First published on the YouGen blog.

For many, fireplaces are the embodiment of the British household, with the hearth taking pride of place in the home. With the advent of climate change awareness, people are looking to reinstate period features such as these, whilst using an appliance that is efficient, economical and environmental.  This explains why wood pellet stoves are enjoying a growth in popularity; but what should you be looking for as a potential buyer?

1. Temperature Control
One thing we love about pellet stoves is their controllability. You can set the temperature with a precision approaching that of a gas or oil heating system. Unlike most traditional room heaters, pellet stoves have an electronic thermostat which can be set with an impressive degree of accuracy.

2. Self-Ignition
Most pellet stoves will have the ability to self-ignite, turning themselves on and off as required. This is not done by the owner, but instead via an inbuilt computer that regulates its operation. This means that the stove functions independently, with minimal user intervention needed.

3. Fuel Feed System and Burn Time/Duration
Pellet stoves are fed from an integral fuel hopper (see image) by a motorised feeding screw which supplies fuel to maintain the small fire that heats the room. The size on the stove’s integral hopper in relation to the rated heat output of the stove will determine how often the appliance needs refilling. This is commonly referred to as the burn time and is sometimes quoted for the stove’s full output (the shortest burn time) and the stove’s minimum output (the longest burn time). In reality, the frequency of refilling will lie in between these two figures as heat demand will vary on a daily basis.

Some systems allow for this integral hopper to be filled automatically from a larger main store of fuel. Sensors in the appliance tell an auxiliary feed system that it needs topping up and it is then refilled accordingly. External fuel stores do require additional space so may not be suitable for everyone. However, this does mean that refilling is done automatically with larger stores holding enough fuel for a whole season.

4. Efficiency
As with all solid fuel appliances, greater efficiency means lower running costs and reduced environmental implications as well. You should always look for an appliance that is going to deliver the efficiency you require.  A typical pellet stove will operate at a gross efficiency of around 80%. We have a guide where you can compare the efficiencies of various appliances.

5. Storage
If you are planning to invest in this stove type, then you should be aware that correct storage of pellets essential. Pellets will absorb lots of moisture from the surrounding air and from damp on floors and walls. Bagged or loose pellets should be stored in an environment that protects against this. Wet pellets will damage appliances.

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

About the author: Laurence Jones is an energy expert at YouGen and marketing support officer at HETAS

YouGen is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

First published on the YouGen blog

Q: Can you use air source heat pumps for heating domestic hot water?

A: If you are reading this and looking for a quick answer, it’s yes!

For those of you who would like a little more information here we go…

Just because you can use a heat pump, should you?

Well, of course, while the sun is shinning a solar thermal  panel will produce domestic hot water far more efficiently than a heat pump, but obviously in the mid winter months you will probably need some additional heat source and using your heat pump will be far more efficient than using many other heat sources such as electric immersion heaters or oil boilers.

Required temperature

We normally bathe or shower using water around 38C to 42C and most air source heat pumps will have no problem in supplying this sort of temperature.

Word of caution

There is however, as always, a slight snag!

Let me try to explain the reason for the snag (if you’re not interested in the reason miss the next few paragraphs and go straight to the paragraph headed safety precaution).

The domestic hot water (DHW) is normally heated through some kind of heat exchanger allowing heat to be transferred from the heating water into the DHW. One way of doing this is to use a “tank in tank” – see illustration. Here the DHW tank is surrounded by the space heating water and therefore absorbs heat from the space heating water through the walls of the inner tank.

Given that many heat pumps (although there are of course exceptions) are only be able to supply water at a maximum temperature of around 50C the domestic hot water will have to be stored at below 60C.

What’s the problem?

Well what’s the problem I hear you saying?

You have already told us that we bathe around 40C so why does it matter that the water is stored at a temperature lower than 60C?

Well none … it it wasn’t for a bug or bacteria called Legionella. This bacteria breeds in warm water and if inhaled (in the tiny mist droplets you get in a shower for example), can cause a potentially fatal disease called Legionella disease. So to ensure every one is safe, we like to kill off this bug, which is possible by increasing the temperature of the water to over 60C. (At this temperature the bacteria dies within two minutes and at a even faster rate at higher temperatures!).

Safety precaution

Therefore, to keep every one absolutely safe, most installers will arrange for the DHW to be heated once a day to above 60C, usually by an immersion heater on a timer.

Given that the heat pump should take the temperature to over 45C, the DHW only has to be heated by a temperature rise of 15C.

This means that the majority of the heat energy is supplied by the heat pump for that one hour, and all of the energy, assuming it is not being used for heating, for your DHW requirements can be supplied for the rest of the day by the heat pump.

Controls

So by a very simple control scheme we can ensure that your DHW is perfectly safe.

If you have read the previous blogs you will know that the higher the water temperature the heat pump is required to produce, the lower its efficiency.

With this in mind I recommend that you make sure your installer includes controls that only require the heat pump to supply high flow temperatures when there is a DHW demand.

For the rest of the time, when only space heating is required, the controls should then allow your heat pump to run at a lower temperature and thus at increased efficiency levels.

Conclusion

With a purpose made storage vessel, or cylinder, and the right controls it makes perfect sense to heat your domestic hot water with a Heat Pump especially if you link in a complimentary solar thermal panel.

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

About the author: John Lightfoot is an energy exper at YouGen and also director at Thermal Energy Ventures Ltd.

YouGen is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

First published on the YouGen blog

Q: I just received a call from Anglian (0845 296 9668) who were offering an incredible 40% discount on their products. They were claiming you don’t need direct sunlight for solar PV, only daylight and that PV can be placed on a north facing roof. Is there someone who I could complain to, as I know that less aware people would believe their mis-selling.

A:  It’s interesting that this question came in on the same day that Which? published it’s latest investigation into the sales of solar panels. Anglian was one of the companies it names and shames.

Your first port of call for dodgy sales techniques for solar panels and other renewable energy technologies is the REAL Assurance Scheme Consumer Code, which all MCS accredited installers must sign up to. This covers all aspects of the installation before, during and after the contract. Mis-selling, and offering discounts if you sign-up on the day are both things that are covered in the code.

There is a section on the website about how to complain. You can either download a pdf form, or fill in an online form. There’s a rather convoluted flow chart on the page which shows you how your complaint will be dealt with.

There is currently a small loophole that allows sales companies to sell on behalf of MCS accredited installers without being members of REAL. This loophole is about to be closed. It is still worth reporting mis-selling by these companies to REAL, although they probably don’t have as much power over companies that aren’t a member of the scheme.

If that doesn’t bring you any joy, you can report the company to trading standards: enter your postcode here to find your local branch.

Misleading advertising can be reported to the Advertising Standards Authority, but I’m struggling to find an equivalent for dodgy telephone selling. So give REAL a try, and do let us know how you get on.

First published on the YouGen blog

About the author: Cathy Debenham, Founder of YouGen – Renewable energy made easy.

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Paul Testa Architecture is me, Paul Testa.  I have always been an active outdoor person.  This gives me a social & physical appreciation of our environment.

This strongly influences my other passion; for Architecture and the built environment.  I am especially interested in the way buildings are procured and made; the nuts and bolts of the process. I have always seen the technology of building to be something that can enhance buildings and the built environment functionally, aesthetically and environmentally.

I work closely with my clients to produce designs that closely meet their project requirements.  I take the values of good design, good value, long term flexibility and environmental sustainability to produce healthy, flexible and useful buildings and places in which people enjoy living and working.

I am regulated by the architects registration board (arb) and am an active member of the AECB in Yorkshire as part of my aim to promote sustainable building.  I am also an associate design tutor at the Sheffield School of Architecture and teach environment and technology to both undergraduate and March students.

If you are interested I write regular news updates and short articles on sustainable construction and sustainable issues on my website news page.  I am always keen to connect with likeminded building professionals, designers and potential clients.  If you want to chat or ask a question, please get in touch.

Paul Testa Architecture is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

Nicaragua Solidarity Campaign is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

As cuts in the Public Sector populate the media, Vicky Kenrick at International Sustainability Recruitment Consultancy, Allen & York, explores how these cutbacks have highlighted the value of Environmental professionals with Health and Safety experience and skills.  In addition, Allen & York discuss the impact of the cuts to The Environment Agency and Natural England, as Defra recently find their budget cut by 30% compared to government average of 19%.

The self-proclaimed greenest government ever had announced in October, some of its most vicious spending cuts to the environment. Environmental and Health & Safety Recruitment Specialists, Allen & York, have looked into the impact these, cuts have made to job opportunities within Environment. This year alone, Defra’s budget will shrink – from about £3bn and by about £700m by the end of the four-year spending period, in 2015. As a result, the department and its delivery agencies, including the Environment Agency, which monitors pollution and protects against flooding, and Natural England, which helps look after the natural world, will have to shed 5,000-8,000 out of a total of 30,000 jobs.

Nevertheless, demand for environmental expertise continues to soar as the consultancy sector goes from strength to strength and new corporate roles are created for climate change, sustainability and social responsibility specialists.  Whilst compliance based roles continually reward professionals that have both Environmental and Health and Safety qualifications.

In light of the Environment Agency and HSE cut backs; senior level compliance based roles consistently require Health and Safety, as well as Environmental experience.  Chris Saunby, Environmental Recruitment Manager at Allen & York, suggests that some jobs roles are being combined and there is a demand for an Environmental Manager with NEBOSH certificate qualified and knowledge of 14001 and 18001 management systems.

Cuts to the HSE and the Working Environment

With cuts of 35% to the Health and Safety industry’s watchdog – the HSE, coinciding with the fact that employers will no longer face automatic health and safety inspections, health and safety, specifically, within the construction industry has been recently scrutinised in the media. With job losses within this area, more attention is being given to how the role of the Environmental Manager can be built upon in order to include Health and Safety responsibilities.  For example, with pressure from the government on the HSE affecting the safety of the workplace, specifically construction sites, the importance of assessing and preventing dangers in a workplace environment is in the limelight. George Guy, UCATT’s acting general secretary, said: “The Conservative-led government’s financial attacks on the HSE will make workplaces more dangerous and will lead to increased deaths and injuries of workers in future.” Reports suggest the number of construction related deaths is already on the rise. The HSE’s figures were revealed by its head of construction, Philip White, at the London conference on Safety Schemes in Procurement, earlier this month. The provisional statistics revealed that the 2010/2011 period saw an increase of 15% on last year’s low of 42 deaths.

How will Environment Cuts Affect the Industry?

Meanwhile, by delving a little further into the proposed cuts for Defra we are able to better assess the impact of the cuts on career opportunities in the Environment sector.

Defra’s biggest cuts in money terms are in resource spending for administration and front-line services, which will be reduced by 29%, from £2.3bn this year to £1.8bn in 2014-15.  Specifically, capital spending, mostly on flood defences, will drop from £600m this year to £400m each year. With cuts in place, it is the quality and qualifications of employees that become important.

With The Environment Agency needing to reduce staff numbers by 3,000 in three years’ time; Environmental professionals are up skilling in order to not only secure their role but to progress within their career.  Recognising the value of the combination of Health and Safety and Environment combinations is Dr Paul Leinster Chief Executive of the, Environment Agency who said is pleased to support a recently launched NEBOSH Diploma for Environmental Management, “as it provides the core knowledge for practical environmental management in industry”.

Meanwhile, catastrophes, at high risk environmental sites, such as The Big Creek mine disaster, the explosion of the Deepwater Horizon drilling platform and the death-defying rescue of the Chilean miners put health, safety and the environment in the headlines. Combined with HSE cuts, fewer workplace inspections and a tighter budgetary situation for The Environment Agency, Health and Safety skills will be increasingly required within senior compliance based Environment roles.

Meanwhile, with the HSE under pressure from the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform to limit the number of on-site inspections it carries out. HSE Chief Executive, Geoffrey Podger, also said the department would have to adapt and cut up to 350 jobs.  With fewer inspections, the responsibility to ensure a safe working environment lies even more with the corporation.  Sources have revealed that industry bodies will be asked to ensure their members self-regulate while HSE inspectors focus mainly on high-risk sites. Self regulation provides another reason for corporations to allocate these responsibilities to existing Environmental professional and those with a NEBOSH qualification and previous Health and Safety experience make them a very valuable asset.

To discuss your Sustainable recruitment requirements or our latest job opportunities, please contact Allen & York at www.allen-york.com

Allen & York is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

Green Building Store’s new Ecoplus³ range of windows & doors launched today (Thursday 30th June 2011) aims to meet the energy efficiency requirements of 2050 and beyond and comes with ultra efficient triple glazing as standard. Ecoplus³ also aims to systematically address the environmental impact of window manufacture, through use of FSC Pure timber, natural timber finishes, boron preservatives and UK manufacture.

Ecoplus³ is the third evolution of Green Building Store’s Ecoplus range since its launch in 1995, and is the most energy efficient Ecoplus range yet, with whole window U values as low as 0.86 W/m2K. Not surprisingly, Ecoplus³ triple glazed windows have also achieved an ‘A’ energy-rating in the BFRC energy rating scheme. Ecoplus has been at the cutting edge of sustainable window design for over 15 years. In 1995 it pioneered the use of safer boron timber treatments and, in 2005, was the first UK manufactured range of windows to be made using FSC Pure 100% timber.

According to Chris Herring, Green Building Store Director and designer of the Ecoplus³ range:
“Ecoplus³ is one of the most energy efficient oak or pine timber window & door ranges made in the UK and offers a unique environmental specification. Ecoplus³’s elegant outward-opening window design also works well in either traditional or contemporary settings, offering a beautiful and sustainable solution for retrofitting homes to low energy standards.”

Buildings can lose 10-25% of their heat through windows but this can be considerably improved through use of energy efficient glazing. Green Building Store believes that only triple glazed windows and doors will be the correct specification to complement the necessary super insulation measures which the existing housing stock needs to address the threat of climate change.

As well as offering high thermal performance, the Ecoplus³ range combines a number of  sustainable features. Ecoplus³ is handmade in Green Building Store’s Yorkshire workshops to high standards of quality and durability, using FSC Pure engineered pine or oak. Ecoplus³ is also treated with inorganic boron-based mineral salts, widely recognised as the safest and most environmentally benign treatment available.  It is then finished with OSMO natural plant based finishes, which are so safe they have been deemed safe enough to use on children’s toys (safety standard EN71).

As a special introductory offer, Green Building Store is offering 10% off all Ecoplus³ orders placed before 15/08/11. For more information on Ecoplus³ or for a FREE quote,  contact Green Building Store’s Ecoplus³ department on 01484 463336 or email: emma@greenbuildingstore.co.uk.

As a special introductory offer, Green Building Store is offering 10% off all Ecoplus³ orders placed before 15/08/11.

Green Building Store is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

Stocks and shares? Property? Forget it! The talk is of Carbon – the new oil, or the Green Gold as some would put it.  In fact, it is entirely the opposite to oil. The Carbon market was created by the UN to wean the world off its addiction to oil and to reduce global emissions. Companies that actively reduce their emissions are awarded one carbon credit for every tonne of CO2 they reduce. They can then sell those credits for cash, and thus have a strong monetary incentive to reduce their carbon footprint.

“United Nations Carbon Credit Prices May Rise by 42% by 2012” Barclays Capital

Who buys them? Big polluting companies that don’t have the means or will to reduce their emissions, but do have the capital to invest in eco-friendly projects. These big polluters purchase the carbon credits from the eco-friendly projects, thereby investing into them and effectively offsetting their own emissions.

“Carbon Prices May Triple by 2013″

UBS

So why the buzz in the city?  Well, in the middle between the big polluters and the small carbon friendly projects sits a broker – and there is some serious money to be made here. Until recently the brokers and the companies have been making all the money, but now there is an opportunity for private investors to get involved and enjoy a slice of this lucrative Market.

One of the leaders in this field is a company based in Monument called MH Carbon. Possessing a wealth of knowledge on financial investments and run by a team of experienced financial professionals, MH Carbon is currently helping private investors gain exposure to this fast growing market.

The UK announces the most ambitious targets on greenhouse gases of any developed country

Chris Huhne, Energy Secretary – May 2011

If Barclays Capital are right in their assumption that the Carbon Market will grow by 42% this year and PM David Cameron and Energy Secretary Huhne carry out the drastic emission reduction targets that they have so avidly set out, then investors would do well to get involved in this market. Since MH Carbon was founded, many small imitators have attempted to replicate what they are doing, but few yet have the experience or knowledge required to set up diversified portfolios and pension schemes at the discounted market rates that MH Carbon manage.  They are professionals in the Voluntary Carbon Market.

So as you ponder on your next investment move, amid a financial world filled with red screens, crashing markets, rock bottom interest rates and soaring inflation, the savvy investor would do well to cock an ear towards the Carbon Market.  Far from a bunch of hippies with flowers in their hair singing Hare Krishna, it is now a rapidly growing financial market worth billions and is set by many of the highest standards to become the biggest market in the world within a matter of years. That is why banks all over the world are scrambling to set up green investment arms, and huge multinational corporations and governments from all corners of the planet are ploughing billions into it! Are they doing it to lose money? Not likely!  A wise man once said “invest where the people with money invest” and how right he was!

Don’t miss the next boom. This is arguably the best capital growth market of our generation, and you must now choose between measly main market dividends or significant capital growth.  Besides, further down the line as you relax on your sun lounger enjoying the fruits of your success, you can also smile in the knowledge that you have done your little part in saving the world!

Who needs a dividend when you can have that? Wonderful!

MH Carbon is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

First published on the YouGen blog

“Where should I put my air source heat pump? is a question I am often asked.

I reply “where would you like to put it?” and nine times out of 10 it can be installed where the enquirer had hoped it could.

So let’s look at the basics to give us some ideas of where we can, and cannot, position our air source heat pump.

Rule No.1

An air source heat pump (ASHP), as it’s name suggests, requires air as its source of heat. So rule number 1 is position the unit where it has an ample supply of ambient (outdoor) air.

Note I mention ambient air. If you were to position your ASHP in the loft, garage or some other internal space you would effectively turn that space into a cold room (freezer); as the heat pump takes the same air and keeps cooling and cooling it until the temperatures slumped to levels where it was impossible for the heat pump to extract heat effectively.

Rule No.2

When having your ASHP installed always consider that, in that unlikely event that your unit should require attention, there is adequate access for a service engineer to take a look at it, without having to resort to expensive scaffolding or other access equipment.

So enough of rules and on to recommendations!

Ground Level or suspended?

Where ever possible I would recommend placing the unit on the floor immediately outside the property similar to the unit shown above. This has two major benefits: first, the pipework on the exterior of the house is kept to a minimum, thus avoiding increased heat loss. Secondly, any service or maintenance work is easily and comfortably executed.

I should also mention that if you are placing the unit on the floor, ample allowance should be made to ensure any ice caused by the defrost cycle in sub zero temperatures will not cause a hazard on a path or walk way – your installer will be well aware of this hazard and should be able to overcome it easily enough.

If you are fitting the unit into a corner made up of two walls, make sure there is adequate space around the unit to allow for free air flow. As an example the dimensions required for the units my company manufacture can be seen below.

You will notice that there is also a minimum distance that must be kept clear in front of the unit.
This distance is to prevent the cold air being blown out of the front of the unit from bouncing back into the rear of the unit.

Cold air bouncing back into the rear of the unit will reduce the average air temperature the unit is extracting its heat from, which in turn reduces the efficiency of the unit and increases running costs.

In some circumstances however it is not always possible to fit a unit on the ground and the unit must therefore be fitted on brackets at a higher level. If so, take care not to cause any hazard at head height and to ensure it is easily accessed for any service visits.

Again your installer will be able to advise you and will probably suggest a drip tray be used to ensure any condensate from the unit is collected and drained away out of harms way.

North, East, South or West?

I am also often asked whether there is any benefit in positioning the unit against a south facing wall rather than a north facing wall? Not normally, is my response!

As already mentioned the unit takes it’s heat from the air, and whilst it is possible that the shade air temperature may be a degree or so warmer on the south side of the property than the north, this is only likely to be in daylight summer hours when the unit is unlikely to be operating.

Other Considerations

If possible, avoid positioning the unit immediately outside or below a bedroom window. There are always those nights when you can not get to sleep and, if you are like me, when they occur the merest murmur like the refrigerator downstairs in the kitchen becomes an irritant.

While modern air source heat pumps are extremely quiet, in the middle of the night you are just as likely to notice them as you would the refrigerator in the kitchen downstairs if they are right outside your open bedroom window. Therefore the further away you put them from the bedroom window the more likely it will be that it is only the fridge’s murmur irritating you.

It is also probably worth also mentioning that you should avoid putting the unit into a court yard, where the sound would bounce around and not decay as quickly as when there are no surfaces for it to bounce on.

One final consideration, if your property is exposed, is to avoid positioning your unit against a wall that snow usually drifts against. If the snow was to drift against the unit and reduce its air flow, it would reduce its efficiency and its output as a result.

Flexible

So apart from the few exceptions I have mentioned above an air source heat pump can be positioned anywhere around the property, making it even more flexible than a traditional gas boiler and certainly, from a positioning point of view, one of the most flexible renewable energy technologies.

Next Blog – Can you use air source heat pumps to heat domestic hot water?

About the author: John Lightfoot is an energy expert on the YouGen website. John is also director at Thermal Energy Ventures Ltd.

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

YouGen is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

Consumers are now demonstrating a smarter attitude when it comes to going green and are even showing an interest in sectors such as auto, energy and technology according to a survey.

The study of 9,000 people in eight countries found that household products had the highest adoption rates of consumer goods according to WPP companies Cohn and Wolfe, Landor Associates and Penn Schoen Berland who carried out the study in partnership with Esty Environmental Partners.

Online interviews were held between April 2, to May 3 in Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, the U.K and the U.S.

The way people perceived green products shifted, with consumers thinking beyond products they would put into their body or on their body.

Russ Meyer, the chief strategic officer at Landor Associates said: “Consumers are really getting wiser about green brands. You look at the first study, and there are brands that were there because their logo was green. Today, when you look at the top five brands in the U. S. survey, consumers have been able to sort out the ones that have been solidly green from birth.”

There was a clear distinction in what areas had more importance to the countries surveyed. The economy was more of a concern to developed countries, while developing countries and Germany felt the environment was more important.

That doesn’t mean that developed countries aren’t aware of environmental issues that plague the world. There is more concern this year than last year about the environment with a lot of those surveyed believing that the planet is on the wrong track to tackling issues such as climate change and reducing carbon emissions.

Concerns were again split with China, France, Germany and the UK more worried about energy use and toxic the most compared to the other half of countries who ranked climate change as their top worry. Brazil was the only country to tie both climate change and use of chemicals and toxics.

Results also showed that people are willing to buy more environmentally friendly products from the auto, technology and energy sector. Brazil, China and India ranked cars as their top purchase, whilst France and the U. S. opted for technology. Australia tied automotive, technology and energy products and consumers in the U. K. placed technology and energy at the top of their list.

In terms of buying green products there was also a split between the developed and developing countries. Whilst cost was a challenge for those buying into eco-friendly products in developed countries, developing nations found that labeling and selection was much more important.

Globally known companies didn’t make it into the top five greenest brands in the U. S to which Meyer said: “I find it an interesting split.” The big brands that ranked from five to ten included Walt Disney Co., S. C. Johnson, Dove and Apple. Starbucks and Microsoft were tied at number 10.

Meyer questioned whether they were “getting a halo from being a big brand.” He also pointed out that “big brands tend to get credit for a lot of things that aren’t necessarily in their sweet spot. The thing is, if you’ve got that perception, you’d better be able to live up to that and demonstrate you’re worthy of that credit.”

Although sectors such as auto, energy and technology were included within the survey, more corporate industries such as finance, investments and forestry are thriving in the current climate given the rise of the emerging markets in Brazil, Russia, India and China.

Businesses know that taking a green approach in the way they operate is vital what with endless work being done to tackle environmental issues. Global Forestry Investments is a prime example of zoning in on the timber and teak industry and guaranteeing not only returns, but also making sure that the land invested in will remain forest land for its foreseeable future.

Global Forestry Investments is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more