The unrestricted use of fossil fuels should be phased out by 2100 if the world is to avoid dangerous climate change. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change says in a stark report that most of the world’s electricity can – and must – be produced from low-carbon sources by 2050. It is intended to inform politicians engaged in attempts to deliver a new global treaty on climate by the end of 2015.
FREE energy curriculum-resources to help teachers and school managers raise awareness and take action are available in the SEACS Project Toolkit, funded by the EU and Devon County Council. There is, for example: a self-evaluation matrix to guide you on your energy awareness journey; primary and secondarylesson plans for Design & Technology, French, Science and PSHE tips on running a whole-school awareness raising campaign guidance for arranging a United Nations style Climate Summit templates and guidance to help your school audit and measure its energy Read more…
To accompany the Totnes Open Eco-Homes event there is an Eco-Homes Fair on the following Saturday at the Civic Hall, Totnes, 10am – 3pm.
For the 6th year running Transition Town Totnes is holding an Open Eco-Homes Weekend, featuring homes, buildings and gardens that have taken steps to reduce their environmental impact and household bills. This year’s event is on Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st September and involves 18 exciting homes, buildings or sites. Some are opening again by popular demand, including The Cob House , a passivhaus refurbishment, a straw bale house, a house made from an old cider barrel Read more…
Meet exhibitors specialising in energy conservation, renewable energy, woodfuel, planning, grants, electric vehicles and more at Tavistock College from 10am – 4pm. There are practical energy saving talks, things for thechildren to do and light refreshments available. It’s also a chance to support Tavistock College’s Solar Schools Campaign. We’ll be treated to a performance by Matt Harvey, poet in residence at RegenSW. A list of the exhibitors, talks and workshops can be found here. Any questions please email info@transitiontavistock.org.uk or call 07969-569-444.
Seventeen householders across the area are opening their doors on Saturday and Sunday 13th and 14th September from 10:00 to 16:00 … to share with you how they are conserving energy or generating it from a renewable source. You can download the programme here. Information on the Individual homes can be found here. There are five bus tours to choose from and a walking tour. If you don’t have transport, or would like to visit homes with others, please fill in the booking form.
Sustainable South Brent are pleased to announce the first ever South Brent Wood Fair, at the Village Hall, on Saturday 13th September 10am-5pm. This FREE family friendly event includes over 30 stalls, activities and events, with lots to see and do, plus delicious food and a bar. The Wood Fair has been organised by South Brent Steepers, a group of volunteer hedgelayers who were born out of the Woodfuel from Hedgerows initiative led by Dartmoor Circle. Read more…
Any community group looking to take forward a renewable energy project will need to give considerable attention to having the right legal status. The Partnership has reviewed the wide range of information available online that is designed to help community groups determine which legal entity is suitable for them. As a result of this review the Partnership has collated a short guide that includes links to some of the best further reading, and produced case Read more…
RegenSW has published the 2014 Renewable Energy Progress Report The south west now generates enough renewable electricity in the south west to power over one quarter of all homes. The capacity of renewable electricity in the south west has grown by 37 per cent to nearly 1.2 GW – and the region now generates 8.3 per cent of its electricity from renewables. The Progress Report also shows the south west leads the way in small Read more…
A feature on this evening’s which can reduce the cost and toxicity of cadmium telurite PV cells. Apparently cadmium chloride is an essential element to make the cell work … but researchers from Liverpool University have discovered that magnesium chloride can be substituted with no reduction in efficiency. Cadmium telluride cells in themselves are, apparently, a lower cost alternative to silicon cells. Listen to the broadcast here. A more detailed article published in today’s Independent can Read more…