HSBC Data Centre Rated 'Excellent' by BRE

HSBC has achieved the UK's first 'Excellent' rating for design and procurement of its new North London Data Centre under the Building Research Establishment's BREEAM Certification.

Sustainability was a key driver in the design and equipment procurement process and has been worked into the whole life cycle of the project. The building is due for completion in the first half of 2009 and will be the first of three new HSBC data centres in the UK which will all be designed with the same sustainability principles.

Over the next few years, HSBC has committed to spending some US$40 million to improve the environmental performance of its office buildings around the world. The funds form part of a US$90 million, five year, global environmental efficiency programme to reduce the Group's broader impact on the environment. HSBC has made a commitment that all new data centre builds within its global operations will be designed according to local environmentally accredited standards such as BREEAM and LEED.

Digital Realty Trust was appointed Developer and CHt Data Solutions - part of the Laing O'Rourke Group - as their delivery partner, for the new data centre due to go live in mid 2009. The centre is expected to achieve substantial reductions in annual energy and carbon dioxide emissions, resulting in substantial cost savings to the business.


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Green Jobs Boom

A new, landmark study on the impact of an emerging global "green economy" on the world of work says efforts to tackle climate change could result in the creation of millions of new "green jobs" in the coming decades.

The new report entitled Green Jobs: Towards Decent work in a Sustainable, Low-Carbon World, says changing patterns of employment and investment resulting from efforts to reduce climate change and its effects are already generating new jobs in many sectors and economies, and could create millions more in both developed and developing countries.

However, the report also finds that the process of climate change, already underway, will continue to have negative effects on workers and their families, especially those whose livelihoods depend on agriculture and tourism. Action to tackle climate change as well as to cope with its effects is therefore urgent and should be designed to generate decent jobs.

Though the report is generally optimistic about the creation of new jobs to address climate change, it also warns that many of these new jobs can be "dirty, dangerous and difficult". Sectors of concern, especially but not exclusively in developing economies, include agriculture and recycling where all too often low pay, insecure employment contracts and exposure to health hazardous materials needs to change fast.

What's more, it says too few green jobs are being created for the most vulnerable: the 1.3 billion working poor (43 per cent of the global workforce) in the world with earnings too low to lift them and their dependants above the poverty threshold of US$2 per person, per day, or for the estimated 500 million youth who will be seeking work over the next 10 years.

Green jobs reduce the environmental impact of enterprises and economic sectors, ultimately to levels that are sustainable. The report focuses on "green jobs" in agriculture, industry, services and administration that contribute to preserving or restoring the quality of the environment. It also calls for measures to ensure that they constitute "decent work" that helps reduce poverty while protecting the environment.

The report says that climate change itself, adaptation to it and efforts to arrest it by reducing emissions have far-reaching implications for economic and social development, for production and consumption patterns and thus for employment, incomes and poverty reduction. These implications harbour both major risks and opportunities for working people in all countries, but particularly for the most vulnerable in the least developed countries and in small island States.

The report calls for "just transitions" for those affected by transformation to a green economy and for those who must also adapt to climate change with access to alternative economic and employment opportunities for enterprises and workers. According to the report, meaningful social dialogue between government, workers and employers will be essential not only to ease tensions and support better informed and more coherent environmental, economic and social policies, but for all social partners to be involved in the development of such policies.

Among other key findings in the report:

• The global market for environmental products and services is projected to double from US$1,370 billion (1.37 trillion) per year at present to US$2,740 billion (2.74 trillion) by 2020, according to a study cited in the report.
  
  
• Half of this market is in energy efficiency and the balance in sustainable transport, water supply, sanitation and waste management. In Germany for example, environmental technology is to grow fourfold to 16 per cent of industrial output by 2030, with employment in this sector surpassing that in the country's big machine tool and automotive industries.
  
  
• Sectors that will be particularly important in terms of their environmental, economic and employment impact are energy supply, in particular renewable energy, buildings and construction, transportation,basic industries, agriculture and forestry.
  
  
• Clean technologies are already the third largest sector for venture capital after information and biotechnology in the United States, while green venture capital in China more than doubled to 19 per cent of total investment in recent years.
  
  
• 2.3 million people have in recent years found new jobs in the renewable energy sector alone, and the potential for job growth in the sector is huge. Employment in alternative energies may rise to 2.1 million in wind and 6.3 million in solar power by 2030.
  
  
• Renewable energy generates more jobs than employment in fossil fuels. Projected investments of US$630 billion by 2030 would translate into at least 20 million additional jobs in the renewable energy sector.
  
  
• In agriculture, 12 million could be employed in biomass for energy and related industries. In a country like Venezuela, an ethanol blend of 10 per cent in fuels might provide one million jobs in the sugar cane sector by 2012.
  
  
• A worldwide transition to energy-efficient buildings would create millions of jobs, as well as "greening" existing employment for many of the estimated 111 million people already working in the construction sector.
  
  
• Investments in improved energy efficiency in buildings could generate an additional 2-3.5 million green jobs in Europe and the United States alone, with the potential much higher in developing countries.
  
  
• Recycling and waste management employs an estimated 10 million in China and 500,000 in Brazil today. This sector is expected to grow rapidly in many countries in the face of escalating commodity prices.

The report provides examples of massive green jobs creation, throughout the world, such as: 600,000 people in China who are already employed in solar thermal making and installing products such as solar water heaters; in Nigeria, a bio fuels industry based on cassava and sugar cane crops might sustain an industry employing 200,000 people; India could generate 900,000 jobs by 2025 in biomass gasification of which 300,000 would be in the manufacturing of stoves and 600,000 in areas such as processing into briquettes and pellets and the fuel supply chain; and in South Africa, 25,000 previously unemployed people are now employed in conservation as part of the 'Working for Water' initiative.

"A sustainable economy can no longer externalize environmental and social costs. The price society pays for the consequences of pollution or ill health for example, must be reflected in the prices paid in the marketplace. Green jobs therefore need to be decent work"
Green Jobs: Towards Decent work in a Sustainable, Low-Carbon World

The report recommends a number of pathways to a more sustainable future directing investment to low-cost measures that should be taken immediately including: assessing the potential for green jobs and monitoring progress to provide a framework for policy and investment; addressing the current skills bottleneck by meeting skill requirements because available technology and resources for investments can only be deployed effectively with qualified entrepreneurs and skilled workers; and ensuring individual enterprises' and economic sectors' contribution to reducing emissions of greenhouse gases with labour-management initiatives to green workplaces.



The report finds that green markets have thrived and transformation has advanced most where there has been strong and consistent political support at the highest level, including targets, penalties and incentives such as feed-in laws and efficiency standards for buildings and appliances as well as proactive research and development.

The report says that delivery of a deep and decisive new climate agreement when countries meet for the crucial UN climate convention meeting in Copenhagen in late 2009 will be vital for accelerating green job growth.

The report was funded and commissioned by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) under a joint Green Jobs Initiative with the International Labour Office (ILO), and the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) and the International Organization of Employers (IOE), which together represent millions of workers and employers worldwide. It was produced by the Worldwatch Institute, with technical assistance from the Cornell University Global Labour Institute.


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EU Parliament Won't Be Bullied

The EU environmental committee has effectively passed plans (assuming the European Parliament pass it in December) forcing car manufactures to meet a strict average CO2 emission of 130g CO2/km within four years. Car manufactures and their industry allies had lobbied MEPs in a desperate bid to try and get the planned proposals altered to allow them more time to phase the reduction in gradually, these proposals were rejected.

Vehicles in the UK emit 91m tonnes of CO2 each year, and any proposal on reducing the emissions from new vehicles will benefit the environment, however some indiduals are suggesting that it could lead to increased costs for our cars, job cuts and people holding on to their gas guzzlers for longer.


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Marine Current Turbines Voted in Top Ten Clean Tech

Bristol based tidal energy company Marine Current Turbines is celebrating being voted in the “top 10” of Europe’s top clean technology companies in The Guardian/Library House “Clean Tech 100 Survey”.

Marine Current Turbines (MCT) was ranked 5th overall by a team of prominent business analysts and venture capitalists who were tasked with identifying Europe’s most innovative clean tech firms. Although a number of wave and tidal energy companies made it to the top 100, MCT was the highest placed in its sector.

This comes in recognition of MCT’s pioneering work as a first mover in the marine renewables sector, and endorses the company’s position as the leading developer in tidal stream technology after installing the world’s first commercial sized tidal stream turbine, the 1.2MW SeaGen, earlier this year in Northern Ireland’s Strangford Lough.

“We are all very pleased at being voted into Europe’s clean tech top 5. The recognition is very welcome during a year in which we have deployed SeaGen. We are focused on making tidal energy a commercial reality which is exciting for us, our investors as well as governments and the major utilities. We are now completing the commissioning on SeaGen, as well as moving ahead with our plans to develop the world’s first utility scale tidal farm off Anglesey in the Skerries.”
Peter Fraenkel, Technical Director, Marine Current Turbines

MCT’s Skerries project is a joint initiative with npower renewables to develop a 10.5MW tidal farm using seven upgraded SeaGen systems off the coast of Anglesey, north Wales. It is planned that the tidal farm will be commissioned around 2011/2012. The company is also investigating the potential for tidal energy schemes in other parts of the UK, and in North America.

The Guardian/Library House survey was published on September 18th. The Guardian/Library House CleanTech 100 highlights a group of the most promising private companies in Europe focusing on clean technology, with companies selected on the basis of their potential for future growth and beneficial environmental impact. An initial list of 200 was selected from the Library House’s CleanTech Intelligence database of private clean tech companies, using various indicators such as each company's capital history, positive news stories, and size of management team, plus an analyst selection to make sure companies were credible. Expert advisory board members were then invited to nominate further companies to ensure the net was thrown widely enough. The advisory panel consisted of some of Europe's most experienced investors in the growing area of clean technology - a mix of venture capitalists, investment analysts and technology lawyers.

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Bulb Ban = Bulb Hoarders

It may seem irrational to us all that in times when energy costs are going up, some individuals would be wanting to keep their incandescents, but in the run up to the voluntary January 2009 bulb ban (which will see 150W and 100W bulbs removed from all major retailers with all incandescents removed by 2011).

There are good reasons why a ban on incandescents are a good thing, both environmentally and politically. Lighting accounts for anywhere from 8 - 19% of our total energy use, and it is expected that the ban will reduce our energy consumption annually by 5.5%, or 9200GWh, in the process reducing CO2 emissions by 5m tonnes, the equivalent of the expected CO2 saving of the Severn barrage. This also begs the question, why build a £10 billion super structure when in reality all you have to do is ban a bulb, costing a few million pounds, with the same positive outcome. Obviously the barrage can still come along later to reduce emissions even further, provide clean energy and help the government meet renewable energy targets.

Reducing the amount of electricity used in real terms through measures like this also reduce the demand on energy, and the materials used to provide that energy, which also reduces the end cost to the consumer across all major fuel sources. By reducing the total energy used nationwide, you also have a higher output in percentage terms from your renewable energy sources, without having to install further capacity.

But why did the government choose not to go for an all out ban, like Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and the US. This would have made it illegal to obtain the bulbs even from specialist retailers, however how could this be punished under law, it may make an interesting court case followed by the media, and the crime, threatening national energy security .. maybe. But by default with so many countries implementing a ban, manufactures stop production, importation of bulbs in quantity from Asia regions grind to a halt, introducing new smaller supply changes, thus increasing the cost of bulbs, it is likely however to increase the price of the standard bulb dramatically. Already both the 150W and 100W bulbs are a hard to find item at your local supermarket as supplies dry up.

Hence why some people have turned to stockpiling incandescent bulbs, concerns seem to be more aesthetic than safety-conscious.

"It's a bad idea. They're not only bad for the climate but mean a bigger electricity bill. Incandescent light bulbs were invented in the 1880s and use 80% more electricity than energy saving ones. The time has come to move into the 21st Century."
Ben Stewart, Greenpeace

On 16 & 17 April 2008, the Energy Saving Trust carried out a lightbulb ‘Pepsi’ challenge at Bluewater Shopping Centre to see if the public could tell the difference between traditional and Energy Saving Recommended lightbulbs.

For the experiment two identical booths were specially built each with a lounge – one lit with a traditional light bulb and one lit with an energy saving one.



Members of the public were then asked to enter each of the booths for ten seconds and say whether they could tell which one contained the energy saving lightbulb, and which one they preferred.

Out of 761 shoppers, 53 per cent either got it wrong or could not spot the difference, despite 70 per cent of shoppers being confident that they would be able to spot the energy efficient lightbulb before they did the test. The shoppers were not told whether they had guessed right, but 64 per cent of people claimed to prefer the light produced by the energy efficient light bulb.

"I think the results are extremely encouraging and go to show just how much the quality of light from energy efficient lightbulbs has improved since they were first introduced. Not only that, but there are now a far wider range of energy efficient bulbs available, including dimmers. The days of bulky, ugly looking energy efficient bulbs, which gave poor light quality are long gone. Clearly, the public have had their own ‘lightbulb’ moment too, with sales of energy efficient lightbulbs jumping from 10 million in 2006 to 21 million in 2007."
Philip Sellwood, Chief Executive, Energy Saving Trust

Maybe the solution is bulb amnesties in the streets of Britain where you can get rid of your old 100W bulbs in exchange for a free energy saving bulb, that way the county would be rid of those high wattage bulbs, from of course the people willing to give them up.


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What the Elle'?

Elle MacPherson was spotted cycling her five year-old son to school on the handlebars of her bike. "Double riding" can be punished by a fine of up to £2,500 in exceptionally dangerous cases. Accordingly (some would agree), she been hammered by most newspapers this week, "What the Elle are you Doing?" from the Daily Mirror.

Jo Stagg, from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, was aghast. "It is both illegal and dangerous, a child on the front handlebars could affect the cyclist's ability to see, steer and balance, and we would not advise parents to carry children in this way - ever."

However, Simon Jenkins of the Guardian believes "Elle Macpherson deserves a medal for defying the health and safety gods". A really interesting read, and I am somewhere on the fence, I cycle without a helmet, but mainly in urban areas where I often travel faster than the vehicles, my biggest menace is pedestrians, which often find the need to park illegally, open doors, cross the road or generally be somewhere they shouldn't yet still are. I find that the majority of road users coexist without problem.

I have had two dismounts about 5 years ago when I cycled 4-5 miles a day, both whilst wearing no helmet, but not on the road, a car driver stopped to ask if I was ok on one occassion, they are not all bad you know, I was not injured, but I could have been, there was no pedestrian or car at fault, just me.

For that reason, if an accident is going to happen, it probably inevitably will, thus a helmet will reduce your chances of serious or fatal injury. Without a helmet there is evidence to suggest we ride more carefully, we are more alert and less willing to take risks that we otherwise would, cars may give us a wider berth when overtaking, but the person in the parked car will still open the door without looking, and in the real world you come off worse than the door, or at best, the same as the door. I'd like to think I could come off better (as my bike is chunky), but I can only hope. But is Elle irresponsible? I don't think so, maybe a little naive like myself. Would I do it? No, I wouldn't have the confidence to do it, so she clearly must, which helps, and as Simon Jenkins points out she wont be doing any killer corners at speed.

Im surprised no one pointed out JD's poor choice of footwear for riding a bike.

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What's the Best Way to Green With Your Green?

The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors have released a guide for consumers which offers impartial expert advice regarding the costs, potential energy savings, payback period and disruptiveness of green improvements to a property. The Greener Homes Price Guide was developed by RICS’ Building Cost Information Service to help consumers through the green jargon, and manufacture claims.

Homeowners rocked by the latest rises in energy bills are turning to green solutions to save money and reduce their carbon footprint.

By using the guide, homeowners will be able to target the areas in their homes where green upgrades would have the most impact.

This will enable them to make informed choices on how best to improve their homes, whether this is with a view to solely reduce their carbon footprint or reduce their energy bills.

Often caught between wanting to be more environmentally friendly and needing value for money many consumers are left confused over which green upgrades offer the best energy savings for the best price.

In addition to offering cost advice The Greener Homes Price Guide also includes practical advice on:

• what grants are available and how to apply for them
• when you need to apply for planning permission
• how to obtain builders or specialist contractors

“We all have a role to play in helping to reduce our carbon footprint, be it through changes to our behaviour or by choosing greener alternatives. The reality is, however, that most people struggle with the cost, time, and effort it takes to make these changes. The Greener Homes Price Guide gives consumers a comprehensive heads-up about the costs and effectiveness of green upgrades, whilst protecting them from being duped into changes that won’t save them money or do little to reduce their carbon footprint. Consumers need innovation and enhanced technology to help in the fight against climate change, not just a guilt trip about living in the world we have created. We encourage governments and companies not just here in the UK, but all over the world to continue to invest more in the research and development of green technologies.”
Joe Martin, BCIS, Executive Director

Unfortunately the RICS are out for their green too, and the guide is not available for free, the Greener Homes Price Guide: Organising and Budgeting for Energy Efficiency and Reducing Your Carbon Footprint, is priced £17.99 and can be ordered online or by calling T +44 (0)870 333 1600 (select option 2 for BCIS sales and quote item code 17012). Also available in all good bookshops. Publication date: August 2008. ISBN: 978 1 904829 67 6


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UK Searching For Energy Efficiency

Britons are increasingly concerned with making their homes more efficient, if their internet searching habits are anything to go by. According to internet traffic monitor Hitwise, there has been a significant increase in the amount of searches for terms such as 'loft insulation' and 'underfloor heating'.

The growing interest in methods for making a home more energy efficient reflects the fear of rising fuel and electricity gas prices.

According to Energy Saving Trust recommended supplier Anglian Home Improvements, the average energy bill is set to rise to £1,406. The drastic increase from £676 in 2005 is a major reason for the new interest, claimed Hitwise research director Robin Goad, who also noted people were looking to change their energy providers.

"Concern about energy prices has also led to more people visiting utilities websites, presumably to check prices and change suppliers. UK internet traffic to a custom category of electricity and gas suppliers has doubled over the last year."
Robin Goad, Research Director, Hitwise

The Full Blog Post by Robin Goad

As well as an increase in search terms on energy efficiency, the EST website has received a daily Alexa rank decrease to 60k from 80k, and this blog has had a decrease from 820k to 770k in the last week.

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The Sky is the Limit to Find Uninsulated Homes

Members of the Coventry Partnership's Environment Theme Group have proposed an innovative aerial thermal survey of the city to be carried out this winter in order to help people insulate their homes.

Coventry Partnership brings together public, private and voluntary sector organisations in the city in order to make Coventry a growing, accessible city where people choose to live, work and be educated and where businesses choose to invest. One of the key themes is tackling climate change and the Environment Theme Group has recently been re-launched to help achieve this goal.

Over 40 delegates met on Friday 12th September at Coventry Transport Museum for a lively event which discussed practical ways in which collaborative working can really begin to make a difference to the city's carbon emissions and deliver the climate change strategy.

The top project idea was to carry out a thermal survey of the city using an advanced infra-red camera to spot areas where buildings are losing heat and require additional thermal insulation.

This will be the first time that such a high resolution camera has been used to survey a whole city from an aircraft.

The results will be more accurate than ever before due to the use of advanced GPS mapping which will mean that a heat source as small as a shoebox can be detected.

The survey will be carried out on a cold night this winter with the results available early in the New Year.

"I am very excited by the idea of being able to actually see heat losses from buildings and provide advice and support to residents to help them keep their fuel bills low and reduce their carbon footprint. We all think we've done enough but this will let us check whether we can do more in a very visible way. Personally I can't wait to see whether the work I've done to insulate my house has paid off!"
Nigel Lee, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Housing and Sustainability

It's envisaged that this will allow the identification of houses that would benefit from additional thermal insulation and ensure that residents make full use of the various grants that are currently on offer from the government and other sources.

This survey should help ensure that Coventry residents take full advantage of the additional funding for insulation announced by the Prime Minister on 11th September.

This new package comprising £910 million from the big energy suppliers intends to help people with soaring gas and electricity bills by providing free or half-price insulation to lofts and cavity walls as well as a freeze on this year's bills for the poorest families.

An earlier but less detailed aerial survey carried out in 2007 has allowed the council to contact hundreds of residents to offer help with insulation and highlighted the need for a detailed survey to pinpoint hotspots.

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New Energy Efficient Ad On TV Now

Ad Courtesy Of Act On CO2

A £6m TV ad campaign encouraging householders to make steps to make their homes more energy efficient was launched on Wednesday.

Following a rise in the number of people calling energy efficiency advice lines, the adverts, directed by This is England director Shane Meadows, are to air from tonight.

"Apart from the fact that I really liked this campaign because it's funny and well written, I was also interested in making some films that might make a difference to the way people behave. If these films can make a few more people aware of the problem and actually do something, then it's got to be a worthwhile project."
Shane Meadows

The advert shot by Meadows show a father trying to get his family to cut their energy consumption, reducing their gas and electricity bills and reducing their carbon emissions.

ACT ON CO2 advice line from the Energy Saving Trust has reported that the amount of calls it has received has quadrupled since the government announced a £910 million package to help householders become more efficient.

Taking steps such as ensuring all sockets are tuned off, installing insulation and using energy saving appliances are among the recommendations the advice line ACT ON CO2 has been handing out.

"I am encouraged that following last week's announcement, people are looking to take action to cut their fuel bills and save energy at the same time. We now need to build on that enthusiasm."
Hillary Benn, Environment Secretary

The government package aims to make sure all homes have proper insulation by 2020.

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Google & GE - A Powerful Voice

Yesterday Google and General Electric (GE), announced plans to join together to develop a "smart" electric power grid, promote clean energy and lobby Washington and persuade politicians to push for major policy changes in energy.

The pairing is the strongest business alliance in support of the renewable energy sector, Google is involved in geothermal, solar and wind-generated electricity, and GE is now one of the biggest players in the wind power industry, developing hybrid locomotives, water reuse solutions and photovoltaic cells.

"There is no such thing as a perfect free market. It is a market that needs a little catalyst from the government and then I think the entrepreneurial dollars will flow to that."
Jeff Immelt, CEO, GE

The benefits of renewable electricity can not be fully realised without updating US power transmission lines into a "smart grid" that lets people track and control what types of power they use and when, both Google and GE believe that they can contribute to implementing this grid.


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Earth: The Climate Wars: Fightback

Earth is a new three-part documentary series based on climate change and began on BBC2 on 7th September, all screened episodes are available on BBC iPlayer (UK Only).

In the latest episode, Dr Iain Stewart investigates the counter attack that was launched by the global warming sceptics in the 1990s.

At the start of the 1990s it seemed the world was united. At the Rio Earth summit the world signed up to a programme of action to start tackling climate change. Even George Bush was there. But the consensus didn't last.

Iain examines the scientific arguments that developed as the global warming sceptics took on the climate change consensus. The sceptics attacked almost everything that scientists held to be true. They argued that the planet wasn't warming up, that even if it was it was nothing unusual, and certainly whatever was happening to the climate was nothing to do with human emissions of greenhouse gases.

Iain interviews some of the key global warming sceptics, and discovers how their positions have changed over time.


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Shipping Plastic Bottles to China Produces Less CO2 than Sending Them to UK Landfill

A WRAP study has found that selling the UK’s used plastic bottles and paper for recycling in China actually saves carbon emissions. Shipping these materials more than 10,000 miles produces less CO2 than sending them to landfill at home and using brand new materials.

The transport issue is just one factor in assessing the environmental impact of exporting materials for recycling. However, it has become increasingly important to understand, as over the last ten years exports of used paper have risen from 470,000 tonnes to 4.7 million tonnes. Exports of used plastic bottles have gone from less than 40,000 tonnes to half a million tonnes over the same period.

This increase reflects the huge rise in household recycling in the UK from 7% to over 30% during that time.

We collect more paper than we can recycle, but there is strong demand for it from growing economies, such as China, where there are not enough trees to make paper.

Plastic bottles are also much in demand from China’s manufacturing industry and there is currently insufficient capacity in the UK to reprocess them here. This study shows it is environmentally less harmful to send that material to China for reprocessing than sending it to landfill in the UK.

This study sought to answer the specific question of whether the CO2 emissions from the transport outweighed the benefits of the recycling. It quantifies the CO2 emissions from transporting one tonne of recovered mixed paper or recovered plastic (PET/HDPE) bottles to China. It assumes that the carbon savings of recycling in China are similar to those identified in other countries, including the UK.

The study showed that the emissions caused by transporting the material to China account for only a small amount - on average less than a third – of the CO2 saved by recycling. However, due to the imbalance of trade between China and the UK, the majority of container ships head back to China empty and they are producing CO2 emissions whether or not they are carrying cargo. If you take this into account, the transport emissions are even smaller - less than one-tenth of the overall amount of CO2 saved by recycling.

This study is not a Life Cycle Analysis (LCA), although it forms a necessary part of the evidence base to demonstrate that exporting the material to China is environmentally sustainable. To answer this question in full, further work on the relative environmental impacts of recycling processes in China and the UK would be required.

“It may seem strange that transporting our unwanted paper and plastic bottles such a distance would actually be better for the environment but that is what the evidence from this study shows. As more and more of this material is being sold to China we wanted to know the impact that was having on the environment, and specifically whether the CO2 emissions from the transport outweighed the benefits of the recycling. Although this study is only part of the environmental impact story, it is clear that there are significant CO2 savings that can be made by shipping our unwanted paper and plastic to China. In some cases, we just aren’t able to reprocess everything we collect or there isn’t enough of it to do so. In these cases, shipping it to China, which has a high demand and need for material, makes sense in CO2 terms. WRAP will continue to build both the environmental and economic case for domestic recycling.”
Liz Goodwin, CEO, WRAP

The study was carried out by Oakdene Hollins and critically reviewed by ERM.

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What is the Carbon Footprint of ...

We have compiled a list of the carbon footprint of as many items as we could find we have also included the source of the information. The idea is so that we can make informed decisions about what we eat, purchase and buy. However, it does have to be said that carbon emissions from these items can vary from producer, town, city and thus the information was true for only the time that the production cycle was analyised and therefore should not be taken out of context.

Household

Tesco 60W Pearl Lightbulb - 34g of CO2 per hour use (The Carbon Trust)
Tesco 100W Pearl Lightbulb - 55g of CO2 per hour use (The Carbon Trust)
Tesco 11W CFL Lightbulb - 6.5g of CO2 per hour use (The Carbon Trust)
Tesco 20W CFL Lightbulb - 12g of CO2 per hour use (The Carbon Trust)
Tesco 60W Spotlight Bulb - 34g of CO2 per hour use (The Carbon Trust)

Tesco Non-Biological Liquid Capsules - 700g of CO2 per wash at 40C, 540g of CO2 per wash at 30C (The Carbon Trust)
Tesco Super Concentrated Non-Biological Liquid Wash - 600g of CO2 per wash at 40C, 440g of CO2 per wash at 30C (The Carbon Trust)
Tesco Non-Biological Liquid Wash - 700g of CO2 per wash at 40C, 560g of CO2 per wash at 30C (The Carbon Trust)
Tesco Non-Biological Tablets - 850g of CO2 per wash at 40C, 690g of CO2 per wash at 30C (The Carbon Trust)
Tesco Non-Biological Powder - 750g of CO2 per wash at 40C, 590g of CO2 per wash at 30C (The Carbon Trust)

More Products to Follow ...

If you know of any other research regarding the carbon footprints of products please contact us with the information to add it to our list.

How Much CO2 is in Your Breakfast Cereal This Morning?

According to New Scientist (13th September 2008), a bowl of cereal has the same carbon footprint as a 7km journey in a 4x4. According to reporter Bijal Trivedi, our shopping baskets are spewing greenhouse gases, but it's easy to cut out the culprits.

333g of CO2eq is emitted to make one hard-boiled egg. Compared with a bowl of cereal with milk at 1224 grams.

There's lots of other exciting reads in the feature article, for more information, you can check the New Scientist website.


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Food Waste Scheme Hailed Success

The Waste & Resource Action Plan (WRAP), has hailed a food waste recycling scheme in which 4,272 tonnes of food waste were diverted from landfill a success. The efforts also averted 1,967 tonnes of CO2.

Nineteen English local authorities experimented with ways of collecting food waste from 94,000 households. In the majority of areas, more than 70% of people agreed to separate their food waste for composting. The average food waste collection was between 0.3 and 2.2 kilos.

"We are delighted by the results of these trials, which show that if consumers are given the right tools and are provided with a good service, they will participate in initiatives to cut waste sent to landfill."
Phillip Ward, Director for Local Government Services, WRAP

The organisers believe that a survey of people in the pilot areas identified a gap between perception and reality.

Of the non-participants interviewed, a common reason for not taking part was that residents felt that they did not produce enough food waste to make it worthwhile.

However, WRAP research in the recent "The Food We Waste" report shows that even households claiming that they generate no food waste at all produce, on average, 2.9kg per week.

Concerns about potential odour, hygiene issues or attracting vermin were the reasons given by 24% of non-participants - but for those who did participate, the majority claimed not to have had a problem with any of these issues.

A highly positive note from this announcement is that these schemes work when implemented, people are willing to carry out the task of waste separation and will do. If similar schemes were implemented across the UK's approximate 21m households, we could see 954 383 tonnes of food diverted from landfill and 439 436 tonnes of CO2 emissions. However even more importantly, by volume, food waste is the largest contributor to methane gas production, and sending this to landfill releases these gases. The EU Landfill Directive and Waste Regulations, like regulations in other countries, encourage diverting organic wastes away from landfill disposal for these reasons.


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Five Spaces Left for the Climate Ride 2008

Brita Climate Ride 2008 is the first multi-day bicycle ride where your pedal strokes help raise money and awareness for meaningful climate change and renewable energy legislation! This transformative event is ideal for anyone who believes that change is possible and that America can take the lead in a green economy.

Beginning on September 20th, one hundred and twenty Climate Riders will pedal 300 miles from New York City to the nation’s Capitol in Washington D.C. in five days, departing from the heart of Manhattan and then meandering along country roads through New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. On the fifth day, riders will cycle past the iconic Washington Monument to arrive near the marble steps of the Capitol building. Here we will celebrate the riders’ amazing accomplishment and valuable contribution to the advancement of climate change education and renewable energy policies.

Along the way, expert speakers will educate and inspire Climate Riders about the science, the policies and the solutions to the climate crisis. Our riders and the communities we pass through will learn that our government, businesses, and each individual American will benefit from a cleaner, healthier climate. This is a unique event—a fundraiser and climate conference on wheels.

The Aims of the Event are to;

• Increase awareness of climate change, renewable energy, and green jobs amongst participants, donors, and the general public.
• Advance the movement toward a green energy economy and encourage citizens to call on politicians to legislate meaningful climate change and energy policies.
• Inspire individuals to take their share of responsibility for reducing fossil fuel energy consumption.
• Showcase the bicycle as a viable, carbon-free, healthy, and fun method of transportation.

For more information on how you can get involved in this amazing event, visit Climate Ride 2008.


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Tesco Ireland Opening First Eco Store Next Month

Tesco Ireland will be opening its first environmental store ("eco store") in Tramore next month. When completed the 30,000 sq ft retail outlet will use 45% less energy than a supermarket of a similar size. Setting a new benchmark for green technology and construction in retail in Ireland, Tesco Tramore will save 420 tonnes of CO2, a 30% annual saving. It's all part of a number of steps that Tesco is taking to reduce the environmental impact of its business operations.

Features of the eco store include;

• Timber frame shop floor instead of traditional steel
• Enhanced insulation to minimize heat loss
• Trigeneration Combined Heat and Power Plant producing the majority of all central heating and hot water for the store whilst also contributing to the electricity generation
• Double glazing sections in the roof to maximise natural light
• Photovoltaic roof cells that generate electricity for use instore
• Roof-top rainwater collection for use in toilets
• Cold air recycling system which takes cold air from chilled areas to warmer areas - reducing the need for air conditioning
• CO2 based refrigeration replacing the more traditional HFC refrigerants.
• Energy-saving LED lighting in all fridges with below shelving lips in dairy and milk cabinets to reduce cool air loss
• Bakery ovens that are 50% more efficient than similar installations
• Photocell lights in loading areas which are triggered by low external light
• Light movement sensors to ensure lights in offices and other staff areas are only on when this space is in use
• The building as designed will receive an A1 Building Energy Rating (BER) the highest energy efficient rating

Tesco Ireland is taking a number of practical steps to reduce its environmental impact and to help consumers make informed greener choices based on good science. The company is measuring the carbon footprint of 30 Tesco own brand products, measuring the overall CO2 emissions throughout their life cycle.

Since announcing its Strategy for the Environment and Carbon Reduction last year Tesco Ireland has been investing and trialling new technologies throughout its store network, and as a result has developed a more sustainable blueprint for its new buildings. This includes an extensive energy management programme with energy managers appointed locally to all stores. The company commissioned its first Combined Heat and Power unit at Tesco Nutgrove store last year, saving 25% in energy costs. A bio diesel mix has been introduced to the distribution truck fleet along with double deck trailers which will save on road miles.

Pictured is the 50,000sq ft Tesco in Wick, in the north of Scotland. It was designed to be the most environmentally-friendly of its kind in the UK, and it is expected to have a 50 percent smaller carbon footprint than similar sized traditionally built stores. Not only is the building envelope designed to have minimum impact on the environment but construction methods were also as low-carbon as possible, while road freight was replaced with shipping to reduce both emissions and road congestion.

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Lifestyle Green at Castle Espie

I seem to have taken not many pictures of the show and more of the park, but that's typically me. I shall update you with a full rundown of events of this years jam packed (with visitors, stalls and talks) show.

Picture: Random Hong Kong Energy Pics

Some random Hong Kong energy related pics, enjoy steal or do what you like with them. I forgot to take pictures of No Straw Day!