News
Greenwatt leads pioneering electric bus trial in Stratford-upon-Avon
20th July 2010 saw the start of a ground-breaking ‘green bus’ trial in Stratford-upon-Avon, co-ordinated by South Warwickshire low carbon consultants Greenwatt Technology. Britain’s first viable full size, battery-powered bus went head-to-head with a conventional diesel model on the commercial Park and Ride route around the town to compare performance and customer perceptions. For full press release and related articles please contact
Greenwatt Director Dr Susan Juned named one of the Top 50 ‘Green Leaders’ in the West Midlands
Director of Greenwatt Technology, Dr Susan Juned, has been named one of the top 50 Green Leaders in the West Midlands. The competition, run by Sustainability West Midlands, has identified 50 individuals who are considered to be those most likely to help the region achieve a more sustainable low carbon future.
The Award was presented by Jonathan Porritt who said it was a great opportunity to create a peer group of 50 green leaders to share ideas and learn from each other and to raise their profile.
Managing Director of Greenwatt Technology, Mike Woollacott said, “This is a great accolade for what Susan has achieved over many years and for the work she continues to do with Greenwatt Technology.”
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".
Greenwatt Technology 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 contact for our paper 'A new approach to planning a sustainable development'
Please contact Mike Woollacott, Projects Director to discuss how we can assist you. |
