Council rewards the recycling pioneers
The RecycleBank scheme will see 3,750 households in the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead earn rewards for money off at shops such as Marks and Spencer.
Recycling will become much simpler and more rewarding for residents as the separate boxes will be replaced by one large blue bin in which they can place their mixed recyclable waste. RecycleBank Points will be awarded based on the amount of waste recycled, and then redeemed for money off goods and services at local shops, restaurants and attractions or donated to charities.
As an added incentive, residents who activate their account before 31st December will benefit from a 300 Point bonus and then triple earnings on any Points earned.
Paul Levett, Deputy Chief Executive, Veolia Environmental Services commented; “The gap between national recycling levels and that of our European neighbours is closing. With increased pressure on local authorities to meet stringent environmental targets, mixed recycling schemes are the best way forward to increase greater resident participation and the collection of good quality materials at the kerbside. The technology is proven, robust and fit for purpose, so there really are no barriers to improved recycling rates.”
Run in partnership between the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, RecycleBank and Veolia Environmental Services, this ground breaking scheme uses the carrot rather than the stick to encourage residents to recycle. Leading sponsor and reward partner, Marks and Spencer, has been involved in the UK scheme from the outset as part of its Plan A, 100 point eco-plan.
More than 50% of the 2,800 households invited to participate in the first phase of the RecycleBank programme in the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead back in June, had activated their accounts in just two months. These residents have redeemed on average £20 of rewards since the scheme began on green waste only.
Cllr Liam Maxwell, Royal Borough’s Lead Cabinet Member for Sustainability, said; “We are making recycling much easier and rewarding for our residents to maximise participation and reduce landfill. The appetite to recycle more is clearly there and using the carrot, not the stick, is our way of energising the community and bringing meaningful benefits to households and local businesses. The RecycleBank scheme is a pioneering step forward. We are proud to be the first in the UK and hope that other local authorities will follow our approach across the country.”
There is no change to the normal waste collection routine for Windsor and Maidenhead residents. Households in the mixed recycling pilot scheme will just need to empty their recyclable materials into the blue bin and put it out for collection. There is no charge to householders for the RecycleBank scheme.
Matthew Tucker, President of RecycleBank said; “Everyone can participate in recycling and have a positive effect on the environment. By working with such an innovative council as the Royal Borough, we have been able to produce a successful and adaptable scheme which can be rolled out by most other councils as the first step towards meeting the UK targets for landfill reduction. It is a scheme that is easy and rewarding for councils, waste management providers and residents.”
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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.
