Tag: CO2

Business case 6 – Let´s take a closer look at Willmott Dixon Group

A  business case to study. Here is one good example that is both sustainable and climate change-friendly from Willmott Dixon Group. See links for info,

http://www.willmottdixongroup.co.uk/sustainability
(Sustainability – Willmott Dixon Group)

http://www.willmottdixongroup.co.uk/sustainability/energy-and-climate-change
(Planning for energy efficiency and carbon emission reduction)

http://www.willmottdixongroup.co.uk/videos/sunesis-school
(Learning for the future)

http://www.willmottdixongroup.co.uk/sustainability/energy-and-climate-change/travel
(Green travel policy)

http://www.fmjdata.com/2013/02/08/procuring-to-protect-the-local-community/
http://www.willmottdixongroup.co.uk/news?actv_news_news_id=240&actv_news_news_page=1
(Protecting the local community with environmental benefits)

 

https://twitter.com/WillmottDixon/status/299907141127532545/photo/1
(One of their twitter examples)

Ultra-low emission vehicles – Reducing greenhouse gases and other emissions from transport

The government has set an ambitious vision for almost every car and van to be a zero emission vehicle by 2050.

We are positioning the UK at the global forefront of ultra-low emission vehicle (ULEV) development, manufacture and use. Greater use of ULEVs will contribute to economic growth and will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution on our roads.

Through the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) we are providing over £400 million to advance ULEV technology and encourage people to buy and drive ULEVs.

Grants

  • To encourage more people to drive ULEVs we offer several grants:
  • Plug-in Car Grant
  • Plug-in Van Grant
  • domestic chargepoints
  • residential on-street chargepoints
  • residential on-street and rapid chargepoints for local authorities
  • train station car park chargepoints
  • chargepoints on the public sector estate

Investment in new technologies

We work closely with industry and other government departments to develop and strengthen the capability of ULEV manufacturing and its associated supply chain in the UK:

  • supporting automotive manufacturing and the UK supply chain

We actively participate in the joint government and industry UKH?Mobility project, evaluating the potential for hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles in the UK and developing a roadmap for their commercial deployment from 2015.

  • key findings from the UKH?Mobility evaluation phase

We fund projects targeted at low and ultra-low vehicle technologies, designed to promote research, design, development and demonstration in the UK:

  • low carbon vehicle technology research and development

Recharging infrastructure

We have set out a framework for the development of recharging infrastructure to support electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles:

  • strategy on plug-in vehicle infrastructure

To inform future development of the UK’s recharging network, we are funding the Plugged-in Places programme.

  • Plugged-in Places

Support for fleets

We provide funding and support to fleets considering purchasing low emission vehicles:

  • Low Carbon Vehicle Procurement Programme (LCVPP) funding for public sector fleets purchasing hybrid vans
  • fleet consultancy through the Energy Saving Trust’s Plugged-in Fleets initiative
  • infrastrucutre on the government estate

Interaction with the energy system

We work with the Department of Energy & Climate Change (DECC) and the Office of the Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem) to understand the interaction of plug-in vehicles with the energy system. In particular, we are mindful of the:

  • additional demands the electrification of transport might place on the electricity system
  • contribution that plug-in vehicles might make in terms of system balancing and the transition to smart grids, and energy security

New vehicle carbon dioxide emissions standards

EU regulations set out targets for emission reductions for new cars and vans. In the next few years we expect the EC to make proposals for post-2020 new car and new van emission standards, as well as a strategy for reducing carbon dioxide emissions from lorries, buses and coaches.

via Ultra-low emission vehicles – Reducing greenhouse gases and other emissions from transport – Policies – Inside Government – GOV.UK.

Resource Efficiency Indicators (EEA)

European Environment Agency

A new in-depth report about “resource efficiency indicators” is out from the European Commission DG Environment.

The in-depth reports are a series of publications, which take a comprehensive look at the latest science on key topics in environmental policy.

Resource efficiency forms a vital part of Europe 2020, the EU’s growth strategy towards a smart, sustainable and inclusive economy. This In-Depth Report examines the progress in resource efficiency indicators, building on the EU’s Resource Efficiency Roadmap

resource-efficiency-indicat

Download the report here:http://ec.europa.eu/environment/integration/research/newsalert/indepth_reports.htm

On vacation we do not consider the environment

Although many of us think of to make environmentally friendly choices in everyday life, when it comes to the holiday we prioritize other things.

Most tourists opt out of taking the green option when it comes to travel planning, especially regarding the mode of transport they use.

– Many people think of the environment in their everyday lives, for example they recycle, cycle or take public transportation to work and choosing organic foods – but when it comes to the holiday, it may seem that they do not want to take responsibility for the environment, but other things may control decisions, says Therese Hedlund ..

“Feels far away”

Her study shows that our decisions are more often based on individual, rather than the collective benefits when it comes to travel.

– For example flying is a quick and convenient way to get around when you have time constraints or are traveling with children, but the negative environmental impacts will affect us collectively. These negative feelings feel far away when we are making the decision, says Therese Hedlund.

Ironically tourists are also not willing to pay for an environmentally-friendly tour operator when considering the mode of transport to get to their destination, will however consider an environmentally-friendly, and often more expensive, accommodations at the resort.

– By choosing an eco-labelled accommodation you can show others that you are willing and able to pay for an accommodation that is more beneficial for the environment. This behaviour can provide status in today’s society, says Therese Hedlund.

 

ABOUT THE SURVEY

Based on a dissertation from Umeå University in Sweden that used two different surveys, one with 681, and the other with 732 response participants. The average age of the participants was 44 and 52 years, and there were equal numbers of men and women in both surveys.

 

Source: http://www.expressen.se/res/pa-semestern-bryr-vi-oss-inte-om-miljon/

US Environment Agency Releases First Climate Adaptation Plan

For the first time, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has publicly released a draft plan on how the department’s programmes will adapt to global warming, in a move that could lay additional groundwork…

 

EPA-Stragetic-Plan

Download the full Report here (55 pages)
via EPA.GOV

 

Electrifying Reading Station

FUTURE CLIMATE CHANGE NEWS
 
  • The aim is to become one of the UK’s first climate-neutral train stations
  • Electrifying key routes on the railway will mean faster, greener, quieter and more reliable journeys for thousands of passengers.
  • The overall goals are pointing towards climate-and fossil fuel-free district in 2030 where   carbon dioxide emissions below 1.5 tonnes per person per year by 2020
 
electrifying

Electric trains emits circa 20-35% less carbon per passenger than a diesel train. With zero emissions at the point of use, they  improve air quality in pollution hot spots such as city centres and main line stations. Electric trains are quieter than diesels and are virtually silent when waiting at stations.

Read about the progress at Reading station area development:
http://www.networkrail.co.uk/reading

Green game-changers: insights for mainstreaming business innovation

Take a look through our new report that features 10 larger businesses that draw from entrepreneurial activity and are taking innovation forward at a grand scale.

This review follows on from last year’s Green Game-Changers report, which looked at small-scale sustainability innovators. The potential of these smaller players inspired this year’s review of the progress that large firms have made to adopt and scale up innovations. Within this remit we have honed in on those that have gone beyond product and process optimisation and have innovated their business models towards sustainability.  Hertz, Philips, B&Q, Umicore, and Caterpillar are just a few of the companies who have spoken about their experiences.

Green_game-changers

 

The report was produced with research from Verdantix

A British Energy supplier launches solar power solutions for companies in Greater Reading

FUTURE CLIMATE CHANGE NEWS

It is now offering British Energy businesses in the Greater Reading area the opportunity to buy solar power solutions. The production of one´s own electricity from the sun can be a reality for entrepreneurs. It has a range of comprehensive solutions which can help with everything from the planning to the commissioning of the plant.

– In spring 2013, we will launch our finished solar packages to residential customers in the region. We are now taking the next step in our commitment to environmentally friendly and renewable energy solutions by also offering corporate solar power, says the director of new business at British TBV-Energy.

British Energy’s offer to entrepreneurs is solution-oriented, which means that we tailor our solutions to the customer’s needs and the current real estate conditions. Customer may help all the way, from accessing it´s feasibility to the installation and commissioning of the solar system. Whether the system is integrated into the building’s facade, roof, or a more standard solution, is completely dependent on what is the most optimal and economical for the customer.

– As the next generation of energy, we want to be at the forefront of developments leading towards our vision of a sun economy – ie where all energy is directly or indirectly derived from the sun – and we believe that distributed, local production is an important step on the way, says British TVB-Energy.

How to develop/implement an environmental sustainability plan.

Sandeep Goswami • Although my thoughts are more Oriental, as I write on India centric issues, you may find some common thread in reading about how Gandhi, thought about a sustainable village. It is more about adapting what is available around you and giving it a value so that others join. Some would for the cause, some for profit. You would find some Green Business Ideas in my blog, (www.oyeta936.wordpress.com) if they help by modifying to your needs, please feel free to use.