SBP Emag 42 December 2011

Welcome to the SBP's new look emag. The style may have changed but the purpose is the same - to keep you up to date with all the latest news and developments within the SBP and across the sustainable business sector. We've seen plenty of exciting developments recently, not least the launch of our new website, featuring the Sustainable Business Directory. Find out all about them below.

The sustainability sector itself has witnessed high drama, with ongoing uncertainty over the future of feed-in tariffs and the Renewable Heat Incentive. These issues and more are covered in the sector news section. The ongoing recession - and threat of a double-dip - continues to hit businesses hard. Whilst financing major investments may prove tricky for some, there's never been a better time to explore where savings may be found and profit generated through a more sustainable business model. If you're not yet a member of the Sustainable Business Network, why not join today and start to explore where these opportunities may lie?

SBP News 

The SBP's new membership scheme is launched and recruiting new members. The scheme is designed to support suppliers, producers and service providers operating in the local low carbon economy, raising their profile and that of the sector as a whole, linking supply with demand, helping them to stay one step ahead with new market opportunities, offering training and various other member benefits. Businesses wishing to know more can contact Andrew Davies, our new Memberships Manager, on 01962 845591.

Our new emag accompanies our new-look website, with added features and more user-friendly format. It's at the same address as before, www.the-sbp.co.uk, which means that some people might have difficulty viewing it if their browser history still directs them to the old host. If that's the case, simply clear the history and cookies and you should be able to access it.

We've had a flurry of Network meetings. If you were unable to attend, you can still access meeting notes and presentations from the network section of the website. Click the links below for summaries of our Transport and Travel meeting in Portsmouth, our energy efficiency event in North Hampshire,  and our waste legislation meeting for the Winchester network.

Membership Update: We are delighted to welcome our very newest members to our SBP Directory - these Hampshire companies are champions of the low carbon industry providing services and products locally and nationally. Find out more about their products and services in the Sustainable Business Directory, and keep a look out for special offers and promotions in coming months.

BCR - Business cost reduction.

C4Ci - Professionals in the field of sustainable building engineering and structural performance.

Footprint Communications - Communications agency.

HPW Partnership - sustainable architecture, interior design and branding.

O I Solutions - green printers and cartridges supplier.

Olive Consultancy - Sustainability strategies for businesses.

Romsey Waste Paper - Recycling and waste collection solutions for businesses.

SB Solar - Photovoltaic solutions for businesses.

Towergate Insurance -  Specialist insurance needs for businesses.

Wedgewood Associates - Professional structural engineers.

Winchester Business School - Business courses, degrees.
 

Sector News

The FiT saga continues - government moves from electricity to heat with RHI's. The FiT sector is suffering large job losses as seen at Carillon. And we reach some kind of agreement for COP17 in South Africa. Canada has pulled out of Kyoto, to much criticism from China. Business waste management issues appear to be on the rise again - we're expecting to see more on this in 2012, and energy prices look set to head in one direction for the foreseeable future, keeping UK inflation high.

The FiT saga continues…..Huge jobs cuts loom at Carillion as solar FiT cuts bite. Utility giant Carillion Energy Services has confirmed 4,500 jobs are under threat following the Government's decision to bring forward a cut in the subsidy for solar PV under the Feed-in Tariff scheme.

FiTs campaigners call on Cameron to secure future of UK solar. Solar industry campaigners delivered a letter to Downing Street on December 13 calling on David Cameron and Nick Clegg to secure the future of the UK solar industry and save thousands of jobs.

Business GreenWire: Who Is The UK's Greenest Business Person? Nominations are open now and it's your chance to enter the person or team who deserves to be honoured by one of the 14 2012 PEAB Awards.

The CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme was introduced by government in 2008. Organisations that meet the qualification criteria, based on how much electricity they consumed in 2008, will be obliged to participate in the CRC.
 

UK Climate Change Risk Assessment and the new adaptation delivery landscape Climate South East- Defra presents initial findings from the UK CCRA.

Government Launches Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) - The Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) is a new Government initiative providing finance to non-domestic renewable heat generators and producers of biomethane in Great Britain.

Businesses risk prosecution if they don't take waste seriously. Companies need to be more aware of their responsibilities around waste management if they are to remain compliant with increasingly complex legislation, an environmental expert has warned.

National Biomass Suppliers Database launched. New National Biomass Suppliers Database announced by the Biomass Energy Centre and Carbon Trust 

COP17 ends with a legally binding deal ... sort of... President of COP17 Maite Nkoana-Mashabane A legally binding deal was signed at COP17 after concerns by major emitters India, China and the US were eased.

Government must review its support of biomass plants, says climate watchdog.The Government must review its support of new biomass plants, according to the UK climate change watchdog. 

Watch out for the BIG Green Commuter Challenge in 2012. Since 2003, over 100 organisations have cut 403,421 car miles and saved 174, 271 kgs of emissions.Organisations based in Portsmouth, Fareham, Gosport or Havant are invited to compete for the Commuter Challenge shield.14 - 20 May - put the dates in your diary and watch out for details of the new website in the Spring.

Green ambassadors - The council’s green ambassadors have been working with the council’s corporate initiatives team. The volunteers have been taking part in activities and training to build up the knowledge and skills needed to make their lives greener.

A stark example of the way a negative reputation for environmental performance can affect your business relationships…

Events Calendar 

All of our events are listed on our events calendar, but here are some of the next ones we have lined up which might be of interest... 

• Business Solent Suppliers' Showcase 2012 -  Southampton 

• Free Energy Management Training from Southampton City Council, Southampton 

• Introduction to Environmental Awareness (IEMA), Southampton

• Sustainable Procurement Principles and Implementation (IEMA), Southampton

Legislation Update

Blake Lapthorn’s Environmental Law most recent news update -  More details 

And finally... The team at the SBP would like to wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a happy New Year. We look forward to working with you and supporting your sustainable business progress in 2012!