Clean and green, today and tomorrow.
Wednesday, 31 August 2011, 3:55 PM
An Edinburgh child and family centre is the 150th stand-alone nursery to be awarded the prestigious Green Flag Award by Eco-Schools Scotland.
Tuesday, 30 August 2011, 4:22 PM
A new report from the European Environment Agency, published on 29 August, highlights the 'big potential' that municipal solid waste management presents to reducing Europe's greenhouse gases. The report finds that annual emissions from the life cycle of the municipal solid waste management system of the 27 countries of the EU, plus Norway and Switzerland, could be cut by another 62 million tonnes in 2020, if all countries fully met the EU Landfill Directive's waste diversion targets.
Tuesday, 30 August 2011, 4:06 PM
On 23 August Defra published a new report revealing the 'true value' of UK biodiversity. The report, ‘Economic valuation of the benefits of ecosystem services delivered by the UK Biodiversity Action Plan', estimated the value of the ecosystem services directly attributed to UK Biodiversity Action Plan conservation activities across the UK to be £1.36 billion per year.
Tuesday, 30 August 2011, 3:05 PM
The third European Week for Waste Reduction (EWWR) will take place between 19-27 November. The week aims to raise awareness of ways to minimise our waste and encourage change in everyday behaviour, in order to reduce the amount of European waste being produced. Local authorities, businesses, charities, community groups, schools and universities are being encouraged to take part by organising an action in their local area.
Tuesday, 30 August 2011, 2:59 PM
An useful article from London Sustainability Exchange on how they have encouraged pro-environmental behaviour; Green Living blog's top sustainable communications resources; and a new report from WWF's Tom Crompton on the dangers of pro-environmental behaviour change communications that appeal to money, image and status.
Tuesday, 30 August 2011, 2:34 PM
In an uncertain economic climate, one of the major benefits of carbon reducing behaviours is that they often tie in with cost savings. But what happens to the £100 an individual saves by switching from car to bike or the £1000 a family saves by installing insulation?
Tuesday, 30 August 2011, 2:13 PM
So often communities forget to stand back and celebrate their achievements. No matter how large or small a milestone is it is important for both group morale and effective communication to celebrate the great work you are doing. Sometimes all you need to do is bring in a cake for the team or put an article in the local paper but if you want to shout about your fantastic project from the highest tower here are two awards that might just let you do that.
Tuesday, 30 August 2011, 1:42 PM
Letham Climate Challenge officially opened the doors to their new swap shop earlier this month. You can read about the launch here in the Perthshire Advertiser.
Tuesday, 30 August 2011, 1:41 PM
Going Carbon Neutral Stirling (GCNS) recently organised a visit to Barkers Highland Beef near Callander.
Tuesday, 30 August 2011, 1:02 PM
Created by Scottish Business in the Community, BT Scotland and the 2020 Climate Group, the online Scottish Envirowheel is a useful starting point for Scottish businesses, and other organisations, to identify sources of advice and information in key areas of the Scottish Government's Climate Change Delivery Plan.
Tuesday, 30 August 2011, 12:39 PM
Since 2008 Transition communities across Scotland have created community growing areas, improved energy efficiency and raised awareness of climate change and peak oil. However, the Transition movement has been seen by some as the preserve of middle class, well-off densely populated communities. Emily Watts and Eva Schonveld, supported through Climate Challenge Funds Community Action and Support Programme, are working to better understand how Transition communities are perceived and what impacts they have had.
Tuesday, 30 August 2011, 12:08 PM
Since 2008 Going Carbon Neutral Stirling (GCNS) have been working throughout Stirling to raise awareness and help communities reduce their carbon footprint. In this time they have helped over 8,000 people take steps towards carbon reduction and this year secured Climate Challenge Fund (CCF) funding to explore further innovative ways to further raise the profile of the 'carbon' agenda in the Stirling area.
Tuesday, 30 August 2011, 11:07 AM
By Pam McLean In July 2009 The Guardian published 'Twenty ideas that could save the world' in its search for 'the greatest plan to tackle climate change'. One of the most inspiring offerings was from Cambridge psychotherapist Rosemary Randall, in the form of Carbon Conversations. This is a course engaging with people on an emotional level to achieve low-carbon lifestyle changes.
Tuesday, 30 August 2011, 10:55 AM
Dr. McKenzie-Mohr, an environmental psychologist is returning to the UK to run a two day Introduction to Community Based Social Marketing (CBSM) in London on 13th and 14th October.
Tuesday, 23 August 2011, 4:26 PM
Glasgow City Council becomes third local authority to pledge to halve construction waste; Aberdeen City invites entries for EcoCity Awards; City of Edinburgh green housing project shortlisted for UK award; South Ayrshire Council nominated for national cycling award; West Dunbartonshire procure hybrid minibus.
Tuesday, 23 August 2011, 3:17 PM
Greenspace Scotland have recently published a report drawing together the experiences and learning of applying a Social Return on Investment (SROI) methodology to four urban nature sites. The report explores the potential of the SROI approach as a way to demonstrate and quantify in financial terms the multiple benefits and impacts - social, environmental and economic - of urban nature sites and the activities which occur on them.
Tuesday, 23 August 2011, 3:17 PM
Greenspace Scotland have recently published a report drawing together the experiences and learning of applying a Social Return on Investment (SROI) methodology to four urban nature sites. The report explores the potential of the SROI approach as a way to demonstrate and quantify in financial terms the multiple benefits and impacts - social, environmental and economic - of urban nature sites and the activities which occur on them.
Tuesday, 23 August 2011, 2:50 PM
The award-winning local food network Fife Diet is organising a pan-Scottish festival celebrating local food on 10 September. 'Blasda' - Scotland's Local Food Feast - will see communities throughout the country celebrate their local food with large scale public events.
Tuesday, 23 August 2011, 1:03 PM
On 17 August the Carnegie UK Trust published a report seeking to explore and answer, 'what is community resilience?', 'how are people building it?' and 'why does it matter?'. The report proposes four key characteristics, or dimensions, of communities that are becoming more resilient, and also seeks to provide practical insights on how people and communities are engaging positively with rapid change. The report suggests that a new form of ‘break through' resilience can emerge as activists, professionals and policy makers collaborate together to allow local communities to cope - and sometimes thrive - through difficult times.
Tuesday, 23 August 2011, 1:03 PM
On 17 August the Carnegie UK Trust published a report seeking to explore and answer, 'what is community resilience?', 'how are people building it?' and 'why does it matter?'. The report proposes four key characteristics, or dimensions, of communities that are becoming more resilient, and also seeks to provide practical insights on how people and communities are engaging positively with rapid change. The report suggests that a new form of ‘break through' resilience can emerge as activists, professionals and policy makers collaborate together to allow local communities to cope - and sometimes thrive - through difficult times.
Tuesday, 23 August 2011, 11:59 AM
Since 1994, London South Bank University has offered long-distance, flexible post-graduate courses from Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to Masters level on Education for Sustainability (EfS).
Wednesday, 17 August 2011, 2:49 PM
Young families having fun together on bikes - with no traffic to worry about! Sound good to you? Then come along to Stirling's Forthside area on Saturday, August 27.
Tuesday, 16 August 2011, 4:20 PM
On 15 August, the Scottish Government announced that it will launch a consultation looking at ways to reduce plastic bag use. The move comes after the release of figures showing that Scotland's plastic bag use increased by 9% over the period 2009/10-2010 - a trend not mirrored in either Wales or Northern Ireland.
Tuesday, 16 August 2011, 4:03 PM
The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) announced on 15 August that local authorities, social housing associations and other social housing providers will be able to bid for a share of a £3 million scheme to install renewable heating systems in the homes of social housing tenants. The scheme, available in Scotland, England and Wales, is part of the £15 million Renewable Heat Premium Payment scheme.
Tuesday, 16 August 2011, 3:41 PM
In July, the West of England Carbon Challenge - a network of businesses, NGOs and public sector organisations committed to reducing their carbon emissions by 10 per cent by 2012 - reported on their progress made to date, and on lessons learned from the journey so far.
Tuesday, 16 August 2011, 2:58 PM
Community Energy Scotland has organised a Community Powerdown Training event at the Birnam Institute, Dunkeld.
Tuesday, 16 August 2011, 2:18 PM
Sylvia Rowley of the Green Alliance's 'Green Living' blog has recently published a list of her Top Ten pro-environmental behaviour change reports and resources. The hit list - many of which have been featured in the SSN e-bulletin - will be followed up soon with Top Tens on more specific aspects of behaviour change, including sustainable communications, energy, water and waste.
Tuesday, 16 August 2011, 1:15 PM
A report published in July by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) assesses the success of the 'green jobs' policy agenda in the US and investigates a range of localised, bottom-up approaches to fostering the 'green economy', reaching excluded workers and meeting environmental targets. The report also considers implications from the US experience for the UK's forthcoming Green Deal, which the Government says has the potential to create 250,000 green jobs.
Tuesday, 16 August 2011, 9:16 AM
Clean Up Britain and Keep Scotland Beautiful have become Strategic Partners in campaigning against the problem of litter in Scotland.
Thursday, 11 August 2011, 10:21 AM
Are you interested in promoting local food? Join GCNS on a free trip to Mid Torrie Farm to visit Barkers Highland Beef.
Tuesday, 9 August 2011, 4:17 PM
On 4 August the Energy Saving Trust (EST) publishd a breakdown of the number of homes across England, Scotland and Wales that have had loft and cavity wall insulation professionally installed under the UK Government's Carbon Emissions Reduction Target (CERT). The figures, which cover the period April 2008-March 2011, are released on a regional, council and constituency basis.
Tuesday, 9 August 2011, 3:34 PM
A review of the efficiency and effectiveness of Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) in Scotland was published on 21 July. The review concluded that the fundamental components of SEA in Scotland are generally sound and fit for purpose, but that there is considerable scope for changes that would make SEA more effective at protecting and improving the environment, more proportionate and more flexible to accommodate novel, resource efficient approaches.
Tuesday, 9 August 2011, 3:05 PM
Opening earlier this year, the Edinburgh Centre on Climate Change aims to become one of the world's leading centres for supporting the innovative ideas and solutions that will help create a low carbon future. The centre's Executive Director, Dr Andy Kerr, will be delivering a key note address at the SSN conference, ‘Local Action for a Sustainable Scotland', taking place on 10 November in Edinburgh.
Tuesday, 9 August 2011, 2:03 PM
On 27 August, the Scottish Government announced that it is to run a series of three innovative design workshops, known as charrettes, that combine the knowledge base of local communities with the skills of specialist designers. The 'Charette Mainstreaming Programme' forms part of the Government's Scottish Sustainable Communities Initiative (SSCI), and will build on the success of three pilot Charettes that ran in March 2010.
Tuesday, 9 August 2011, 12:19 PM
On 25 July, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) published a report by Jil Matheson, the National Statistician, revealing findings from an ONS-led 'national debate' on what constitutes well-being. The debate, which concluded in April and generated 34,000 responses, was the first in a series of steps by the ONS to develop and publish an accepted and trusted set of National Statistics which help people understand and monitor national well-being.
Tuesday, 2 August 2011, 4:06 PM
Dundee City Council launch eco-driving campaign and purchase electric vehicles; Green Business Fife network tours Diageo plant; Glasgow Primary wins Sustainable School Award 2011; City of Edinburgh Council to open three new allotments and Scottish local authorities scoop park awards.
Tuesday, 2 August 2011, 3:43 PM
Defra's recently published Framework for Sustainable Lifestyles is intended as a tool to support Defra and external organisations - especially local authorities, civil society organisations and business - to develop effective approaches to influencing behaviour.
Tuesday, 2 August 2011, 3:32 PM
A recent Energy Demand Research Project (EDRP) carried out by Ofgem has assessed the effectiveness of smart meters in domestic energy-use reduction. The Project found the effects of smart meters varied greatly, but were most effective when used in parallel with other interventions, such as community engagement and education.
Tuesday, 2 August 2011, 2:42 PM
Registration is open for the 2011 GreenFleet Scotland event, which aims to promote low carbon vehicles to fleets across Scotland. Coordinated by the Energy Saving Trust and taking place on 1 September in Edinburgh, the event will combine: fuel efficient driver training and information; an exhibition; and the latest information on low carbon vehicle and fuels initiatives from Transport Scotland.
Tuesday, 2 August 2011, 12:06 PM
The start of the summer has been a royally rewarding time for two CCF community groups: Playbusters and Moffat CAN.
Tuesday, 2 August 2011, 11:59 AM
Community participation and engagement is a key factor for success in energy efficiency and micro generation projects, according to the ‘Green Streets, Strong Communities' report from the Institute for Public Policy and Research (IPPR) launched on the 5 July.
Tuesday, 2 August 2011, 11:41 AM
Community participation and engagement is a key factor for success in energy efficiency and micro generation projects, according to the ‘Green Streets, Strong Communities’ report from the Institute for Public Policy and Research (IPPR) launched on the 5 July.
Tuesday, 2 August 2011, 11:41 AM
Last week saw the first in the series of CASP Understanding Social Enterprise workshops get off to a fantastic start at the Albany Centre Learning and Conference Centre in Glasgow.
Tuesday, 2 August 2011, 11:40 AM
Dundee City Council launch eco-driving campaign and purchase electric vehicles; Green Business Fife network tours Diageo plant; Glasgow Primary wins Sustainable School Award 2011; City of Edinburgh Council to open three new allotments and Scottish local authorities scoop park awards.
Tuesday, 2 August 2011, 11:29 AM
What will your community look like in 15 to 20 years time? Will it generate its own energy? Will the streets have more bicycles than cars? Will the village shop be full of local produce?
Tuesday, 2 August 2011, 11:10 AM
Nourish Scotland is a voluntary organisation promoting Local and Sustainable Food in Scotland. It aims to work in partnership to encourage people to eat more of what we produce and produce more of what we eat in every region of Scotland.
Tuesday, 2 August 2011, 10:49 AM
Do you have an idea that would make better use of space in you community and at the same time improve the health of the residents and the environment? If yes, then the Big Lottery UK Community Spaces Scotland Fund has grants from £10,000 to £250,000 that could help.
Tuesday, 2 August 2011, 10:48 AM
A recent Energy Demand Research Project (EDRP) carried out by Ofgem has assessed the effectiveness of smart meters in domestic energy-use reduction. The Project found the effects of smart meters varied greatly, but were most effective when used in parallel with other interventions, such as community engagement and education.
Tuesday, 2 August 2011, 10:31 AM
Researchers from the University of Sussex are conducting an online survey of community energy projects, to advise government about how to best support community energy.
Tuesday, 2 August 2011, 10:23 AM
There are a wide range of energy efficiency resources available on the web, but a good starting point for groups planning to provide energy advice to householders is the Domestic Energy Efficiency Code of Practice .
Tuesday, 2 August 2011, 10:13 AM
There are currently an estimated 250,000 Scottish homes that have boilers of the least efficient type (efficiency of less than 70%). To help address this, the Scottish Government has announced a further round of funding for the boiler scrappage scheme.
Tuesday, 2 August 2011, 9:52 AM
In the past few years, the Commonwealth Orchard has been involved in planting over 150 school orchards and dozens of community orchards amounting to thousands of trees. John Hancox, from the Commonwealth Orchard, explains
Monday, 1 August 2011, 5:01 PM
The Energy Saving Trust offers advice on ways to increase energy efficiency at home but did you know that they also offer low carbon transport advice?
Monday, 1 August 2011, 3:39 PM
Communities looking to generate income through renewable energy projects can now apply to a new Scottish Government loan scheme for assistance with the high-risk, pre-planning consent stages. The Scottish Governments Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES) loan fund
Monday, 1 August 2011, 3:04 PM
Are you involved with a community garden or allotment? Would you like to learn how to diversify your projects funding? Trellis has organised this one day workshop Income Generation: Life Beyond Grants
Monday, 1 August 2011, 2:25 PM
Over 100 key stakeholders attended the launched of the Review of the Climate Challenge Fund last week to hear Brook Lyndhurst and Ecometrica disseminate their findings.
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