Newly appointed energy secretary Edward Davey visited BRE’s Innovation Park in Watford today in his first official appointment since replacing Chris Huhne on Friday.

Joined by Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg on his tour of the Innovation Park he said ‘My priorities are very simple: green jobs, green growth and getting the best deal for energy bill payers. My department is already implementing bold and ambitious reforms – like electricity market reform and the Green Deal – to unlock private investment, drive innovation and build a resilient, green competitive economy. It’s now my job to see those through.

 
The water shortages already threatening East Anglia’s parched countryside could worsen drastically in future unless urgent action is taken to mitigate the twin threats of climate change and population growth.

That stark warning comes in an Environment Agency (EA) report which suggests river levels could plunge by as much as 80pc if rainfall dries up and demand for water continues to rise unchecked by 2050.

The spectre of the regions’s finest waterways being reduced to muddy trickles is the most pessimistic scenario among several analysed in the report, with other models predicting less severe outcomes.

Following the submission of information to the Green Deal consultation paper, Garry Worthington, Head of Green Deal at Climate Energy says:

“There are a number of challenges facing the Government if the Green Deal and Energy Company Obligation (ECO) are to deliver cost-effective emissions reductions and meet the carbon reduction targets which have been set.

The fifth annual edition of the State of Green Business report continues efforts to measure the environmental impacts of the emerging green economy. In addition to documenting what progress companies are making -- if any -- in improving their environmental performance, we track larger trends that will affect corporate America in 2012.

whg’s Skills Centre has expanded its offering to now include the very latest in renewable energy technology installation and maintenance.

Industry professionals can learn how to install and maintain solar and photovoltaic panels, designed to generate heat and electricity, at the dedicated training centre in the heart of the Midlands.

The Countdown has begun: the Green Deal represents a bright spot in our industry’s future, but industry, Government and training providers must work together to put qualification frameworks in place as a matter of urgency. Small and medium sized contractors need to prepare now if they are to benefit when the Green Deal launches in Autumn 2012.

--- Shadow Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change Caroline Flint MP and Shadow Energy Minister Tom Greatrex MP tour Glasgow House, which could reduce fuel bills by two-thirds ---

Scotland’s first generation of ‘renewables apprentices’ were unveiled to UK Shadow Ministers on Tuesday (15 November).

Caroline Flint MP, the Shadow Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, toured City Building’s Glasgow House, which successfully demonstrates a two-thirds energy cost reduction compared with a typical three-bedroom home.

Tom Greatrex MP, Shadow Energy Minister also met apprentices involved in the pioneering project at City Building’s Skills Academy in Laurieston, where the two prototype, efficient, fully functional family homes are sited.

City Building runs Scotland’s largest – and most successful – apprentice training centres and trains over 500 trade apprentice joiners, electricians, plumbers, gas engineers, painters & decorators.

As part of the programme the apprentices will gain specific qualifications in micro-renewables. The move is designed to meet the growing market for green installations to support the UK’s ambitious energy-efficiency targets.

The Glasgow House project, a unique partnership between City Building, Glasgow Housing Association and PRP Architects, has delivered highly-efficient prototype family homes constructed by local workers and apprentices, which have cut fuel costs dramatically at a time of major concern for families.

Caroline Flint MP, the Shadow Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, said: “I’ve been very impressed by what I have seen at the Skills Academy. Apprentices here are receiving the kind of training that will meet the needs of the workplace of today and tomorrow. Their skills will most certainly be in demand.”

Tom Greatrex MP, the Shadow Energy Minister, added: “Fuel poverty is an area of real ongoing concern for families in Scotland and across the UK. That’s why the Glasgow House, which has the capacity to cut annual energy costs by two thirds, is such an exciting beacon of hope. We’ve been lucky enough to have a glimpse of the family house of the future.”

Cllr. Stephen Curran, Chair of City Building, said: “We are very proud of the groundbreaking direction we are taking at City Building which has always looked to equip its apprentices with the skills they need for today and the future. Our workers are arguably the most skilled tradespeople in Scotland and will certainly support the society of tomorrow.”

A recent report from The Mackintosh Environmental Architecture Research Unit (MEARU), which looks at solar energy design within the Mackintosh School of Architecture, has also praised the Glasgow House.

It said: “The dwellings [make] a significant contribution to mitigating the effects of fuel poverty,” and that for future residents of such houses, “fuel poverty would not be experienced, regardless of the household’s economic activity.”

One of the largest “green” training centres in the country opened its doors in Liverpool this week. The centre – which features a full-size ‘indoor house’ – has been opened by Liverpool Community College as part of its drive to invest in the sustainable sector.