News 2008

November 2008

Funding News: Update on the following Funding Packages can be found on the Funding News Section

• Green Energy Trust
• Grants to Promote Walking
• Climate Challenge Fund

A new Capital Grant Programme: Aimed at increasing capacity for reclaiming and recycling the non-inert fractions of construction and demolition (C&D) waste in Scotland. Launched by WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme) and supported by the Scottish Government, the funding programme is in direct response to feedback from construction contractors who say that the waste management industry does not have sufficient capacity to recycle their waste. More info

Potential of offshore wind energy: Offshore wind energy in Scottish territorial waters is to undergo strategic environmental assessment (SEA) to establish a clear and consistent approach to future development. More info

Green energy day: Renewable energy capacity in Scotland has now surpassed the landmark three Gigawatts (GW), enough to power 1.5 million homes with clean, green energy. More info

Tackling climate change: Scotland will be at the forefront of global action on climate change, Finance Secretary John Swinney has said as he revealed that international aviation and shipping, emissions from all six greenhouse gases, and annual targets will be included in the climate change bill. More info

Scots urged to save money by going green: A new campaign offering hard-pressed families advice on how to cut their fuel bills and help save the planet in the process has been launched. Fronted by Mr Earth, the 'Go Greener' campaign will be using radio, tv, outdoor and online advertising to promote energy saving messages. More info

Helping Scots to 'grow their own': Unused public land could soon be made available to meet increased demand for allotments, the Scottish Government have announced. Waiting lists for allotments have risen dramatically in recent years, with more people recognising the environmental, social and health benefits to be gained from working a plot. More info

New crofting areas: Arran, Bute, Greater and Little Cumbrae, Moray and the parts of Highland not already within the Crofting Counties are to be designated as new crofting areas. More info

Community Retail Networks: Read Kirsty MacColl's article for the Rural Gateway on the community retail network. This network aims to promote and support sustainable community owned shops across Scotland. More info

Tackling fuel poverty: The Scottish Fuel Poverty Forum has published its report 'Towards 2016 - The Future of Fuel Poverty Policy in Scotland' following a thorough review of current policy and programmes which have an impact on fuel poverty. More info

Consultations:

Climate Change Bill: The responses from the recent consultation on the introduction of a climate change bill have been published by the Scottish Government. More info

Renewable Energy Framework: The Scottish Government are consulting on a framework for the development and deployment of renewable energy in Scotland. Consultation closes: 1 December 2008. More info

October 2008

Interest-free Energy Efficiency Loans: Small businesses struggling for credit during the credit crunch received a boost today as the Carbon Trust announced it has doubled the maximum size of its interest-free Energy Efficiency loans from £100,000 to £200,000 – and increased the overall loans pot by 45 per cent to £31 million this year. Click here for the full article.

Tayside climbs recycling league: ALL FOUR local authorities in Tayside and Fife have beaten the national average for recycling, new figures show. Between April 2007 and March this year, councils across Scotland recycled 31.7% of the 3.4 million tonnes of waste collected, an annual rise of 3.3%. The total municipal waste produced showed no change on the previous year. More info

Funding News: Update on the following Funding Packages can be found on the Funding News Section

• Nationwide Foundation Small Grants Programme
• Ibrahim Foundation

Consultations:

Action on climate change: The Scottish Government are consulting on proposals to improve the energy performance of existing buildings. Consultation closes: 24 November 2008. More info

New wave of opportunity for tidal energy: Scottish Power is to set up a new energy company as well as identifying Isla and the Pentland Firth as the first sites for commerical tidal farms. More info

A new approach to land use: The Scottish Government have ordered a rural land use study. The study is being billed as a fundamental of how Scotland uses its land. More info

Funding to support local recycling: £3.5 million to increase recyling rates in local communities across Scotland has been announced as part of the INCREASE III funding programme. More info

Help for communities to reduce their carbon footprint: £700,00 has been distributed in the first tranche of projects under the Climate Challenge Fund. Projects include a village-wide energy efficiency scheme, converting a leisure centre to use energy efficient lighting and cycle training for young people. More info

Growing demand for Scottish produce: Launching the sixth annual Scottish Food Fortnight, Cabinet Secretary Richard Lochhead has revealed that the demand for Scottish produce has increased significantly in the last year. More info

September 2008

Funding news: Update on the following Funding Packages can be found on the Funding News Section

• EAS Energy Savers Awards now open
• Entries sought for Scottish Waste & Resources Awards
• Ashden Awards
• Volunteering Scotland Grants Scheme
• Grants to promote walking
• DFID Development awareness fund

Consultations:

• Climate change bill: The Scottish Government have now released an analysis of the responses to this consultation. More info

• Permitted development rights for domestic microgeneration equipment: The Scottish Government have now released the responses to this consultation. More info

Support for Scotland’s food industry: A multi-million pound investment to help put more local food on Scots' dinner tables has been announced by the Scottish Government. Six million pounds will be invested in businesses producing, processing and marketing local food. More info

£65 million plan will turn distillery greener: Plans for a pioneering £65 million bio-energy plant at Scotland’s largest distillery at Windygates in Fife, have been announced by drinks giant Diageo. More info

Growing the economy: The First Minister has said that Scotland must seize the opportunities offered by its world-class natural energy resources to realise its full economic potential despite current global challenges. More info

Funding to encourage green travel: The Scottish Government have announced funding to seven towns and cities to encourage more Scots out of their cars. The Sustainable Travel Demonstration Communities project would showcase a range of transport initiatives that would be good for people's pockets, their health, their communities and the planet. More info

Update on the Scottish rural development programme: The Scotland rural development programme (SRDP) is off to a flying start in Argyll with £1.4 million already awarded to community groups to support and transform rural communities. More info

Car use is still increasing: Figures released today show that rail passenger numbers are at their highest level for more than 40 years but that car use on Scotland's roads has also increased. Bus passenger figures were up too according to Main Transport Trends, but Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson it was the increase in road traffic that showed the scale of the challenge facing the country. More info

Review of how Scotland values its land: A fundamental review of how Scotland values its land was signalled by Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead. The review should inform how Scotland can best use its rural land resource to produce its food, create its energy and support its rural communities. More info

August 2008

Funding news: Update on the following Funding Packages can be found on the Funding News Section

• Sustrans Scotland
• Life + Programme
• Energy Funding Researchers
• Voluntary Sector Development Fund
• Triodos Opportunities Fund

Consultations:

• Potential Legislative Measures to Implement Zero Waste:The Scottish Government is reviewing its National Waste Strategy as part of a policy to move towards a Zero Waste Scotland. Consultation closes: 6 October 2008. More info
• Marine Bill for Scotland The Scottish Government are consulting on how they can ensure they can achieve sustainable seas for all. Consultation closes: 6 October 2008. More info

SustainableScotland.com If you're interested in what's happening with sustainable development in Scotland , then visit the new web portal designed and hosted by Forward Scotland. The site provides information for individuals, communities, business and policy-makers. For example, information on funding, best practice, tools and resources.

Renewable energy potential - A feasibility study into offshore renewables and grid potential is to be conducted by the Scottish Government in partnership with the Government of Ireland and Northern Ireland Executive. More info

Green mood sweeps Scotland - The Scotsman have report that 'thousands of Scots have stepped up to the challenge of fighting climate change and are helping our country set a shining example to the rest of the world. More info

Schools join fight against climate change Carbon emissions from Scottish schools are to be included in a pioneering carbon trading scheme from April 2010. Energy use in schools will count towards the total emissions of local authorities under the Carbon Reduction Commitment. More info

Boost for community assets in Glasgow Glasgow City Council has decided to transfer derelict properties to local groups with a sound business plan in order to unlock millions of pounds worth of grants. More info You can read Forward Scotland' response to the UK governments consultation on the distribution of unclaimed assets here.

More green energy jobs for Scotland A new biomass plant has been secured for Scotland. The joint venture will be built and operated by RWE npower Cogen, creating 30 new jobs, and will provide Tullis Russell with steam and electricity. More info

Green light for Europe's biggest windfarm Europe's largest onshore windfarm has been given the green light by the Scottish Government. The 152-turbine windfarm would be capable of powering up to 320,000 homes and will bring £600 million of investment while during construction the project is expected to create 200 jobs. More info

Scotland's Green Energy Awards now open - Nominations are now open for the 2008 Green Energy Awards. The awards are organised by Scottish Renewables and feature nine categories, for the first time including a new Best Student Project award. More info

Reduce fuel poverty Urgent action that will focus clearly on the fuel poor is now needed, says fuel poverty charitry Energy Action Scotland, following the recommendations published today by the Business & Enterprise Committe of the House of Commons. More info 

Too good to waste e-bulletin Environmental charity Changeworks is producing a quarterly e-bulletin to keep people up-to-date with issues and news relatibng to Reducing, Reusing, Recycling and Home Composting in the Edinburgh area. If you would be interested in receiving the bulletin, please email wasteprevention@changeworks.org.uk.

July 2008

Vibes Award Deadline The VIBES Awards recognise companies who have contributed to environmental improvement in the following ways – efficient management of resources; manufacturing environmental products; providing environmental services; developing sustainable production technologies and forming international partnerships. The deadline for entries is Friday 18 July. There are four categories for the 2008 VIBES awards with each category having a small (less than 50 employees), medium (between 50 and 250 employees) and large (more than 250 employees) winner. For further information or application form, please visit the awards website at: www.vibes.org.uk or contact VIBES co-coordinator Linsey McGillivray on 01896 754 797 or at vibes@sepa.org.uk.

Climate Change Adaptation Framework As part of its commitment to mitigating against the affects of climate change, the Scottish Government are seeking opionions to inform the forthcoming Scotland's climate change adaption framework. Consultation closes: 31 October 2008 More info

Food & Drink in Scotland The Scottish Government have outlined the next steps towards the National Policy for Food and Drink. Measures included: a campaign to raise the quality and visibility of Scottish produce served in Scotland's restaurants and pubs, an investigation into the labelling of 'Scottish' foods, and an inquiry into affordable access to food. More info

'One Stop' Energy Shops A new advice network to help Scots cut their fuel bills has been launched. The Energy Saving Scotland advice network will offer free advice on energy efficiency, small scale renewables and sustainable transport. The service will help customers access grants from the Scottish Government and energy supply companies. More info

Climate Challenge Fund The Scottish Government's Climate Challenge Fund is now open. The fund is designed to help communities take local action to tackle the global threat of climate change by reducing their carbon emissions. The fund will run for three years. Interested communities can now submit an 'expression of interest' form. More info

Investment Fund for Third Sector Organisation The Scottish Government have launched a £30 million investment fund to help enterprising third sector organisations become more effective and efficient. More info

Help for Rural Communities A new service to help rural communities apply for a range of funding programs has been launched. Run by the Crofters' Commission and SCVO the service, Rural Direct, will aim to ensure communities reap maximum benefit from schemes aimed at tackling climate change, reducing waste and improving environmental management. More info

Investing in Communities Grants of between £10,000 and £1,000,000 are available from the Big Lottery to help communities develop community assets, build stronger communities and help people to deal with change in their lives. The fund runs until 2009. Applications can be made any time. More info

Funding for Commercialisation of Green Technologies The Carbon Trust has announced that applied research grant funding of up to £250,000 is available to businesses and research institutions to support the development and commercialisation of technology with the potential to reduce UK carbon dioxide emissions. Applications close: 7 August 2008 More info

June 2008

Communities given the power to tackle climate change: A new £18.8 million fund to help communities take local action to tackle the global threat of climate change opens for business today. The Climate Challenge Fund, which will support community-led action to reduce emissions, was officially launched by Cabinet Secretary for the Environment, Richard Lochhead and Patrick Harvie, Scottish Green MSP. More info

May 2008

Reducing The Use Of Plastic Bags: Marks and Spencer have been praised by Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead for their policy in reducing the number of single use plastic bags used by their customers. From today Marks and Spencer will charge 5 pence for every single use carrier bag with the profits going to environmental charities. More info

Wasted food now costs UK homes £10 billion, new study reveals: The cost of needlessly wasted food to UK households is £10 billion a year, £2 billion higher than previously estimated according to new research published today by WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme). More info

WEEE recycle-more winners announced! The winners of a recent competition to promote electrical recycling in the Glasgow area have just been chosen. Emma Daraz and Aimee Barr from Hyndland Secondary School took the top prize and will now see their poster professionally enlarged and pasted onto the recycling banks at the Easter Queenslie recycling site. More info

Retailers Launch First Comprehensive Industry-wide Climate Change Pledges: A string of household-name retailers are today (Wednesday) launching new, industry-wide environmental commitments as the next stage of their response to climate change. It is the first time the sector has come together to make such a comprehensive set of pledges, intended to remove barriers to progress. More info

April 2008

Renewable Schemes Approved - A hydro-electric scheme in Perthshire capable of powering around 1,000 homes has been approved by Ministers. Read more Meanwhile a wind farm in Sutherland capable of powering 37,000 homes has also been approved. Read more

Supermarkets Sign up for Summit: Chief Executives from all leading UK supermarkets have agreed to take part in Scotland's first Supermarket Summit, to discuss the part they can play in helping to deliver the Scottish Government's five strategic objectives. More info

Mobile Phone Recycling Success: A children's hospice is more that £1000 better off thanks to the recycling efforts of Dundonians. Convener of Dundee City Council's environment services committee George Regan celebrated the sucess of Dundee mobile phone recycling week by donating a cheque for £1358 to the Children's Hospice Association Scotland. More info

£6 MIllion for Zero Waste Technology: Up to £6 million will be available over three years to fund innovative projects to treat organic waste. Funded through the WAste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP), the investment will support business in the private, public and voluntary sectors seeking to treat organic watse, such as food or garden material. More info

Real Nappy Week 2008: The 2008 Real Nappy Week which takes place on the 21st-27th April, is encouraging parent of young tots to reduce household waste by switvching to eral Nappies. The 12th annual promotional week is coordinated by the Community Recycling Network (CRNS) and supported by Waste Aware Scotland. More info

New GTBS Criteria: The Green Tourism Business Scheme which is now operating throughout Scotland and England has gone through a long-overdue update. To be launched in the Spring of 2008 GTBS version IV is the latest upgrade to the grading standard which was created in 1997 and part of a three yearly revision to the grading requirements. The criteria now contain over 150 elements of good and best practice to provide more choices in relation to the eco friendly opportunities the tourism sector can adopt.

The Version IV criteria will be distributed to all current GTBS members early in 2008. It will also be sent to any new expressions of interest from the same time. Any new applications in 2008 graded before 1st September 2008 will be assessed on the version of criteria sent with the application pack.

For any GTBS member due a revisit up until 1st September 2008 the grading will be on the previous criteria version. After this date all assessments will be on the new criteria. For further details on Version IV check out the website or contact the GTBS Membership Coordinator Marian Wallace on 01738 632162 x 245

New look Scottish Enterprise open for business: Scottish Enterprise (SE) begins a new chapter today (April 1, 2008) with a refreshed and refocused remit as Scotland’s enterprise, innovation and investment agency supporting business growth and developing the business environment. This follows a Government review of the Enterprise networks in 2007 which saw a number of changes to SE’s governance and remit. More info

It's No April Fool - Nearly 15,000 Volunteers Give Up Their Free Time To Spring Clean Their favourite Places: Keep Scotland Beautiful (KSB), promotes National Spring Clean to encourage people to organise and take part in litter clean up activities throughout the month of April. Nearly 15,000 volunteers across Scotland have already signed up to litter pick their neighbourhoods making National Spring Clean 2008 the biggest event yet. More Info

Euro Funding for Scottish Economy: Initiatives designed to increase Scotland's economic competitiveness, including third sector employment projects, will receive a European funding boost, it was announced today. More infomation

March 2008

Perth & Kinross Residents Switched On To battery Recycling! Residents in Perth and Kinross have recycled in excess of 3 tonnes of batteries since the introduction of a new battery recycling scheme in the area. That’s more power than the combined weight of the Scotland Rugby Squad! More info

BEP: Environmental Placement Programme: The Business Environment Partnership is now actively seeking projects for inclusion in its 2008 programme. The programme is a student placement scheme that matches students with local businesses to carry out an environmental project. More info 

Government Action on Carrier Bags Could Help Consumers Waste Less and Recycle More Things More Often: WRAP, the packaging and waste advisory body, said today a tax or levy on throwaway bags could help play a significant role in changing consumer behaviour by giving a major incentive to re-use bags for shopping. More info

Greenspace and social enterprise: The Glasgow and Clyde Valley Green Network is exploring the current and potential role of social enterprises in the management of urban greenspace. They are keen to look at examples of good practice from across Scotland. Follow the link if you think you could help. 

New funds for town centre schemes: From the 1st April, towns around Scotland will be able to apply for a one-off grant of £15,000 to help launch 'business improvement districts.' More info 

Renewable heat potential: A report by the Forum for Renewable Energy Development in Scotland (FREDS) on renewable heat has suggested that a commercially viable and diverse renewable heat industry could help serve Scotland's future heating needs and cut emissions. More info 

February 2008

Free WEEE Breakfast Seminars in Tayside a great sucess: Tayside Environmental Network (TEN) held two business breakfast events in February. One event took place at the West Park Centre, Dundee on Thursday the 7th February and the second event at McDiarmid Park, Perth on Tuesday the 12th February. The events were well attended with delegates from across the Tayside area and beyond who were all were keen to find out more about how the recent Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Regulations affect their business. 

Presentations were given by key figures from a number of bodies that are involved with the WEEE Regulations. Nathanial Chalamanda from SEPA focussed on the policies and regulations that businesses should adhere to as producers or distributors of electrical equipment. Duncan Simpson from Valpak then moved on to discuss the role of compliance schemes. The third and final presentation allowed businesses to understand more about the treatment of WEEE, with details provided by Hugh Booth of Shore Recycling; the main WEEE recycling company in Scotland. Questions and detailed discussions of individual delegates’ requirements then followed. 

These were successful events which have helped Tayside businesses to understand their obligations under the WEEE Regulations.  Feedback from both events has been positive.

Copies of the presentations can be found here: Nathaniel Chalamanda, SEPA, Duncan Simpson, Valpak, Hugh Booth, Shore Recycling

Further information on the WEEE Regulations can be found on the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR) website:

http://www.berr.gov.uk/sectors/sustainability/weee/page30269.html

Free WEEE Breakfast Seminars in Tayside: The way electrical and electronic wastes are managed has recently changed. There are now recycling targets as well as controls on the treatment of electrical and electronic goods at the end of their life. Any businesses and organisations should attend which produce, retail, handle, treat or use electrical and electronic items need to be aware of their responsibilities and how to comply with the legislation.

Where and When: Thursday 7th February – West Park, 319 Perth Road, Dundee, DD2 1NN & Tuesday 12th February – McDiarmid Park, Conference Centre, St Johnstone Football Club, Crieff Road, PERTH, PH1 2SJ.

7.30am - Registration, tea/coffee, bacon and egg rolls; 8.00am - Presentations followed by questions and answers; 9.15am - Finish

How to register: Contact Stephanie Balman at enquiries@tayside-environmental-network.org.uk or 0131 449 8559 with your name, organisation, contact details and seminar you wish to attend.

January 2008

Envirowise less is more: At Envirowise, we believe that less is more, that's why we help Scottish businesses make more money by using fewer resources. You have probably already taken steps towards using fewer resources, but with our expertise in resource efficiency, you could make even more of an impact on your profitability. Your reputation as an environmentally responsible company could benefit too, impressing prospective business partners and investors. Envirowise, funded by the Scottish Government, has been providing free, confidential and expert resource efficiency advice to Scottish companies for over ten years. Our qualified experts help all sizes of business consume fewer resources, reduce environmental impact and comply more easily with current legislation. So to find out how using less could mean more for your business, call 0800 585794 or visit our website

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