from Groundwork Cheshire
England’s Northwest is striking out to be a low carbon pioneer in the UK with the launch of Foundation, a climate fund for the Northwest, which will deliver £1m per year for local, community based carbon-reducing projects.
Energy and Climate Change Minister Joan Ruddock MP officially launched the fund with a personal video message to business and public sector leaders at a recent event at Halliwells Solicitors in central
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The North West Regional Development Agency (NWDA) has announced major new funding being made available to small and medium sized enterprises (SME’s) which are taking a proactive approach to reducing carbon emissions and generating wider environmental benefits in the region.
The ‘Grant for Improving Your Resource Efficiency' is available to SME companies seeking to reduce their carbon foot print, through waste, water and energy efficiency as well as through recycling.
The grant was announced as part of a number of climate change measures outlined during the Princes May Day Summit on Climate Change,
held in the Concorde Hangar at
SME companies with eligible projects based in the Northwest of England, and with up to 250 employees are eligible to apply for support under this scheme, but the maximum level of grant available is 50% of the total project cost.
The minimum grant is £10,000, which means the smallest project value will be £20,000.
For more information on the ‘Grant for Improving Your Resource Efficiency’ please visit the following website .
As securing capital investment becomes more challenging, the Carbon Trust has developed a how-to-guide to help facilities managers, works engineers and environmental managers make an effective business case for investment in low carbon projects.
The guide, ‘Making the business case for a carbon reduction project’, is based on research conducted amongst senior executives who have provided valuable insight into what decision makers are looking for when considering whether to invest in a project.
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The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) is calling for “smart” dashboards that indicate when to change gear to be fitted as standard in all new cars in order to cut carbon emissions and herald a green motoring revolution.
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New research has revealed that even in the current economic climate, customers are still keen to buy green products and services.
The results of the research showed that 62% of the 2000 people questioned said that environmental concerns about their purchasing decisions were the same as a year ago, 66% said that it was important to buy from environmentally responsible companies and 25% said that they have decided to not buy from a company because of its ethical reputation.
70% of those questioned did not feel confident in identifying environmentally responsible companies, 59% were sceptical about the environmental claims made by companies and 44% would like more information on what companies are doing to be environmentally responsible.
The research also revealed that the most important criteria the customers questioned based their judgements of a company’s environmental credentials on were media opinion and third party endorsement.
Head of the Carbon Trust Standard, Harry Morrison, said: “This research shows that consumer values do not change, even in a middle of a recession. They want companies to act and cut their carbon footprints, and provide transparent and accessible evidence of action. We believe companies that take real action will seize the dual benefits of immediate cost savings and a stronger reputation, which is good for business.”
A LEADING paint manufacturer is starting to reap the benefits of potential energy savings identified by a Groundwork
Crown Paints engaged the services of Groundwork Cheshire earlier this year to conduct a resource efficiency audit of its warehouse, at
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New legislation on waste battery disposal
The government is increasing the regulation surrounding the manufacturing and recycling of batteries and accumulators (rechargeable batteries) for
The new obligations have been split into two parts. For more information please click the link below.
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To help achieve a greener office
Paper –
Use double-sided where ever possible
Waste –
Use the Waste Hierarchy to eliminate, reduce, re-use, recycle and dispose.
Water –
Ensure taps are switched off and not dripping
Energy –
Have a switch off policy for electrical equipment
Transport – Promote car sharing where possible.
Keep an eye out for further 'key tips' in future editions of the Groundwork E-Bulletin.
Meet the Team
Stephen Flyn - Resource Efficiency Specialist
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