Part of Kingfisher PLC, B&Q have trained staff members to be in-store ‘Eco-advisors’, have launched in store ‘Energy-Saving Centres’ whilst sourcing 100% of their timber from sustainable forests. This all sounds very good, but does this make them a green DIY store?

According to Newsweek, B&Q are ranked 116th in their 2011 Green Rankings from the 500 largest publicly traded companies by revenue, market capitalization and the number of employees. Kingfisher PLC also featured as the 6th highest green retailer overall in the U.K, meeting the ranking ‘Green Score’ criteria comprising of three aspects; environmental impact, management and disclosure.

Concentrating on the areas where home improvements effect the environment, schemes and practices were then implemented by the Kingfisher ‘future homes strategy’ throughout the group which includes B&Q.

What are some of the key initiatives B&Q have implemented to become a Green DIY store?

B&Q now acquire timber from sustainably sourced forests – although over 81% of their parent company source timber from proven well-managed forests or recycled sources in 2010/11 B&Q have, since February 2011, only sourced wood that is traceable and 100% sustainably sourced. This measure is key for a green DIY store – in fact, B&Q are the first retailer to do so, having a massive hand in the implementation of sourcing such wood by becoming a founding partner of the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) back in the 1990s. Given that 92% of B&Q customers said they’d purchase sustainably sourced timber providing there was no premium price to pay, B&Q made their sustainably sourced wood available without the dreaded extra charge.

Adding to B&Q’s list of pro-eco-activities, B&Q are implementing green DIY store ‘Energy-Saving Centres’ to facilitate the customer experience and introduce affordable solutions for home and business. The first ‘Energy-Saving Centre’ was launched in Liffey Valley, Dublin in March 2011 to assist customers in reducing their energy consumption and energy bills by introducing solar thermal water heating, insulation and boiler refits.  A similar project by the name of ‘Eco Shop’ is also taking place in two of the leading stores of New Malden and Sutton; this is testing waters in the field of market opportunity and the surveying of local customer’s views on the environmental issues.

So far 1,250 B&Q staff members have been trained to be in-store green DIY Advisers, able to advise on the 5,500 B&Q eco-product range called ‘One Planet Home’. With a key green DIY course as part of the ‘You Can Do It Classes’, the course has helped customers with the installation of these products.

B&Q are working with other organisations such as The Forest Trust in order to help producers receive the FSC certification, so they’re actively endorsing the practice. To round up their initiatives, the Kingfisher Group itself have now invested more than £1.5m into charities and community projects in 2010/11 showing a resounding effort into local initiatives within the Kingfisher operating areas.

In 2012, the Kingfisher Group aims to be the best place to shop for sustainable products and their strategy is working with more than 10% of their total retail sales in 2010/11 coming from the green product range. B&Q, as part of the Kingfisher Group, is being actively utilised to help improve upon this figure and it would be fair to say that B&Q are making genuine efforts to be one of the leading green DIY stores in the UK.

If you have tried an Eco Product from B&Q and wish to share your experiences, or if you wish to comment on their initiatives, feel free to do so in the section below.

For further information, you can visit B&Q’s website and see some of their green DIY store products.

Posted under Articles, Corporate

Cleaning the Atmosphere Through Bio-Synthetic Technology

Founded in 2003, Amyris Biotech is a company dedicated to bringing renewable diesel fuel to the public. Hoping to go public by 2011-12, Amyris Biotech deals in lower carbon-content, lab-created carbon fuels. By applying man-made molecular sciences to products and services, Amyris Biotech (headed by CEO John Melo) hopes to bring a renewable and much-needed solution to a few of the world’s biggest problems.

Amyris has already had some significant success in the work that they have done in reducing the cost of curing malaria – a disease that kills around 781,000 people a year, a figure equating to 2.23% of all annual deaths worldwide. Amyris is helping to produce cheaper and more effective synthetic pyridoxal-amino acid adducts – an artificial way of trapping the malaria parasites by injection into the system without harming the human body.

Of course, the main thing that we are interested in is the renewable diesel fuel! We all know that the fuel we use is a finite resource – whether it is petrol or gasoline (which are running out the world over and steadily rising in price) or diesel. Biodiesel is a man-made product, but one which uses alternative methods of production that do not involve fossil fuels. Rather, the preferable choice du jour seems to be to use biogas to create the liquid diesel. Biogas mainly comes from landfill – thus making new fuel from our rubbish dumps. This synthetic, non-petroleum based diesel is low in sulphur contents – a very good idea because while it is true that emissions from a diesel-powered engine are inherently bad for your health, with a diesel particulate filter these risks are almost completely negated.

Amyris is concentrating on replicating the hydrocarbons that are found in petroleum. By replicating rather than introducing a completely new product, Amyris ensures that companies will be able to keep to the same outlay costs as they currently have because their equipment would not have to be changed to deal with a differently-shaped element.

John Melo has gone from being president of U.S. fuels for BP to searching for a renewable solution to our problems. Not only that, but he has also focused his company’s efforts into curing malaria – a disease that everyone has heard of and most think is incurable. It is clear that Amyris Biotech is going to be a company to watch over the next couple of years.

Posted under Articles, Companies, Corporate, Product Innovations, Renewable Energy

First established in 1998 as Energy & Environmental to design, manufacture and install specialised “SMART” energy management systems to control boiler systems providing heat and hot water. Now, nearly twelve years on from their official inception, the modern maintenance company is still going strong, offering eco-eclipse – the latest in leading boiler energy management.

Okay, granted, it’s not your typical James Bond affair; but credit given where credit’s due, the eco-eclipse model looks like and feels as if it had been comissioned by the Secret Service themselves. It is literally the height (however high that may be) in heating management systems.

Scoff all you like at it, but statistically Britain’s inefficient heating model is one of our leading villains in the Hollywood production of Climate Change. And this archenemy’s calling card happens to be an extraordinarily large carbon foot. But what’s even more perturbing is that one of its minions could be stomping about in a secret underground layer which could in fact be your very own boiler room!

If you are a small to medium sized organisation, and beyond, then the eco-eclipse is the perfect gadget to add to your business suit. This is what Energy & Environmental have to say:

“The design of the eco-eclipse is based on 25 years experience of heating plant and associated control systems. Its software analyses all factors that can affect the operation of a heating system and constantly updates the on-board database. Its self adaptive functionality then utilises this data to identify the best possible plant-performance for specific building/temperature requirements and a more efficient boiler firing pattern than previously experienced.”

Sounds exciting, no? But in all seriousness, the self adaptive software, radio transmission, sensor systems, and GSM communication will not only have you as excited as you can be about your boiler but will help to save you money, time and cut your carbon footprint with rapid results – without any loss of performance or comfort levels.

Backed by the Carbon Trust, qualified under the Energy Technology List and a member of ECA, the eco-eclipse customer ranges from national supermarket groups such as Tesco; Care Home Groups like Barchester Healthcare; to homes, hotels, hospitals, schools, and even local authorities. Click on their website to arrange a free consultation and see how they can help you beat the bad guy.

Posted under Articles, Corporate

That’s right, you heard it “FREE”. The guys at betre have organised an up-and-coming management day event that will help tighten, polish and give your business model the good old Green once over maintenance check.

The agenda has been set for Wednesday 26th May 2010, 9am until 5pm – Newhaven.

This is an intensive day course, looking to cover a lot of Green ground, with the aim of motivating you and your business to prepare for the forecasted changes in our business and environmental climates. Some of the day’s objectives include; helping businesses become more resilient to fluctuations in energy prices; providing a half-day workshop to demonstrate how to calculate your current carbon footprint; and to introduce the wealth of benefits brought about by renewable energy.

Speakers include the Carbon Trust, Business Link, Climate South East, Envirowise, and local Sussex businesses.

Due to considerable backing and East Sussex funding, betre have been able to make this project – worth £500 per business – absolutely FREE of charge. And if you need a little more convincing than a clean price tag, here’s 10 reasons why betre thinks you should attend:

“10 essential reasons to attend:

1. Hear about the business opportunities from a low carbon economy.
2. Network with other forward thinking businesses and organisations.
3. Help your business to prepare and adapt for climate change.
4. Save money through practical tips on energy efficiency, water and waste reduction and eco-design.
5. Calculate your organisation’s carbon footprint – ½ day Carbon Trust workshop.
6. Get paid for your energy – learn how your business could generate income through Feed in tariffs and Renewable Heat Incentives for renewable technologies.
7. Minimise the risks and maximise the opportunities from climate change
8. See renewable technology in action.
9. Access FREE support and grants from BETRE, Business Link and the Carbon Trust.
10. FREE event and locally sourced lunch.”

Still not convinced? Here’s what local business owner Kate Mylrea has to say:

‘The BETRE course inspired us to make huge changes to the way we ran our business. Not only did we learn about our carbon footprint, we were able to reduce it with some very easy changes and we saved money each year. We got a lot of support from the team with suggestions and contacts. I would recommend anyone who wants to be more sustainable and save money to go on one of the courses.’ Kate Mylrea, Manor Farm Oast, an award-winning B&B.

For further information on how to book your place on this great event click here. Alternatively email betre direct or Tel: 01273 336777.

Posted under Articles, Corporate

In a highly controversial advertising campaign, eco warriors Greenpeace has called-out global chocolate seller Nestle through a provocative satire which aims to stop the international chocolatier from sourcing their palm oil from companies who are accused of destroying Indonesia’s rain forests.

The internet advert, or ‘viral’, launched the campaign last Wednesday, posting their online affront to mixed reviews.

Generating a loaded following from eco-enthusiasts around the world, the viral was first aired via the home of online viral entertainment YouTube but was soon pulled due to copyright infringement.

The mock advert mimics Nestle’s leading chocolate bar Kit Kat, turning their slogan ‘Have a Break, Have a Kit Kat’ into an environmental comment on the state of Indonesian rain forests and the threats posed to its natural habitat.

‘Give the orang-utan a break’ fronts the one minute video where an office worker innocently pulls out a glossy, wrapped orang-utan paw and begins snapping segments in front of appalled onlookers. The brief but tremendously effective satire finishes with images of rain forests being chainsawed and pulled down into devastation.

At present the site has received over 500,000 hits, and is growing daily. Thousands of Greenpeace supporters followed by emailing Paul Bulcke, Nestle CEO, with questions directed to their current environmental policy and the state of palm oil harvesting in relation to the company as a whole.

It has since been reported that the Nestle CEO has blocked any further online investigation and Andre Kudelski, a member of the board of directors, is due to send a press release in order to address the issues raised.

Palm oil harvesting is one the major contributors to the degeneration of rain forests worldwide. The orang-utan and hundreds of other wild species are being put under threat because of this unethical business venture. Greenpeace’s impact has stirred global appeal and will surely bring about an address worthy of public inquest.

The viral video can still be found online, but its topic runs much deeper than the emotions evoked for any sympathetic or ethically concerned spectator. Greenpeace spokesman had this to say about the support produced by the internet sensation:

“Facebook users went to Nestle’s fan page to ask what the company was doing about their palm oil suppliers, where they were met with rude and arrogant responses from the company. Word of this spread like wildfire around the internet, and has been the talk of many high-profile blogs and news websites.”

Such activism not only threatens the chocolate seller’s domestic and friendly product image but sends shock waves through their business policy and to the core of its brand integrity.

Posted under Articles, Corporate

What are your Green Credentials?

Not sure? Not certain that it makes a difference to you? Well, how wrong you are. As most of us already know, good business is usually hidden somewhere within the smaller details – captured, say, in the fine print. And great business is; well, great business is having no need to hide the small print in the first place.

More and more organisations recognise this way of thinking and are addressing their areas of waste and loss in a business-world obsessed with all types of economy. And, usually, the most ’sustainable’ types of businesses are not looking at these areas as potential threats to up-and-coming clients; but instead they see them as clear opportunities to display their micro- and macro-management skills.

In today’s ever-green market even the once ignored Environmental Policy has now become a perfect platform to demonstrate a social and economic awareness to and beyond your targeted business clients.

What is an Environmental Policy?

Any policy statement a business prescribes sets the expectations of their consumers and outlines the performance of the company within that given area. An Environmental Policy is no different. It will (through a synthesis of various guarantees, legislation, goals, targets and forecasts) seek to exhibit its practised relationship with the surrounding environment by detailing company policy.

The policies will vary according to different businesses within different sectors. However, their targets will undoubtedly remain the same: to attempt to run a carbon neutral organisation, where possible; and look to improve the quality of life for its associates and stakeholders.

For instance, a small independent retail store selling Fair Trade clothing and gifts may deem it necessary to implement strict recycling and commercial waste policies, as well as sourcing and supporting Indian trade and educational schemes, etc. And this, we would expect, should be only the start of the matter. So, imagine if such policies were not in place for a business like this one. Would be take our business there? Or would this negligent (and perhaps ignorant) business behaviour dissuade us and cause any consumer to question the true meaning of their brand and the organisations total integrity as a whole?
As you can see, in any given context, the small details do matter.

What can be done to help?

For starters: learn. There are hundreds of books, courses, websites, local governmental schemes designed to encourage you and your business to think Green. Nobody’s expecting you to wake up tomorrow morning to find that you’ve discovered that you’re a wiz in the environmental biz. So, teach yourself; take the guidance available for you and your business’ community.

Meanwhile, here are a few tips to help unveil those carbon grey areas and get you started on running a profitable business through your gleaming environmental policy:

• Turn power supplies OFF; make sure taps are OFF (one drop wasted per second wastes 10,000 litres per year)
• The Three R‘s: Reduce, Re-use, Recycle
• Choose suppliers who take back packaging
• How Green is your Energy Supplier: changing energy tariffs can be one of the most effective ways to improve on your carbon footprint – click on the ecotricity link below to find out more

As you can see, there are some great ways to turn OFF those bad business habits and make a few necessary switches – without having to go inspect your strategies with a fine-tooth-comb.

Posted under Articles, Corporate

E.On has just received planning permission from South Lanarkshire Council for the development of a 29.9MW wind farm consisting of 13 turbines able to power around 20,000 homes. The development, located on land at Dungavel Hill, south of Strathaven, Scotland, should help offset around 40,000 tonnes of Carbon Dioxide per year.

The permission granted by the local council will allow E.On to help the Scottish Government achieve its’ Green Energy Targets of 31% by 2011 and 50% by 2050. Ahmed Mulla, E.ON’s project developer for Dungavel, said:

“This is excellent news for us and another step towards helping Scotland meet its renewable energy targets.”

The scheme will also bring contract opportunities to local employers in the region. During the construction phase there are expected to be between 50 and 60 contractors working on site.

South Lanarkshire Council are also pleased as E.On have agreed to make a minimum contribution of £60,000 per year to the Council’s Renewable Energy Fund for the lifetime of the project.

In response to these community and social initiatives, Ahmed Mulla commented:

“We’re especially pleased the planning report recognised the benefits this project will bring to the local community and beyond.”

The above development is another positive development for E.On and another example of how a large multinational is now trying to make serious efforts to balance environmental considerations with the need to make profit.

The above development follows a similar announcement back on 07 October this year, when E.On decided to shelve plans for a new coal-fired power station at Kingsnorth. That would have been the first one built for three decades. But E.On recognised that Britain didn’t need another Coal Fired power station, particularly in light of the constant deluge of environmental pressure from a variety of organisations spearheading ‘The Big If and Give Coal The Boot’ campaign.

These positive environmental developments are increasingly helpful to E.On as their Environmental Performance is measured partly by the amount of energy that they source as a Company from Renewables. EU targets require the UK to source 20% of their overall energy requirements from Renewables by 2020. The latest Fuel Mix data provided by Suppliers indicated that E.On are sourcing 0.3% of their energy from Renewables so developments like Dungavel will only serve to help their environmental performance longer term.

Posted under Articles, Corporate, Electricity Generation, Gas & Electricity, Renewable Energy

The Chinese state owned power producer, China Datang Corporation, began construction of its fourth wind power plant in eastern China’s Shandong province. The site’s capacity of 49.5 MW is situated in Qingdao city and has received 500 million yuan of investment.

The Zhuomashan wind power plant will be able to generate energy via 33 sets of wind power generating units, each with a capacity of 1,500 kW. The plant is estimated to be able to produce, on average, 89.54 million kilowatt-hours of electricity each year.

Currently, the China Datang Corporation (CDT) occupies and operates two functional wind power plants; one in Laizhou and one in Dongying. The joint capacity of these plants is 148.5 MW. CDT has a third plant under construction in Wendeng, with 49.5 MW of capacity.

The large scaled power generation group also plan to begin building a fifth wind-power plant in Shandong at Jiaonan of Qingdao. As well as this forecasted construction, CDT are making movements to acquire a 30 MW wind power plant in Yantai.

(source: iStockAnalyst)

More on Wind Power…

Economic Benefits
As well as providing a long-term source for highly skilled jobs, wind power will also stimulate revenue for landowners (leasing wind energy projects can support existing trade financially), act as a source of cost-efficient energy production at an affordable rate (many utilities, such as ecotricity, provide customers the option to purchase wind-generated electricity as the cost continues to decline), and provide price stability (wind power offers a stable, fixed rate when compared to the current fluctuating fuel markets).

Social Benefits
The potential benefits of national wind plants reduce a country’s dependence on foreign trade. Because wind power can be ‘homegrown’ and is highly sustainable, it is one way of encouraging independence from unstable foreign markets. And if local landowners and small businesses took ownership of localised clusters of turbines, then there will be a stronger local economy too.

Environmental Advantages
To mention clean air, clean water, the reduction of mining and transportation, and land preservation, is just to skim the surfaces of the manifold benefits (environmentally and ecologically) that the implementation of wind farming would have for a willing country. However, to every macrocosm there is a microcosm. And, as ever, there is no better place to start than in your own home. Consider switching your energy supplier to one who utilises wind power and offers you cheaper electricity prices because of it. This will save you money in the short-term and help promote a healthy support culture for wind power in the long-term.

Posted under Corporate, Environmental News

Situated in the eastern chunk of England that verges on ancient marshland and earthy conservation areas, Sarah Green’s family farm possesses 25 acres of organic, Soil Association registered land, where seasonal and organic vegetables and fruit are grown. The kind of venture that is increasingly popular with families, foodies and anyone with an interest in food-miles, the farm’s shop in North Street, Tillingham, sells their varied range of greens, along with their own free-range eggs and plenty of other stocks, including meat, juice, cereals and cooking essentials.

Travelling only half of a mile to the shop, the produce is also available in the form of ‘veg boxes’ (although a lot more than just veg can be bought). Sarah Green can deliver these weekly to pretty much anywhere in the Dengie Peninsula- that’s the area of Essex between the tidal rivers of Blackwater in the North, and the River Crouch to the South.

Ranging in price from £8 to £20, there are five sizes of box available. The food is all seasonal, and a constant, weekly variation will keep the organic produce fresh and interesting. Potatoes and carrots are there as a staple every week- the winter months might see the addition of leeks, cabbage, parsnips, purple sprouting broccoli, curly kale, or celeriac. Summer might see bunched beetroot, cucumber, lettuce, spinach, radish, pepper, fine beans, aubergines, fennel, or many others. The vegetables are all harvested straight into your box.

For those wanting to try out Sarah Green’s produce before they commit to a box, the farm also sells their wares in Green’s shop at 74 High Street, Maldon, Essex and Lathcoats Farm Shop, Chelmsford.

A great way to support local farming in the east of England, and to bring home fresh and natural food without having to leave the house.

Visit www.sarahgreensorganics.co.uk for more details on Sarah’s box scheme.

Posted under Articles, Companies, Corporate, Gas & Electricity, House & Home, Product Innovations

Established in 1992 in Europe and the U.S. after the Rio Earth Summit, Global Action Plan is an inspiring new organisation involving everyday people in creating solutions to environmental problems. Their firsts steps in the UK where taken under the guidance of Trewin Restorick, UK director, who launched an initiative involving 30,000 households, supported by thousands of volunteers, who sent and received usable action packs offering simple solutions and practical guides to help use energy efficiently, reduce waste, cut water use and shop ethically. Global Action Plan’s success has continued to grow, and under the navigation of Restorick, has found countries and communities abroad to hand-make projects that prioritise the individual in a climate of financial and environmental savings.

“Our vision is to be the leading charity that encourages the public to become environmentally sustainable. This will be achieved by providing accessible and stimulating information, uniting people’s views and evoking the desire for positive change.”

With a mission statement like this, it’s clear that Global Action Plan (GAP) is committed to tackling discursive and nebulous problems – such as climate change and energy waste – pinning them down and applying measurable strategies that can be used, counted and encouraged.

“We help people to see the difference they are making by measuring the resources saved as a result of their actions and those of their community. For example, just 63 households in our Nottingham EcoTeams programme have collectively saved a massive 7 tonnes from ending up on the rubbish mountain.”

GAP has supported domestic, regional and national campaigns to create an environmental culture in both professional and non-professional atmospheres. Recently they’ve worked alongside BBC Worldwide to help address internal staff behaviour and premises management, in order to help construct a ‘green’ pattern of good habits and energy awareness that has not only seen positive changes in behaviour but has delivered tangible results too:

• 52% reduction in leaving printers on, plus increased switching off of PCs, TVs, mobile phone chargers, PC speakers and meeting room lights
• 20% decrease in the use of paper towels, saving 1.35 million hand towels a year
• 41% increase in recycling and total waste down by almost 20 tonnes a month*

The Global Action Plan team work inside and alongside existing management systems in order to find the core of the problems at hand. And with tactical and considered responses, GAP use their experience and practical knowledge of eco-management to increase awareness, delivery training and create results.

GAP use their EcoTeams across the nation to bring together viable solutions to problematic waste troubles. What’s best about this eco-organisation is not only their reputation for success but their ability to work side by side with all their clients. They’re not interested in dogmatic coxing – Do This, And Never Ever Do That! – Gap appear to be at their very best because they can speak in terms we can all understand, terms in which we are all heavily invested, and they can talk us through it in a language that soon enough becomes as simple as second nature.

*statistics taken from Global Action Plan website

Posted under Articles, Corporate