News
Greenwatt Technology is inspired by the rate of technological development and the range of research work and new initiatives that are being carried out – most of which should bring direct economic and environmental benefits to us all.
Additional funding announced for Low Carbon Buildings Programme
From July 1, 2009, a further £35million was made available to the Low Carbon Buildings Programme Phase Two (public sector) with an additional £10million available for Phase One. More information is available from Greenwatt's funding information sheet on LCBP Phase Two.
European Union Renewable Energy Directive
The final version of the new Renewable Energy Directive has now been published by the European Commission as part of a climate and energy package of legislation.
Under the terms of the new Directive
- 20% of the European Union's energy will have to come from renewable sources by 2020
- the UK will be required to generate 15% of its energy from renewable sources within 11 years from both heat and transport energy. The UK currently produces 1.5% of its energy from renewable energy sources
- the Renewable Energy Directive sets specific targets for transport energy, requiring 10% renewable fuels or renewable electricity power by 2020.
European Regional Development Fund - change to the Fund's rules allows for energy efficient interventions in housing
A recent change in the ERDF rules (Article 7, 1a) allows for energy efficiency interventions in housing up to a total of 4% of the total ERDF allocation. Since the ERDF is a European Cohesion Policy instrument, the support has to be directed to where the need exists, where public support is necessary and where it can support social cohesion. In this context social housing could be a priority for the funding. Social cohesion policy goals can cover competitiveness, job creation, security of energy supply, environment and energy poverty.
ERDF is aimed at economic regeneration projects promoted primarily by the public sector:
- government departments;
- Regional Development Agencies (RDAs);
- local authorities;
- further and higher education establishments;
- other public bodies;
- volunteer sector organisations.
However this does not exclude the private sector, which promotes and helps to fund high quality projects that meet ERDF objectives. Generally, ERDF grants are not given to profit-making private sector companies but in certain circumstances the fund can be used to help to develop small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Private sector companies can present applications in partnership with a public sector body.
New UK Government guidance on Planning for Sustainable Economic Development
Local authority planners may in future need to ensure that planning decisions take full account of economic and sustainability issues, in light of the draft consultation paper PPS4 "Planning for Sustainable Economic Development".
ATI Projects, of which Greenwatt Technology is a division, recently completed a new-style Sustainable Economic Development Statement (SEDS) for a leading East Midlands local authority. This consisted of an impact study and economic development review for a major planning proposal including assessment of economic regeneration outputs, analysis of workspace, community benefits, transport issues and sustainable environment. The proposed mixed-use development will include renovation of a listed building along with new-build for a new college campus and a business centre for creative industries.
For an overview of the requirements of PPS4 please consult our paper "A new approach to planning for sustainable development".
If you require support in preparing your Sustainable Economic Development Statement, contact Greenwatt Technology.
Please contact Mike Woollacott, Projects Director to discuss how we can assist you. |
