1. Rural Planning Reforms
 
Proposed new planning rules would abolish the presumption (in place since 1947) that the ordinary countryside has value and will be protected. The default answer to development proposals will be “Yes”.
 
2. Green Investment Bank
 
The Green Investment Bank, set up to fund major renewable energy projects, will not be allowed to borrow until 2015, greatly limiting its powers. Critics say it has been neutered.
 
3. Gagging of Agencies
 
Natural England (the wildlife watchdog), the Environment Agency and the Forestry Commission have all been told they are forbidden from policymaking, or commenting on policy.
 
4. Abolition of advisory panels
 
The Sustainable Development Commission and the Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution have simply been scrapped.
 
5. Illegal Tropical Timber
 
The Tory manifesto promised that the possession of illegally imported tropical timber would be a criminal offence. This promise has now been abandoned.
 
6. Eco-homes
 
The definition of “zero carbon” for new eco-homes has been watered down substantially by not counting carbon emissions arising from plug-in appliances (from cookers to TV sets) – up to half the household total.
 
7. Aggregates Fund
 
The aggregates levy sustainability fund, which raised millions of pounds from sand and gravel and recycled it to nearly 200 green projects, has been wound up.
 
8. Oil Spill Tugboats
 
Funding is being withdrawn for four ocean-going tugs, such as the Anglian Monarch, capable of towing oil tankers in distress.
 
9. 80mph Speed Limit
 
Raising the speed limit to 80mph will add more than 2 million tonnes a year to Britain’s CO2 emissions, according to the Government’s Climate Change Committee.
 
10. Forests sell-off
 
The Government decided to sell off the public forest estate, although there had been no mention of the idea in either the Conservative manifesto or the Coalition document. Public outrage stopped them.

What hope is there that one any more of these points they will be turned around by public opinion or the Liberals?

For the original article go to http://www.independent.co.uk

Similar intentions have been in place in Scotland for somewhat longer.

The next step will be additional regulations to limit the use of landfill, because the intent is to do much better than current EU wide legislation and targets on waste diversion from landfill.

UK government funded organisation WRAP has funded a newly published report which proposes landfill bans for England and Wales, and UK organisations and residents are being given the opportunity to comment on these ideas right now.

WRAP’s vision is a world without waste, where resources are used sustainably. In their own words; they work with businesses and individuals to help them reap the benefits of reducing waste, develop sustainable products and use resources in an efficient way.

They certainly believe that by limiting or stopping various materials being sent to landfill there would be a net positive effect of these so called “landfill bans” both in the short term to our economy, but also, and in the end more importantly reducing emissions and making our world much more sustainable.

The Waster wonders about the possible negative effects on industry of landfill bans if the way that businesses can use materials becomes much much heavily restricted by the methods allowed for its disposal. Clearly, we have already moved a long way down that road, and no new principles would be established by this, but it is a matter of degree, and at some point our entrepreneurial spirit may be badly affected. In other words when does reasonably “a can do” culture turn into “too difficult” for those people and busineses with ideas, the courage and the spirit, to set up new manufacturing endeavours.

It is reported that climate change benefits and resource efficiency gains are likely to be greatest where landfill bans are coupled with a requirement to sort materials;

The report writers have selected the wastes for which these gains seem most likely to be achieved whilst delivering net benefits to society are:

For more information got to; WRAP report Landfill Bans: Feasibility Research

For organisaions and interreested individuals to comment to Defra on the report; Go to Consultation on the introduction of restrictions on the landfilling of certain wastes.

Also – Why not give us your comment, as well?

Renewable Energy Assurance Ltd., a part of the clean energy organisation known as the Renewable Energy Association, administers the Scheme, and has chosen 2 independent Certifying Bodies to appraise plants fairly against the standard.

A Panel with an independent Chair controls the Scheme and its rules, and makes sure that it’s working in the best interests of the users of biofertiliser, that it protects the environment and guarantees human, animal and plant health.

The Biofertiliser Certification scheme has been set up to provide guarantee to customers, farmers, food producers and shops that biofertiliser produced from anaerobic digestion processes is safe and of a high quality.

Biofertiliser is the name adopted for quality digestate materials produced when anaerobic digestion processes break down organic material left over from food and farm processes. By certifying the digestate materials produced by the AD process against a severe standard, plant operators can supply farmers with the mandatory confidence they have to use it safely to their land. In this fashion, farmers gain a valuable source of organic, carbon-free fertilizer.

The Quality Protocol element of the scheme effectively outlines what are sufficient inputs into the Anaerobic Digestion process, assesses if the input materials are treated in a production process that’s as per the PAS110 Standard, assesses whether the digestate produced is as per parameters laid down in the PAS110 standard and outlines the records that have to be generated and kept as proof of compliance to the conditions laid down in the protocol.

One of the primary needs of the protocol is to define when a waste material stops being a waste material and becomes a non-waste product.

A plant desiring to take part in making quality digestate must show conformity with the Quality Protocol and this is usually demonstrated by authentication by an authorized controlling body. ( In Britain and Wales this could be one of several. )

The PAS110 part of the scheme outlines the minimum conditions in which the input materials should be treated and sufficient parameter boundaries for items such pH and heavy metals. PAS is the short name for Publicly Available Standard, while 110 outlines which standard it complies with.

Visit the UK Biofertiliser web site for more information.

A European Commission study published on 1 February 2010 counsels setting up a dedicated European body to oversee the execution and enforcement of ECU waste law. The study is a part of a collection of steps being taken by the Commission to enhance waste management and guarantee it meets the standards set by ECU legislation to guard voters and the environment.

Illegal discarding of waste continues on a big scale, many landfill sites are sub-standard and in some Member States basic waste infrastructure is still missing. Illegal waste shipments are also a concern.

A second report made public today explains nearly one 5th of waste shipments checked as an element of recent enforcement actions in Member States were illegal. Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas expounded :

“Compliance with ECU legislation is crucial if we are to reach the overarching objective of ECU waste legislation, which is to offer protection to the health of European voters and the environment. We must look at all the options, including setting up an ECU agency or body which could enable ECU legislation to supply the maximum advantages for voters, the environment and the ECU economy.”

Study counsels dedicated agency to apply waste law Overseeing the safe and environmentally sound management of waste is one of the most significant environmental challenges facing the EU today. A projected 2.6 bill tons of waste is generated in the EU every year about 90 million tons of this is filed as unsafe.

The study broadcast today counsels setting up a dedicated agency at ECU level to take on the fundamental issues of poor implementation and enforcement of European waste legislation.

The size of the issue has grown in recent times following increases in waste generated and shipped in the enlarged ECU . In 2008, the European Parliament adopted a resolution encouraging the Commission to report on the viability of creating a “Community environmental inspection force”. The agency would carry out a number of jobs like reviews of enforcement systems in Member States, coordinated controls and inspection activities. This would be mixed with the making of a particular European body answerable for direct inspections and controls of facilities and sites in major cases of failure to comply.

A European network of Member States would support the agency in a number of activities. The changes are based primarily on replies from Member State officers and shareholders thru questionnaires, interviews and informal workshops. The yearly cost for carrying out the changes is guessed at only over Euros 16,000,000.

As well as other waste-related benefits, full implementation of ECU waste law would reduce emissions of CO2, including methane from landfills. This would save 2.5 bln yearly at today’s carbon cost of around thirteen Euros per tonne.

Other important business benefits from reinforcing implementation include a level playing field for European firms, better encouragement for innovation and increased access to valuable secondary raw materials. A comprehensive cost-benefit analysis will be carried out this year. Further steps might be suggested during 2011.

Gaps in implementation of EU waste law Current openings in implementation and enforcement have led straight to wide-scale illegal junking and enormous numbers of landfills and other facilities and sites that don’t meet ECU standards. In some Member States, waste infrastructure is insufficient or missing ( see IP / 09 / 1795 ). Further details : http://ec.europa.eu/environment/waste/index.htm .

Clients have named Enviros the best consultancy in four categories in the 2009 Edie Awards for Environmental Excellence after being shortlisted for all nine consultancy awards.

• Best Consultancy for Climate Change and Renewables 
• Best Consultancy for Waste and Recycling
• Best Consultancy for Due Diligence
• Best Consultancy for Water and Wastewater.

 

Leading engineering, sciences and project delivery firm Sinclair Knight Merz (SKM) has acquired Enviros, a multi-disciplinary sustainability, environmental and health and safety consultancy in the UK.

Enviros has leading capabilities in climate change and renewables, compliance management, health and safety, sustainable development, and waste and resource management. The firm works across many industries in both the public and private sectors.

Since 1996 SKM has completed 57 mergers and acquisitions which have been central to the firm’s strategy to grow with its clients and deliver the world’s leading skills locally.

SKM Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Paul Dougas said: “The synergies are powerful and obvious. Our growth continues to be driven by the expansion of our clients’ needs and operations. We remain in a perfect storm of economic, social and environmental challenges. Helping our clients meet those challenges and making the most of the opportunities they represent is part of our DNA.

“The fact is that Europe leads the world in sustainability, climate change and environment, and Enviros is a leading firm in this space. This expands our strategic consulting capability which we already export globally through our virtual teaming approach and many centres of excellence.”

Peter Portlock, Enviros Managing Director said: “I am delighted that Enviros has joined the SKM Group. Business needs and cultures are perfectly aligned with this transaction. The Enviros mission to ‘help our clients do business today and have the world they want tomorrow’ fits perfectly with SKM’s business, culture and values.”

Recent feedback from SKM clients indicated that almost half think that climate change is a significant short-term risk, with this concern increasing to seven in ten when a 10 year time frame is considered. This acquisition is an immediate response to client need and expands SKM’s capabilities, with Enviros people bringing great skills in sustainable development, climate change and strategic consulting generally, and bolstering the firm’s European presence.

More about Sinclair Knight Merz: SKM is a leading engineering, sciences and project delivery firm, founded in 1964. Its purpose is to deliver a positive and enduring impact on the world. With 6,500 people in offices across Australia, New Zealand, Europe, the Middle East, South America and Asia, it serves clients in the Buildings & Infrastructure, Power & Energy, Mining & Metals and Water & Environment sectors. SKM has been operating in the UK since 1997 and employs 350 people across eight offices in the UK and Middle East. Website: www.skmconsulting.com

More about Enviros: Enviros has more than 35 years experience in providing sustainability, environmental and health and safety solutions for clients. It employs 450 people in 13 offices in the UK and Ireland, with one office in mainland Europe (Prague). Website: www.enviros.com

Defra has announced a new body to help businesses and communities go green

Defra is bringing together a range of bodies under WRAP’s leadership to provide a one-stop-shop to help businesses, organisations and households become more resource efficient, Environment Secretary Hilary Benn announced today.

The decision was made following the recommendations from the Delivery Landscape Review set up in February 2008 to examine the seven organisations funded by Defra which currently work on resource efficiency. This will make it easier for businesses and households to get the advice they need on how to be more resource efficient by providing a single point of contact.

Secretary of State for the Environment, Hilary Benn said:

“All these organisations have done a great job in helping businesses and households to use resources more efficiently. But we know that some customers were confused by the myriad of services and bodies, so that is why we are making these changes.

“Now, under WRAP leadership we will provide a one stop shop for resource efficiency advice, and this should make it quicker and easier for people to get what they need.”

WRAP CEO Liz Goodwin said:

“We welcome this opportunity to lead a single organisation for resource efficiency. We believe it will help bring clarity for those seeking advice and support on resource efficiency – many of whom have already said they would prefer to deal with one organisation.”

This simplification is part of the cross-Government Business Support Simplification Programme which aims to make it easier for businesses to access Government help and advice.

More here.

In Merthyr Tydfil, the funding will be used for a door-knocking campaign to encourage more households to recycle their waste and help Wales become a greener, more sustainable country. The council reported a 26.2% municipal waste recycling and composting rate in 2006/07.

The remainder of the £800,000 is expected to be used to support plastics recycling in Wales and develop “Zero waste places” – although full details have yet to emerge.

The move comes ahead of the launch of the revised Welsh Waste Strategy for consultation next month, which will set out a new framework for governing waste across the principality.

Jane Davidson, minister for the environment, sustainability and housing, said: “We all have a responsibility for our environment and to reduce Wales’ ecological footprint. A huge part of this is reducing the amount of rubbish we send to landfill. This is no longer sustainable environmentally or financially. I am delighted to be supporting this new scheme to help Merthyr households with their recycling.

“The more we recycle and the less we throw away into landfill the greater our impact will be as individuals in guarding our environment.

“It is important that residual waste is managed in the most sustainable way and that the waste we produce is progressively reduced over time. Then, perhaps, in the more distant future we can contemplate true ‘zero waste – or not producing any waste at all,” she added.

Mike Thomas, head of environmental services for Merthyr Tydfil county borough council, welcomed the funding, which he said would help to boost participation in recycling. More at LetsRecycle.

It is aimed at both public and private sector waste practitioners and has received strong support to a high level in the Government. It delivers a strong message about UK policy, promoting sustainable design, resource efficiency and reducing climate change.

The guidance covers a wide variety of waste facilities, from small community and municipal sites such as compost units on estates, to larger sites such as Combined Heat and Power facilities. The aim of the guidelines is to outline key design principles, the design process, best practice in design and how best for waste professionals to consult the public.

Although the final decision for waste facilities will ultimately lie with the local authority this guidance should assist with providing the tools for both the public and private sector waste management professionals to make the best decision at every stage in the design process.

For further information about the guidance or to obtain a free copy of the guide visit Defra’s website.

The Environmental Industries Commission (EIC) – the trade association for the environmental technology industry – has welcomed revisions to the Waste Framework Directive which were approved by the European Parliament last month.

The group’s aim is to maximise opportunities for effective materials recovery without jeopardising environmental standards. 

The EIC’s Waste Resources Management Working Group – which is comprised of members who supply technology and services to waste, recycling, treatment and landfill industries – was influential in campaigning for the amended Directive to contain a process by which reprocessed materials may be ‘declassified’ as waste, in a bid to bring consistency and certainty to material reprocessors.

Speaking yesterday (July 8th) at the EIC Annual Report press briefing, Anne Harrison, a member of the working group, said that members were “very pleased” to consequently see the Directive include provisions for the exclusion of unexcavated contaminated soil and excavated contaminated soil for reuse on site, a definition of ‘by-product’ and an article on end-of-waste status (see letsrecycle.com story).

In particular, she welcomed the end of life article, because it avoided the “catch-22 of new marketable materials not being considered for an end of waste criteria because they are new and not yet marketed, but being unable to attract markets because they remain defined as waste until a market is proven.”

Ms Harrison said: “Waste management can add time, cost and uncertainty to businesses who handle waste materials. Not only is there enormous potential for the UK economy’s bottom line for waste materials to be reprocessed into clean, useable materials and sold into existing markets, but it will also contribute to the UK’s transition to a low carbon economy.”

“The group’s aim is to maximise opportunities for effective materials recovery without jeopardising environmental standards”, she added.