Stafford Borough Council Climate Change
By Councillor Jonathan Price
The need for climate action is increasing. At Stafford Borough Council we recognize this and have committed to becoming a carbon neutral authority by 2040.
Over the past few years, we have developed and delivered a range of initiatives which contribute to achieving net zero within Stafford Borough. We have installed solar panels on the roofs of our buildings, have replaced the cremators at Stafford Crematorium, and have installed electric vehicle charge points on our car parks. Now we are looking to go further.
Over the coming years, we will work with stakeholders, the community, and local businesses to identify ways in which can enable the transition to net zero in Stafford Borough. We will identify opportunities to increase the deployment of renewable energy infrastructure in the Borough, reducing the Borough’s reliance on fossil fuels. We will work with our recently formed Climate Change Community Panel to provide residents and local businesses with the tools and information they need to reduce their carbon emissions. We will focus on building resilience to the now unavoidable impacts of climate change through the development and delivery of a range of climate adaptation measures. We will work in partnership with stakeholders and partner organization to achieve the above.
More details of how we are delivering climate action, and how we are helping Stafford Borough to become more sustainable are set out on website, can be found here: (link: Climate Change and Green Recovery | Stafford Borough Council (staffordbc.gov.uk))
- Published in Clean Air Conscious
TopCashback Blog
Although as a cashback site, we might not be up there with the biggest culprits of carbon emission, that doesn’t mean that we can ignore the impact we have on our planet. Quite the contrary. In fact, we have joined the global ‘Race to Zero’ campaign by committing to Net Zero on the SME Climate Hub.
The main impact our business operations have on the environment are the carbon dioxide emissions generated due to the energy required to run our offices, devices, and servers. However, for the last three years we have offset any Scope 1 and 2 emissions (plus corporate travel between our offices) that we haven’t been able to eliminate. We’re also working hard to understand and reduce our Scope 3 emissions.
The below are just some of our current efforts but we are always looking for more ways to improve:
· We use power suppliers who are 100% renewable energy
· We use 100% or 99% non-landfill waste management contractors
· We use water meters and water shut off timers to prevent leaks or system malfunctions causing major damage and wasting water. We also filter our tap water, thereby removing the need for our staff to buy bottled water.
· We use LED light bulbs with movement sensors to save on energy consumption.
· We have input various recycling procedures (via our Green Team workforce)
· We are currently undertaking a solar panel project at our Stafford office. This installation aims to use maximum roof space available for tier one panels to enable 63W of power production saving approximately 20 tonnes of CO2 per year, relieving stress on the grid by feeding in an allowance set by Western Power. The system will allow us to use 80%+ of the power production while the offices are operational. Our goal is to not just ‘tick a green box’ but to maximise solar capabilities
· We also invest most of our retained earnings into organisations that have a genuine intention to generate a tangible, beneficial social or environmental impact, helping support us on our SDG focus
- Published in Clean Air Conscious
Revival of the Fittest
There are many misconceptions around refurbished tech and the value it can bring and an even more urgent need to raise awareness around the E-waste crisis and why we should be careful when choosing a partner to take care of our redundant or unwanted IT. Stone Group believes that all technology companies should take more responsibility for e-waste and should offer as standard, an effective and secure IT recycling solution.
As of 11 am on the 28th January 2022, a total of 3,761,395 tonnes of electronic waste has been generated and thrown out*. E-waste is one of the largest and fastest-growing waste streams in the world and the toxic chemicals used in tech are leaked when disposed of incorrectly, harming the planet, the animals, and humans, causing serious health issues to all.
Why choose refurbished?
Refurbished equipment is a reliable, cost-effective, eco-friendly and highly beneficial option for all organisations and yet many still buy new. Stone Group conducted a survey with over 250 senior decision-makers with responsibility for green initiatives across public and private sector organisations and the results were surprising. Only 32% would only buy new tech and of that, 39% said this was because they were concerned that refurbished models would be inferior to new models. Whilst these concerns have been unfounded, this shows that more needs to be done to communicate the benefits of refurbished technology.
If you need help with any unwanted technology, speak to Stone. Stone Group have developed a multi-award-winning IT recycling app, Stone 360, available on Apple and Android devices, which is revolutionising how organisations recycle their IT and create a more sustainable future. To read more about our Stone 360 app visit: www.stonegroup.co.uk/stone-360
Source: https://www.theworldcounts.com/stories/electronic-waste-facts*.
- Published in Clean Air Conscious
Case Study: Woolcool Sustainable
Woolcool is an innovative and award-winning manufacturing family business, based in Stone, Staffordshire. They have developed a range of sustainable products, including their insulated packaging solutions using 100% pure wool amongst other natural materials. Woolcool’s solutions are used for the transportation of temperature sensitive products. Their technology is the foundation upon which the business ethos, product range and culture is built. As one of the first packaging companies in the UK to achieve B Corp certification, they believe in business as a force for good, considering their impact on people and planet in all decision making. Sustainability isn’t just about environmental impact, but also social.
Woolcool recognise the immediate and future importance of considering sustainability in all business practices, which is why they strive to continually improve in this area. They are the first to admit that they aren’t perfect, and there is still so much more they can do. One main area in which they are focused to improve their impact is in starting their journey to conduct a full and in-depth LCA. Their recent completion of a Carbon Footprint Analysis has provided a solid starting point to assess where they can begin to reduce these emissions. Whilst focus on reduction of their Carbon Footprint is important, this was just the first stage in a whole matrix of other environmental measures. They are working with Keele University to investigate, measure, review and improve all aspects of their environmental impact.
Two such examples of this continual goal to improve, particularly with regards to carbon emissions, is the elimination of the need for gas in their facility, followed by the installation of a Building Management System to reduce energy consumption by monitoring when heat and lighting is needed. They have partnered with Keele University on a second project, to review their energy usage further, looking at ways to improve, such as the installation of solar panels or heat exchange opportunities.
There are many benefits Woolcool have seen when adopting this focus, and many more they hope to see in years to come. A review of energy usage ensures consumption is as efficient as possible in a world of spiralling energy costs, a win-win situation for both the bottom line and the planet. They have seen customer engagement in these practices, with a number of their customer base requesting environmental measures when going to tender, and Woolcool were able to provide these immediately. These type of requests are growing in number.
Whilst reviewing sustainable practices is currently widely seen as a ‘nice to have’, it won’t be too long until more sustainable practices will be encouraged, if not enforced. It is always healthier for a business to choose to implement changes over a controlled timeframe, rather than being forced to do it quickly. This approach allows this slow, manageable transition. Finally, and the key benefit, is the future-proofing of their business and most importantly, playing their part in protecting the future of this planet.
- Published in Clean Air Conscious
Energy, Environment & Sustainability Forum Blog
Leading the charge to net zero emissions by 2050
A blog by Dr Scott Elliott
Chair of Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce Energy, Environment & Sustainability Forum
There is, and can only be, one focus of the Energy, Environment & Sustainability Forum, and that is Staffordshire’s contribution the UK ending its contribution to global warming by 2050.
The UK became the first major economy in the world to pass laws to achieve net zero carbon emissions back in June 2019 and we believe the opportunities that this creates can have only positive consequences for Staffordshire.
Work is well underway on Stoke-on-Trent’s District Heat Network. There is the potential for the utilisation of geothermal energy under the city at depths of up to 3km and through shallower groundwater sources within former coalmining areas. It seems ironic that our energy source of the past could help us in decarbonising the heat required to power our city for the future.
The Chamber has a keen interest in developing the skillset required to install and operate District Heating networks and are working with the Heat Academy to look at running a series of joint events with them to help businesses profit and benefit from opportunities in the design, installation, management, and maintenance of the District Heat Network and to provide apprenticeships and work-related training.
Stoke-on-Trent is currently ahead of the game on District Heat networks and with hundreds appearing across the UK it is important it stays that way so that we can profit from our expertise.
The use of hydrogen as a source of heat and a fuel for transport is set to grow exponentially creating opportunities in creation, storage, and distribution networks and the forum is working to capitalise on the HyDeploy hydrogen project based at Keele University.
The first phase of HyDeploy was to run a live test of blended hydrogen and natural gas (methane) on part of the private gas network at Keele University campus. HyDeploy is the first project in the UK to inject hydrogen into a natural gas network and the next two phases are concerned with a move to a larger demonstration on a public network in the North West. More details here: https://bit.ly/3aDLlpe
We have representation from both, Staffordshire and Keele Universities on the forum which adds a great crossflow of academic and business views and ideas.
We are also delighted to welcome new Chamber patron, ENGIE to the forum. ENGIE are combining their capabilities in energy, services, and regeneration, to transform the former coal fired Rugeley Power Station site into an entirely new sustainable and smart community.
The planned mixed used development has the potential to include more than 2,000 new low carbon homes, including later living communities, as well as a substantial number of commercial buildings. ENGIE is targeting that a minimum of 30 percent of the new homes created on the site will constitute affordable housing. Once redeveloped, the Rugeley site could be entirely maintained
by green/renewable energy, up to 50 percent of which could be generated on site. More information: https://bit.ly/3exFymr
On transport, the forum is monitoring local initiatives to hasten the move from fossil fuels to electric and hydrogen fuels. We need many more vehicle charging points across the county and the forum will be working alongside the LEP to facilitate the creation of EV charging parks at appropriate strategic locations.
I have given a flavour of the myriad opportunities that can come from the race to net zero by 2050. Other big issues are the increasing importance of Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance (ESG) the three central factors in measuring the sustainability and societal impact of an organisation.
And did I mention COP26, Glasgow in November and UN Sustainable Development Goals? I will save them for my next blog!
If you would like to find out more about what we do or are considering joining the Energy, environment & Sustainability Forum, email Vicki Hardie: vicki.hardie@staffordshirechambers.co.uk
If you want to talk about any business issues, you can call the Chambers switchboard on 01782 202222 or call the Stoke and Staffs Growth Hub Helpline on 0300 111 8002 or email: info@staffordshirechambers.co.uk
To join the Forum discussion click here Hot Topics — Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce
- Published in News
Sustainable Development Goals
No matter how large or small, and regardless of industry, all companies can do their bit to save the planet.
While the scale and scope of the global goals is unprecedented, the fundamental ways that business can contribute remain unchanged. The UN Global Compact asks companies to first do business responsibly and then pursue opportunities to solve societal challenges through business innovation and collaboration.
Global challenges – ranging from climate, water and food crises, to poverty, conflict and inequality – are in need of solutions that the private sector can deliver, representing a large and growing market for business innovation. In the rush to transform business models and systems for the future, integrity and values will have a huge role to play. For companies wanting to advance the SDG agenda, the job starts by acting responsibly – incorporating the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact widely into strategies and operations, and understanding that good practices or innovation in one area cannot make up for doing harm
Find out how your business can make a difference here: What You Can Do | UN Global Compact
- Published in Influence & Network
