Carry on recycling despite the waste crunch.
The world of waste is not immune to the bite of the economic slowdown, with local authorities reporting lower prices and less demand for recycled materials. As industry around the world takes a dip, so the need for raw materials falls - denting prices for waste resources and causing problems for waste management plans which previously seemed robust and well thought through.
WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme), the Government’s waste advisor, has recently launched a new advice forum for local authorities to help them deal with lower prices and weaker demand for recyclable materials. Responding to the current difficult market, WRAP says they are providing a clear message to consumers, supported by local council advice, that they should continue to recycle.
Despite weaker markets for some products, WRAP research shows there is still strong demand for many high quality recyclable materials. Over the last few weeks WRAP’s economists have been working with local authorities and the recycling industry to combine understanding of price movements with market supply and demand across the industry. This insight enables WRAP to act as a unique information broker between local authorities with specific issues, and share this knowledge with the widest possible audience via its website.
Although it has become clear from the information coming from local authorities that commodity prices are under pressure, WRAP’s online market knowledge portal and tailor-made advice forum, available from Friday 5 December, will help local authorities through the downturn.
While demand for some lower quality recycled materials, such as those which are mixed with other materials like plastic trays, tubs, pots and film, has dropped; there is still capacity and demand for other high quality recyclables such as plastic bottles and glass.
The Environment Agency has recently set out new guidance for operators to help them to minimise the impacts of this downturn, should they need to store waste in the short to medium term until markets recover. Closed Loop London, a plastic bottle recycling facility in Dagenham is just one example. The facility only uses bottles collected in the UK, and processes 875 million bottles (35,000 tonnes) every year– turning them straight back into new plastic bottles bought by major UK brands.
Liz Goodwin, chief executive at WRAP said: "In these uncertain markets with low demand for some recycled products, the message to householders is clear: there are markets for most materials and we should continue to recycle. Of course, it is important to check locally which materials can be recycled in your area. Many local authorities have told us that they are continuing to find markets for recovered materials, particularly high quality materials such as plastic bottles and glass. The vast majority of materials that are being put out for recycling are still being recycled. Let us be clear, material that is not put out for recycling will definitely end up in landfill, which has the worst possible environmental consequences. Recycling is now a way of life in this country - more than two-thirds of the population consider themselves 'committed recyclers', so it is imperative that we do not lose this momentum. Our advice, which local authorities support, is that we should all do what we can to continue to recycle."
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British are "bored" with Climate Change
A new energy report suggests that British people are less environmentally conscious than they were five years ago.
4 out of 10 britons take no action at all to reduce their household carbon emissions, and twice as many people are now "bored" by talk of climate change as in 2005. Experts warn that green fatigue is one of the major reasons as to why there are more cars on the roads, more planes in the sky and no reductions in the mountain of packaging waste. The report reveals that too few people are making an effort to reduce their household CO2 emissions and environmentalists believe the recession is further undermining public commitment.
The report, by market researchers Mintel, shows that many of Britain's 26 million homes fail to make simple adjustments such as switching off lights, turning down thermostats, and switching off appliances rather than leaving them on standby. The findings also reveal that people are less willing to spend money on energy-efficient appliances than they were five years ago. Analysts believe the recession together with a backlash against "extreme" environmentalist pressure has reduced people's enthusiasm to combat climate change.
The report also found that resistance to saving the planet was greater among men; one in four said they think there is too much concern over the environment, compared with one in six women.
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More information on the 2016 definition of "Zero Carbon".
Housing Minister, Grant Shapps announced additional information about the new definition of "Zero Carbon".
The Government plans to investigate setting up a community energy fund which will be used to pay for district heating and renewable energy schemes.
Developers who pay into the fund will not have to install onsite renewables or microgeneration equipment. Many developers have welcomed the flexibility of paying into a fund rather than grappling with renewables on each site.
However, the full definition of 'zero-carbon' has once again been delayed. This is despite a pre-election promise to get the definition of zero carbon finalised “within weeks” of getting into office.
The new Government Housing Minister has recently announced that the coalition will review the level of on-site renewables required - before publishing the final definition of the standard, which all new homes will have to reach after 2016.
In the announcement, the Minister also re-affirmed his commitment to all new homes being zero-carbon from 2016 and confirmed the introduction of the ‘Fabric Energy Efficiency Standard' which requires a minimum standard in relation to insulation levels and air tightness and thermal bridging in buildings.
Zero carbon is required of all Code for Sustainable Homes level six homes. Clarification of what zero carbon will mean is still to be decided.
If you require assistance with your Code for Sustainable Homes level requirements, contact Ecowise - we are a fully accredited Code for Sustainable Homes assessment organisation.
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Pilot Tidal Energy Scheme for North Wales Coast
Conwy County Borough Council has backed plans for a pilot tidal energy scheme off the North Wales Coast.
The £150 million scheme at Llanddulas in North Wales would provide a testing facility for turbine designers and manufacturers, and assess the environmental impact of turbines.
The project was given approval by the council as part of a strategic regeneration strategy for the Conwy coast, prepared by consultant Capita Symonds.
Paul Terry, Capita Symonds, said: "Tidal power will play a key role in providing a sustainable energy source for future generations. The North Wales coast is an ideal place for such a scheme as it’s blessed with a good tidal range and suitable ocean depth." He added that the project could also help protect the coast from rising sea levels, storm surges and coastal erosion.
The regeneration strategy also calls for seven new visitor centres costing £30m should be built at key locations stretching from Conwy to Rhuddlan. But North Wales Tourism chairman Chris Jackson raised doubts over whether the proposals could realistically be funded in the current economic climate. The council’s approval now means that Capita Symonds will seek funding for feasibility studies and investigations to develop a business case for the scheme.
