Posts Tagged ‘leading’

Ontarians Leading the Way With Electronics Recycling

Posted by admin on April 23rd, 2013

TORONTO, ONTARIO–(Marketwired – April 23, 2013) - The following is a statement from Jonathan Spencer, Executive Director, Ontario Electronic Stewardship:

Ontario residents and businesses have set the bar high when assessing safe and responsible electronics recycling in Canada. We know that eight in 10 are very concerned about the proper disposal of electronic waste, and the province benefits greatly from their ongoing commitment to e-waste diversion.

As the not-for-profit organization tasked with leading end-of-life electronics reuse and recycling in Ontario, I want to share important context in light of recent headlines about the fees that fund the safe collection, transportation and recycling of e-waste as well as financial incentives paid to a province-wide network of service providers.

The numbers paint a picture of success in Ontario. In 2012, Ontarians helped recycle more than 75,000 tonnes of electronic waste – a 45 per cent increase from 2011 and more than any other program in Canada. Since the program began in April 2009, more than 14 kilograms of electronic waste per person has been collected – the equivalent of 112 smartphones each!

Together, we achieved these record numbers while driving efficiencies and lowering the cost to recycle each tonne (by 30 per cent from 2011).

Our commitment to deliver an effective, efficient and convenient program that keeps pace with demand is strengthened by the momentum demonstrated by Ontarians.

People are recycling more and the program is contributing to Ontario’s green economy. We look forward to working with the Ministry of the Environment, Waste Diversion Ontario, stakeholders and Ontarians to build on this success.

About Ontario Electronic Stewardship

Ontario Electronic Stewardship (OES), a not-for-profit industry organization, oversees the responsible reuse and recycling of end-of-life electronics. Diverting more than 185,000 tonnes from landfill since April 2009, OES offers a convenient and secure way for Ontario residents and businesses to recycle electronics free of charge.

Ontarians are creating a cleaner environmental future by committing to reduce their e-waste. To view the list of items accepted by the program or to find an approved collection site near you, visit www.recycleyourelectronics.ca.

Marketwire – Environment

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BirdLife receives leading international conservation award for IBA programme in the Americas

Posted by admin on March 30th, 2013
BirdLife receives leading international conservation award for IBA programme in the Americas

BirdLife received the award for its Important Birds Area (IBA) programme in the Americas

BirdLife in the Americas has received the award for Biodiversity Conservation Projects in Latin America from the BBVA Foundation (Fundación BBVA), which implements the corporate social responsibility programme of the Spanish-based BBVA banking group.

BirdLife received the award for its Important Birds Area (IBA) programme in the Americas, which “has proved of considerable aid in the design of protected-area networks in Latin America, since birds are a valuable biodiversity indicator,” according to the BBVA Foundation jury’s citation.

“Thanks to the scientific work conducted in tandem with teams and institutions in many countries, crucial information has been collated on more than 2,300 key sites in the geographical region boasting the world’s most diverse birdlife”, the citation continued. The initiative, it added, “is also providing a catalyst for new structures and organisations to work collaboratively on conservation issues across Latin American countries.”

Presenting the award, one of three with a total value of 580.000 euros, BBVA Foundation President Francisco González recognised the continuing efforts made by conservation organisations during the economic crisis.

The jury citation also highlighted the thorough scientific process and robust criteria used for the identification of IBAs.

The award was received by Amiro Peréz-Leroux, Director of the BirdLife International Americas Secretariat. “The IBA programme provides a framework for defining national and international conservation policies”, Amiro Pérez-Leroux explained. “The work of identifying IBAs is conducted on a network basis, involving multiple agents in addition to the BirdLife Partnership, but the process invariably starts at a local level.”

BBVA is a multinational group providing financial services in over 30 countries, with a strong presence in the Americas. Established in 2004, the BBVA Foundation Awards for Biodiversity Conservation recognise organisations carrying out environmental conservation programs in Spain and Latin America

This post was written by:

– who has written 40 posts on BirdLife Community.

BirdLife International has a network of NGOs and individuals in nineteen countries and territories in the Americas: Canada, Chile, United States, Bahamas, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Belize, El Salvador, Panama, Mexico, Suriname, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Bolivia, Uruguay, Paraguay, Argentina, Brazil and the Falkland Islands (Malvinas).

Audubon gala honors leading conservationists with top environmental awards

Posted by admin on January 18th, 2013
Audubon gala honors leading conservationists with top environmental awards

From left: Paul Tudor Jones II, Holt Thrasher, Louis Bacon & David Yarnold (Audubon)

Riding on Bette Midler’s wings, The National Audubon Society (BirdLife Partner in the US) soared at the Plaza Hotel in New York, last night. For the first time, the organisation awarded two of the nation’s most prestigious environmental honors on the same night: the inaugural Dan W. Lufkin Prize for Environmental Leadership and the Audubon Medal.

George Archibald, co-founder of the International Crane Foundation, received the first Lufkin Prize and its $ 100,000 award, and philanthropist Louis Bacon received the esteemed Audubon Medal.

The Moore Charitable Foundation, of which Louis Bacon is the founder, will provide a new gift to Audubon to create a resource center and powerful new advocacy tools for citizens who want to take action to minimise the impact of energy development on communities and wildlife.

“It is a wonderful honor to receive the Audubon Medal from the National Audubon Society, which for more than a century has fought tirelessly to protect and preserve our natural resources and environment for future generations”, Bacon said. “Much like the conservationists who previously have received the Audubon Medal, including Stewart Udall, Rachel Carson and Ted Turner, I realise that this recognition cannot be a cause to rest, but a spur to continue our work.”

Of his achievement, Archibald said: “I am honored to be the first recipient of The Dan W. Lufkin Prize for Environmental Leadership, and I am especially grateful to Dan and Cynthia Lufkin for their loyal support and dedication to crane conservation. This award is recognition of the achievements of the entire International Crane Foundation staff, our colleagues around the world and the thousands of people who give annually to our global conservation efforts. I really can’t think of a better way to kick off the International Crane Foundation’s 40th anniversary.”

Bette Midler performed a “People” parody, “Skylark”, “When the Red Red Robin Comes Bob Bob, Bobbin’ Along”and closed the evening with “Wind Beneath My Wings.”

“Audubon is a visionary organisation that has seen the importance of conservation for more than one hundred years”, said Midler, founder of the New York Restoration Project. “We only have one planet, and by protecting the birds and lands that make up their habitats, we are protecting our future.”

“The Audubon Medal and the Lufkin Prize celebrate men of compassion and courage, and it’s pretty remarkable to be able to honor both of these leaders at one event”, said Audubon President and CEO David Yarnold. “Not only that, it was the most successful fundraiser Audubon has ever had.”

The evening raised over $ 2.4 million for the organisation.

Tom Brokaw hosted gala. “I had the privilege of serving as the emcee at the National Audubon Society’s Centennial Gala in 2005, and am thrilled to be here tonight to celebrate the achievements of two of this country’s great conservationists,” Brokaw said.

Guests included Uma Thurman and Arki Busson, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Maya Lin, Jane Alexander, Ambassador Ana Irene Delgado, Allison Rockefeller, Louis and Gabrielle Bacon, Cynthia and Dan W. Lufkin, Sonia and Paul Tudor Jones II and many more.

Speakers included Louis Bacon, George Archibald, National Audubon Society President and CEO David Yarnold, Chairman of the Board Holt Thrasher, Dan W. Lufkin and Paul Tudor Jones II. The evening closed with a special performance by Bette Midler.

BirdLife Community

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Solar Energy International Releases Industry Leading Textbook Series…

Posted by admin on December 18th, 2012

Paonia, Colorado (PRWEB) December 17, 2012

For more than 20 years, Solar Energy International (SEI) has been the leader in solar training and renewable energy educational resources. SEI continues to be committed to providing up-to-date materials and innovative instructional technologies for the growing renewable energy industry and career focused students.

In the spirit of this commitment to renewable energy education, SEI is pleased to announce the Solar Energy International Textbook Series being released throughout the coming year.

Kathy Swartz, Interim Executive Director for SEI said, “When SEI was selected by the Department of Energy to be part of the Solar Instructor Training Network (SITN) we saw an immediate increase in requests for our textbook. The SITN is composed of nine Regional Training Providers (RTPs) to help fulfill a critical need for high-quality, local, and accessible training in solar system design, installation, sales, and inspection through train-the-trainer programs.

The nine RTPs are well-established solar training institutions that offer expert trainers and first-class training facilities across the U.S. SEI is proud to be part of this network and hope our textbooks and solar training opportunities help create a well prepared workforce in the growing solar industry.”

Printed in full color with high resolution photos of real-world PV applications, informational graphs, and interviews with professionals throughout the industry, these textbooks set a new standard for renewable energy training programs all over the U.S. and internationally. This textbook series includes both introductory topics for people just entering the field and highly technical textbooks for solar professionals:

Introduction to Renewable Energy

iPad / iBooks Format Only – (Available now! Free on iTunes).

Solar Electric Handbook: Photovoltaic Fundamentals and Applications

Print and eBook Format – (Order now! Click here to purchase – shipping now.)

Solar Electric Handbook: Advanced Photovoltaics for Solar Professionals

Print and eBook Format – (planned release late 2013)

Solar Electric Handbook: Battery Based Photovoltaic Systems

Print and eBook Format – (planned release late 2013)

New Learning Technologies – Textbook / eBook Bundle!

In partnership with Pearson Education, SEI has created an innovative learning resource that takes the concept of the common textbook to the next level by offering a companion interactive eBook with the purchase of every textbook. Mobile learning and technical reference for renewable energy professionals who are on a job site, on-the-go, and always connected.

The eBook version of SEI’s Solar Electric Handbook: Photovoltaic Fundamentals and Applications leverages the power of new instructional technologies for the 21st century solar professional by offering access from any PC, Mac, iPad, or Android Tablet with full-text search capabilities, highlights, notes, bookmarks, support for multimedia content, glossaries, and many other exciting features! PC and Mac users will access the eBook from the Pearson eText portal. Mobile users will be able to download the App and enter the Pearson eText Access Card that comes with your SEI Textbook!

Chris Turek, Director of Online and Student Services for SEI said, “If you teach for or have taken courses recently at a college or trade school, you may be familiar with other Pearson textbook titles that offer this type of online and mobile learning eText resource through Pearson’s MyLabs series. What was once only available for core academic areas like Math and Science is now available for professional solar training programs!”

Solar Electric Handbook: Photovoltaic Fundamentals and Applications Unit / Chapter Outline:

Unit 1 – Overview of Renewable Energy and the Solar Industry

Chapter 1 – The Case for Renewable Energy

Chapter 2 – An Overview of Photovoltaics and the Solar Industry

Unit 2 – Electricity and Components

Chapter 3 – Basics of Electricity

Chapter 4 – Components

Unit 3 – Modules, Series and Parallel, and Meters

Chapter 5 – Photovoltaic (PV) Modules

Chapter 6 – Series and Parallel Connections with Modules

Chapter 7 – Testing Modules with a Multimeter

Unit 4 – Solar Site Analysis and Mounting

Chapter 8 – Solar Site Analysis

Chapter 9 – Mounting

Chapter 10 – Roofing Systems

Unit 5 – Grid-Direct System Sizing

Chapter 11 – Implementing Efficiency

Chapter 12 – Grid-Direct Inverters

Chapter 13 – System Sizing

Unit 6 – Grounding, Wiring, and Overcurrent Protection

Chapter 14 – Grounding

Chapter 15 – Wiring

Chapter 16 – Disconnects, Overcurrent Protection, and Series Fusing

Chapter 17 – Basics of Service Panel Connections

Unit 7 – Safely Installing, Commissioning, and Decommissioning Grid-Direct Systems

Chapter 18 – Jobsite Safety

Chapter 19 – Safe Procedures for Installation and Commissioning

Unit 8 – Battery-Based Systems

Chapter 20 – Introduction to Battery-Based Systems

Chapter 21 – Sizing Battery-Based Systems

Unit 9 – Solar Business and Finance

Chapter 22 – Entering the PV Industry

Chapter 23 – Marketing and Sales for Solar Integration Businesses

Chapter 24 – Electricity Rates, Savings, and Incentive Structures

Chapter 25 – Financial Benefit Analysis and Financing Options

About Solar Energy International

Solar Energy International (SEI) was founded in 1991 as a nonprofit educational organization to help others to use renewable energy resources and sustainable building technologies through education and technical assistance.

Our vision is focused on helping create a more sustainable future for our planet and its inhabitants. Through our work, we see clear opportunities to influence people’s thinking and behaviors towards energy efficiency and the use of natural, sustainable methods of energy production and utilization.

Solar Energy International is a 501(c)(3) Equal Opportunity Institution and Employer, and is not affiliated with any dealer, manufacturer, distributor, or any other renewable energy commercial enterprise.

Media contact for SEI is Christopher Turek, Director of Online and Student Services – chris(at)solarenergy(dot)org – 970-963-8855 x115 – http://www.solarenergy.org



Environment

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Isle of Wight businesses leading innovation in rural economy

Posted by admin on December 11th, 2012

Businesses on the Isle of Wight will show Defra Minister David Heath how Government funding has transformed the rural economy as he visits innovative businesses and farm cooperatives on the island today.

The Minister’s visit is part of a programme of fact-finding Rural Roadshows on which rural communities and businesses are able to speak directly to Defra Ministers and ensure their views are heard with Government.

Kicking off his Rural Roadshow this morning, Mr Heath will listen to local community and business leaders about the issues faced in their region. His breakfast meeting will include regional representatives from the National Farmers Union, Local Enterprise Partnerships and the local council.  Their insights will help to ensure that rural policies meet the real needs of rural communities and businesses.

On his visit to Isle of Wight Dairy Group, David Heath will announce plans to help dairy farmers in England work together to get a better deal in the marketplace. Isle of Wight Dairy Group has led the way in the industry following funding from Defra’s Rural Development Programme for England to set up an innovative farm cooperative.

The cooperative, which is the first of its kind in the country, brings together 17 of the island’s dairy farmers to produce and market Isle of Wight branded milk to around 30 retailers across the Isle of Wight, including supermarkets and local shops.

Mr Heath said:

“In an increasingly competitive world dairy farmers need to take advantage of every opportunity to expand their businesses. The Isle of Wight Group provides a truly inspirational model that others can follow, showing how collaboration can really benefit not just a single business but a whole region’s industry.”

During his Rural Roadshow, the Minister will see other examples of farmers coming together and benefitting from collaborative working. Isle of Wight Grain, which Mr Heath will visit, is a cooperative of local grain farmers who have received a £100,000 Defra grant to store, process, market and ship grain, reducing costs and increasing profits for the farmers involved.

Mr Heath will hear firsthand from Laurence Mitchell Jewellery in Yarmouth of the difference that faster broadband is making to the prospects of rural businesses.  Since the community received a £90,000 grant from Defra for rural broadband, the business has set up its own website, expanding its market to the mainland and supporting the local economy.

Mr Heath continued:

“Rural Roadshows give me the chance to learn as much as I can about the opportunities and challenges of running a business in a remote location.

“I’m looking forward to finding out more about how the people who live and work on the Isle of Wight are pooling their expertise to promote the island and develop the local economy.

“Their insights will help me to shape Government policy so that it meets the needs of rural communities and businesses across the country.”

At Yarmouth Harbour, the Minister will hear about the long term economic benefits of Defra’s £100,000 investment in new visitor berths.  Increased capacity for visitors to the island will have positive knock-on effects for local trade and tourism and is expected to add almost £200,000 to the local economy.

Notes

All Defra ministers are going on a series of Rural Roadshows all around the country.  The Rural Roadshows allow ministers to hear firsthand about rural issues from communities and businesses, learning about successes and challenges and discovering what help is needed in order to support rural growth and jobs. The direct access to ministers will help ensure that rural England has a strong voice at the heart of Government.

Track the course of Defra Rural Roadshows at Google Map – Defra Rural Roadshows. Photos from Rural Roadshows are available on Flickr at Rural Roadshows.

Defra News

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Leading Ethanol Company, REX American Resources, Applauds EPA Decision to Uphold Current Ethanol Blending Standard

Posted by admin on November 17th, 2012

DAYTON, Ohio–()–REX American Resources Corporation (NYSE: REX), a leading ethanol
company, today praised the decision by the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) to uphold the current corn ethanol requirement of the Renewable
Fuel Standard (RFS).

The EPA stated its renewable-fuel standard was not causing severe
economic harm and that its analysis with the USDA had determined that
suspending the standard would reduce corn prices by only 1%. The EPA’s
ethanol purchasing mandate stipulates that 13.2 billion gallons of
ethanol be blended with gasoline in 2012, with that figure rising to
13.8 billion gallons in 2013.

REX CEO, Stuart Rose, commented, “Today’s EPA decision is welcomed news
by consumers looking for more affordable options when filling up at the
pump, as well as by all of us concerned with improving energy
independence, deficit reduction and national security for the U.S. and
continuing on the path of environmental progress. We applaud the EPA’s
decision and view this result — along with the built-in flexibility in
the RFS allowing the ethanol industry to adapt output to market
conditions — positively in anticipation of the discussions over the RFS
set to take place in Congress next year.”

About REX American Resources Corporation

REX American Resources has interests in seven ethanol production
facilities which in aggregate shipped approximately 710 million
annualized gallons of ethanol over the twelve month period ended July
31, 2012. REX’s current effective ownership of the trailing twelve month
annualized gallons shipped (for the period ended July 31, 2012) by the
ethanol production facilities in which it has ownership interests is
approximately 253 million gallons. Further information about REX is
available at www.rexamerican.com.

Business Wire Environment News

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ALDEMAR HOTELS WINS EUROPE’S LEADING GREEN HOTEL CHAIN FOR 2ND YEAR

Posted by admin on October 19th, 2012

Aldemar Hotels & Spa, one of Greece’s leading hotel chains have cemented their position as Europe’s leading green hotel group by picking up an award at the World Travel Awards earlier this month for the 2nd time.

Establishing the chain at the forefront of sustainability and green tourism in Europe the ‘Europe’s Leading Green Hotel Chain’ award was first presented to the group in 2008. Since then Aldemar Hotels have continued to be pioneers of the environment and strive hard to ensure that its corporate social responsibility programme is at the heart of its business philosophy at all levels and including all members of staff from chamber maid to general manager.

The group has also retained ‘blue flags’ for all of its beaches at its eight hotels in Crete (4), Rhodes (2) and West Peloponnese (2) for the 13th consecutive year and as has helped to put Greece on the map for ‘green tourism’ by the development of the ‘Mare Verde’ environmental programme and investing in Corporate Social Responsibility with three fundamental elements: People, Environment and Society.

The Aldemar Group has invested around €2,700,000 by installing state of the art energy saving systems in all of its hotels and creating one of Europe’s largest solar farms at 7,010 square metres, which meets 85% of the group’s need for hot water. The energy saving systems the group has installed include regulating water consumption from taps; biological cleaning systems that give annual water savings of 35%; and wastewater treatment systems that store and biologically clean water which is then used to water the hotel’s gardens.

Other energy savings include fitting central electrical switches and energy saving light bulbs in all rooms, plus installing water-cooled air conditioning units that generate an annual 40% saving of electrical energy. Overall the group benefits from an average of 2,500,000 Kwh of energy recovery per year.

Aldemar Group initiated the ‘Mare Verde’ programme in 2000, this name, ‘Green Sea’, defines the goal – the protection of the environment. It constitutes one of the most dynamic programs that a hotel chain can embrace and that is recognised by international and local organisations. The programme involves everything from solar energy and recycling, to land irrigation and growing organic produce to serve at its hotels.

Today, 12 years on, the programme is considered one of the most successful ‘green programmes’ in Greece and involves all employees at every level in an effort to advise guests, local communities, media and other stakeholders about how to contribute to the environment and society.

Back in 2000 Aldemar Hotels also created a farm for the pilot production of organic products on the grounds of the hotel Olympian Village in the West Peloponnese. Today, after expanding the organic crops to include vines producing wine-making grapes, the group meets on average 31% of the summer needs in vegetables and fruit. In 2011 the garden produce and vines were certified by the Institute for Product Inspection BioHellas.

Aldemar’s CSR programme supports non- governmental organisations such as WWF Hellas, arktouros, Archelon, Clean up Greece, the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature and Clean up the Med, plus is involved in many other community projects that benefit employees and customers alike.

For more information contact Aldemar Hotels & Spa UK press office on 01780 481689 or 07789533791 or email [email protected]

Editor’s notes:

Aldemar’s Mare Verde in numbers:
• 85% of domestic hot water is covered by the product ion and use of solar energy
• 7.010 sqm solar panels for power saving – one of the largest solar fields in Europe
• 2.700.000 Euro total investment costs in new technologies
• Biological cleaning system at each hotel
• 35% annual water savings by using biological treatment
• 3.200 kwt energy saved by the use of the technology is equivalent to burning 300 tons of oil
• 40% annual savings in electricity, using water cooled air conditioning systems
• 31% of summer demand for vegetables and fruits covered by the farm organic products of Aldemar
• Recycled in all units: 18.600 kg of paper, glass 136,500 kg, 193 printer ink, 8.396 kg of cooking oil , 529 kg of batteries, 4,000 lamps and 943 pieces of equipment PCs

The World Travel Awards, celebrating its 19th birthday this year, is encouraging more companies and organisations to adopt sustainable policies, ensuring a low impact on the environment and local culture, while at the same time, helping generate prosperity, employment, and the conservation of local ecosystems.
Custom Release Wire

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New Brand Set to Reinforce GI’s Market Leading Position

Posted by admin on October 18th, 2012

MEETING THE EVER CHANGING DEMANDS OF THE MARKET

New Brand Set to Reinforce GI’s Market Leading Position

Geothermal International is rebranding itself as GI Energy as it believes the new name not only better reflects the needs of the market but will also mark a new era for the company further reinforcing its market leading position.

Since the company was launched in 2000 it has continuously been pushing the boundaries and as it opens a new chapter as GI Energy the company is still very much at the forefront of the market.

The company is aiming through its unique offering to entice more businesses to embrace the solutions GI Energy is able to offer.

As part of its continual drive to find solutions that meet its customers’ demands GI Energy has embarked on an exciting new development that combines GSHP with Combined Heat and Power to bring customers the best of both worlds with a highly efficient and flexible energywww.gienergy.comsolution.

One of the drawbacks of Combined Heat and Power is that the heat produced is often surplus to requirements during warmer weather but the system may need to be switched on to provide electricity generation.

However, if run in tandem with a GSHP the surplus heat can be re-directed back into the ground and stored there until required during colder weather, when it can be extracted by the GSHP and used to heat the building. This dramatically increases the efficiency of the system.

Across the Atlantic, GI Energy is providing a similar service to customers in the United States through it’s GI Endurant business.

Additionally recognising that the financial incentive recently put in place by the Government – the Renewable Heat Incentive – is not yet sufficiently attractive to make a step change in the GSHP market in the UK, GI Energy has introduced a new finance package turn key solution that allows customers to enjoy the benefits of having a GSHP system from day one of its installation without having to tie up their own valuable working capital.

Customers will see significant savings on heating and cooling costs, along with a reduction in their carbon footprint, from the outset, while GI Energy will take responsibility for maintaining the system for a fixed number of years.

The new finance package will further reinforce GI Energy’s position as the market leader in the design and installation of GSHP in the UK: the company pioneered the technology in the UK and already has over 40% market share.

The company has installed more than 200MW of GSHP systems, including flagship developments such as One New Change in London and Europe’s largest geothermal lake loop at Kings Mill Hospital, Mansfield. GI Energy is a trusted partner which has extensive expertise in finding innovative solutions and offering a comprehensive after-care service.

Customers include supermarkets, universities, hospitals, housing associations, shopping centres, police headquarters, and commercial developers. Skanska, Sainsbury’s and Cross Rail are among its blue chip clients.

The finance package was developed in response to changing customer demands in the fast-moving alternative energy market. GI Energy recognised that, while many potential customers could see the benefits of GSHP, they were nonetheless reluctant to commit to the initial capital outlay during a recession.

Chris Davidson, Development Director – Market / Policy / Technology, GI Energy, said: “The technology has matured a lot in the marketplace so it’s not enough to simply put pipes in the ground and sell the cool technology alone.

“GI Energy now has access to substantial funds and can offer customers an innovative finance solution as well: they don’t have to find the upfront finance and they don’t have to run the system themselves.

“GI Energy will use its expertise, honed over many years, to keep their GSHP delivering savings year on year for up to 25 years in a fixed term agreement. It gives them savings from day one and peace of mind long-term.”

The new finance package has already been used by one major supermarket chain to install GSHP at two of its stores, with more to come.

Mr Davidson believes the approach will prove popular in other sectors such as hospitals, housing associations, universities and commercial developers building office blocks and shopping centres.

Founded in 2000 as Geothermal International, the company has an enviable reputation for engineering excellence and innovation. In 2008 Scottish and Southern Energy took a 20 per cent stake in the business and in 2009 it won the Energy Business category in the prestigious Ashden Awards for Sustainable Energy.

The company is headquartered in Coventry, UK, and employs over 100 people in New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Spain and the UK

ENDS

Editors Note: for further information contact Celeste Clarke at Century PR on 024 7622 8881 or email [email protected].
Custom Release Wire

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Invest Now or Pay More for Biodiversity Losses Later, say World’s Leading Environmental Groups

Posted by admin on October 9th, 2012
Invest Now or Pay More for Biodiversity Losses Later, say World’s Leading Environmental Groups

The world leaders need to raise development aid by 20 percent and domestic budgets for biodiversity by 10 percent

Hyderabad, India (Oct. 10th, 2012) – World leaders gathering in India this week at the UN’s biodiversity summit must commit to a substantial increase in public funds for countries to successfully implement by the end of the decade a global action plan aimed at halting species extinction and protecting the ecosystem services that provide a foundation for sustainable development and human well-being, said the world’s leading environmental organizations today.

At the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), Conservation International (CI), BirdLife International and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) are calling for an annual increase of 20 percent in the international aid given by developed countries to developing nations, from US$ 40 billion to US$ 99 billion, which represents an average of around US$ 12 billion per year between now and 2020. They call on all countries to commit to an annual increase of 10 percent in national budgets for protecting biodiversity, from US$ 205 billion to US$ 382 billion by the end of the decade, or a yearly average of around US$ 48 billion.

Lina Barrera, Director of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services Policy at Conservation International, said: “This is a modest investment to conserve nature if you look at the trillions of dollars of benefits we currently derive from biodiversity and the higher cost we will have to pay later if we fail to protect it now. This investment will ensure not only the health of the environment, but also contribute to the long-term health of the global economy, sustainable development and poverty alleviation.”

At the CBD held in Japan two years ago, almost 200 countries agreed on a 20-target plan to prevent the extinction of threatened animals and plants, and conserve as well as sustainably use habitats by 2020. This time, one of the key issues of the negotiations happening in Hyderabad over the next two weeks will be financing those targets. To support the implementation of the targets and raise awareness about the urgent need to protect biodiversity, the UN declared 2010-2020 the “Decade of Biodiversity”.

The current annual funding from public sources to safeguard biodiversity is estimated at around US$ 5 billion a year, but recent assessments indicate that several hundreds of billions of dollars per year may be necessary to fully implement the activities in the so-called “Aichi Biodiversity Targets” by 2020. Activities include, for instance, creating new protected areas, halting overfishing, ensuring sustainable agriculture and forestry, and including the value of biodiversity into poverty alleviation plans.

Andrew Deutz, Director International Governmental Relations at The Nature Conservancy, said: “Even without precise figures on the amount of money necessary to successfully implement the future targets, we already know enough to be certain that much more needs be done to meet even the current need for resources for biodiversity. We are proposing a feasible first step in that direction.”

Biodiversity, or biological diversity, is the total sum of all forms of life on Earth, from genetic material to species and entire ecosystems, in addition to the relationships among those different pieces of the whole. Biodiversity underpins functioning natural habitats — like forests, deserts or coral reefs — which provide food, water, medicines and a host of cultural and spiritual values that allow people to survive and prosper economically. “Biodiversity can be described as the fabric of life. When one thread is lost, the entire fabric starts to fall apart,” said Barrera.

Carolina Hazin, Global Biodiversity Policy Coordinator at BirdLife International, concluded: “The total sums may sound large but much could be achieved through redirecting current investments. Reforming perverse and harmful subsidies such as those that stimulate overfishing, deforestation, destructive agricultural practices and the use of fossil fuels, could contribute significantly to the sustainable use of natural resources and halting biodiversity loss.”

Failure to protect biodiversity could generate trillions of dollars per year in losses in ecosystem services, such as pollination, flood control, water filtration and ecotourism. At the same time, science shows that we are currently living the greatest extinction crisis since dinosaurs roamed on Earth over 65 million years ago. It is estimated that extinction rates are 100-1,000 times faster than the historical average from fossil records, with potentially one species disappearing forever every 20 minutes.

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BirdLife Community

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Leading Water Company Selects Telvent Smart Water Network Solution

Posted by admin on October 2nd, 2012

Anglian Water Will Implement a Leakage and Pressure Management Solution for Faster Incident Detection, Response Time

ROCKVILLE, MD–(Marketwire – Oct 2, 2012) – Telvent GIT, S.A., a leading real-time IT solutions and information provider for a sustainable world, announced today that Anglian Water Services Ltd. of the United Kingdom has chosen their leakage management solution, part of its advanced Smart Water Network tools, to help improve operational efficiency and minimize water loss. Anglian Water is the largest water and wastewater company in England and Wales by geographic area, and operates in one of the world’s most competitive, regulated and technologically advanced markets.

Telvent’s Smart Water Network solutions provide customers with a suite of tools that transforms data into meaningful information for more informed operational decision making. Specifically, Anglian Water will employ the Telvent Integrated Leakage and Pressure Management System to leverage water network data to more quickly detect leaks and improve response time. Seamless integration with virtually all of Anglian Water’s existing corporate systems will allow the utility to compare current network dynamics with historic data, thereby facilitating rapid detection and location of leaks and bursts. Anglian Water will ultimately achieve lower operational costs by reducing water loss, optimizing key processes, ensuring regulatory compliance and enhancing service to its 4.3 million customers.

Anglian Water selected Telvent because of its expertise in managing and delivering complex technological solutions specific to the water industry. In addition, with Telvent’s lifelong support and maintenance of the system, the utility will be able to operate at maximum efficiency in a complex data and regulatory environment.

According to Telvent Chairman and CEO, Ignacio Gonzalez, “We are proud to continue our global leadership as a Smart Water Network solution provider. Our accurate and adaptable technology will help Anglian Water meet its ambitious leakage targets and remain at the top of its class.”

Anglian Water is currently executing a telemetry replacement project with Serck Controls, another subsidiary of Schneider Electric. Telvent’s leverage of this business relationship represents a significant synergy between Telvent and Schneider Electric in the water industry, providing Anglian with optimal integration between the telemetry replacement and Telvent’s Integrated Leakage and Pressure Management System.

About Telvent

Telvent is a global IT solutions and business information services provider dedicated to helping improve efficiency, safety and security for the world’s leading companies. Telvent serves markets that are critical to the sustainability of the planet, including the energy, transportation, agricultural and environmental sectors. (www.telvent.com)

About Schneider Electric
 As a global specialist in energy management with operations in more than 100 countries, Schneider Electric offers integrated solutions across multiple market segments, including leadership positions in Utilities & Infrastructures, Industries & Machine Manufacturers, Non-residential Buildings, Data Centres & Networks and in Residential. Focused on making energy safe, reliable, efficient, productive and green, the Group’s 130,000 plus employees achieved sales of 22.4 billion euros in 2011, through an active commitment to help individuals and organizations make the most of their energy.
www.schneider-electric.com

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