There is strong evidence that homes with solar PV systems have sold for a premium over comparable homes without solar PV. Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley found that a 3.1kW PV system added an average premium of $17,000 (just over £10,000) to house prices.

A study done in San Diego in 2010 also found similar results.

As far as I can see, no similar study has been done in the UK. However, this research gives early adopters optimism, that they may be able to more or less recoup their investment if they sell their home only a short time after installing solar panels.

My view is, that for this to happen we still need greater understanding about renewable energy and its benefits among the general population. Estate agents have a role to play in this, and anecdotal evidence indicates that they unless they improve their understanding of solar PV and other renewable technologies, they won’t promote them to potential buyers.

There’s plenty of people out there giving advice on how to make your house more saleable – but mostly it’s about (often quite superficial) visual aspects. How about a campaign to increase the understanding of a house’s energy performance certificate and what it means for the comfort of a house, and the expense of heating it.

About the Author: Cathy Debenham, Founder of YouGen

First published on YouGen blog. For more information on renewable energy visit the YouGen website.

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This blog was first posted on YouGen

Are they really worth it?

Like a lot of things in improving energy efficiency, radiator reflectors can devolve into a complex argument. For example, radiators are not actually radiators. They are also convectors and conductors. And radiator reflectors only deal with the radiant heat.

A single panel radiator will have 50% of the surface area facing the wall. Fins on the back of the radiator will increase heating surface area but also increase the convection effect. Double rads will have only 25% of their surface facing the wall and double finned, double radiators will have the lowest radiated heat emission and highest convection emission.

Complicated isn’t it?

To try and un-complicate the question, we have first to ask two other questions :

1. Is the house, and specifically the walls, well insulated? That is, really well insulated – 100mm plus thickness? If so, there is no benefit from reflectors as the heat is barely escaping through the walls anyway.

2. Are they older, single panel radiators or more modern radiators with fins on the back? If they are older type then reflectors will have a good impact. But they will have a smaller impact on finned radiators.

That is not to say that they should not be installed if you have modern radiators. In terms of saving energy every little helps and reflectors are relatively cheap and easy to install.

Which radiator reflectors to install?

There are plenty of different types out there but the ones with a saw-tooth like surface are the best as they encourage convection and improve the warm air movement around the room.

If you have a poorly insulated wall I would suggest first gluing the reflector to a thin sheet of insulation (Kingspan, Celotex or similar) and fixing that (with glue) to the wall behind the radiator.

First posted on YouGen

About the author: Tim Pullen is eco-editor for Homebuilding & Renovating magazine, author of Simply Sustainable Homes and founder of sustainable property consultancy WeatherWorks.

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Armonia is a complex of eight stone houses set into the hillsides of the village, just over a kilometre from the Ionian Sea and its sandy beaches. Built with respect to the traditional architecture, they are warm in the winter and cool in the summer and have beautiful sea views. For guests who prefer organically grown products, we can offer fresh vegetables from our own garden or from the neighbouring farm, together with fresh organic eggs, homemade wines, local olive oil and honey. We also run a traditional Zakynthian tavern eight hundred metres away in the village, where you can try some of our home cooked recipes and homemade wines. Vassilikos is a farming community within the National Marine Park, and is twelve kilometres from the main town of Zakynthos. http://www.organicholidays.co.uk/at/2965.htm

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The Casanuova Estate is more than 350 years old. Carefully restored, the house has twenty rooms overlooking the countryside and two apartments 800m from the main building. The estate is surrounded by olive groves, vineyards and gardens. We have a self regenerating swimming pond with soft natural water. Our farm has been run on organic and environmentally friendly principles for thirty years. The orchard and vegetable garden provide delicious freshly harvested ingredients for the kitchen. Using predominantly organic ingredients the Tuscan cuisine is interpreted with creativity and sophistication. Various pasta and pesti, soft melting gnocchi, temptingly aromatic cakes and daily baked breakfast rolls are all home made. ‘Cucina Casanuova’ is the title of my first cookery book. It is based on uncomplicated earthy Tuscan recipes. The changing seasons dictate the menu of the Locanda, and correspondingly the cookbook is also a culinary guide through the year. http://www.organicholidays.co.uk/at/2964.htm

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NEW BARN CONVERSION OPENING JUNE 2011. A cosy hostel for individuals, groups and family gatherings on an organic family farm in the beautiful dale of Glaisdale in the heart of the North York Moors National Park. The farm has been registered with the Soil Association since 1991 but organic since 1973 [see the book 'Farming with Mary' by Giles Heron]. Frozen organic beef and lamb from the farm is for sale. Discount for Soil Association members [10% off meat sales, lumpwood charcoal, accommodation]. We also sell non organic rare breed pork, bacon and sausages, cured / made by us from pigs bred by a friend nearby. The farm is criss crossed by public footpaths, bring your wellies and have a look round. http://www.organicholidays.co.uk/at/2962.htm

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The benefits of organic baby clothes

Green Nippers are specialists in organic, ethical and eczema friendly baby and children’s clothes. There are many benefits to organic baby clothes; the most noticeable benefit is that they are so much softer.

Organic cotton is a perfect choice for babies delicate and sensitive skin, especially those suffering from eczema. Organic cotton consists of longer fibres so is therefore is softer and gentler for their delicate skin reducing allergic reaction. Most importantly it doesn’t contain the finishing chemicals or pesticide residues, such as formaldehyde, which is found in conventional cotton. Formaldehyde is
harmful and irritant to babies? skin, and has been linked to allergies such as asthma and eczema. Babies skin is very delicate and thin, which means that chemicals found in conventional cotton clothing can be harmful as they can be absorbed into their thin skin and can find their way into their bloodstream.

Organic fabrics are sustainable, and are not harmful to the
environment as they are grown naturally. Organic cotton farming only uses natural pesticides and the crops are largely rain fed. The soils are fertilised with natural organic materials, which help retain moisture and its fertility. Organic cotton provides a better income for farmers as consumers are prepared to pay a premium for the quality
of organic cotton. Mostly organic cotton is purchased before the crop is grown, which gives farmers the security of income too. Conventional cotton accounts for one quarter of global pesticide use; with alarming environmental and social consequences. Each year there are 20,000 deaths in developing countries from poisoning by agricultural pesticides used on crops. It is better for our carbon footprint to use organic cotton as organic cotton production emits around half the CO2 produced by conventional cotton production when using modern methods.

Are organic baby clothes plain and boring?
No, of course not. Green Nippers have proven that using organic cotton does not mean that you have to limit the colours. A bright and lively colour palette has been created using azo free, non toxic dyes without the use of heavy metals, which are natural and biodegradable. Our collection features unique detailing such as lace, appliqués,
buttons, pockets and collars.

Green Nippers Debut Collection (0 to 12 months) consists of fashionable and unique baby grows that are designed as little outfits, which are practical, comfortable and suitable for all year round. The collection of all in one outfits are designed specifically for babies to sleep, eat and play in, whether out and about or just lounging at home.

Green Nippers Junior Collection (0 to 5 years) will be launched in August 2011. The range will include smart and practical dresses, smock tops, t-shirts and leggings for girls. For the boys there are a wonderful range of t-shirts, stylish trousers and dungarees.

Are organic baby clothes easy to care for?
Yes, organic baby clothes are made from high quality and durable organic fabrics, which hold their shape wash after wash. This allows them to be worn over and over again and passed onto siblings and other relatives or friends to wear once they are too small. The Green Nippers products are easy to care for, they can be machine washed at 40oc although we recommend the customer to think about the climate and wash at 30oc.

What certifications do you need to look for?
All Green Nippers products are certified by the Soil Association and manufactured in a Control Union certified factory in Turkey, under the Global Organic Textile Standard.

The Soil Association organic symbol is the UK’s largest and most recognisable trademark for organic produce. The Soil Association certification gives the consumer peace of mind that what they are buying is 100% organic.

10 Organic Cotton benefits:
- Soft
- Durable
- Cool
- Comfortable
- Eczema friendly
- Sustainable
- Easy to care for
- Natural
- Chemical and pesticide free
- Environmentally friendly

For further information about the benefits of organic baby clothes, visit: www.greennippers.co.uk

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This article presents a vision for corporate sustainability and highlights how organisations can add value to not only their bottom line but also to the environment and society at large. With current examples of organisations putting their corporate sustainability strategy into action, this article provides a run down of who’s doing what and the skills and people required to initiate and maintain the drive to a low carbon economy.

Highlighting the increase in auditing and tighter sustainability regulation, this article also provides some useful advice on how to avoid the association with ‘green washing’ and ways in which an organisation can really embed sustainability within the heart of their corporate culture. Investors are becoming increasingly receptive to sustainability.

Corporate sustainability is coming of age. An overwhelming majority of FTSE 500 companies now voluntarily measure, manage, and publicly disclose their carbon emissions; and a collection of hi-tech solutions, clean technologies, and market tools have evolved in recent years to meet these demands. Examples of successful corporate sustainability reporting can be attributed to Siemens and GE, recording environmental revenues of £16bn and £11bn respectively, and M&S showing how a CEO-led sustainability strategy can account for 10% of profit at a FTSE100 retailer. The Co-Operative Group has also launched an ambitious sustainability plan at the beginning of March 2011, which promises to cut carbon emissions by 35% by 2017 and deploy over £1 billion of green energy finance by 2013. By 2017, the Co-op wants to generate an equivalent of a quarter of its energy needs from renewables but aims to be carbon neutral in its operations by next year. The Group also pledges to reduce its water consumption by 10% over the next three years.

Driving change to a corporate sustainability strategy is a constant challenge, however an impressive 81% of the CEOs surveyed by The Guardian stated that sustainability issues are now ‘fully embedded’ into their companies’ strategy and operations, with many extending this focus to their subsidiaries and supply chains. It is clear that sustainability is no longer seen as a marketing fad and is now embraced at Board Level within leading corporations. This is also reflected in recruitment trends witnessed by Allen & York, leading international sustainability Recruiters. Boardroom commitment to sustainability helps build a framework for robust corporate governance.

Writing in Ethical Corporation, Raffaello Raimondi, Principal Search Consultant at Allen & York comments on the rise of the Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO), “The first job on a CSO’s list is often to challenge accepted norms and radically change a corporation’s culture”. Describing the ideal CSO’s background, Raimondi highlights that several years industry experience coupled with a MBA/Masters Degree and quite possibly experience in a leading strategic or environmental position features high on his check list. By employing a dedicated CSO, Sustainability Director or Head of Sustainability, organisations can ensure the corporate sustainability strategy is not only overseen and managed accordingly but is also implemented to the highest standard so that oversights are not made. When discussing his role at UPS, Scott Wicker, CSO at UPS highlights that: “The long-term success of our company absolutely requires a balance of the environmental, economic and social aspects of the business. Sustainability encompasses all of those areas.” Sustainability offers a proven and legitimate framework for exploiting new avenues for innovation and growth. Initiatives such as the Carbon Plan, Green Investment Bank and the Electricity Market Reform demonstrate how the UK coalition government is well on the way up the regulatory escalator towards encouraging zero-carbon emissions within business. The Carbon Plan, being a Government-wide plan of action on climate change and the Green Investment Bank are primed to invest in low-carbon infrastructure such as renewable energy and the development of new, clean technologies. Both, along with the Electricity Market Reform point towards a movement to monitor and regulate sustainability within business.

In addition, the UK government’s CRC Energy Efficiency scheme which came into effect in 2010 is a mandatory carbon emissions reporting and pricing scheme, with the first report due from organisations, which use more than 6,000MWh per year of electricity, in July 2011. Whilst there has been some controversy about the scheme, it still remains that from 2012, participants will be required to buy allowances from the Government, each year, to cover their emissions in the previous year. This means that organisations that decrease their emissions can lower their costs under the CRC. Companies better positioned to improve their energy efficiency, and save on CRC costs, will be those with a CSO or Head of Sustainability in place, who is able to oversee energy management, sustainable procurement and corporate social responsibility issues, coupled with implementing accurate carbon reporting. A severe management deficit exists in the governance of climate change and sustainability risks and opportunities. Being a key driver to corporate innovation and growth, a top down approach to corporate sustainability is required. Regulation, the role of the CSO and embedding sustainability into business practices also ensures that ‘green washing’ is avoided. Green washing is the team used for the deceptive use of green PR to embellish a company’s green credentials. With a firm policy and strategy in place run by a dedicated CSO or Head of Sustainability, the company is able to produce clear and transparent evidence of their sustainable measures.

Further trends that Allen & York predict for 2011 include:

• The embedding of sustainability as a core business strategy
• Establishment of a consensus on the role of the sustainable development professional
• The rise of the Chief Sustainability Officer
• Increased transparency, an open society and a decrease in green washing
• Supply chain engagement, where supplier’s performance is also monitored and reported on, forming part of the corporate sustainability strategy
• IT for green purposes growing at an exponential rate

Allen & York are a leading international Sustainability Recruitment consultancy, offering jobs and candidates in; Energy & Environmental Management, CSR & Sustainability, Low Carbon and Climate Change, Renewable Energy and Health and Safety Management. For further information, please visit: www.allen-york.com

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Led by powerhouses like GE and Google, the corporate sustainability movement in the U.S. is gaining momentum and proving “going green” saves the planet while saving money. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has encouraged companies to work off waste through its second annual Battle of the Buildings competition. 245 buildings across the country are now engaged in a friendly fight for green supremacy.

Commercial buildings in the U.S. spend more than $100 billion annually on energy, accounting for 20% of the nation’s total energy consumption. Buildings with energy star certified plans emit 35% fewer greenhouse gasses and burn 35% less energy than typical structures. Water, waste, insulation, lighting, and building materials all become fair game, leaving the participating building both energy efficient and cheaper to operate.

The sustainability groundswell packs a big punch. GE’s Ecomagination initiative has saved the company $130 million in energy resources and shaved 22% off their own energy consumption. Google has invested millions in wind power to cool its massive data centers. Sustainability is proving not to be just a grassroots movement.

The Battle of the Buildings competition pits office buildings, schools, churches, hotels, and banks against each other to measure whom, over the course of a year, can reduce their energy use intensity (EUI) by the largest percentage. EUI is a measure of a building’s energy use and is calculated by taking total energy consumption and dividing it by total floor space.

The EPA selects finalists in July and the 2011 winner in November. “We’re harnessing our nation’s innovative capacity to save money on electric bills, create a cleaner environment and protect the health of American families,” says EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson.

ENERGY STAR symbolizes the government’s standard for energy efficiency. Although the EPA’s competition focuses on commercial buildings, individuals can benefit from the same ENERGY STAR quality, performance, and efficiency. Homebuilders, partnering with the program, now offer green-building designs and responsible construction, delivering results similar to their commercial peers.

Malli Homes in Yelm, Washington personifies the new green builder by constructing homes given the ENERGY STAR approval. North Carolina’s Vincent Properties Construction delivers ENERGY STAR homes designed to be 20-30% more energy efficient than those built to standard residential code. Michigan’s Ferraro Builders constructs high-performance, custom homes implementing the latest in building sciences, bringing the ENERGY STAR to more discriminating buyers.

Skyscraper or single-family home, green building means hope for both the environment and budgets.

About the Author:

S. M. Combs produces articles for the solar panels blog and the solar battery chargers blog. She has a master degree in sciences and worked as consultant for the South West Scotland Energy Agency. Now she is retired and provides free resources to help people get additional info on energy efficiency starting from small devices (i.e. cell phones) to home solar systems.

Photo Credits: Shannon Combs

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What do we mean by Creativity and what is the nature of Imagination? How do they relate to the fruitful processes of the natural world, and are there fresh ways in which we can activate their energy in our life and work?

Lindsay Clarke, Whitbread Prize winner and author of The Chymical Wedding, will help illuminate the deep ground of our creativity in the personal, collective and ecological layers of the unconscious mind. Lindsay is joined by John Moat, painter and a poet, whose work embodies the search for integration and balance and Roselle Angwin a celebrated Westcountry poet and author, she will use a trip to Dartmoor to discuss the connections between creativity, consciousness and the environment.

Through a varied range of stimulating activities, group discussions and reflections on the poetics of experience, the wisdom of dreams, and the roles of muses, the course will help participants to develop areas of their own creativity and strengthen their vision and practice.

• Discover and enhance new aspects of your creativity.
• Learn from established writers and artists about their own creative journeys and processes.
• Develop your understanding of the inter-play between imagination and the unconscious.

For more details:

Visit: http://www.schumachercollege.org.uk/courses/the-springs-of-creativity

Email: admin@schumachercollege.org.uk

Call: +44 (0)1803 865934 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting +44 (0)1803 865934 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

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Helping towards Plan A

Eco Ezee are pleased to announce the successful roll out of an innovative new shoe box designed for  Marks and Spencer. The shoe boxes have been developed using Eco Ezee’s design and pulp manufacturing expertise supporting M&S’s desire to save on its use of raw materials in its product packaging. This is a significant part of its Plan A commitment to make it the world’s most sustainable major retailer.

The new packaging, when completely rolled out, will consume an estimated 1500 tonnes of recycled material every year producing approximately 10 million shoe boxes. Initially 1.5 million boxes will be produced for its womens shoe range autumn 2011.

Eco Ezee are proud and delighted to be a key component in helping Marks and Spencer reach some of its Plan A initiative ambitions of reducing the company’s carbon footprint and reducing waste to landfill,
as well as providing them with huge cost and time savings.

The new shoe box roll out was first announced in the Business Section of the Sunday Times, 24th April 2011, featuring an article about our company MD Natalie Barnwell. The article detailed the rise of the company from its early beginings with the Ezee Paint Tray, through the additions of its professional quality and sustainable Paint Brush and decorating tools range and the development of the packaging for
M&S.

Congratulations Natalie!!

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