News
Scotland's largest net zero housing project, Cost of UK’s climate targets, and more...
Thu, 22 July 2021National/International News in Brief (July 2021)
- Scotland's largest net zero housing project in Edinburgh approved. The 444-home Western Villages will focus on active travel, electric car charging points, car club spaces and public transport links
- The UK’s climate targets will cost the government less over the next 30 years than the price of battling the Covid-19 pandemic if it acts quickly, according to the UK’s fiscal watchdog.
- The craft brewery in Sydney using algae to cut emissions
- Danish air force acquires two electric planes– a world first for a military force.
Climate Change Committee ('CCC') Publishes Progress Report to Parliament 2021
Thu, 22 July 2021On June 24th, the Climate Change Committee ('CCC'), the Government's own climate advisers, published their Progress Report to Parliament 2021.
This year’s dual report, “Progress in reducing emissions” and “Progress in adapting to climate change,” provides a comprehensive overview of the UK Government’s progress to date on reducing emissions, offering more than 200 policy recommendations.
The Committee gives credit to the government for its historic climate promises but states they have been too slow to deliver on these pledges.
It urges the Government to sustain the record decrease in UK emission brought about by the lockdown by implementing a strong Net Zero and Adaptation Strategy, including:
- implementing a Net Zero Test to ensure that all Government policy, including planning decisions, is compatible with UK climate targets.
- producing an ambitious Heat and Buildings Strategy that works for consumers urgently
- delivering on delayed plans for surface transport, aviation, hydrogen, biomass and food
- restoring 100% of upland peat by 2045, including through a ban on rotational burning.
- building a strong emergency resilience capability for the UK against climate shocks, learning from the COVID-19 response.
You can view the reports here.
Our Community Orchard is 10 Years Old
Thu, 22 July 2021On 25th June, to mark 10 years of planting fruit trees to create a dispersed community orchard for the town, Transition Buxton installed signs to mark some of the larger clusters of trees. The fruit is there for anyone to enjoy.
The sign unveiled on 25th June at Cote Heath Park is one of five kindly donated by Buxton Civic Association, and unveiled by Cllr Jean Todd, Central Ward & Executive Councillor for Climate Change, Environment and Community Safety, and Cllr Keith Savage, Cote Heath Ward. Planting started in 2011 and since then over 80 fruit trees, have been planted in public places around the town and at several schools.
They want to thank the Borough Council for their active support regarding suitable locations. However, they are always on the lookout for more places to plant even just a few trees. Orchard trees can be sponsored by individuals for a £25 donation.
For more details: https://bit.ly/3AFLqnI
July Conversations | The Owl Hoot Podcast
Thu, 22 July 2021The Owl Hoot, produced by Caroline Norbury, is podcast and blog. Each fortnightly podcast episode features a guest who contributes in some way to protecting the planet.
Podcast available in July:
- Nick Milestone
Engineering Director at Sigmat and chairman of the Timber Research and Development Trade Association (TRADA)Nick discusses how the inclusion of sustainably produced timber within the construction industry can result in net zero buildings by reducing the use of energy-intensive cement.
- Melissa Bruntlett
Co-author of two books - Building the Cycling City: The Dutch Blueprint for Urban Vitality & Curbing Traffic: The Human Case for Fewer Cars in Our Lives. Melissa advocates for sustainable transport to inspire happier and healthier cities.
Blog posts will focus on sustainable forestry and cycling.
Amber Valley Loft Insulation Grant
Thu, 22 July 2021
If you live in Amber Valley, fully funded loft insulation is available to keep your home warmer, reduce your carbon footprint, and cut your energy bills.
You may qualify if you:
- Own your home or rent from a private landlord in Amber Valley
- Have a household income of less than £30,000 per year
- Have no or less than 200mm loft insulation
- If known, have an EPC rating of D or lower.
Call Warmer Derby & Derbyshire for free on 0800 677 1332 or email wdd@mea.org.uk
Funding is limited and only available for a short period of time. All work is carried out by Trustmark registered installer Westville.