800 Trees for 800 years - an ideal opportunity to show personal and community commitment to protect, enhance and preserve the local Leeds environment for the next 800 years.
Autumn 2007
Environment Leeds
the Leeds Initiative Local partnerships making things happen
Autumn 2007
Contents
Front Cover 800 Trees Campaign (Continued on page 3) Page
STOP PRESS...
St Chad’s Church, Far Headingley, has just been notified that it is among the major winners in the “Charity & Community” category of the Green Apple Environment Awards. They will be presented with their award at the House of Commons in November. The Green Apple Awards are now in their fourteenth year and attracted more than 500 nominations this year.The Green Apple Awards are operated by the Green Organisation is an independent, non-political, non-activist, non-profit environment group dedicated to recognising, rewarding and promoting environmental best practice around the world. Look out for a report in the December issue of Environment Leeds.
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Making Renewable Energy Real Page
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It’s Your Community
Making renewable energy real
www.REtool.org.uk
Have you thought about installing some renewable energy in you home or in a community building? Do you have enough information about the technology that is available and which would be the most suitable? Need help? Look no further than Microgeneration Yorkshire’s Renewables Toolkit – RETool. Microgeneration Yorkshire is the dedicated support programme for the microgeneration sector in the Yorkshire and Humber region, they can advise on every aspect of a project from initial concept to commissioning and operation. In order to support the development of small scale renewable energy projects they have launched a web based resource, REtool, that is designed to guide users through the process. REtool can be used by anybody within Yorkshire and Humber that is aiming to make renewable energy ideas a reality. So whether you are a home or business owner, a community or charitable organisation considering a project or an installer of small-scale renewable technology quoting for jobs you will find help and information available to make the idea a reality.
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The Doctor Will See You Now Page
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Order Your New Pass Now - It’s SMiles Better Page
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Industry to Tackle 2 Million Tonne Electrical Waste Problem Page
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Local Builders’ Merchants Hits Gold! Page
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One Planet Revolution
For further information contact Microgeneration Yorkshire tel: 0113 237 8400, email info@my-energy.org.uk Please send any articles or enquiries about Environment Leeds to: The Leeds Environment City Team, Leeds City Council, Leonardo Building, 2 Rossington Street, Leeds LS2 8HD Phone: 0113 247 4663 E-mail: environment.leeds@leeds.gov.uk
You can also get this information in large print, in Braille, on audio tape, computer disk or in ethnic minority community languages.
Design: Graphics, Communications and Mapping Photography: Various Sources Published by Environment Leeds partnership group, May 2007 Ld/La/SF/08.07/10K www.leedsinitiative.org
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Put down roots - plant 800 trees!
Mother of two, Sue Hoey, initiated a project to plant 800 trees around the city to mark Leeds’ 800th anniversary and to celebrate World Environment Day. The faith based project teamed up with Celebrate Leeds 2007 and became the 800 Trees Campaign. It is organised by Leeds Churches Together in Mission, Leeds Diocesan Justice and Peace Commission and the Anglican Diocese of Ripon and Leeds. The initiative is supported by Leeds Church Institute, TIDAL Surge and the Leeds City Council and Groundwork Leeds’ partnership scheme, Cleaner Greener Leeds to help deliver the donated trees to local communities. 800 Trees was launched during June’s World Environment Week with a special tree presentation where two fruit trees were presented to Sue’s recently born twins, Finnan and Samuel. Sue a Development Worker of Leeds Churches Together in Mission said, “I wanted to create a greener urban atmosphere for my young twins, Finnan and Samuel to grow up in.”
It’s Your Community
The Conservation Foundation and O2 have launched a new community fund to enable people to make real improvements to where they live. Awards of up to £1,000 will be available to support local environmental, urban renewal and conservation projects. The funding is available for both groups and individuals and could, for instance, be used to hire tools and equipment, or to purchase plants, paint, signs and materials. Examples of projects that could receive funding include turning derelict land into a wildlife area or planting flowers in the High Street.
Pictured are Ian White, Diocesan Environment Officer; Sue Hoey, Development Worker, Leeds Churches Together in Mission; Richard Gill, Leeds In Bloom who kindly donated the fruit trees and twins, Samuel and Finnan Hoey.
Photos are copyright Tullett/Reflexpictures.com High definition copies can be requested by contacting them direct.
John Cummins from Groundwork Leeds commented, “The 800 Trees project demonstrates the importance of our natural environment at a local urban level and what it means to families. Launching the project at the same time as the Meanwood Festival and World Environment Day was an ideal way to celebrate this and help us to achieve a Cleaner Greener Leeds.” Reverend Ian White, Chair of the 800 Trees project said, “The launch was a fantastic success. 800 Trees was grateful for the support of the Meanwood Community festival who hosted the event. The project is now up and running and would love as many people as possible to get involved! The idea is simple: community, faith groups, churches or schools get involved by committing to plant a tree and to mark the occasion publicly. All that is needed is permission from the land owner, and a spade” The major initiative will involve a citywide programme of tree planting from 10th -17th November marking the city’s anniversary.
800 Trees are keeping track of the number of trees being planted this year so are asking groups to register their intention to get involved by visiting www.celebrateleeds07.com/800trees or you can contact the project via Joe Lee at St Mary’s Beeston on 0113 277 5059 or via St Mary’s Church, Town Street, Beeston, LS11 8PN
For any further information or to make an application visit the dedicated website http://www.itsyourcommunity.co.uk
Write to us or e-mail to : environment.leeds@leeds.gov.uk
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The Doctor Will See You Now
The Green Doctor is visiting Leeds to heal elderly, disabled and income-reliant residents of their high household bills and their impact on climate change. The award wining Green Doctor will prescribe free energy efficient light bulbs, radiator installation, hot water tank jackets, and draught excluders to patients as well as giving free advice on how to cut bills by being more energy efficient. The Warmer Living Green Doctor project is a partnership between Groundwork Leeds and Community Action & Support Against Crime (CASAC) to tackle fuel poverty and household carbon emissions simultaneously, concentrating on people that are most often affected.
Claire Pratley, Senior Co-ordinator from Groundwork Leeds said, “The project is designed to deal with the problem of fuel poverty, which causes suffering for so many people. It also addresses the fact that household carbon emissions in the UK are responsible for a significant percentage of the nation’s carbon emissions by providing the resources and knowlege to enable people to minimize their own impact.” The project has been a great success in Leicestershire and with over 400 potential patients in Leeds on the list so far, the Warmer Living Project is looking optimistic for residents of Leeds too. Reports show that the project has made £60,000 savings in energy costs for Leicester householders and if the Green Doctor project were rolled out across the whole of the UK, there could be a 13 % reduction in household CO2 emissions. Amy Bell, Director of CASAC said, “CASAC’s priority is to ensure that people are able to live safely in their homes. The Warmer Living Project is very important to us because, whilst we want to reduce crime & fear of crime, we are also committed to tackling some of the wider issues that effect our customers’ everyday lives.”
For further information contact: Claire Pratley, Tel 0113 238 0601 Fax 0113 252 5057 email: claire.pratley@groundwork. org.uk
Some Energy Saving Tips
Draught proof windows and doors Switch off unnecessary lights Change to energy saving bulbs Only boil as much water as you need Turn your central heating thermostat down Close your curtains at dusk Don’t leave TVs or videos on standby Wash your laundry at 30C Buy energy efficient appliances Put aluminium foil behind any radiators fitted to outside walls
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It’ sMiles better
To take advantage of free off-peak local bus travel everyone aged 60 or over, and people who are registered disabled or blind will need to get a new English National Concessionary Pass, even if they have a current Metro pass. Everyone who applies by the end of September 2007 will be entered into a £1000 prize draw. You can order your new pass at Bus Station Travel Centres or at Post Offices. Existing permits will become invalid after April 2008 so make sure you order your pass early to take advantage of the Concessionary Travel Scheme in West Yorkshire and free off -peak local buses throughout England. Don’t miss the bus – order a pass and enjoy free off-peak local bus travel throughout England from April 2008.
Order your new pass now –
Community & City Pride
Metro is advising people living in West Yorkshire aged 60 or over, disabled people and blind people that, from April 2008 they will be entitled to free, off-peak local bus travel throughout England.
Awards 2007
Have you helped to make your local environment look cleaner and greener? Do you know someone who works tirelessly to improve their local surroundings? If so, don’t forget to enter the Community and City Pride awards! Leeds City Council want to know all the amazing things that the residents of Leeds do to improve the environment where they live, work, study or socialise. Projects could be run by: n local communities n individuals n schools n students n businesses and could be: n clean ups n recycling schemes n re-use projects n community garden creation n any other small scale environmental project. The closing date for this year’s entries is end of October 2007, and you can enter projects done since October 2006. Remember: take lots of photos!
Further details of what people need to take with them to apply for their English National Concessionary Pass will be posted on Metro’s web site at www.wymetro.com and in Metro leaflets that will be available from Bus Station Travel centres and other Metro outlets.
Environmental Quote N0.11
“The true meaning of life is to plant trees under whose shade you do not expect to sit.”
- Unknown
Pictured are Friends of Springfield Mill Park
For further information look at our web pages at www.leeds.gov.uk/cleaner, or contact us on: email - info.recycling@ leeds.gov.uk Tel - 0113 395 1520.
Write to us or e-mail to : environment.leeds@leeds.gov.uk
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Industry to tackle 2m tonne electrical waste problem
The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Regulations came into effect on 1 July this year so we should start to see more waste products recycled and not consigned to the scrap heap. New legal obligations on the electrical industry mean that manufacturers, importers and retailers of domestic appliances, office equipment and other goods are required to ensure the proper disposal of old products. Last year 2 million tonnes of electrical waste was generated in the UK alone, enough to fill the new Wembley Stadium six times over. Now, thanks to the introduction of these regulations, business and household consumers buying electrical products, from toasters and computers, through to mobile phones and televisions, will be offered free take-back of old products, either in store, through collection or at a local amenity site. Putting the responsibility on the electrical industry will cause manufacturers to consider the end of life recycling of products at the design stage, it will incentivise the industry to provide consumers with more options for returning old products, it will encourage the reuse of products and it will help create a valuable market in recycled materials. Initially, the Government will support awareness-raising amongst existing and new producers, to encourage them to participate fully in the UK WEEE system. The Regulations will be enforced by the environment agencies and their priority is to get unregistered producers into compliance schemes. However, it is warned that enforcement action will be taken against any business that seeks an advantage by flouting the rules.
For more information: Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment Regulations visit: http://www.dti.gov.uk/ innovation/sustainability/weee/page30269.html
Sustainable Procurement
Leeds City Council is putting the foundations in place to support sustainable procurement across all of its activities. The Procurement Unit is working in partnership with Recycling Action Yorkshire to improve the environmental performance of the commodities that the council buys. The outcomes of this partnership will include: n Using construction and highways related materials that contain at least 10% recycled-content n Implementing a sustainable purchasing policy. The Unit is currently preparing the council’s 2008-2011 strategy which will include social, environmental and economic considerations being built into contracts and new ways of working n Increasing the volume and value of the recycled-content products that are bought n Reporting how ‘green’ buying influences CO2 emissions and the waste that is sent to landfill
For further information on the work being carried out by the Procurement Unit please contact Catherine Wiltshire on telephone (0113) 247 6972, at catherine.wiltshire@leeds. gov.uk or visit www.leeds.gov.uk/procurement
The unit has developed a toolkit which ensures that, in addition to achieving value for money, the social, environmental and economic impacts are considered by officers when setting up contracts. The toolkit is currently being piloted by the unit’s officers and following review, the intention is to make it available as best practice across public sector organisations. Another strand of the work is the development of a Green Purchasing Guide. This guide will direct officers to sustainable options available in existing contracts and will offer best practice guidance where no contract exists. The guide will help officers with no previous knowledge of sustainability to become familiar with the terminology and concepts. Catherine Wiltshire, Procurement Initiatives and Projects Officer for Sustainability said “Leeds City Council aim to be leaders in sustainable procurement. As one of the largest procurers of goods and services in the area we need to work with our suppliers and other organisations to ensure that we encourage best practice and innovation in sustainable procurement across our area of influence.”
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Free environmental toolkit
The Green Business Network (GBN) is a small locally based organisation that delivers practical environmental projects. With the support of Kirklees Environment Unit, they have developed an environmental toolkit to assist small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in carrying out environmental audits. The toolkit, which is now available free to SMEs in the West Yorkshire area, is a good starting point for businesses considering environmental improvements. It features many helpful suggestions to save money and reduce environmental impacts, all contained in five useful sections: n Quick Checklist - the top 20 general suggestions for businesses. n Actions - more suggestions that will not only be good for the environment, but will also save your business money; covering pollution prevention, lighting and electricity, heating, water, vehicles, education and purchasing. n Legislation - the main environmental legislation currently affecting business. n Further Information - a list of local organisations offering help and advice. n Local recyclers - a list of local recyclers for everything from batteries to wood. If you cannot find a company that meets your recycling requirements please contact the GBN and they will try to find someone in the Leeds area that can help you.
For your free copy of the environmental toolkit please contact the GBN on 01422 316661 or email gbn@kirklees.gov.uk.
Get the facts on Climate Change
Are you concerned about climate change but not sure who to believe or what to do? Leeds Stop Climate Chaos and Sustainable Futures Leeds have joined forces to bring a broad range of eminent speakers to Leeds to address this pressing issue and to answer your questions. n Thursday 20th September – Cormac Cullinan Earth Jurisprudence: Protecting Biological and Cultural Diversity n Wednesday 10th October – Ben Brangwyn Transition Cities: Community Solutions to Peak Oil and Climate Change. n Wednesday 28th November – Kevin Anderson and Reijo Kempinnen Future Emissions Scenarios and Policy Direction All lectures are free and take place from 7.00pm to 9.00pm, Lecture Theatre B2, Leslie Silver Building, Leeds Metropolitan University, (Civic Quarter Site)
For further information contact David Midgley Tel: 0113 262 7914 email: info@sustainablefuturesleeds.co.uk
Local Builders’ Merchants hits Gold!
Local Building Supplies, a builders’ merchants in Leeds has been granted a top environmental award from Leeds City Council’s Tidy Business Standard for improving its waste management and greening the business as well as positively contributing to the local community and local environment. The builders’ merchant was awarded the ultimate gold award for their contributions to Pudsey Waterloo Primary School and Pudsey Primrose Hill Primary School’s environmental projects to create areas for the children to grow their own flowers and vegetables. Local Building Supplies donated building materials and labour time for the landscaping of the gardens within the school grounds.
The contribution made had a positive impact on the local community and built on the company’s bronze and silver achievements that included implementing recycling and waste disposal projects for their own waste and improving the environmental performance of their business. Steve Gisbourne, Branch Manager, commented ‘Our involvement with Tidy Business Awards began two years ago after our Landscaping Manager attended a seminar on new legislation and environmental issues facing the business community in West Yorkshire. We felt inspired to make improvements to the branch and formulated a Ten Point Plan that included a variety of improvements to our recycling and waste disposal.’ He added ‘More recently we have become involved in a variety of community based projects offering advice and materials to local schools. We also have further improvements planned for the branch to improve our environmental credentials. We are enthusiastic supporters of the Tidy Business Award scheme as it helps us to be more efficient as a To find out how the tidy business scheme can work for you or to apply tel: 0113 395 2272 business and supports the businesses commitment to seek to increase our positive impact on the environment.’ Write to us or e-mail to : environment.leeds@leeds.gov.uk
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One Planet Revolution Reduce your carbon footprint in 10 weeks
Park Lane College, Leeds are offering residents of Leeds the chance to learn the theory behind carbon footprinting and to gain practical knowledge of actions that can be taken to reduce the impact of their footprint. All this in only 10 weeks! The next course starts on Thursday 17/09/07 from 1900 – 2100 but you should enrol as soon as possible to ensure you get a place. Run by a team of conservation and climate tutors, the course takes place at the Horsforth Centre in Calverley Lane where facilities include a wind turbine, solar panels, a weather station, commercial glasshouses, polytunnels, plus comprehensive wildlife and environmental monitoring equipment. The site also includes an 8 acre wildflower meadow, ponds and a wide range of other habitats. The course is delivered through practical and theoretical sessions and the completion of a weekly diary should enable you to reduce your carbon footprint. Costing £66 for the whole 10 week session, completion of the course means that you should save carbon, save money, and get a certificate or get a tree planted in your honour. The theme of the regional World Environment Day event celebrated in Briggate on 5th June this year was “Join in the One Planet Revolution”. The Environment Leeds team took the opportunity to ask the people of Leeds what actions they are taking to make sure that they are part of the one planet revolution. Here are just a few of the responses:-
For more details about the course please contact Angela Lloyd on 0113 216 2414 or email landbased@parklanecoll.ac.uk
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