Britain's first dual fuel bus

A consortium brought together by low-carbon experts at the University of East Anglia has launched the first bus in the UK to run on clean, biomethane gas. The innovative dual-fuel diesel-biomethane powered bus will reduce pollutant emissions and greenhouse gas emissions by around a half. It is hoped the technology will be rolled out to bus fleets across the country and further afield.

The consortium behind the new bus is led by UEA’s Low Carbon Innovation Centre (LCIC) and includes leading independent bus operator Anglian Bus, bus manufacturer Optare plc, and engine conversion specialists Hardstaff Group of Nottingham.

The dual-fuel vehicle is a standard Optare Solo single-deck diesel midibus from the Anglian Bus fleet. Originally powered entirely by diesel, the Mercedes-Benz engine has been adapted to run for 60-80% of the time on clean, low-carbon biomethane. Biomethane is chemically identical to the methane in natural gas but it is made by bacterial action on biowastes. Biomethane is extracted from landfill sites or from biogas produced in purpose-built anaerobic digestion facilities.

Project leader Dr Bruce Tofield, of UEA’s Low Carbon Innovation Centre, says: ‘Dual-fuel use is a very attractive option. The vehicle can still run on diesel, providing flexibility, but most of the time is running on biomethane gas which is a much cleaner and less polluting fuel.

‘In particular, the cost of conversion of a diesel bus to dual-fuel use is a small fraction of the cost of a new natural gas bus. Conversion to dual-fuel use is potentially a viable option for most if not all diesel buses in the UK and, indeed, across Europe and more widely.’

Funding for the project came partly from an EU-sponsored Civitas programme in which UEA and Anglian Bus were partners with Norwich, Norfolk County Council and cities across Europe. The Civitas Initiative exists to promote cleaner and better transport in Europe’s cities.

LCIC scientists have been monitoring air pollution in Norwich since 2005 as part of the Civitas programme. In Norwich, as in many UK cities, emissions from buses are of particular concern. They noticed how the buses in Malmo in Sweden, a partner city in the Civitas programme, were powered by clean natural gas (methane), resulting in significantly lower levels of harmful emissions. Of special interest was the fact that Malmo was beginning to use biomethane rather than natural gas to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as well as pollutant emissions.

‘This conversion shows just how important EU projects can be in helping us learn from what cities elsewhere have done,’ says Dr Tofield. ‘Now we are going one step further and showing how existing bus fleets can be economically converted to low-carbon, low-emissions running. The potential for reducing traffic pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from buses and other fleet vehicles in cities in Britain, Europe, and across the world is very exciting.’

From: http://www.eei-online.com/news.php?key=2370 

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Reducing the waste your business produces could save you as much as £1,000 per employee

Envirowise is targeting packaging manufacturers with a new waste reduction initiative that it says could help save companies £1,000 per employee.

‘Rethink Waste’ is an online course that looks at benchmarking data and developing and implementing a waste-saving strategy that Envirowise hopes will help companies discover the true cost of waste to their business.

Envirowise production specialist Michael Savage said raising landfill costs were an economic imperative to minimise waste at every opportunity.

“While many UK manufacturers have enthusiastically adopted recycling measures, there are many opportunities to reduce and re-use materials - actions that could substantially benefit the bottom line,” he said.

The course has been developed in conjunction with manufacturers’ organisation EEF. Head of environment Gareth Stace welcomed support for manufacturers to “get the best from their resources.” “Free initiatives such as ‘Rethink Waste’ offer practical and accessible route to resource efficiency,” he said.

The courses will run in early 2010 and participants will have access to a virtual factory tour, audiocasts and a resource efficiency conference.

Click here to register online before 31^st December.

From: http://www.packagingnews.co.uk/environment/news/944524/Envirowise-launches-online-waste-reduction-course/

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Save water or else - the message from Envirowise!

The warning comes from sustainability experts Envirowise and follows research which found that 70% of sustainability specialists consider the threat of dwindling water supplies to be equal to the impact of carbon emissions, while 54% believe the world will run out of water before it runs out of fuel.

It is predicted that UK groundwater will begin to decrease by 2025, with the overall amount of water available in English and Welsh rivers reducing by 15% by 2050. Some areas in the South East already have less available water per person than Spain and Morocco.

Even businesses based in regions with higher water availability could feel the effect through their supply chains, while many companies could face changes to licenses granted to allow water abstraction as a result of the Water Act 2003.

Envirowise water specialist Claire Sweeney said: “Water is set to become one of the most dramatically affected resources as the impact of climate change takes hold, but many businesses are not aware of the steps they can take to mitigate against this risk.

“Food and drink companies should explore practical steps including water saving devices and water recovery and reuse technology such as membrane filtration systems, which enable a large proportion of wastewater to be reused for processes such as heating, cooling and cleaning. This can result in major cost savings through lower mains water and disposal charges, as well as an enhanced environmental reputation with customers and investors.

“Taking such action now could not only pay enormous dividends in future years, it can also lead to short-term benefits. In fact, recent Envirowise research revealed that UK companies could be missing out on combined savings of up to £10 million per day by failing to make changes in this area.”

From: http://www.feastnet.net/NewsViews/tabid/197/newsid840/427/Default.aspx

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An hour a week could help save the planet

Even a small amount of time devoted to environmental issues can mean big pay back, says research from Envirowise

One hour a week - it doesn’t sound like much, but that’s all the time companies in the East of England need to start reducing their impact on the Environment.

The suggestion comes as business owners across the region reveal they are struggling to fund the time to consider the effect their company is having on the environment.

A third of those East of England SMEs surveyed by Sustainable Business Experts Envirowise claim they can only devote an hour a week or less to taking action on environmental issues, with a further fifth saying they have no time at all to spare.

Yet even a small amount of time is enough for a company to put in place quick and easy-to-implement measures that can help the environment and most, importantly from a commercial perspective save some money.

The Envirowise Regional Manager for the East of England makes some suggestions: “There are all kinds of simple improvements that can be made with sixty minutes to invest. For instance, why not quickly check the water pipes at work for leaks and make a phone call for them repaired? Office could start a scrap paper pile which staff could use when they need rough paper for note taking, set printers to print double-sided, or add a ‘think before you print’ reminder to email sign-offs to discourage needless printing.

Those companies that feel they can devote more time to resource efficiency measures can set themselves bigger targets. For instance, with a day a week businesses could look into setting up a more structured environmental management system, which would allow them to demonstrate their sustainable credentials to customers and competitors.

The Regional Manager adds “No matter what the time available, the most important thing for any company to ensure is that hey have a dedicated member of staff who looks after environmental issues, and our research showed that over two thirds of businesses in the East of England do not have one. This could be a senior business manager, but it could very well be a more junior member of staff who has the time allocated to encourage his or her colleagues to help make the changes work.”

Further suggestions for what local companies could do in the time they have available include:

One hour a week available:

• Nominate a champion who takes up the environmental challenge and encourages staff to members to make suggestions on what improvements can be made
• Contact your suppliers and ask them to look at reducing their transport packaging so you have to less to dispose of

One day a month available:

• If you are office-based, order a copy of the Envirowise ‘Green Officiency’ toolkit and start to work through its four stages to be more resource efficient workplace
• Contact your landlord and ask about water ‘hippos’ - placing these in each toilet system saves water with each flush.

One day a week available:

• Begin a review of suppliers you work with, to ensure they have their own robust environmental policies
• Consider whether you are eligible to work towards a formal environmental standard such as the IEMA Acorn Scheme or IS0 14001

Envirowise offers a package of free advice to companies across the region, to help them understand resource efficiency and take appropriate action, which can have both environmental and economic benefits. For information on all levels of help please visit www.envirowise.gov.uk or call the Envirowise Advice Line on 0800 585 794.

From: http://www.envirowise.gov.uk/uk/Press-Office/Press-Releases/East-of-England/An-hour-a-week-could-help-save-the-planet.html

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Research by the Institute of Hospitality and sustainability experts Envirowise found that more than half of managers surveyed in the hospitality sector felt ‘going green’ would increase their costs. And around 40% said that the current economic climate has added an additional barrier to change.

However Envirowise experience has shown that hospitality businesses could save around £250 per employee per year by taking action to reduce waste - not to mention improving their green credentials for eco-conscious tourists. 

Envirowise Regional Manager Simon Best, says “An estimated four out of five British tourists stayed in the UK on August Bank Holiday Weekend, despite the changeable weather. It’s crucial to ensure this hard-earned revenue is not going down the drain through unnecessary waste.

“The average UK restaurant disposes of more than 100 tonnes of waste each year, including paper, cardboard, plastic and food waste,” continues Simon. Yet simple steps could help the hospitality sector reduce waste and save money.

Institute of Hospitality, Chief Executive Philippe Rossiter adds, “While some managers do regard the introduction of more sustainable operating methods as adding costs to their business, there are also encouraging signs from the survey that the industry does increasingly recognise the importance of reducing its environmental impact.

“Of particular note are the welcome steps towards higher levels of recycling now seen throughout the sector. Nevertheless, there is no room for complacency, and much more can be done by the hospitality sector to reduce waste in all areas.”

A series of fact sheets are available from Envirowise covering a range of business areas including Food Preparation, Drinks Service, Guest Room Facilities and Ground Maintenance. They offer advice on everything from energy use to water efficiency, including the benefits of using flow restrictors on taps or water displacement devices in toilet cisterns. For premises using cooking or refrigeration equipment, careful monitoring of heating and cooling processes is also essential to ensure energy - and money - is not being lost unnecessarily.

For more information visit www.envirowise.gov.uk/hcfactsheets or call the Envirowise Advice Line on 0800 585 794.

1. The survey was conducted by the Institute of Hospitality in partnership with Envirowise. More than 450 responses were reviewed fro IOH members working in the hospitality industries across the UK

From: http://www.envirowise.gov.uk/uk/Press-Office/Press-Releases/East-of-England/East-Midlands-hospitality-sector-fails-to-check-in-for-cost-savings.html

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The company’s wireless data capture technology allows for 24/7 monitoring of remote assets and consumption of water, electricity and gas; regular reports on consumption allow usage to be cut, reducing both bills and environmental impact.

The Carbon Trust, the independent body set up by the government to combat the threat of climate change, highlights the importance of automatic meter reading in its document How to monitor your energy use: “Automatic meter reading systems provide accurate and timely data with the minimum of effort. These systems make it easy to take readings in real time and therefore identify savings opportunities quickly. They often pay for themselves in under a year.”

Radio-Tech provides a range of radio telemetry products ideal for sub-metering applications (where organisations wish to measure energy consumption within particular areas of their sites). Low-power radio transmitters and data concentrators allow simple collection of metering data. Whether data is being collected from individual occupiers of commercial sites or different areas of a business, consumption and usage can be monitored remotely, accurately and securely.

Radio-Tech’s market-leading technology not only includes meter reading but also network sensors that relay operationally beneficial data, such as humidity and temperature, to the central database. Core to the wide area product portfolio are the retrofittable pulse transmitters that have a range of 2km, or 12km if used with a repeater.

They can be used in the UK on Radio-Tech’s exclusively licensed 153.100MHz band, or an alternative product range is available for use in Europe on the 169MHz ERMES band. A range of receivers is also available to interface transmitters with existing building management systems.

The hardware will output to Radio-Tech’s own or third-party software, and benefits from a 10-year battery life.

For further information please email Radio-Tech Ltd 

From:http://www.edie.net/news/news_story.asp?id=16900&channel=0

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An example of fuelcell technology - Pearl bicycle

“Critical moment” as new analysis shows $180bn global market potential

The Carbon Trust is today launching a UK bid for a breakthrough in fuel cell technology, which could open up a global fuel cell market worth over $180 billion by 2050, according to new analysis. 

The “Polymer Fuel Cells Challenge” aims to accelerate the commercialisation of breakthrough UK technology that could see the mainstream cost effective (mass) production of fuel cell powered cars and buses, as well as providing electricity and heat in homes and business. These kinds of mass market applications could be saving the UK up to 7 million tonnes of CO2 a year in 2050, equivalent to taking two million of today’s cars off the road.

Launching the initiative, Dr Robert Trezona, Head of Research and Development at the Carbon Trust, said: “Fuel cells have been ten years away from a real breakthrough for the past 20 years. This is a critical moment for UK fuel cell technology as emerging markets combine with technology cost breakthroughs to create a golden opportunity to launch world-beating products onto a massive global market.  Our initiative aims to drive forward the commercialisation of the UK’s unique fuel cell expertise which will play a crucial role in the UK’s Clean Tech Revolution both cutting carbon and creating jobs and economic value.”

The initiative aims to deliver the critical reduction in fuel cell system costs that must be achieved to make mass market deployment a reality. New Carbon Trust analysis shows that if substantial cuts can be achieved, the global market could be worth over $26bn in 2020 and over $180bn in 2050. The UK share of this market could be $1bn in 2020 rising to $19bn in 2050.

David Hart, Head of Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Research, Centre for Energy Policy and Technology, Imperial College, said: “For many years fuel cell and hydrogen technologies have been expected to become a cornerstone of a low-carbon, more efficient energy system, but the cost, durability and performance of current fuel cell systems remain unattractive in most applications. The Polymer Fuel Cells Challenge is an exciting opportunity to address these issues with a fresh perspective and co-ordinated approach to make polymer fuel cells an everyday commercial reality.”

Celia Greaves, Fuel Cells UK, said: “We warmly welcome the Carbon Trust’s new Polymer Fuel Cells Challenge. The UK is home to a number of world class fuel cell companies and research centres, and substantive IP has already been created in this area. Initiatives such as this from the Carbon Trust are vital to strengthening the UK’s position and ensuring that the UK is innovative and remains competitive in this growing global industry.”

Current fuel cell system costs are still too high by a factor of at least ten for widespread uses. These costs could be brought down in the future through volume production, but projections show that even then, with today’s technology, costs would remain too high by 30-40% for most markets. The Polymer Fuel Cells Challenge will aim to support those breakthroughs that will allow high-volume costs to come down by 35%, making fuel cell systems attractive for mass markets.

Fuel cells efficiently convert the chemical energy contained in a fuel directly into electricity - they produce electricity like a battery but are fuelled like an engine or a boiler. Fuel cells are already marketed around the world, with sales growing at over 60% a year - they are used to power forklift trucks, mobile phone masts or provide power in camper vans. However, they currently remain too expensive to be more widespread.

By 2030, polymer fuel cells worldwide could be saving every year more CO2 than the UK will emit.

The £8 million Polymer Fuel Cell Challenge will be split into two phases.  A call for proposals opening today (http://www.carbontrust.co.uk/fuelcells) will lead to the selection of up to three novel ideas, offering up to £1m per project to further develop and prove them. If one of these demonstrates its potential for lower-cost fuel cell systems, the Carbon Trust will then co-invest up to £5m in the technology to develop it commercially.

From:http://www.carbontrust.co.uk/News/presscentre/091009_Polymer_fuelcell_challenge.htm

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EEDA - Supporting your business

Businesses are the lifeblood of our economy in the East of England and we must ensure that the business support we provide is meeting the needs of our businesses.

Since the launch of Better for Business, the regional business support strategy, in 2005 we have made significant improvements to our business support offer. We have made it easier for businesses to access the support they need by simplifying our business support services through the implementation of Solutions for Business and by taking on the Train to Gain skills brokerage from the Learning and Skills Council and merging it into our new single regional Business Link service. We have launched our Integrated Specialist Business Support Service, integrating the Manufacturing Advisory Service, Designing Demand and Innovation, Advice and Guidance into one coherent offer to manufacturing businesses. This particular service has been boosted by successfully tapping into European funding to increase the amount of support we can provide. We have also created a virtual women’s business centre, one of four national pilots, to provide women with the specialist business support they need at every stage of their businesses journey.

However, we must not become complacent. The changes in the economy brought about by the downturn; the requirement to merge Train to Gain and Business Link into one integrated service; along with new direction in Government thinking and a new Regional Economic Strategy, means that the time is now right to take a detailed look at the support EEDA provides. The strategy specifically focuses on EEDA funded business support and whilst there is no new funding to deliver increased services and the public sector budgets are under increased pressures, this will not stop us from taking an innovative look at the business support we provide to ensure it is efficient and effective and above all else meets the needs of our region’s businesses.

The Draft Business Support Strategy can be downloaded from the EEDA website and is currently open to consultation.

If you have any comments on the strategy, please send them to Shan Lloyd at ShanLloyd@eeda.org.uk by Friday 23 October 2009.

From: http://www.eeda.org.uk/4436.asp

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Hydrocar H2

Peterborough is on the road to becoming the home of a futuristic car.

Discussions are ongoing as to where the new hydrogen-powered Riversimple car will be built and today manufacturers said that Peterborough was high on the list for a manufacturing base.

The city could also become home to a 50 vehicle pilot scheme in 2012 to test how successful the two seater cars would be on the roads.

Peterborough is top of list because of its close proximity to the Midlands, where Riversimple is based and because of its flat roads. 

Chief designer Hugo Spowers said: “We are delighted at the level of support we have received in Peterborough and will certainly look forward to entering further discussions. There will certainly be a case for the plant being in the same region as the pilot scheme.

Using state-of-the-art technology, the car will only produce water emissions - but will still have a range of more than 300 miles per gallon.

The news that Peterborough is still in the running to manufacture and test the new car was welcomed by the deputy leader of Peterborough City Council and cabinet member for environment capital and culture, Matthew Lee.

He said: “Hydrogen-powered cars are the future of the automotive industry and I would be delighted if they could be produced and manufactured in Peterborough. It would be a major boost for the city from a commercial point of view and in our drive to be the UK’s environmental capital.

From: http://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/news/Hydrogenpowered-car-could-be-built.5638335.jp

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The Carbon Trust could help your business get that new computer that you need.

Theo Paphitis and the Carbon Trust launch scrappage scheme for power-guzzling equipment.

British businesses are being forced to “make do and mend” with old, inefficient equipment, as over half (52%), don’t have the money to upgrade it. Over half of small and medium-sized businesses (60%) wait until their equipment breaks down completely before replacing it.

The problem is costing businesses as much as £3.3bn a year in wasted energy according to the Carbon Trust. It was revealed in a survey of 1,500 small and medium-sized businesses at the launch, by Dragon’s Den star Theo Paphitis, of Carbon Trust’s Big Business Refit Campaign.

The aim of the Big Business Refit is to call on all UK businesses to scour their premises for old equipment, from air conditioners to fridges, compressors to factory machinery. With interest-free funding available to replace equipment, leading to average energy savings of 15%, and no security required, it’s an unbelievable deal.

Big Business Refit runs until 31 March 2010. It offers advice on identifying old equipment, and guidance on suitable replacements in clinics in UK cities, including London, Birmingham, Manchester and Belfast. Business can get expert advice, a free energy saving assessment, or apply for interest free funding by calling 01865 885879, or visiting http://www.bigbusinessrefit.co.uk/

The survey shows that around half of businesses are missing out on the opportunity to reduce bottom line costs through energy efficiency. 

Over half (57%) have resorted to staff cuts to save cash.

Nearly half (46%) are unaware that they can cut energy costs by replacing old equipment.

Nearly half (41%) have accepted higher energy bills as a fixed cost, preferable to paying the upfront cost of replacing old equipment.

Yorkshire-based Flexible Packaging Printers, Roberts Mart & Co Ltd has already saved by scrapping its old equipment.

Ben Roberts, Sales Director, said: “We’ve taken advantage of two Carbon Trust loans, totalling over £300,000, to replace printing press drying systems, a boiler and lighting. As a result, we’re saving around 130,000 a year on our energy bills, plus around 900 tonnes of CO2. The Carbon Trust loans scheme has been a simple and effective way for us to modernise our business, and reduce costs in the recession.”

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), the Institute of Directors (IoD), the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), the Mayor of London, and the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) have all pledged their support for the Carbon Trust’s Big Business Refit.

David Caro, FSB Energy & Environment Chairman, said: “Due to their size, small businesses are in a unique position to adopt energy efficiency measures more easily and quickly than their larger counterparts. However, small business owners are often limited by time constraints and are not always aware of where and how to access advice on how to green. The support of the Carbon Trust can help small businesses play their part in being energy efficient and cutting costs, saving money and boosting their own enterprise.”

Miles Templeton, Director General, Institute of Directors, said: “The Carbon Trust’s loan scheme gives small businesses access to the capital they need to unlock their future growth potential.”

Gareth Elliott, Senior Environment Policy Adviser, British Chambers of Commerce, said: “In the current downturn cash is king and the first place struggling businesses should look to redeem cash is in their business premises where it’s possible to eliminate energy wastage. The Carbon Trust loans scheme offers a practical solution for business survival through energy efficiency and we’d encourage businesses across the UK to take advantage of the funding available.”

The Carbon Trust’s unsecured, interest-free loans can be used for equipment replacements costing between £3,000 and £400,000. The loans are designed to pay for themselves through direct energy savings, so that once the loan was repaid, savings go straight to the bottom line. With a total of £100m in funding available, the Big Business Refit is expected to help up to 3,000 UK SMEs save a total of £40m from their annual energy costs.

About the Energy Efficiency Loans scheme

Energy Efficiency loans are available to businesses meeting one, or both, of the following criteria:

Companies that meet the EU definition of a small or medium-sized enterprise, i.e. companies with less that 250 employees and a turnover of under £42m at today’s exchange rate). Companies that are not eligible to participate in the Carbon Reduction Commitment, i.e. companies consuming less than 6,000MWh of half hourly metered electricity. This typically equates to an annual electricity spend of £500,000.

All loans are unsecured, interest-free and repayable over a period of up to 4 years. The minimum loan size has recently been reduced from 5,000 to 3,000 whilst the maximum size has been increased from £200,000 to £400,000 to help more businesses secure funding in the recession. There are no arrangement fees and applying is straightforward. For more information please visit http://www.carbontrust.co.uk/loans

From: http://www.carbontrust.co.uk/News/presscentre/big-business-refit.htm

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