Businesses must now commit to net zero to bid for government contracts
The UK government has announced new measures requiring businesses to ‘commit to net zero by 2050 and publish clear and credible carbon reduction plans’ before they can bid for government contracts. This new rule will come into force in September 2021, and only applies to large contracts of above £5million a year. The government spends…
Red Flags or Green Credentials: get the right recognition for your organisation’s climate change action
Connor Enright is a Consultant at EP Group (formerly EnergyPro Limited) – one of the three project partners working on Energy Solutions Oxfordshire. In this article he explores the good and bad of corporate action against climate change – including useful advice for organisation’s who are looking to reduce the environmental impact of their energy…
The most common energy saving opportunities for schools and education providers
Do you work in a school building which is too cold in the winter and too hot in the summer? Is your school spending an excessive amount on energy bills? We know this is often true in UK schools – where budget is always scarce and where comfort and warmth is key for pupils to…
Upcoming event: school energy improvements – measures & funding options (inc. Salix)
The event in brief Topic: Energy improvements for schools: typical measures, funding options (inc. Salix), and sharing Windmill Primary School’s experienceDate: Wednesday 26 May 2021Time: 8.30-9.30amLink to register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUkd-itqzMrE9BY8cQqsHf4z4GvFNX1FRcH More details Oxfordshire’s buildings are old, inefficient, and constantly wasting energy. In fact, in the UK buildings are responsible for 29% of total carbon emissions– and…
New tool from Green New Deal: how many green jobs in your area
How many green jobs could be created in your constituency? This new tool from the Green New Deal team can tell you, and help you lobby your local MP to put them in place. Green New Deal are highlighting the jobs lost during the Covid-19 pandemic, and calling for the government to replace lost jobs…
The UK will announce plans to commit by law to reduce emissions by 78% by 2035
The UK government is to set in law the world’s most ambitious climate change target, cutting emissions by 78% by 2035 compared to 1990 levels. This is in line with the most recent recommendation from the Climate Change Committee, and will be part of the Sixth Carbon Budget to be announced in the run up…
We need to get the next generation excited about green jobs
Hundreds of thousands of new job roles are needed if we are to achieve a clean energy transition and meet net zero targets in the UK. Dina Potter of the National Grid believes that investing in young people is key to this, and that we now need to ensure that young people understand the options…
Minimum energy efficiency standards (MEES) for commercial landlords: what do businesses need to do with legislation coming into force
From April 2018 all commercial properties must be an EPC rating E or above if they are being leased for the first time or re-leased to a new tenant. From April 2023 this applies to all properties, whether or not they have a new lease. Here's a guide for commercial landlords.
Why small businesses need to address their environmental impact too
Businesses are responsible for 18% of total carbon emissions in the UK, so they're a crucial part of the puzzle to respond to climate change. And that includes smaller businesses too.