September 8, 2011

UK – Our Green and Pleasant Land?

Filed under: Energy Efficiency — Tags: , , , , , — Newsroom @ 10:55 am

Just when you think that people are beginning to understand about green technology, what it entails and the necessity for embracing it, new information shows that we are deluding ourselves!    A new survey confirms that over 50% of those questioned didn’t know that the government’s Green Deal relates to energy efficiency.  Those asked thought that it probably relates to the protection of national trees or the increase of hybrid cars.

Whilst many people are happy to consider the possibilities of solar panels etc there is a huge gap in any knowledge about the installation, cost implications and the benefits.  One major problem is the perceived high installation cost of solar panels, together with lack of easily understood information about the savings, or even about the earnings from the green energy sources.  Two thirds of people were totally oblivious about the feed-in tariff scheme from the government.

A further worrying situation is that a quarter of UK homeowners won’t consider installing double glazing, loft and cavity wall insulation, or energy efficient boilers in their homes even when they are aware of the level of savings which can be made from their energy bills.

It is hardly surprising, when faced with the above information, that small and medium sized business owners also lack knowledge and understanding regarding renewable energy.  Many people don’t even want to use low energy light bulbs and don’t switch televisions or computers off overnight, preferring to leave them on standby.  This whole situation implies that it is actually quite a minority of the UK population as a whole who is close to being proficient about green energy and what it involves.

There have been television programmes of many different types over the past few years giving information regarding green issues so it is difficult to comprehend such a poor level of knowledge.   Perhaps there needs to be a series of documentaries on one of the terrestrial channels refurbishing a property with the inclusion of as many renewable resources as possible.  As an upscale to that, perhaps a small village can be encouraged to make these changes with advice from experts.  These are only suggestions, but if the Government want the UK to reach any targets at all regarding carbon footprints and greenhouse gasses etc there needs to be considerable education provided in the near future.  We all need to accept some responsibility for the current position and for letting it continue.

Business owners and residential customers need to be more aware about green issues from the simplest information regarding loft insulation and low energy light bulbs to biomass boilers, solar panels and wind turbines.   Further education is required to explain the specific details.   If UK residents don’t understand the importance of keeping this green and pleasant land for as long as possible, there isn’t going to be any chance of improving the situation for our children, and our grandchildren.  We are all culpable and there need to be rigorous and sustained effort to ensure that awareness leads to action.

August 31, 2011

Helping Farmers to Go…Green!

Filed under: Energy Efficiency — Tags: , , — Newsroom @ 11:31 am

It appears that many UK farmers are quite interested in progressing with green energy on their farms by installing solar panels.  This isn’t quite as altruistic as it sounds, as these farmers looking to complete the purchase of this method of making energy are anticipating a return on their investment which is expected to be in the region of £20,000 each year.

When looking into this a little more closely it appears that Barclays Bank have polled their farming customers and over one third of them – there are over 200,000 farmers in the UK – have indicated that they would like the possibility of installing green technology. This also means that two thirds of farmers aren’t interested!   Barclays have decided that this is a market in which they would like to be involved.  Their business arm has allocated £100m to help farmers with the purchase of equipment to provide solar and wind power.

The major problem with this is the purchasing price to set up the technology.  One farmer has had solar panels installed on a grain store.  Barclays contributed £130,000 for this venture and the farmer is anticipating receiving £20,000 annually from the export of power to the national grid.

We all know that the banks have been told by government that they have to help businesses more – this way it seems that Barclays are looking to honour that agreement by lending to the farming community, and of course, the revenue generated will probably be one of the ways that the bank know that their investment is secure.

Another piece of “green news” albeit on a much smaller scale is that Richmond upon Thames Borough Council has recently announced the launch of the “Richmond Business Energy Efficiency Fund”.   This fund is designed to assist small and medium businesses in Richmond to reduce their energy consumption.  A grant of £1,000, which must be applied for, is available for purchasing energy efficient equipment including low energy lighting, time switches, insulation, “A” rated refrigeration and boilers.

This figure of £1,000 won’t go far towards larger installations; however, for small businesses which are struggling this may be enough to kick-start them on the way to becoming more energy aware.  Even small changes will make a difference and Richmond Council is acknowledging the contribution to the local economy made by local shop owners and business.

Of course, Richmond Borough Council is not the only council offering grants to small and medium businesses within their borough.  Other County and District Councils across the UK are also making similar offers – and it is worth any shop or business owner asking their council what is currently available.  A little encouragement from government and councils which does appear to be forthcoming will make a huge impact on energy bills for these businesses.  It is also well worth every shop and business owner contacting an independent energy broker who will be able to give valuable advice on how to further reduce their energy bills.  They may also arrange an “energy audit” of your premises which will establish where the money is being spent, and the best way to reduce these costs.  Contacting an independent energy broker is really important as they are able to search all the energy providers in order to obtain the greatest savings for your business.

August 30, 2011

Going Green…Gradually

Filed under: Renewable Energy — Tags: , , , — Newsroom @ 9:19 am

Government figures have confirmed that the amount of electricity being produced by wind power has increased by 131 percent during the second quarter of this year in comparison with the same period in 2010.  Electricity generation by gas has fallen by about 20 percent during the same timeframe.  Gas supply is also down approximately 21 percent which is reflected in the higher prices.  These figures show that perhaps, we are gradually heading in the right direction towards renewable energy.

Some companies totally embrace green energy and consciously make great efforts to reduce their carbon footprint.  They are heavily involved in recycling and do everything possible to ensure cheaper bills.  On the other hand are the huge majority of companies who haven’t actually done anything.  In a considerable number of cases this is because of lack of knowledge and just being dilatory rather than anything more sinister.  It is very easy to take the course of least resistance and to do nothing.

Busy and hard-pressed business owners don’t have much spare time available.  There is enough going on in order to keep a business functioning, let alone considering changing the usual gas and electricity providers, and looking at alternative technology.  In some cases they are expecting any change to involve a huge capital expense.  Of course, if they were to consider going into the green alternative with all guns blazing, then the cost may well be prohibitive.

Many small business owners could well be interested in an simpler approach but this may be something which they haven’t considered.  Quite surprisingly, they haven’t realised that by making reductions to the company energy bills by making a few simple changes this will constitute contributing towards a greener future.  Small and medium sized business owners do think that they need to install solar panels, biomass boilers and fuel to be involved in green technology.  They haven’t taken into account that by changing to low energy light bulbs and switching computers off at night they are already starting to make a contribution.  When new equipment is needed, look for multi-function items, such as a printer which doubles as a scanner, photocopier and fax and which only uses one energy source.

If there are staff members, involve them in the greener future of the company.  Organise a meeting, during working hours, to be held, say once a month, and let all staff make suggestions towards energy saving.  Let them know that you’re interested and listen to their ideas.  After each meeting one or two members of staff could be tasked with researching the new ideas, and trying to find an indication of cost.  This is a really good way to involve the whole company in the process of going green.  Encourage them to switch off all non-essential items overnight, and remember, the cheapest energy of all, is the energy which isn’t used.

August 12, 2011

The Green, Green Grass Of…

Filed under: Renewable Energy — Tags: , , , , , — Newsroom @ 12:58 pm

There is a huge amount of different terminology used regarding “green energy” which now is being spoken about every day.  Only a few years ago, if you had been in conversation with the majority of small business owners including industry and commerce and if you had mentioned solar power, wind turbines and even ensuring that energy should be conserved wherever possible, they would have thought that you were completely round the bend!

Over the last decade or so, the world has been turned upside down with issues including global warming.  Although it appears that everything has moved very quickly, scientists and engineers have had it on the agenda for a long time in eminent universities and research departments in multi-million pound corporations.  Gradually over the years it has filtered down to “grass roots” level whereby every single day there is some advancement or another regarding knowledge in these areas.

Biomass engineering is one of those industries which although it has been improving over the past few years has only very recently started knocking on the doors of mainstream companies as a way to reduce their carbon footprint.

The principle of biomass energy is very straightforward.  Branches and twigs of trees, waste material found on farms in the form of slurry or manure together with many other similar type of product are converted into pellets, or chips which can then be burnt within a specific type of boiler in order to produce energy.  For companies who have the space necessary for not only the boiler, but also for the storage of the pellets to feed the boiler this is a great way to provide central heating for their business.  It is usually beneficial to be able to add solar panels to further increase the viability of the project as the solar panels will generate hot water to complement the central heating.

The more that large companies with a good reputation of caring about the environment and the effects caused by their business positively acknowledge and welcome the installation of the biomass heating and solar panels then smaller companies will take notice and will want to contribute towards reducing their carbon footprint.

One of the major problems for the small business owner, however, is one of cash.  The wherewithal to be able to pay for a new system will surely put a strain on most small businesses.  There are grants available to help with new installations – the question is whether your company fills the criteria to receive a grant, and how long the process will take.  As with most things in life though, if you don’t find these things out, or if you simply don’t have the time ask for help.  It is readily available and there are specialist energy brokers who are knowledgeable regarding these products and they will be delighted to advise you.