.(EU News)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Local authorities across Europe had their efforts to promote sustainable development recognised at the first Environment Awards from the European Commission. The European Sustainable Cities Award 2003 was shared between Heidelberg--for...

Emissions target--EU still sliding.(EU News)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the European Union have increased for the second consecutive year. The EU is getting further away from meeting its commitment to bring down its emissions to 8% below their 1990 level by 2008-2012 and comply...

Forest law.(EU News)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... The European Commission is considering launching a voluntary timber certification system as a step towards a global agreement to clean up the 100billion [pounds sterling] trade. If implemented, once a country or region has signed up to a Forest...

Concerto for energy.(EU News)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Concerto is a new EU initiative to support local communities in developing sustainable and energy-efficient policies--a completely integrated energy policy, harmonising significant use of renewable energy sources with technologies and systems...

UK support for East Europe.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Defra has launched an Environment for Europe Fund, worth 2million [pounds sterling] in 2003/4, to promote ecology and sustainable development in central and eastern Europe. It was launched at the UN Environment for Europe Conference in Kiev,...

Darwin scholars.(species conservation)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Students from Kenya, Gabon, Colombia, Ecuador and Ethiopia will benefit from UK expertise in species conservation, while host institutions including the Universities of Bristol, Cardiff, Kent, Leicester and Heriot Watt will be able to learn...

Air pollution control.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Defra is consulting over the use of the Environment Agency's monitoring certification scheme (MCERTS) in relation to the Local Air Pollution Control regime (LAPC) and the Local Air Pollution Prevention and Control regime. See:...

Views on standards.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Defra is seeking views on pollution standards for two industrial sectors: non-ferrous foundries and surface treating using organic solvents, under the new Local Authority Industrial Pollution Prevention and Control (LA-IPPC) regime--sometimes...

Waste is off target says MPs' audit report.(Environment, Environmental Audit Committee's report "Waste--an Audit")(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... The Environmental Audit Committee's report "Waste--an Audit" criticises the Government for not providing adequate funding to local authorities, nor clear guidance and certainty on waste policy. It argues that the rate of the Landfill Tax must...

London Mayor's clean air drive.(Environment)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... The capital no longer has 'pea soupers' but it does emit clouds of C[O.sub.2]. Now, organisations across London are being urged to pledge to reduce their C[O.sub.2] emissions and energy consumption. If enough of them do so, the Mayor's Green...

Corporate research.(Environment)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Research on the effects of irresponsible actions by companies can help to improve corporate behaviour, investment and, it is hoped, the bottom line. Insight Investment, the asset manager of HBOS plc, has published some of its research...

Focus on ... Waste and recycling.
July 1, 2003... Environment Secretary Margaret Beckett will lead the Government's implementation of the Cabinet Office Strategy Unit report 'Waste Not, Want Not', published last November. She will attempt to help England tackle its growing waste problem and...

Waste cuts profits for UK business: the case for effective management.(focus on waste & recycling)
July 1, 2003... Government figures claim that there were over 3.6 million small and medium-sized business enterprises (SMEs) in the UK in the year 2000. Over 150,000 of them were involved in manufacturing, and 110,000 of them employed less than 10 staff....

UnWRAPping waste ... the holistic approach.(focus on waste & recycling)(Waste and Resources Action Programme)
July 1, 2003... These are exciting and challenging times for WRAP. The Government confirmed its commitment to recycling by announcing its intention to extend our core role of developing markets for recycled resources, as well providing funding for a series of...

Industry ambitions--taking a lead.(focus on waste & recycling)
July 1, 2003... We hope publication of the Government's response to the Strategy Unit report will inspire major decisions on Britain's waste management policy. While many countries in Europe are developing strong environmental services sectors working towards...

From shelf to bin ... to shelf: how councils begin to close recycling loop.(focus on waste & recycling)
July 1, 2003... Recycling programmes, and getting the public on board, are only part of the challenge facing waste management officials at local authorities. We manage to recycle just 12% of waste collected, according to the figures for 2001/2.Across all...

What shall we do about..? Many materials are subject to increasingly strict regulations which attempt to pave a path to a more sustainable future. Here we look at some of them.(focus on waste & recycling)
July 1, 2003... End-of-life vehicles The EU adopted in September 2000 a Directive which makes vehicle dismantling and recycling more environmentally friendly. Every year, end-of-life vehicles in the EU generate between 8 and 9 million tons of waste....

Rethinking attitudes towards rubbish.(focus on waste & recycling)
July 1, 2003... Waste, or rubbish, as the public prefers to call its individual contributions towards the 28 million tonnes of municipal waste produced each year, is a growing problem. Latest Defra figures for 2001/02 show an increase of 2.4%. At the same time...

Out of the ground and into your pocket: a guide to Landfill Tax Credit.(focus on waste & recycling)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... The landfill tax credit scheme (LTCS) was introduced by Government to help mitigate the effects of landfill upon local communities. Designed with partnership in mind, it brings together the private, public and voluntary sectors in pursuit of...

World wide waste--web resources: the web is full of resources to help everyone manage their waste. Here's our pick of the best--and if you only look at three, Envirowise, Valpak and The Stakeholders" Guide to Sustainable Waste Management, are among the most helpful.(focus on waste & recycling)
July 1, 2003... Aerosols: British Aerosol Manufacturers' Association--www.bama.co.uk--includes sections on legislation and disposal. Batteries: British Battery Manufacturers Association--www.bbma.co.uk/ environment.htm UK collection agencies for...

Backing for the future: WRAP service brings investors and recyclers face to face.(focus on waste & recycling)(Waste and Resources Action Programme)
July 1, 2003... The Waste and Resources Action Programme's Business Development Service is building relationships between companies in the recycling sector and potential investors. It aims to help recycling companies understand the types of finance...

Wyvern Waste Services Ltd.(focus on waste & recycling)
July 1, 2003... A registered waste management contractor which provides integrated services to local authority, commercial and industrial clients throughout South West England and beyond. Disposal services Wyvern's operational activities include both...

The great gas swap.(News)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... More than 850 companies transferred over 7million tonnes of carbon dioxide during the first year of the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (UK ETS), and it has been judged a great success. "These are impressive figures. UK business has gained valuable...

Roadmap to help powerless.(News)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... A roadmap aimed at bringing renewable energy to the millions in developing countries who don't have access to electricity was agreed at the first international Johannesburg Renewable Energy Coalition (JREC) conference in June. The meeting of...

Morley's new challenge.(News)(Elliot Morley)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... With Michael Meacher departing Defra, Elliot Morley moves over as Environment Minister in the June reshuffle. Lord Whitty retains responsibility for sustainable energy at Defra. At the DTI, Stephen Timms adds to his portfolios, replacing Brian...

What is the UK emissions trading scheme?(News)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... The scheme was launched in April 2002 as the world's first economy-wide national-level greenhouse gas trading scheme. Emissions trading is designed to allow businesses to reduce their emissions of greenhouse gases in the most economically...

EVOLVE--making a difference where it matters: the future of recycled paper is here and it's EVOLVE Paper--100% recycled, 100% made in the UK from 100% UK recovered waste paper.(Advertisement feature)
July 1, 2003... Recycled paper has come a long way since the early days, and no product demonstrates this better than EVOLVE. Produced by M-real, at its New Thames Mill in Sittingbourne, Kent, the EVOLVE range of 100% recycled papers is a European leader in...

Sustaining education: the education sector has a pivotal role to play in UK progress to sustainability. Government policy on sustainable development needs to be firmly integrated into the Department for Education and Skills, reasons Andy Nolan, of the Environmental Association for Universities and Colleges.(Best Practice)
July 1, 2003... Educational institutions have a significant impact on the environment. Universities purchase over 200million [pounds sterling] of energy a year and own 9% of all office space in the UK. They are also huge generators of waste to landfill,...

New institute--a focal point for the energy sector.(Feature)
July 1, 2003... The Institute of Energy (InstE) and the Institute of Petroleum (IP) are in an advanced stage of merging. Louise Kingham, past CEO of the Institute of Energy, current director general of the Institute of Petroleum and chief executive designate...

Hospitable climates.(Feature)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... The Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR)--representing 95 companies in the pubs and bars sector--is the latest industry organisation to announce its support for the Government-backed Hospitable Climates energy efficiency...

Funding proposal.(Feature)(Sustainable Technologies Initiative)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... The Sustainable Technologies Initiative, which provides more than 20million [pounds sterling] of Government and Research Council funding to help UK sustainability, is launching a seventh call for proposals for funding. The STI is keen to...

Re-energise your energy and environmental thinking.(Feature)
July 1, 2003... Following the overwhelming success of last year's Sustainable Energy and Energy Efficiency, 2003 has seen the launch of a new event alongside called Environmental Solutions. Complementing these specialist shows, on October 21-23 at Olympia,...

On high mountains.(Addressing Agenda 21, solar panels designed by ThermoSolar)
July 1, 2003... The highest mountain in Germany is called the Zugspitze and in the late 1990s a hotel called the Schneefernerhaus closed down and its premises were adapted to use as an environmental research station. Its main task is to measure accurately and...

Events diary.(Resources)
July 1, 2003... 22 July: BIO-WISE conference--explore the latest developments in biotechnology improving productivity and/or environmental performance; QEII Conference Centre, London. Tel. 0800 432100, email: biowise.help@aeat. co.uk 30-31 July: Update on...

MaSC business benefits.(Resources)(Managing Sustainable Construction)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Organisations that adopt sustainable policies can benefit from increased business opportunities and improvements to bottom line performance. Help for board members and senior managers to manage this type of policy is available from MaSC...

Envec's broadcast event.(Resources)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... ENVEC 2003, the main energy and environmental management conference and exhibition in the South West, is to be held on October 8 in Weston-super-Mare. This year's ENVEC will be the tenth and will feature a guest speaker from the Met Office (and...

Grants guide.(Resources)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... A fact-filled directory of grants and other financial support is available to businesses, households, farms, the public sector and community groups wishing to use energy more efficiently or to use renewable sources. It has been produced by the...

Sea joins air power.(Resources, British Wind Energy Association to merge with Seapower Europe)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Sea and wind power together will soon have a joint champion. The British Wind Energy Association (BWEA) and Seapower Europe (promoting tidal and wave energy) are to merge operations from October.

Betta views.(Resources, DTI/Ofgem reports on British Electricity Trading and Transmission Arrangements )(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Conclusions of the DTI/Ofgem consultation on the British Electricity Trading and Transmission Arrangements (BETTA) in relation to the Settlement Agreement for Scotland (SAS) can be found at www.dti.gov.uk/energy.

Degree days--April & May 2003.(Resources)
July 1, 2003... Degree Days--April & May 2003 Thames South Southern South Severn Valley Eastern Western Valley 20 yr. avg 183 209 217 194 185 April '02...

Government office environmental and energy management contacts.
July 1, 2003... 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...