|
GREEN OBJECTIVES
THE Merseyside
Objective One programme has smashed European targets for funding
renewable energy schemes in the region. Objective One is
currently supporting the production of 1,314,547 kilowatt-hours
(KWh) of renewable energy on Merseyside, the equivalent of supplying
a UK home with electricity for 330 years.
The record figures represent a massive 18,000% improvement on the
programme’s original targets set by Europe. Objective One
insists that all funded schemes commit to generating at least 10% of
their energy requirements through renewable methods. The resulting
take-up of alternative forms of energy production, such as wind
turbines, solar panels and groundwater heating schemes, has helped
to reduce CO2 emissions on Merseyside by more than 1/2 a million
kilograms.
This standard, pioneered through the programme, is now being adopted
by other organisations in Merseyside. Sefton Council now routinely
expects new developments in its area to show a commitment to
renewable energy by generating ten per cent of their energy needs on
site.
Tracy Gordon, environmental sustainability manager for the Objective
One programme said:- “With rocketing energy bills and climate
change hot on the international agenda there has never been a more
crucial time for businesses to look towards renewable energy
schemes. These figures represent a breakthrough not only for
the Merseyside Objective One programme but also the region. Driving
the take-up of energy efficient schemes will save businesses money,
by reducing running costs, whilst also moving Merseyside towards a
sustainable future, improving the quality of life for all.”
Objective One has funded some of the region’s most energy-efficient
developments, including Southport’s eco-visitor centre. The centre
is built entirely of sustainable materials and features a 20 kW wind
turbine, solar water heating panels and ground source heat pumps,
allowing it to generate most of its own energy.
Past report link:-
"Wind Turbine Installed" in our 17 July
2004 issue,
click on to see. Past report link:-
"Southport Eco Centre short-listed for best in waterside
regeneration" in our 22 May 2005 issue,
click on to see. |
CHITTY GETS DONOR DRIVE OFF TO A FLYING START
BRITAIN'S favourite car has helped launch a new drive to
encourage motorists to sign up to the NHS Organ Donor Register.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and the cast of the famous stage musical,
took a pit stop between performances at Manchester’s Palace Theatre
to urge motorists to join the lifesaving register when they receive
a special organ donor leaflet in the post this summer.
More than six million special leafletstitled We’ve signed up. 'Have you?',
will be sent to British motorists between April and July thanks
to a partnership between NHS UK Transplant and the DVLA.
UK Transplant director of communications Penny Hallett said:-
“We know that motorists are kind-hearted because millions have
already pledged to leave a legacy of life after their death, by
ticking the Organ Donor Register box when they applied for their
driver’s licence. In fact, drivers now make up the biggest single
group on the register. So our special leaflets offer a big ‘thank
you’ to all the motorists who have signed upand an invitation to
those who haven’t yet got round to it.” Penny added:-
“Organ transplants save or enhance nearly 3,000 lives every
year but there is a desperate shortage of donors and about 400
people die each year while waiting for a transplant. It’s vital that
more people discuss their wishes for donation with their families
and sign up to the register.”
The special leaflets will be posted to motorists between April and
July with new and replacement driver’s licences and vehicle tax
reminders.
You can also find out more about organ donation and sign up to the
NHS Organ Donor Register by calling 0845 60 60 400, visiting
uktransplant.org.uk or picking up a leaflet at
your GP’s surgery. |
