Energy & Environmental Management articles from November 2002

Energy & Environmental Management archives from November 2002

Changing the way we produce--and consume. (News).(Margaret Beckett reviews World Summit on Sustainable Development outcomes)
November 1, 2002... Margaret Beckett, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, reviewed some of the key outcomes from the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg and highlighted ways in which the Government is taking issues...

EU energy plan. (News).(Brief Article)
November 1, 2002... The EU has launched a special energy plan concerning energy recycling and renewable energy, which is backed by nearly 80 countries. At the World Summit, the EU had sought a global target that would bind countries to derive at least 15% of...

Where will the World Summit lead us? (News).
November 1, 2002... "This Summit will put us on a path that reduces poverty while protecting the environment, a path that works for all peoples, rich and poor, today and tomorrow," announced United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan at the closing press...

Lees steps down at EST.(Eoin Lees resigns from Energy Saving Trust)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2002... Dr Eoin Lees is to step down as chief executive of the Energy SavingTrust at the end of January after almost 10 years. He is to return as an adviser and will pursue other interests including European environment consultancy. A nuclear physicist...

Defra changes.(Brief Article)
November 1, 2002... Lord Whitty has taken on the ministerial brief for energy efficiency and other energy issues at Defra. Within the changes announced by Secretary of State Margaret Beckett, each minister takes on a sustainable development portfolio and an area...

Megawatt mine.(Brief Article)
November 1, 2002... An energy park has opened which converts methane from coal shafts into energy for the national grid, to power up to 8,000 homes in West Yorkshire. Alkane Energy Park, on the site of the former Wheldale mine, can generate up to 10.6 MW of energy...

Going to ground.(Brief Article)
November 1, 2002... Powergen is to install 1,000 ground source heat pumps within various social housing projects around the country. The technology, which extracts heat from the ground, reduces running costs and causes 50% fewer carbon dioxide emissions than...

Schools and the Levy.(Climate Change Levy)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2002... A wrangle over which educational establishments should pay the Climate Change Levy has been cleared up. Schools under direct local authority control have to pay the Levy, while others such as grant maintained and foundation schools (who also...

Fuel report.(UK Fuel Poverty Forum's Fuel Poverty and Energy Efficiency in the Uk report available)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2002... The UK Fuel Poverty Forum has released a new report, Fuel Poverty and Energy Efficiency in the UK. It reviews the main energy efficiency schemes in each national region and identifies best practice in existing schemes. It will be used as a...

ECAs tagged.(Enhanced Capital Allowance )(Brief Article)
November 1, 2002... The Enhanced Capital Allowance scheme helps companies increase energy efficiency and get tax rebates. It holds an Energy Technology List of energy-saving products and technologies that can qualify for 100% first year allowances. Energy managers...

Promoting CHP.
November 1, 2002... Users of Combined Heat and Power are invited to feedback to Defra their views on a proposal for a directive on promoting this technology in the EU. Views are sought by 21 December and all the relevant documents can be found at...

Community heat--huge potential. (Energy News).(Brief Article)
November 1, 2002... There is a real opportunity for local authorities to bring social, economic and environmental benefits to their communities through community heating according to a new Defra-funded study. It identifies significant untapped potential for...

Energy audits. (Energy News).(Scottish Executive finances Friends of the Earth Scotland's energy audit research)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2002... The Scottish Executive has given Friends of the Earth Scotland two years' funding to measure the success of energy audits as part of the home-buying process. Margaret Curran, Minister for Social Justice, said: "Energy audits for housebuyers...

Champion manager. (Energy News).(Keith Agnew awarded Action Energy Champion award)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2002... Keith Agnew, energy manager of Solutia UK Ltd. of Newport, Gwent has been awarded the Action Energy Champion award by Garry Felgate, Director of Action Energy (left). The award recognises those who have made a real commitment to reducing energy...

Insurance firms taking lead. (News).(Brief Article)
November 1, 2002... A senior insurance figure has said that governments had yet to realise the potential power for change that banks and insurance companies can wield as actors for sustainable development. Insurers monitor climate closely and some have warned...

New standards for boilers. (News).(Energy Saving Trust and new SEDBUK rating)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2002... To find the most energy-efficient gas boilers on the market look for a new logo--the Energy Efficiency Recommended Logo--which can only be worn by boilers with a SEDBUK rating of A or B. Previously, gas boilers only required a SEDBUK rating of...

Getting the message: more people make the environment connection. (News).
November 1, 2002... One in two people feel that prices and jobs today are not as important as protecting the environment for the future. And one in four place the environment alongside health, education and crime as the most important issues facing the Government,...

Wake up call from Ofgem. (Renewables).(Brief Article)
November 1, 2002... The electricity industry in Britain must start to accept the challenge of Government targets for renewable energy, warns the industry regulator. "Government targets for renewables and CHP (combined heat & power, or cogeneration) represent...

More help for exports. (Renewables).(Brief Article)
November 1, 2002... At least 50 million [pounds sterling] of cover for renewable energy exports will be available as Export Credit Guarantees to help developing countries limit greenhouse gas emissions, Prime Minister Tony Blair has announced. The Government...

Renewables trading. (Renewables).(Brief Article)
November 1, 2002... More than 1,500 GWh of renewable energy certificates have been traded internationally by 37 firms since a test phase began in January 2001. "The certificate system makes it possible to track renewable energy and see who has paid for it," says...

Award for community projects. (Renewables).(Brief Article)
November 1, 2002... Submissions are invited from community-based renewable energy projects for the Ashden Awards for Sustainable Energy 2003. There are three awards of up to 30,000 [pounds sterling] each for projects in the developing world, one award of up to...

Cell power HQ. (Renewables).(Brief Article)
November 1, 2002... Eighty seven thousand state-of-the-art PV cells are at the hub of the UK's largest solar installation, scheduled for completion in December. The 35 million [pounds sterling] building, part of the Ipswich Village redevelopment area, will be a...

Scaling up for offshore wind. (Renewables).(Brief Article)
November 1, 2002... "There has never been production of renewables technologies on a such a scale in Britain," commented Brian Wilson, Minister for Energy, as he announced 20 million [pounds sterling] Government funding for two new offshore windfarms. They...

Green priorities. (Renewables).(Brief Article)
November 1, 2002... By keeping energy prices low the Government might be sending the wrong signal about energy efficiency, according to a major consultation by the DTI. Tackling pollution and checking global warming are seen as greater priorities than keeping...

Capital under threat. (Environment).(Brief Article)
November 1, 2002... Flooding as a result of global warming threatens one in every 13 British homes and could erode London's role as an international commercial centre, according to a new Energy Savings Trust report. Buildings and land worth 222 billion [pounds...

UK backs people power. (Environment).(Brief Article)
November 1, 2002... The public will soon have greater access to environmental information held by public authorities, and in some cases be able to challenge more general violations of environmental law. They will also have more power to say what they think about...

Views on pollution guidance. (Environment).(Brief Article)
November 1, 2002... Views on guidance on the Pollution Prevention and Control Regulations 2000, are being sought. The guidance will inform operators, local authorities and the public about emissions control from so-called A(2) and Part B installations. It will...

Regions ranked. (Environment).(in the UK for envrionmental management)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2002... It is now possible to find out how good each English region is at looking after its environment--from how it removes fly-tipped rubbish on rural roads to the state of public toilets. The results show that though councils are under-performing,...

Fuelling the future. (EU News).(European Union Commissioner begins High Level Group for Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2002... EU Commissioner Loyola de Palacio has launched the first meeting of the High Level Group for Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology--creating the programmes that are intended to push the technology towards commercial use. "I am confident that...

Cities share experience. (EU News).(through the European Sustainable Cities & Towns Campaign)
November 1, 2002... An invitation has gone out to local authorities all over the world from the European Sustainable Cities & Towns Campaign to share the experience gathered while promoting local sustainable development. Ten local authority networks and over...

Fresh air boost. (EU News).(energy and financial savings from commercial and industrial efficiencies outlined)
November 1, 2002... A new German study has found that Europe could save 2.6 billion [euro] a year in energy costs and generate 20% energy savings if offices and industry made more efficient use of ventilation systems. Energy saved would offset C[O.sub.2] emissions...

Signing up to sustainable investment. (Best Practice).(investing in corporations that employ sustainable development principles discussed)(Industry Overview)
November 1, 2002... Some of the world's largest investors are prodding corporations to adopt sustainable policies. In the United States alone, around $2 trillion is managed in socially responsible investment funds, up 36% since 1999. The London Sustainable...

Bristol pilots battery recycling. (Waste News).(Britannia Zinc begins pilot project in Bristol)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2002... Britain's sole zinc producer, Britannia Zinc (BZL), has started a pilot recycling scheme the company hopes to see expanded across the country. Bristol residents will be able to dispose of old batteries from mobile phones, watches, personal...

Building on recycling. (Waste News).(Building Research Establishment to assess recycling of building materials from window industries)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2002... Research led by the Building Research Establishment will assess the recycling opportunities for non-contaminated, high-grade flat glass and noncontaminated timber and plastic profiles from the demolition and replacement window industries. ...

Sea store for carbon. (Waste News).(greenhouse gas storage in depleted oil and gas wells to be studied)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2002... A new DTI investigation will examine the feasibility of capturing and storing greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel powered stations in depleted oil and gas wells under the North Sea. The recent Performance and Innovation Unit energy review...

EcoGas--first choice partners. (Feature).(Landi-Renzo and EcoGas Systems provide LP gas power plants for vehicles)
November 1, 2002... In Spring of this year, Landi-Renzo moved into their new custom-built facility in Reggio Emilia, Northern Italy. The award-winning architectural showpiece comprises commercial centre, manufacturing facility for 600,000 units per year, and 8m...

People are the key: technology and taxation have their place in energy management but it is the involvement of people at all levels that will determine the success of any such initiative, argues Martyn Gilbert of Siemens Energy Services. (Feature).
November 1, 2002... Energy efficient equipment and technology are everywhere in the industrial and commercial world today. It seems that for every business sector there is a huge choice of systems and processes promising to help companies use less energy than...

Pioneering towards sector sustainability. (Feature).(industry segments should adopt common practices for sustainable development )(Industry Overview)
November 1, 2002... Getting on top of sustainable development is no longer an option for companies--it is an imperative, not just to reduce costs, manage risk and stay out of trouble, but to get ahead of the competition. And that makes it an imperative for the...

Nuclear industry's focus on historic liabilities. (Feature).(as it considers how to apply principles of sustainable development)(Industry Overview)
November 1, 2002... With the growing recognition that continued economic growth at the expense of the environment and society cannot be sustained, industry has begun to consider how to apply the principles of sustainable development. The nuclear industry has...

Progressive Wales ... online success route. (Feature).(Welsh Assembly has established a duty for itself to promote sustainable development)
November 1, 2002... Among its many strategies to improve the quality of life in Wales, the Wales Assembly Government has one which is putting the Assembly at the forefront of the international move towards sustainable development Under section 121 of the...

Best foot forward. (Feature).(Welsh Assembly adopts measures for sustainable development)
November 1, 2002... The Welsh Assembly has adopted the use of the `ecological footprint' as a measure of its progress towards sustainable development. An ecological footprint is an indicator of the productive land area we need to support the way we live--not just...

How to become carbon neutral: to help meet its environmental goals, a company can become carbon neutral--by finding ways to offset or compensate for its carbon emissions. There is now specialist help for those who wish to put a carbon balance into their business. David Thorpe investigates. (Feature).
November 1, 2002... You can make anything (and everything) carbon neutral--events, products, travel, facilities, processes, and environmental consultant. Future Forests has worked with many companies to do this. Auto manufacturer Mazda began with Future...

Carbon trading--a natural step: many British companies are now involved in the Emissions Trading Scheme--a system by which companies can benefit from reducing their carbon emissions. Here is one company's experience. (Feature).(British Sugar )
November 1, 2002... Those involved in British Sugar's move into the UK Emissions Trading Scheme have a pioneering spirit. Paul Gardiner, purchasing business manager, and lan Calvert, development manager, feel that their company--along with the other...

Addressing Agenda 21. (Feature).(by installation of solar hot water systems in the UK)
November 1, 2002... Solar thermal systems are practical things. They provide free hot water that helps people in a real way in their daily, lives. I feel it important to get out and see our installations and talk to some of the end users. Do they understand what...

Left out in the cold? (Feature).(Action Energy provides energy use surveys for British businesses)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2002... Action Energy is calling on organisations in the UK to act now to reduce energy bills. Winter is the time when energy costs soar, but it doesn't have to be like that this year! By calling 0800 58 57 94 and requesting a free starter pack or a...

Any company can save. (Feature).(corporate cost cutting through sustainable development principles )(Brief Article)
November 1, 2002... SMEs that are run on sustainable principles are frequently more profitable and more efficiently administered than their counterparts that do not implement the cost-saving measures that come hand-in-hand with sustainable development. This is the...

Events diary.(Calendar)
November 1, 2002... 7-8 November: 4th Annual Triple Bottom Line Investing Conference, Hotel Le Plaza, Brussels, Belgium. Socially responsible investment is one segment of the financial market that is growing. Leaders from the socially responsible investment (SRI)...

Workplace education. (Resources).(guidelines for sustainable development available from UK Environment Agency)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2002... Trade unions, professions and Sector Skills Councils can get tips on how to make workplaces more sustainable in a new series of free education guides. Environment Minister Michael Meacher said the guides, developed by the Sustainable...

New directory for CIWEM. (Resources).(McMillan-Scott PLC to publish Chartered Institution of Water & Environmental Management's 2004 directory)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2002... The Chartered Institution of Water & Environmental Management's International Directory 2004 is to be published by McMillan-Scott PLC, firmly establishing their position as the UK's leading publishers in the environmental sector. CIWEM is...

Web energy. (Resources).(OpenUniversity develops sustainable energy projects Web site)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2002... www.energyprojects.co.uk has been developed by researchers at the OpenUniversity, and is a showcase of UK sustainable energy projects that demonstrate how greener energy technologies are being used in Britain.

Degree days--August & September 2002. (Resources).(Brief Article)
November 1, 2002... Degree Days--August & September 2002 Thames South Southern South Severn Midland Valley Eastern Western Valley 20 yr. avg 46 33 39 23 17 39...

Bio-diesel revisited. (Resources).(Brief Article)
November 1, 2002... We have received a number of enquiries about our last edition article on bio-diesel. Please note that the correct web address for Bio-power (UK) Ltd is www.northwales.org.uk/biopower/and the telephone number is 01286 830312. We wish to confirm...

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

Signposts to better transport. (Focus on transport).(future of transportation mix in the UK examined)(Column)
November 1, 2002... Transport is at a crossroads in this country. We can go one of two ways--the American or the European. One will play its full part in helping us to achieve our environmental and sustainability objectives while the gas-guzzling alternative...

Reducing emissions today and tomorrow: TransportAction recently changed its name to TransportEnergy. Director of TransportEnergy, Jonathan Murray, explains how and why the Energy Saving Trust-run programme has evolved. (focus on transport).(Company Profile)
November 1, 2002... We may have changed our name but we haven't changed our core aims to reduce harmful carbon dioxide emissions and improve local air quality. The Energy Saving Trust was established in 1992, after the Earth Summit in Rio, to tackle the problem of...

Mobile technology. (focus on transport).(development of a hydrogen fueled transportation system examined)(Industry Overview)
November 1, 2002... The common auto engine is inherently inefficient. It is physically impossible to get more than half the energy out of the fuel and into propulsion. Its complexity also demands an energy intensive manufacturing process that is also highly...

Transport facts. (focus on transport).(statistics on all forms of transportation in the UK)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2002... * Bus emissions have fallen by 60% since 1990 (Confederation of Passenger Transport, 2000-2001). * Traffic congestion is projected to grow by 65% overall by 2010 (based on 1996 figures). * A national online listing of public transport...

Rail freight can deliver. (focus on transport).(rail freight traffic increased 9% from 2001 to 2002)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2002... The future for rail freight is looking decidedly optimistic, say campaigners' Freight on Rail, with figures showing a nine per cent increase in rail freight volumes over the past year. However, while the industry may be on an upward curve,...

Reducing the impact. (focus on transport).(methods for mitigtating road transportation's contribution to greenhouse gas production in the UK)
November 1, 2002... It is estimated that road transport contributes 24% of the UK's total carbon dioxide emissions. In 1999, transport emitted around 38 million tonnes of carbon dioxide and is therefore a major obstacle to the UK meeting its international...

Driving force for YBS. (focus on transport).(Yorkshire Building Society uses green fleet management practices to cut the environmental impact of running its business )(Brief Article)
November 1, 2002... Yorkshire Building Society provides an excellent example of the effectiveness of approaching green fleet management in a systematic and holistic way. It is a committed, mutual organisation with an environmental policy that aims to address and...

Heathrow's jam-buster. (focus on transport).(Brief Article)
November 1, 2002... Set up as a solution to the congestion caused by the delivery of goods to Heathrow Airport, BAA's new consolidation centre, run by Exel, has already led to efficiency savings worth 245,000 [pounds sterling] per year and an annual C[O.sub.2]...

On track with telematics. (focus on transport).(Brief Article)
November 1, 2002... The real time information that haulage operators can now access via high-tech electronic systems gives them a unique opportunity to control and monitor their trucks' activities. The types of system that provide this data are collectively known...

Biodiesel--energy positive but quality essential. (focus on transport).
November 1, 2002... After years in the wilderness, biodiesel and bioethanol are now being taken seriously. There is the potential for one million tonnes of these fuels from British agriculture, with farmers happily changing from fuel protesters to fuel producers....

Before buying a new car ... (focus on transport).(Brief Article)
November 1, 2002... It is worth visiting the Vehicle Certification Agency website at www.vca.gov.uk/fcb.htm. You can find out which model uses least fuel, and emits least carbon dioxide and other harmful gases, and how to get a Government grant if you intend...

Incentives for natural gas. (focus on transport).(Brief Article)
November 1, 2002... Environmental concerns have traditionally been the main driving force for the natural gas vehicle industry, leading to a host of incentives, regulations and mandates as the UK strives to see better air quality. Yet from being one of the leaders...

No jam tomorrow? Durham has done it, London is going to do it and lots of other local authorities are sitting on the fence. Road usage charging and the related topic of workplace parking are on the agenda. But are they the solution to our congested towns and cities? (focus on transport).
November 1, 2002... The Transport Act 2000 gave local authorities two powers: to be able to charge for road usage and for workplace parking. But it left local authorities complete freedom about whether and how they might do it, as long as, if they did, they...

How charging might work. (focus on transport).
November 1, 2002... DIRECTS is testing two different electronic charging systems. The first is a Dedicated Short-Range Communications (DSRC) system. It uses equipment at the roadside to transmit signals to and from electronic units, about the size of an...

Connections. (focus on transport).(Brief Article)
November 1, 2002... TransportEnergy Best Practice: is an initiative run by the Energy Saving Trust which incorporates all transport activities previously undertaken by the Energy Efficiency Best Practice Programme. Contact Helpline or see...