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East Midlands Airport strives for carbon neutrality

Posted on January 13, 2012 by Apollo Enviro

ISO14001 certification has been awarded to the East Midlands Airport for the third time as the management aim to make all of the airport’s ground operations carbon neutral by the end of 2012.

The airport was the first in the UK to receive ISO14001 certification in 2002, a scheme which recognises businesses that are minimising their impact on the environment through an Environmental Management System (EMS).

A number of measures have been put into place by the airport on its path to carbon neutrality including planting large amounts of trees, building low carbon buildings including the UK’s greenest hotel and testing emissions from vehicles.

Neil Robinson, the Director of Sustainability at the East Midlands Airport said: “Our commitment to being carbon neutral is almost now a reality and we are particularly proud of our achievements to date. We are looking forward to this year and the pleasure of announcing that we are carbon neutral.”

With efficiency becoming more and more important, businesses of all sizes can benefit from implementing an EMS so contact Apollo Enviro for more information on how your company can gain the ISO14001 certification.

There are many methods of reducing carbon emissions without impairing the day to day functions of your business, including installing voltage optimisation units to reduce the total energy usage at your place of work or re-training employees to make them more aware of their actions.

The experts at Apollo Enviro will first undertake an environmental audit to highlight areas where reductions can be made then suggest a plan of action suitable for your business, so contact them today for more information.

Chinese airlines refuse to pay under the ETS

Posted on January 6, 2012 by Apollo Enviro

The EU emissions trading scheme (ETS) has now come into force for the aviation industry, however the four main Chinese carriers have refused to participate.

From January 1, airlines using any airport in the European Union are liable to pay carbon charges as the EU aims to reduce emissions in the industry however many airlines based outside of Europe are opposed to the scheme.

Airlines will receive free credits for a certain amount of their emissions, but must buy or trade credits to cover the rest which could increase costs per passenger by between €2 and €12. Those airlines that refuse to comply will be liable for fines and could even be banned from using airports in Europe.

The Air Transport Association of America contested the rules before Christmas, but the European Court of Justice ruled that the scheme did not infringe on the sovereignty of non-EU countries and without any international rules put in place the EU was within its rights to implement the scheme.

American airlines have agreed to accept the rules whilst pursuing other legal options however the association that represents Chinese airlines has refused to comply.

A spokesperson for the China Air Transport Association (CATA) said: “China, of course, will not cooperate with the European Union on the ETS. The CATA, on behalf of Chinese airlines, is strongly against the EU’s improper practice of unilaterally forcing international airlines into its ETS.”

Although the scheme has come into force carbon fees do not have to be paid until March 2013, so it may be resolved before any fines or flight bans are put into force. The EU hopes that the scheme will encourage airlines to become efficient and reduce their business carbon footprint to combat climate change.

Smaller businesses can make a difference by reducing their carbon emissions, so contact the team at Apollo Enviro today to see what we could do for you. From assisting with reporting under the Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) Energy Efficiency Scheme to installing voltage optimisation equipment, Apollo Enviro offer a wide range of services that can help your business.

Record increase in worldwide carbon emissions

Posted on December 23, 2011 by Apollo Enviro

Global carbon emissions increased by 5.9% in 2010 according to new research from an international group of scientists that track emissions.

The study, completed by the Global Carbon Project, found that after decreases in 2008 and 2009 there was a dramatic jump in the amount of carbon emissions produced across the world in 2010.

The largest producer of carbon emissions is China, and in 2010 emissions from the country grew by 10.4%. There was also a 9.4% increase in the emissions created in India, and other countries with notable increases include Japan (6.8%), Russia (5.8%) and the USA (4.1%). In the UK, emissions grew by 3.8%.

The scientists undertaking the study also compared emissions to the levels in 1990 and found that in the last 20 years emissions produced by fossil fuels across the world have increased by 49%.

The research was published in the journal Natural Climate Change and lead author Dr Glen Peters, from the Centre for International Climate and Environmental Research in Norway, said: “Many saw the global financial crisis as an opportunity to move the global economy away from persistent and high emissions growth, but the return to emissions growth in 2010 suggests the opportunity was not exploited.”

Reducing emissions is becoming more of a priority for many businesses, and especially after the introduction of the Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) Energy Efficiency Scheme many companies are looking for ways to reduce their business carbon footprint.

Here at Apollo Enviro we can help with all aspects of reducing your company’s carbon emissions, so explore our website or contact us to find out how we could help your business.

Over half of the high street pledge to become more energy efficient

Posted on December 16, 2011 by Apollo Enviro

New research from the British Retail Consortium has found that over half of the main players in the UK’s retail market are now signed up to the Carbon Trust Standard to pledge to reduce their carbon emissions.

The Carbon Trust estimates that 2% of the country’s carbon emissions come directly from the retail industry, but it is thought that the true amount of CO₂ produced by retail could be much higher due to the indirect emissions.

Darran Messem, managing director of certification at the Carbon Trust, said: “Heat, light, refrigeration and distribution for retail outlets drive energy consumption, carbon emissions and operating costs.”

“I am encouraged that more and more retailers in the UK are recognising the reputational and economic benefits of cutting their carbon emissions”, he continued.

A number of large retailers have cut their emissions in recent years after becoming part of the scheme. The John Lewis Partnership has managed to make significant carbon reductions by changing process and installing new equipment; as a whole the partnership has improved energy efficiency by 4.4% since 2007/8, and this has been mainly driven by the installation of more energy efficient refrigeration units.

There are many ways that companies in both retail and other industries could cut their business carbon footprint and at Apollo Enviro, we have experience of helping a variety of different businesses become more energy efficient.

From an initial environmental audit, our energy efficiency advisors can suggest different ways for you to reduce CO₂ emissions across your business. One of the simplest ways is to encourage employees to do their part by switching off lights, and if you want to make even larger reductions installing a voltage optimisation unit can help reduce the total electricity your business uses by up to 18%. Contact the experts at Apollo Enviro today to find out more information on reducing your carbon footprint.

McLaren becomes the first carbon-neutral F1 team

Posted on December 9, 2011 by Apollo Enviro

Vodafone McLaren Mercedes have become the first Formula One racing team to become carbon neutral, following a three year audit by the company.

Despite F1 being an industry which creates a considerable amount of CO₂, the team at Vodafone McLaren Mercedes have been working on reducing their emissions in recent years. The company was placed at 92^nd in the recently published Carbon Reduction Commitment Energy Efficiency Performance League Table, as not only the highest placed F1 team in the table but also the highest placed car manufacturer. McLaren also received the Carbon Trust Standard in December 2010.

Carbon efficiency was improved by 8.6% by introducing new practices and installing state-of-the-art equipment, and to become carbon neutral McLaren also invested in carbon-offsetting schemes in India and Brazil.

Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team principal Martin Whitmarsh said: “It’s a considerable achievement: the result of a lot of hard work by a number of extremely dedicated individuals within our organisation, and a testament to our philosophy of continuous improvement within the workplace.”

Reducing your business carbon footprint can be easier than you think with the help of Apollo Enviro. The first step is to undertake an environmental audit that will highlight areas where you could become more efficient and then the environmental specialists at Apollo Enviro will then suggest the options most suited to your business.

There are a variety of different measures to reduce the amount of carbon emissions your business produces, from training employees in becoming more energy efficient to installing voltage optimisation equipment, so any business can reduce their carbon footprint with the help of Apollo Enviro.

Shale gas may have a high carbon emissions cost

Posted on December 2, 2011 by Apollo Enviro

The UK may be unable to reduce its carbon footprint if shale gas reserves are recovered, according to a new report from the Co-operative Group.

Vast reserves of shale gas have been found in Lancashire in recent months, but the process has been met with controversy after a number of small earthquakes in the area following test drilling and worries about pollution.

The new study, completed at the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research in Manchester, has revealed that if shale gas is used it would account for nearly 15% of the UK’s total allowed carbon emissions up until 2050. Recovering 20% of Lancashire’s gas resources would produce 2 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide.

Paul Monaghan, head of social goals at the Co-operative, said: “This authoritative report shows that a new dash for gas is incompatible with the UK’s carbon reduction targets and that a complete re-appraisal of approach is needed.”

Kevin Anderson, professor of energy and climate change at the Tyndall Centre said: “Consequently the government faces a difficult choice: to lead a new and low-carbon energy revolution or stick with high carbon fossil fuels, forgo its emissions targets and relinquish its hard-won international reputation on climate change.”

Since the introduction of the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme, many businesses are now looking for ways of reducing their carbon emissions and here at Apollo Enviro we can help you cut your carbon footprint. From undertaking a comprehensive environmental sustainability audit, to installing a voltage optimisation unit at your premises, we can offer a number of services to help you reduce the amount of carbon your business produces.

Government announces details of Green Deal scheme

Posted on November 23, 2011 by Apollo Enviro

Information about the government’s Green Deal has been unveiled by Energy and Climate Change Secretary Chris Hulme, which will help both businesses and domestic customers become more energy efficient.

The Green Deal will allow companies and private homeowners to install technologies which will reduce their energy use and carbon footprint at no up-front cost. Instead, the loan is repaid through an additional charge on energy bills over a long term period so businesses that do not have cash available up front can benefit from becoming more energy efficient. Instead of being attached to an individual, the loan is attached to the building which means that should a business want to move premises they will no longer be liable for the payments.

To encourage businesses to use this scheme instead of other finance options, the Green Deal has a “Golden Rule” of the scheme says that the loan repayments must be lower than the energy savings. The scheme is due to be launched in October 2012, and could not only help the UK meet its carbon reduction targets but also support thousands of jobs by the year 2015.

If your business needs advice on reducing your carbon footprint by becoming more energy efficient, Apollo Enviro could help. From providing environmental consultancy services to highlight areas where you could cut your emissions to installing voltage optimisation units to reduce your energy usage, the experts at Apollo Enviro could help businesses of all sizes to become more energy efficient. Visit apolloenviro.co.uk for more information on the services available.

One of London’s most famous landmarks to become energy efficient

Posted on November 18, 2011 by Apollo Enviro

A scheme to make the iconic Tower Bridge in Central London more energy efficient has been given the go-ahead, after planning permission and listed building consent were approved.

The 117 year old landmark will be fitted with new energy efficient LED lights in time for the London 2012 Olympic Games, and a temporary installation of the Olympic rings will also be placed on the bridge for the event.

The new lighting will replace the current system of static flood lighting, which is 25 years old, and should reduce energy consumption by up to 40%. The scheme is a joint initiative between the City of London and two energy companies, which will mean there is no cost to the taxpayer.

Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: “The spectacular view of Tower Bridge from my office in City Hall is one of my favourites in London, and it’s fantastic to now be able to crack on with this work to make it even better, brighter and greener and at no cost to the taxpayer.”

Since the launch of the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme, more companies are becoming aware of their business carbon footprint and are searching for ways to become more energy efficient. Here at Apollo Enviro, our team of energy saving advisors can help you by completing an environmental audit on your site and then highlighting areas where you could reduce your emissions.

From simple actions such as encouraging employees to use less energy, to implementing energy management systems, to installing a voltage optimisation unit, there are a number of options to help businesses that are keen to cut their carbon emissions, so contact us today for more information.

First Energy Efficiency Performance League Table published

Posted on November 8, 2011 by Apollo Enviro

The first Performance League Table for the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme has been published by the Environment Agency to demonstrate which organisations in the UK manage their energy use the most effectively.

22 organisations ranked joint first in the table and these include Manchester United FC, CenterParcs and National Museums Liverpool. A number of government departments also came out top including energy regulator Ofgem and the Department for Energy and Climate Change.

Although they are in charge of administrating the CRC scheme, the Environment Agency only came in at 275 along with Virgin Trains and Peel Airports (owners of Liverpool John Lennon Airport).

Although the table has revealed that 60% of businesses involved in the CRC scheme are taking steps to become more energy efficient, it shows that the other 40% aren’t. Over 800 organisations were rated 0 and placed at the bottom of the table, showing that they have made no progress in becoming more energy efficient. The list of those at the bottom of the table includes hospitals and NHS trusts, a number of councils, and large corporations such as Rolls Royce, Virgin Atlantic and ITV.

Companies of all sizes should be looking for a way to reduce carbon emissions, and the experts at Apollo Enviro can help your business become more energy efficient. From organising the initial environmental audit to arranging staff awareness workshops to installing voltage optimisation units, the team at Apollo Enviro have a number of ways that they can help your business become more energy efficient and reduce your carbon footprint.

CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme league table expected to be published this month

Posted on November 4, 2011 by Apollo Enviro

The Environmental Agency will be releasing the first Performance League Table (PLT) of all the companies involved in the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme in the next few weeks.

Speaking to an energy efficiency blog Carl Sweeney, the Operations Manager in charge of the CRC scheme at the Environmental Agency, said: “At this time, we anticipate that the PLT will be published in November.”

“We have agreed with DECC that we will notify participants of the publication date one week before release.”

The CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme requires business to report on their carbon emissions annually and the league table rating all organisations on their emissions is one of the key components of the scheme.

Many businesses have already said that the carbon emissions of companies will be something they take into consideration when choosing suppliers and the league table will allow companies to see at a glance which have been producing the most emissions.

Reducing carbon emissions is something that businesses of all sizes need to act on, not just those participating in the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme. At Apollo Enviro, we offer a number of environmental consultancy services to help your business reduce its carbon footprint.

From audits to highlight areas where your business could reduce emissions to the installation of energy efficiency equipment such as voltage optimisation units to reduce the energy used by your workplace, there are a number of services which Apollo Enviro can provide you with to make your business become more energy efficient.