Scotland ramps up renewable electricity target to 80%
First Minister Alex Salmond announced the move, which could have implications for waste-to-energy projects being developed in the country, ahead of a large-scale international conference on the low carbon economy taking place in Edinburgh this week. The country's existing target was established in 2007 and the option to increase the goal was undertaken after it became apparent that Scotland was set to exceed its interim target of 31% in 2011. The Scottish Government therefore calculated that significantly higher levels of renewables could be deployed by 2020 with little change to the current policy, planning or regulation framework in Scotland.
Announcing the change, Mr Salmond said: “Scotland is blessed with abundant natural energy sources, particularly in our seas, where Scotland is estimated to have a quarter of Europe's potential wind and tidal energy capacity and a tenth of its wave resource. We are already on the path to a low carbon economy – Scotland gets nearly a quarter of it electricity from green sources.”
Viridor to rework plans for Portobello road-to-rail proposal
The Taunton-based firm, which has outlined plans to invest £800 million in Scotland over the next five years, had an application for the £7 million project rejected by City of Edinburgh council in September 2008 and then by the Scottish Government's directorate for planning and environmental appeals in June 2010 (see letsrecycle.com story). However, the company claims that the publication of the Scottish Government's Zero Waste Plan in June 2010 has reinforced its belief that such proposals are required in the country.
Martin Grey, communications manager for Viridor, said: “Viridor considers that there remains a strong case for ‘next generation' recycling and waste infrastructure to support sustainable domestic and commercial recycling and resource management in Edinburgh. The company is currently re-working plans to take account of points made by the Scottish Government Reporter and looks forward to bringing forward fresh proposals in due course which will be subject to public consultation at that stage.”
Study highlights food waste levels in NE public sector
The public sector across the North East produces around 10,000 tonnes of food waste each year, a study published by low carbon and energy development agency Renew has claimed.
The research, which was unveiled at an event at the Wilton Centre in Cleveland last week (September 23), was commissioned by Renew as part of its work with The Organics Group, which was formed in 2008 to identify potential for sustainable organic waste management across the North East. The study, which was carried out by environmental consultancy MEL Research on behalf of the group, found an average figure of 9,724 tonnes of organic waste was produced, with educational institutions accounted for 7,950 tonnes of the organic waste generated, hospitals being responsible for 675 tonnes and prisons accounting for 399 tonnes.
Anastasios Bereketidis, environmental technologies specialist at Renew, said: “We are facing increasingly tough challenges in terms of waste treatment and management, especially in terms of the bigger environmental picture and unpredictable economic climate, including the pressure to meet the 2020 Landfill Directive obligations.”
Overton launches refurbished IT reuse business
The initiative will involve a team of experienced technicians checking WEEE material for potential reuse on site. During the process some items will be stripped and their component parts resold, while others will be repaired and PAT(Portable Appliance Testing)-tested, ready for marketing, in accordance with The Institution of Electrical Engineers ‘Code of Practice for In-service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment'. Overton plans to launch Smart Seconds online in November and prospective purchasers will be invited by appointment to view sale items at the firm's premises in Dudley. It is anticipated the operation will open to the general public at a later date.
Dean Overton, managing director of ORL, said: “We decided to open Smart Seconds as we are often asked why items can't simply be reused, rather than always recycled. Manufacturing new items can be energy intensive, and environmentally unfriendly. By promoting the reuse of equipment, we are not only helping reduce carbon emissions for the region, but we are also conforming to the waste hierarchy.”
B&M Waste Services appoints new chief executive
Waste management firm B&M Waste Services has named Peter Cooke as its new chief executive, the first time the family-run company has appointed someone to the role.
Mr Cooke joins the Wirral-based firm with 15 years experience at a senior level in the waste and recycling sector, having held roles at companies such as Canadian Waste Services, Waste Recycling Group and UK Waste Management. The company's chairman and founder, Ken Curtis, still sits on the board, along with his sons, including B&M's managing director, Neil Curtis.
Commenting on his appointment, Mr Cooke said: “B&M Waste Services is a terrific company with outstanding customer service and, in my opinion, is one of the best in the region. The staff are fantastic and know their jobs and customers to an exceedingly high standard. This is reinforced by the fact that many of the staff and numerous customers have been with us since the company began.”
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