I see they have installed recycling bins in Fawcett St next to th Tourist Office.

This includes paper glass plastic and cans.

About bloody time !

There are also now GREEN bins close to the new Ladbrokes shop in the Market Sq.

They're being rolled out all over the city, and it's very good news. Sunderland lags way behind in the league tables for recycling - some of the best-performing councils are surpassing even continental levels of recycling. As part of the same strategy, from March every house will be getting a compartmentalised, wheelie-bin sized bin to replace the inadequate black boxes, and they will take a wider range of recyclables. Hopefully this will help us at least double recycling, meaning less landfill taxes and (even) lower council taxes.

They're being rolled out all over the city, and it's very good news. Sunderland lags way behind in the league tables for recycling - some of the best-performing councils are surpassing even continental levels of recycling. As part of the same strategy, from March every house will be getting a compartmentalised, wheelie-bin sized bin to replace the inadequate black boxes, and they will take a wider range of recyclables. Hopefully this will help us at least double recycling, meaning less landfill taxes and (even) lower council taxes.

Good I'm pleased to hear it.

Again, something like this can only be seen as a positive.

Again, something like this CAN only be seen as a positive.

The more CANS recycled the better.

They're being rolled out all over the city, and it's very good news. Sunderland lags way behind in the league tables for recycling - some of the best-performing councils are surpassing even continental levels of recycling. As part of the same strategy, from March every house will be getting a compartmentalised, wheelie-bin sized bin to replace the inadequate black boxes, and they will take a wider range of recyclables. Hopefully this will help us at least double recycling, meaning less landfill taxes and (even) lower council taxes.

I'm pleased about the Recycling bins in the City Centre, ---and even more so regarding the House Wheelie bins, ---those small boxes were useless.

I'm pleased about the Recycling bins in the City Centre, ---and even more so regarding the House Wheelie bins, ---those small boxes were useless.

I wonder how well used the recycling bins are in the city centre. Apparently the ones outside the Universitys Murray Library get well used.

On a different note regarding the Green issue, ---there are to be Electric Power points installed in the North East, --and I believe Sunderland are to Trial some Electric Buses.

On a different note regarding the Green issue, ---there are to be Electric Power points installed in the North East, --and I believe Sunderland are to Trial some Electric Buses.


Got to be a good thing.

Got to be a good thing.

Yeah, --and I think Durham are going to trial three Buses too.

Yeah, --and I think Durham are going to trial three Buses too.

Good stuff.

^^^^

Confirmation of the Durham post, ---this from the Echo, ---



Electric buses planned for Durham Cathedral route --Published Date: 04 January 2010
Passengers travelling to one of the North East's most iconic buildings are set to enjoy cleaner and greener travel.

Durham County Council is set to introduce three electric buses, thanks to a £300,000 grant from the Department of Transport.

It makes up half the cost of the vehicles, with the remainder coming from the council's own local transport plan budget.
ADVERTISEMENT

They will run as a shuttle service between Durham's railway station, coach park and cathedral by mid-2010 and replace the diesel engines previously placed on the route.

The council's head of transport Adrian White said: "The £300,000 Department for Transport grant covers half the cost which is extremely significant.

"I have no doubt at all these buses will deliver not only happy passengers but considerable environmental benefits as well."

Cabinet member for regeneration and economic development Coun Neil Foster said: "The introduction of these buses will reduce emissions in a highly sensitive area with world heritage site status.

"Carbon emissions will drop by 26 tonnes per year and we hope to expand this service further within the city as soon as possible."

The buses are being made by Optare in Leeds, but will be run by the current operator John Bell Travel.

Lets hope something good will come of this, ---this from the Echo, --

Bid to turn waste into jobs


Published Date: 12 January 2010
Business leaders want to take recycling a step further – by turning rubbish into jobs.

The newly-created North East Sustainable Resources Board wants to make the area the least wasteful in the country.

Labour peer and cabinet member Lord Cunningham chaired the group's first meeting last night. The board is backed by 20 organisations in the region, including councils, universities, businesses, Government Office North East, the Environment Agency and One North East.

Lord Cunningham said: "We have been a throwaway society and that is a mindset which needs to change."





Page 1 of 1

Last Updated: 12 January 2010 9:35 AM
Source: n/a
Location: Sunderland

So.... Electric buses....


http://puregenius.mackemlad.com:999/weblog/images/TramAtSunderlandStation.JPG

^^^^


Aye, the good old Trams, ---I reckon they could bring back the odd route,--for Tourism, --say from Seaburn to St Peters, --maybe into the City Centre, ----btw love the old photo, :cheers:

Heres a bit more on the Green issue, ---this from todays Echo, --




Electric car revolution is underway
READY TO ROLL: Sunderland City Council Leader Paul Watson with one of the four new electric Smart cars which council staff will be using.

Published Date:
21 January 2010
By Kevin Clark
Sunderland's green revolution is hitting the streets.
Electric Smart cars, like the one pictured above, will become a familiar sight on Wearside roads in the coming weeks.

The city council has taken delivery of four electric cars as part of a region-wide trial of the technology, to be used by staff or lent out to other public and private sector organisations over the next three weeks.

The cars have been provided by Cenex, the UK's Centre of Excellence for Low Carbon and Fuel Technologies, as part of a six-month trial in partnership with regional development agency One NorthEast, consultancy Future Transport Systems and Newcastle University.

City council leader Coun Paul Watson said: "This electric vehicle trial is an important step towards Sunderland's aim of becoming a low-carbon city.

"As well as supporting Sunderland in becoming the centre of electric vehicle manufacturing, we must also make sure electric vehicles are used more widely – by the council, city employers and residents.

" These electric cars being trialled by the council and city partners will give us first-hand experience of what electric vehicles can do, helping us plan how to use them more widely in our operations."

The trial vehicles will be used to collect technical information such as battery usage, vehicle speeds, estimation of equivalent CO2 emissions and even efficiency over use over different terrains and vehicle economy and reliability.

The cars are basic "Smart fortwo" coupes with the engine replaced with an electric motor.

With a range of 75 miles at a constant speed of 30mph, they are capable of speeds up to 60mph and can be plugged into any 13amp three-pin socket to recharge.

The council is installing a number of electric vehicle charging points within public car parks, which will help electric vehicle drivers charge their cars and keep them on the road for longer. Chris Pywell, One NorthEast's man in charge of driving forward the green transport revolution, said: "This important trial is helping us to spread the message that electric vehicles are a viable and clean alternative to the internal combustion engine," he said.

"We hope as many people as possible get the chance to use these cars."

Page 1 of 1

Last Updated: 21 January 2010

I was putting some newspapers in the recyling bins beside Sunderland Railway station and it was nearly full. Good sign.

I was putting some newspapers in the recyling bins beside Sunderland Railway station and it was nearly full. Good sign.


Good signs indeed marra, ---lets hope people discard their paper and cartons from the takeaways into bins too.

Following on with the Electric car theme, --- a bit more, --this from the Echo, ---



Shoppers would be happy with this charge
Viv Stephens, of Cenex, and Chris Pywell, head of strategic economic change at One NorthEast, with an electric Smart car.

Published Date:
21 January 2010
By Kevin Clark
Sunderland shoppers could be set for an electric experience.
Land Securities, owners of The Bridges, is one of the first to answer a call from regional development agency One NorthEast to businesses interested in installing electric vehicle charging points.

The agency is preparing its bid to the Government's £30million Plugged-In Places scheme, which will provide match-funding for installation of charging points on streets, in car parks and in commercial, retail and leisure premises.

Chris Pywell is One NorthEast's man in charge of promoting the green revolution.

He said: "This is an excellent financial opportunity for regional businesses and organisations who want to help lead the switch towards green transport and we want as many people as possible to be involved.

"If our bid is successful, the funding would strengthen our region's position as a leading location in the UK both for electric car technology and for the development of a national charging infrastructure."

The scheme has already attracted a lot of interest and anyone else wanting to be involved should contact the agency as soon as possible, as bids have to be in by January 31.

Businesses and organisations signing up will ultimately be able to install charging points for half the standard price – about £2,500 instead of £5,000 – with the difference made up by the Plugged-In Places funding.

As well as Land Securities, supermarket giant Tesco has already signed up, alongside Sunderland and Newcastle city councils, Durham County and South Tyneside, Sunderland University and the Wearside-based North East Business and Innovation Centre.

The charging points secured through the scheme will contribute to the 619 which One North East is going to install this year.

Businesses and organisations interested in signing up to the sheme should contact Dr David Beeton, business strategy senior specialist at One North East, on 229 6382 or email david.beeton@onenortheast.co.uk

I was putting some newspapers in the recyling bins beside Sunderland Railway station and it was nearly full. Good sign.


Am pleased to see bins for plastic bottles as well as for cans and paper. I noticed one of these being emptied at Concord last week - they just have normal green wheelie bins inside - and it was full to the top of waste that would otherwise have gone straight to landfill.

Now for the domestic recycling wheelie bins, which won't be long.

Am pleased to see bins for plastic bottles as well as for cans and paper. I noticed one of these being emptied at Concord last week - they just have normal green wheelie bins inside - and it was full to the top of waste that would otherwise have gone straight to landfill.

Now for the domestic recycling wheelie bins, which won't be long.


Yeah I agree, ----and I believe think the new bins are due to be sent out in April

Yeah I agree, ----and I believe think the new bins are due to be sent out in April

Yes hopefully that will be a big help.

I'll be pleased to get one of these new bins, be much better than those little boxes.

I'll be pleased to get one of these new bins, be much better than those little boxes.


Your spot on there marra.

Well I put our box out for the collectors on three occasions, ---and each time it was not emptied, ---needless to say I didn't bother again, --but the new bin will be much better than the box.

Just a bit more regarding Electric Car, ---this from the Echo, --


Wearside electric car charging points revealed
CHARGING UP: One NorthEast chief executive Alan Clarke, Sunderland council leader Coun Paul Watson, and Mitesh Dhanak, of Gosfoth-based Eaga, charge up one of the firm’s electric Smart cars in the One North East car park.
Published Date: 25 February 2010
Electric vehicle charging points are on their way to Wearside, at locations including The Bridges shopping centre and Park Lane.
A £7.8million fund to install 1,300 charging points across the region over the next three years was today unveiled by regional development agency One North East and the national Office for Low Emission Vehicles (Olev).

The charging points network will include streets, car parks, residential and commercial locations, shops and leisure centres.

Locations on Wearside will include the e.volve Business Centre in Rainton Bridge, The Bridges shopping centre, Park Lane Interchange, Nissan, the North East Business and Innovation Centre and the University of Sunderland.

City Hospitals Sunderland, the city council, Northumbria Police and even supermarket giant Tesco are also partners in the project and will be installing charging points at various locations.

Olev confirmed it is ploughing in almost £3million through its Plugged-In Places programme.

The North East scheme has been financially supported by more than 40 partners from the public and private sector, who have pledged more than £1million for charging points to be installed at their premises.

Other organisations involved include Durham County Council, Durham University, South Tyneside, Gateshead, and Newcastle councils, the MetroCentre, Newcastle Airport, Newcastle University, and Teesside University.

The response to Plugged-In Places has been so enthusiastic that One North East is continuing to offer match-funding for charging points – enabling businesses and other organisations to install them for half the standard price (about £2,500 instead of about £5,000).

Sunderland City Council leader Coun Paul Watson, chairman of the Association of North East Councils, said: "The fact that all local authorities in the region have plugged in to this exciting project is testament to their commitment to reducing carbon emissions and in demonstrating their support for developing low carbon vehicles in the North East."




Page 1 of 1

There recycling bins in Park Lane Interchange now.

I tend to use the recyling bin @ CLC where they have slots for paper plastic (2)and cans. Don't understand why they do not include a glass one.

I tend to use the recyling bin @ CLC where they have slots for paper plastic (2)and cans. Don't understand why they do not include a glass one.


Not long before you will have your new recycling bin kb, -----the Council said they will be delivering them in April.

Not long before you will have your new recycling bin kb, -----the Council said they will be delivering them in April.

Long overdue.

Long overdue.


The Council are to roll out the new bins next month, --and it will take a year to phase them in.

The Council are to roll out the new bins next month, --and it will take a year to phase them in.


There's a bit in the Echo today, --saying the Council will start delivering the bins next Monday, ---and as has been said, ---it will take a year before everyone get their bin.

Very pleased about the new recycling bins - not only that their size will make recycling easier for people, but that they are able to accept cardboard and plastics for the first time. I also like their colour - a deep navy blue as opposed to the garish artificial light blue of Biffa and other private bins - and actually quite stylish (for a bin).

Was in Town this morning, --and noticed theres various waste bins around for taking bottles and plastic /paper etcetera, ----the two areas I saw were, --Park Lane, and outside Crowtree, ---it's a good idea, ---lets hope people make use of them.

As the Council are phasing the new bins in over a year period, ---just wondering if anyone on here has received theirs yet, cheers.

A friend of ours got their blue bin last week, --they live near Shiney Row, ---has anyone else received theirs ?

Some good news at last.

Published Date: 28 April 2010
The foundations have been laid for Wearside's green revolution.
Work on a £210million plant to build batteries that will power the next generation of electric vehicles began at Nissan's Sunderland factory yesterday.

The company's global chief operating officer Toshiyuki Shiga carried out the ground-breaking ceremony to mark the beginning of work on the 25,000m2 facility that could create up to 800 jobs.

Due to come on-line in early 2012, the plant will initially produce 60,000 batteries a year for electric vehicles produced by Nissan and its partner Renault.

The factory is expected to create 200 jobs at Nissan and up to 600 more in the plant's UK supply chain – the vast majority of which is based in the region.

It will play a crucial role when the Sunderland factory begins building the Nissan Leaf – the first affordable electric family car.

Mr Shiga told an invited audience including representatives of unions, business and public sector organisations such as Sunderland City Council and One NorthEast that Nissan was determined to be at the forefront of the green transport revolution.

The battery plant development was a huge vote of confidence which would put Sunderland at the cutting edge of the new technology.

"I know we can rely on the Sunderland management team and workforce to deliver this exceptional vehicle to our customers," he said.

"Today marks the beginning of an extraordinary journey for your plant.

"This is a big responsibility, but you have earned the trust and confidence Nissan has placed in you."

His comments were echoed by plant boss Trevor Mann who told guests: "I think this speaks volumes about the commitment and trust that Nissan has in the UK operation and today represents further confirmation of that."

The battery plant will be just part of the region's commitment to be a Low-Carbon Economic Area.

Page 1 of 1
Last Updated: 28 April 2010 10:23 AM
Source: Sunderland Echo
Location: Sunderland

^^^^

Yeah, ---excellent news, --and more jobs to come.:banana:

We got a letter the other day informing us that we will be getting our new blue bins in a couple of weeks ---:)

We had our new blue bin delivered last week, --so will be putting stuff for recycling in, ---anyone else received theirs yet?.

We had our new blue bin delivered last week, --so will be putting stuff for recycling in, ---anyone else received theirs yet?.

Not as yet.

Not as yet.


I believe the Council are phasing the bins over a period of a year, --so could be anytime marra.

It's good to see old Ship yards being used again, ---this time to build --wave powered generators, ----the Dock and Engineering Company --have Designed and built ---Sunderland's Neptune Proteus Tidal Generator, --and the first one will have trials in Humberside, ---so lets hope it's a success, ---also it's good to see Sunderland doing their bit for the green issue.

Our blue bin is due next Thursday. The council has a website that lets you know when yours is due due (they are delivered on normal recycling collection day): http://www.sunderland.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=2435

Our blue bin is due next Thursday. The council has a website that lets you know when yours is due due (they are delivered on normal recycling collection day): http://www.sunderland.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=2435


Had ours a few weeks now, ----and we are into a routine, --the bin has been full each time they have collected, ---it's much better than the box.

It's good to see old Ship yards being used again, ---this time to build --wave powered generators, ----the Dock and Engineering Company --have Designed and built ---Sunderland's Neptune Proteus Tidal Generator, --and the first one will have trials in Humberside, ---so lets hope it's a success, ---also it's good to see Sunderland doing their bit for the green issue.




Got these from BBC Wear,--


http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t282/BRITISH100/proteus1.jpg


http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t282/BRITISH100/proteus2.jpg


http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t282/BRITISH100/proteuswave.jpg

I like this idea, -- --this from BBC Wear, --



Approval for County Durham waste treatment plantA County Durham recycling firm has been given the go-ahead to extend a scheme to turn household waste into compost.

The Environment Agency and Defra have backed plans by Premier Waste Management to treat 60,000 tonnes of waste in Thornley, near Peterlee.

The firm uses bio-processing technology to break down household waste into a compost-like material which is then used to enhance poor quality soil.

The process cuts the amount of waste sent to landfill sites by about 75%.

A company spokesman said it hoped to produce about 5,000 tonnes of soil supplement a year.

I was surprised to find that the council are still delivering the blue recycling bins in certain areas of the city. I thought the process has been completed.

I was surprised to find that the council are still delivering the blue recycling bins in certain areas of the city. I thought the process has been completed.

I believe they were to phase in the new bins over a year.

Free parking for eco bright sparks
Nissan Leaf
By Kevin Clark
Published on Tue Dec 14 12:22:30 GMT 2010


SUNDERLAND’S electric dream has taken a step closer with the official order to create free parking spaces for eco-friendly vehicles.


Sunderland City Council has officially advertised the traffic order that will see electric charging posts installed in car parks across Wearside.

Spaces will be reserved for electric vehicles alone and drivers will be able to park free for up to four hours – as long as they are actively recharging from the power point.

Read more --
http://www.sunderlandecho.com/news/business/latest-news/free_parking_for_eco_bright_sparks_1_2855564

Inova Power hoping to create hundreds of jobs
by Karen Dent, The Journal, February 16th 2011


A START-UP company is aiming to create hundreds of jobs by developing a system to extend how far electric vehicles can travel, making them more commercially viable.

North East firm Inova Power Ltd has teamed up with the University of Sunderland to commercialise the breakthrough, which extracts hydrogen from water to power vehicles.

The lack of distance that electric vehicles can currently travel without having to be recharged is considered a major drawback to their widespread uptake but Inova is aiming to overcome the issue.

Managing director Mark Nailis said: “One of the biggest concerns is people won’t buy them. It’s the range. Some electric transit vans have a range of around 50 miles and then need to be recharged but our system will be able to go for a 150-mile round trip range.

“We’re working with a consortium with the University of Sunderland and a range of companies involved with electric vehicles to put into the next generation of cars. We are working to extend the electric vehicle range over the next 12 months ready for the market.”


Read More - http://www.nebusiness.co.uk/business-news/latest-business-news/2011/02/16/inova-power-hoping-to-create-hundreds-of-jobs-51140-28177748/

Inova Power hoping to create hundreds of jobs
by Karen Dent, The Journal, February 16th 2011


A START-UP company is aiming to create hundreds of jobs by developing a system to extend how far electric vehicles can travel, making them more commercially viable.

North East firm Inova Power Ltd has teamed up with the University of Sunderland to commercialise the breakthrough, which extracts hydrogen from water to power vehicles.

The lack of distance that electric vehicles can currently travel without having to be recharged is considered a major drawback to their widespread uptake but Inova is aiming to overcome the issue.

Managing director Mark Nailis said: “One of the biggest concerns is people won’t buy them. It’s the range. Some electric transit vans have a range of around 50 miles and then need to be recharged but our system will be able to go for a 150-mile round trip range.

“We’re working with a consortium with the University of Sunderland and a range of companies involved with electric vehicles to put into the next generation of cars. We are working to extend the electric vehicle range over the next 12 months ready for the market.”


Read More - http://www.nebusiness.co.uk/business-news/latest-business-news/2011/02/16/inova-power-hoping-to-create-hundreds-of-jobs-51140-28177748/


Sounds like a good idea, ---I hope they have success with this, --and of course hope there are many jobs created.

Bit more regarding electric cars and business, ---this from the Sunderland Echo, --


Sunderland-based EDF goes electric


EDF Energy's Richard Austin, Helen Ingram, Nigel OBrien-Bird, Simon Round and Gill Dixon with the MINI Es at EDF Energys Doxford office.




Published on Tuesday 8 November 2011 10:25



AN energy company is switching its supplier – by swapping petrol vehicles for electric cars.


Sunderland-based EDF Energy has taken delivery of three electric BMW Minis, as part of a drive to lower carbon emissions.

The firm has leased 35 fully-electric vehicles with London 2012 and EDF branding.

Three will be used at its offices in Doxford International Business Park.

Gareth Wynn, director of EDF’s 2012 programme, said: “Electric cars are already a lower-carbon choice, but as we progress with decarbonising electricity production in the UK over the coming years, the environmental case will get stronger and stronger.

Read more http://www.sunderlandecho.com/news/business/latest-news/sunderland_based_edf_goes_electric_1_3947451

Free parking for eco bright sparks
Nissan Leaf
By Kevin Clark
Published on Tue Dec 14 12:22:30 GMT 2010


SUNDERLAND’S electric dream has taken a step closer with the official order to create free parking spaces for eco-friendly vehicles.


Sunderland City Council has officially advertised the traffic order that will see electric charging posts installed in car parks across Wearside.

Spaces will be reserved for electric vehicles alone and drivers will be able to park free for up to four hours – as long as they are actively recharging from the power point.

Read more --
http://www.sunderlandecho.com/news/business/latest-news/free_parking_for_eco_bright_sparks_1_2855564

Nice touch to see SAF supporing the Nissan electric car with their red white and green slogan painted on the car outside the SOL.

Nice touch to see SAF supporing the Nissan electric car with their red white and green slogan painted on the car outside the SOL.

Yeah, --and hopefully the Electric car will prove to be a winner, --although the price may well be to much for many.

Yeah, --and hopefully the Electric car will prove to be a winner, --although the price may well be to much for many.

What price are they ?

What price are they ?


Think I read something in the region of 20to25k but don't quote me on that :)

Sunderland plea to Vince Cable in green bank bid
by Adrian Pearson, The Journal, January 9th 2012


PRESSURE is mounting on the Government to base its Green Investment Bank in the North East. as Sunderland makes its case to host the £3 billion centre.

Council bosses have confirmed they are bidding to Vince Cable’s Department for Business to have the site, which will underpin the country’s switch to low- carbon jobs. Since the demise of development agency One North East the region has had to look again at how it supports the renewable energy industry.

The local enterprise partnership, in which council and business leaders work together to grow the economy, has made an effort to fill that leadership void by creating enterprise zones around Sunderland’s Nissan plant and on the banks of the River Tyne.

Now Paul Watson, leader of Sunderland Council, says he wants to build on these moves by bringing the Green Investment Bank to his city. “We have a unique offer here. We can show with Nissan, for example, that we are already creating these jobs,” Mr Watson said. “We now have to show to the Government that we have the confidence to grow even further in this area. There is very stiff competition,

City leaders in Newcastle, Cardiff, Bristol, Manchester, London, Liverpool and Teesside have also made bids to host the bank .

A decision on the location is expected in March.


Read More (Two Pages) - http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2012/01/09/sunderland-plea-to-vince-cable-in-green-bank-bid-61634-30083623/#ixzz1ix3xw6s5

^^^^

Suppose it's worth throwing their hat in the ring, ---but there's plenty of competition, --worth a try though.

Sunderland plea to Vince Cable in green bank bid
by Adrian Pearson, The Journal, January 9th 2012


PRESSURE is mounting on the Government to base its Green Investment Bank in the North East. as Sunderland makes its case to host the £3 billion centre.

Council bosses have confirmed they are bidding to Vince Cable’s Department for Business to have the site, which will underpin the country’s switch to low- carbon jobs. Since the demise of development agency One North East the region has had to look again at how it supports the renewable energy industry.

Now Paul Watson, leader of Sunderland Council, says he wants to build on these moves by bringing the Green Investment Bank to his city. “We have a unique offer here. We can show with Nissan, for example, that we are already creating these jobs,” Mr Watson said. “We now have to show to the Government that we have the confidence to grow even further in this area. There is very stiff competition,


Read More (Two Pages) - http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2012/01/09/sunderland-plea-to-vince-cable-in-green-bank-bid-61634-30083623/#ixzz1ix3xw6s5


Green Investment Bank to be based
in Edinburgh and London
Department for Business, Innovation & Skills Website, 8th March 2012

Vince Cable announces the location of the first ever UK Green Investment Bank.
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%204/green-investment-bank-bids-map-480-555.jpg

THE HEADQUARTERS of the Green Investment Bank will be located in Edinburgh, with the GIB’s main transaction team based in London. This arrangement will enable a greater commercial reach nationally than could be achieved from one location.

Business Secretary Vince Cable said: “Harnessing the strengths of Edinburgh and London will support the Green Investment Bank’s ambition to become a world leader. "Edinburgh has a thriving green sector and respected expertise in areas such as asset management. London, as the world’s leading financial centre, will ensure that the GIB’s transaction team can hit the ground running.

“This decision will allow the UK GIB to operate effectively and achieve its mission of mobilising the additional investment needed to accelerate the UK’s transition to a green economy.”

The next step for the GIB is the recruitment of the Chair and Senior Independent Director so that it will be in a position to be fully operational this Autumn, subject to state aid approval for the GIB. The GIB is expected to employ 50-70 full time equivalent staff across the two sites.


Read Article - http://www.bis.gov.uk/news/topstories/2012/Mar/green-investment-bank-based-london-edinburgh

^^^^

Really not surprised that Sunderland or North East didn't get this, --but good luck to the winners.

Worries grow over 'sea' of turbines in the North East
by Tom Rowley, The Journal, April 9th 2012

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/nejournal/apr2012/8/7/wind-turbine-map-225703992.gif

ALMOST 200 more wind turbines could soon be put up across the North East, The Journal can reveal. Applicants want to put another 194 of the turbines in Northumberland, Gateshead and County Durham, according to local councils. About 109 of these applications come in addition to farms that have already won planning permission, our survey discloses. The figures come days after a motion to slow down the rate of wind farm approvals in Northumberland was rejected by councillors. But they backed an alternative motion to consult more widely about the future of the farms. The applications range from a site of 18 turbines with the capacity to produce 75 megawatts of energy to several single turbines on farms.

In Northumberland, 19 turbines are under construction, 59 have been approved subject to a raft of different conditions and a further 33 have received planning permission. Durham County Council is currently reviewing two applications for five turbines each at Sheraton Hill, east of Durham, and at Hamsterley Forest. Planners in Gateshead are considering a single application for a turbine at Eighton Banks. A further two schemes have asked the council if they will require an environmental impact assessment before planning approval is given.

Newcastle, North Tyneside, South Tyneside and Sunderland councils have received no applications.

Coun Glen Sanderson, who brought the Northumberland motion calling for a halt to applications, said he was surprised by the number of potential turbines uncovered by our survey. He said the new figures were “even more disturbing” for opponents of wind farms. “The people that I represent are firmly of the view that Northumberland has already had its fair share of applications,” he said.

A spokesman for Renewable UK, a group which represents firms behind wind farms, said: “Our planning system already factors in the impact of existing wind farms when assessing planning applications and so putting arbitrary limits on wind farms is wrong. “We should continue to assess each wind farm on a case by case basis. Wind farms represent an investment of millions of pounds, of which about a third is retained in the region in the form of jobs, contracts and supplies.”


Read More (Two Pages) - http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2012/04/09/worries-grow-over-sea-of-turbines-in-the-north-east-61634-30721880/#ixzz1rX4qPIwP

^^^^


I'm not totally against wind farms, ---but it seems there are more and more Turbines being constructed every year, --personally, I don't mind the odd few wind farms dotted about, --but I wouldn't like to see swathes of Countryside covered with Turbines, ---suppose it's all about striking the right balance.

This from the Sunderland Echo, ---

Offer for owners of electric cars


Echo reporter Kevin Clark with the Nissan Leaf




Published on Sunday 8 April 2012 08:00



ELECTRIC vehicle owners in the North East are being urged to plug into the region’s growing charging point network.


For taking part in a trial, they will receive their own domestic charger in return.

It has been introduced by Charge your Car, the North East’s Plugged in Places scheme, to gain valuable data about how EV drivers use charging points.

Project manager Josey Wardle said the trial is crucial in encouraging more EV drivers on to the roads.


Read more http://www.sunderlandecho.com/news/business/latest-news/offer-for-owners-of-electric-cars-1-4430334

Subjects and Articles relating the sustainable technology and the environment

Sustainability
Low and Zero Carbon Renewable Technology
Energy Efficiency

Emerald Biogas to bring energy from food waste to the North East

The first commercial food waste anaerobic digestion plant in the North East of England could soon be up and running, after Emerald Biogas today announced that it had secured a £850,000 loan from government-backed waste advisory body WRAP.

The company said the WRAP loan, which follows the agreement of £3.3m in finance from HSBC and the award of a £1.86m grant from the Rural Development Programme for England, will allow it to begin work on the new facility later this month.

The first phase of the project is expected to deliver 53,000 tonnes of food waste processing capacity, providing 1.4MW of electricity capacity, and the ability to offer heat to adjacent buildings on the Aycliffe Industrial Estate in County Durham.

The company said it was also working on plans for a second phase of the project that would take the plant's processing capacity up to 70,000 tonnes of food waste and increase its power output to 2.5MW, enough to supply more than 3,000 homes.

In addition, the facility's anaerobic digestor will produce an estimated 47,000 tonnes a year of digestate that can be used as a biofertiliser for the agricultural sector.

Emerald Biogas' Ian Bainbridge said that with the facility representing the first commercial food waste plant in the region the company was well positioned to process some of the 800,000 tonnes of food waste produced in the North East each year.

His comments were echoed by WRAP director Marcus Gover, who added that the plant would deliver significant environmental benefits to the region.

"The North East has a strong food manufacturing sector but the food waste it currently produces is sent to landfill or for 'rendering' – which is an energy-intensive measure," he explained. "We're delighted that the ADLF will be able to help Emerald Biogas build and commission a new, much-needed facility to serve this region."

The deal represents the second time WRAP has provided a loan from its recently launched £10m anaerobic digestion loan fund (ADLF), after £800,000 was provided earlier this year to support Malaby Biogas' planned anaerobic digestion plant in Wiltshire.

A WRAP spokeswoman told BusinessGreen that the organisation was continuing to seek loan applications and urged biogas firms to consider making use of the ADLF scheme.

"There's still money in the fund and there are still opportunities there for the right projects," she said.

Source http://www.businessgreen.com/bg/news/2198058/emerald-biogas-to-bring-energy-from-food-waste-to-the-north-east

^^^^

This is good news all round, --the Emerald Biogas claims it's Plant will provide Electricity--Heat and fertiliser, --and will also have Environmental benefits to the Region, ---lets hope this renewable energy initiative is a success, --there will be new jobs created too, ---btw, --welcome to the forum marra.

This from the Sunderland Echo, --


ROAD TEST – Nissan Infiniti

Published on Friday 7 September 2012 17:21


ELECTRIC motors are the big news right now. Motoring man LES OLIVER puts Nissan’s luxury Infiniti hybrid through its paces.



THE Infiniti brand has only been available in Britain for a couple of years, and on the continent for not much more than that.

So this luxury arm of Nissan is relatively unknown compared to the likes of BMW and Audi.

Execs in the market for a luxury saloon are spoilt for choice with the generally highly thought-of German big three leading the field.

But the arrival of a hybrid version of Infiniti’s seriously quick 3.5-litre V6 adds a fresh dimension.

Not only do you have a 360hp powerplant that will whisk you to the 62mph benchmark in 5.5 seconds and on to 155mph, you also get whisper quiet performance - and 40-plus mpg economy.

And it’s just under the important 160g/km tax threshold.

That silent start as you glide away from the pavement always amazes any passenger not used to electric motoring.

Out on open country roads he is flabbergasted as this extremely calm nature is transformed into a Jekyll and Hyde racer.

Read more http://www.sunderlandecho.com/lifestyle/road-test-nissan-infiniti-1-4909309

This from the Sunderland Echo, --


ROAD TEST – Nissan Infiniti

Published on Friday 7 September 2012 17:21


ELECTRIC motors are the big news right now. Motoring man LES OLIVER puts Nissan’s luxury Infiniti hybrid through its paces.



THE Infiniti brand has only been available in Britain for a couple of years, and on the continent for not much more than that.

So this luxury arm of Nissan is relatively unknown compared to the likes of BMW and Audi.

Execs in the market for a luxury saloon are spoilt for choice with the generally highly thought-of German big three leading the field.

But the arrival of a hybrid version of Infiniti’s seriously quick 3.5-litre V6 adds a fresh dimension.

Not only do you have a 360hp powerplant that will whisk you to the 62mph benchmark in 5.5 seconds and on to 155mph, you also get whisper quiet performance - and 40-plus mpg economy.

And it’s just under the important 160g/km tax threshold.

That silent start as you glide away from the pavement always amazes any passenger not used to electric motoring.

Out on open country roads he is flabbergasted as this extremely calm nature is transformed into a Jekyll and Hyde racer.

Read more http://www.sunderlandecho.com/lifestyle/road-test-nissan-infiniti-1-4909309

More good news for the city.

^^^^

Yeah it is good news, ---would like to think these cars will be a manufacturing success

This from the Sunderland Echo, --

Tomorrow’s technology, today’ – Transport Secretary in Sunderland to announce £37million boost for electric vehicles Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin pictured during his visit to the Skills Academy for Sustainable Manufacturing at Nissan, Sunderland. His visit was to launch a new scheme for electirc vehicle plug-in points.

Published on Wednesday 20 February 2013 09:37


PRODUCTION at Sunderland’s Nissan plant could be boosted after plans to increase the number of charging stations nationwide were announced.


Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin visited Wearside yesterday to reveal a £37million funding scheme to help with the costs of installing charging point for electric cars in public and residential areas.

The pot of cash can be accessed by local authorities looking to introduce rapid charging points, which can give vehicles enough power for a journey of around 100 miles in under half an hour.

Read more http://www.sunderlandecho.com/news/business/latest-news/tomorrow-s-technology-today-transport-secretary-in-sunderland-to-announce-37million-boost-for-electric-vehicles-1-5428644