Welcome to the first edition of the Social Enterprise Link Environment and Recycling Network Newsletter.  The newsletters are an opportunity to find out what other members from the network are doing, and news and information that affect the sector.

Member News

Calderdale Climate Challenge have got a new website with lots of useful information check it out on www.calderdaleclimatechallenge.org.uk

Bradford Environmental Action Trust

Full Time Funding Helps Bradford Businesses Recycle

Bradford Environmental Action Trust’s (BEAT) Pennine Waste Exchange will now be running full time after securing funding of more than £150,000 this year to allow it to expand. Grants totalling £113,665 have come from European and Neighbourhood Renewal funds, and £53,574 was awarded by Defra’s Business Reuse Fund.

BEAT is a registered charity that has been working since 1992 to help communities in the Bradford District achieve a sustainable, healthy environment. Its Pennine Waste Exchange was set up in 2003 to help companies reuse their business waste by matching their waste materials with the needs of recyclers and community groups who can reuse or recycle the waste.

The service is FREE and is targeted at companies that often have little time or expertise to be able to find routes to reuse or recycle their waste.  All the waste is listed on the Waste Exchange database on the BEAT website (www.beat.org.uk) to allow interested parties to browse the materials available and voluntary groups can also list the resources they need. To enhance the service, Waste Exchange staff email and ring around contacts to find a home for the waste or to locate the resources requested.

The scheme has already helped some prominent names to divert resources which would other wise have been sent to landfill. In September this year more than one tonne of redundant dining room tables and chairs from the Hilton Hotel in Bradford were saved from the skip and redirected to local community groups including the Tree House community café in Bradford.

More recently, the Pennine Waste Exchange was successful in matching the local IKEA store with Nutramulch a new composting venture in Otley which now takes around 60 tonnes of waste chipboard and wood from the retail store. The resultant compost is being used to improve agricultural land in the area.

Those who would like to know more about the Pennine Waste Exchange or other services offered by BEAT can call directly on 01274 718420 or visit http://www.beat.org.uk/

 

Recycling Action Yorkshire

Capital grants for farm plastics recyclers within Yorkshire and the Humber

Farm-based plastic is a priority area for the development of recycling within the RAY plastics programme. There are currently a number of collection services operating within the region for agricultural plastics, but there is significant potential to expand this activity and improve its efficiency. Those delivering collection services have highlighted that investment in capital equipment, such as balers and additional vehicles would help to extend their coverage.

RAY is seeking to invest in new and existing companies involved in the collection of plastics from agricultural sources. Grants are available for between £2000 and £10,000 to spend on capital equipment to expand collection infrastructure. For example this may take the form of baling equipment, an additional vehicle, work on premises, or ancillary equipment. As funds are limited, grants will be made available to businesses on a competitive basis.

Plastic Project Calls

RAY is currently seeking proposals from companies to develop plastic recycling projects within the region.

We would like to hear from companies looking to develop projects in Yorkshire and the Humber in the following areas:

• the collection of plastics from domestic, commercial/industrial and agricultural sources
• the reprocessing of plastics, including the implementation of new sorting facilities and washing plant
• the implementation of recycled plastics into new, innovative, high value products.

If you are interested in receiving support to develop a plastics collection/reprocessing/product project then please download the prospectus below along with the document: "development of plastics collections and reprocessing capacity within Yorkshire and the Humber" and contact me with your details:

Steven Ogden - Project Manager, Plastics
0113 237 8416
07725 938 334

Organics Project Calls

Organic Closed Loop Recycling Exemplar Projects

RAY is looking for partners to increase diversion of organic waste from landfill across Yorkshire and Humber. RAY would like to help partners to start composting organic waste and use the resulting compost on site, or increase the amount of organic waste they compost and use on site, and disseminate the practice of processing and using compost on site. RAY will support spend on reprocessing equipment required to start or expand organic closed loop recycling, marketing excess organic waste compost product, procuring organic waste compost if required, staff time to disseminate and prepare reports on the process of organic waste closed loop recycling, staff time to hold events to train other organisations of a similar nature on organic waste closed loop recycling, how to use it on their landscapes and how to deliver excess compost to sustainable alternative markets.

If you’re interested in receiving further information on this call please contact Matt Hill, Organics Project Manager (0113 2378414).  Further details are available by downloading the document linked to this page.

 

Free site design service

If you’re starting or expanding organic waste processing operations in the Yorkshire and Humber region Recycling Action Yorkshire (RAY) can provide you with free design services leading to detailed construction specification and drawings. This support will reduce the outlay necessary to start up or expand operations, and increase the composting capacity throughout the region.

RAY will select composters to receive the site design support through an open selection process, and then provide the contact details of the selected composters to the consulting engineer. RAY expects each composter to arrange a meeting on site attended by the consulting engineer, the RAY Organics Project Manager, the relevant Environment Agency Enforcement Officer and local Planning Officer, the relevant State Veterinary Service Officer if necessary, and possibly a consultant experienced in PAS100. At the site meeting the consulting engineer will identify site history and design criteria from those present. After the meeting the consulting engineer will identify any necessary further information about the site and produce site drawings and specification for comment by the individuals present at the meeting. After incorporating comments the successful tenderer will deliver construction drawings and specifications to the composter and to RAY.

If you’re interested in receiving this support please contact Matt Hill, Organics Project Manager (0113 2378414), for an application form

If you have any news about your organisation please contact Rachel.oddie@sesc.info or telephone 01924 241330.

 

Sector Information

Awards for All

Awards for All England is supported by the Arts Council England, the Big Lottery Fund, the Heritage Lottery Fund and Sport England. We award grants of between £300 and £10,000 for people to take part in art, sport, heritage and community activities, and projects that promote education, the environment and health in the local community.

Visit http://www.awardsforall.org.uk/england/index.html

 

Biodiversity Challenge Fund 2007

GrantScape invites applications for projects aimed at creating, conserving or enhancing the biodiversity of England and Wales. This year’s Challenge Fund has approximately £2M available.

Biodiversity includes all species of plants and animals and the complex ecosystems of which they are part. It includes the whole of the natural world from the commonplace to the critically endangered.

Criteria are: Projects must comply with the requirements of the Landfill Communities Fund - please refer to ENTRUST’s guidance note on object DA which is available from the ENTRUST Web site: http://www.entrust.org.uk/documents/pdf/OBJECTDA-GUIDANCE.pdf

The minimum Grant level will be £200,000. The maximum that can be applied for is £400,000. Project sites must be located in England or Wales; Projects must be located within 10 miles of any landfill site; Projects must demonstrate that they support identified habitats and/or species; listed within local, regional or national Biodiversity Action Plans; Applicants will need to demonstrate that they have, or will acquire, an enduring; legal interest in the land where the project is taking place; All applications must include a project plan.

For more information look on the Website: http://www.grantscape.org.uk/application_biodiversity07.asp

GrantScape, Office E, Whitsundoles, Broughton Road, Salford, Milton Keynes MK17 8BU Tel: 01908 545780 Email: helpdesk@grantscape.org.uk Website: http://www.grantscape.org.uk/

 

“It’s Your Community” from Conservation Foundation O2

A New Award Scheme to enable people to make a difference in their local environments

‘Think Global, Act Local’ – that’s the call that is frequently made to people all over the world.  The Conservation Foundation and O2 have launched a new award scheme:

“It’s Your Community” – to help provide funding for projects designed to improve local environments throughout the UK.

Awards of up to £1000 are available to local groups and individuals for the hire of tools or equipment, and to purchase plants, paint, signs, materials etc.  All types of environmental projects such as: turning derelict land into an amenity park or wildlife area, tree planting, creating a wildlife pond, renovating neglected river and canal footpaths, providing water butts and recycling facilities in village halls - are welcome to apply, from anywhere in the country.

Those that can apply are: Local amenity groups; Parish and village councils; Schools; Youth clubs; Heritage groups; Environmental and conservation groups; Individuals - who can show that their project will benefit the local environment.

Application forms are available in all O2’s 350 shops, on the website below and from Libby Symon Tel: 0207 591 3111 Email: libbysymon@conservationfoundation.co.uk  The Conservation Foundation, 1 Kensington Gore, London SW7 2AR Website: www.conservationfoundation.co.uk/ActLocalAwards.php

 

Low Carbon Buildings Programme

Launched on 1 April 2006, phase one of the DTI’s low carbon buildings programme will run over three years and replaces the previous DTI Clear Skies and Solar PV grant programmes. Open to householders, public, not for profit and commercial organisations across the UK , the programme will demonstrate how energy efficiency and microgeneration can work hand in hand to create low carbon buildings.

Part of the DTI’s microgeneration strategy, phase one of the low carbon buildings programme will fund a range of microgeneration technologies including: Solar photovoltaics; Wind turbines; Small hydro

Solar thermal hot water; Ground/water/air source heat pumps; Bio-energy; Renewable CHP; MicroCHP (Combined heat and power); Fuel cells.

Two streams of grants are available under phase one of the programme: Stream one: for householders and community organisations. Stream two: for medium and large microgeneration projects by public, not for profit and commercial organisations. Applications are being taken now for stream 2A and 2B.

Phase one of the DTI’s low carbon buildings programme is managed by the Energy Saving Trust.

There are 4 mains aims for the programme:

1. To support a more holistic approach to reducing carbon emissions from buildings by demonstrating combinations of both energy efficiency measures and microgeneration products in a single development.
2. To see demonstrated on a wider scale emerging microgeneration technologies (with a focus on building integrated technologies).
3. To measure trends in costs of microgeneration technologies. It is expected that these costs should reduce over the lifetime of the programme against a 2005 baseline.
4. To raise awareness by linking demonstration projects to a wider programme of activities including developing skills and communicating the potential of microgeneration to change the attitudes and behaviour of consumers. Larger scale projects will seek to engage the construction industry in project replication by demonstrating the business case for developing low carbon buildings.

Community applications will be accepted on a rolling first-come-first-served basis.

For full information and to make applications go to Website: http://www.lowcarbonbuildings.org.uk/

 

SITA Trust – changes to funding schemes

SITA Trust runs two funding programmes:

Enhancing Communities Programme : for community improvement projects within ten miles of an active landfill site owned by SITA UK.

Enriching Nature Programme : for wildlife projects within ten miles of any landfill site in England.

Enhancing Communities Programme

Enhancing Communities is the name of SITA Trust's funding programme for community improvement projects. They can support projects around landfill sites owned by the waste management company, SITA UK. Not for profit organisations, community groups, parish councils, Local Authorities and charities can apply.

They support projects that make physical improvements to community facilities, sports projects and historic buildings / structures.

They support projects near SITA UK landfill sites across the country. Use their Landfill Locator on their website to find out if you are in an area that can receive funding.

The Small Grants Scheme was launched on 6 November 2006, is now open for applications. It provides fast-track access to funding for community improvement applications up to £10,000. The application form and guidance notes are available on their website, along with SITA Trust's Green Guide for applicants and their customer service guarantee.

 The next deadline for the Small Grants Scheme is 2nd February 2007

Large Grants Scheme - for projects between £10,001 and £50,000. You can apply for funding for physical improvements to community. sport and historic buildings/structures.

Challenge Fund - for projects of  up to £250,000. At the beginning of 2007 they will launch a Challenge Fund. Three awards will be made in 2007, one in each category: community, sport and historic building / structure. Application details will be available in the new year (January 2007). The Challenge Fund will be for projects that are within ten miles of active SITA UK landfill sites.

Enriching Nature Programme - Enriching Nature is the name of SITA Trust's funding programme for wildlife projects. They can support projects within ten miles of landfill sites (owned by any company) in England. Not for profit organisations, charities, and Local Authorities can apply.

The Enriching Nature programme was devised in partnership with Regional Biodiversity Fora across England and will provide £13.5M funding over the next three years.

They provide funding to support species and habitats that have been identified as a priority by the Biodiversity Action Planning process. SITA Trust can fund physical improvements at specified sites, as well as monitoring and research at specific sites.

The majority of England is within ten miles of a landfill site, so there are very few restrictions on where they can fund.

They have created two funding bands:

Small Fund: projects up to £25,000 - projects of this value should ideally meet national and regional priorities for species and habitats, but local priorities will also be considered.

Large Fund: projects up to £175,000 - projects of this value must meet national priorities for species and habitats.

In 2007 deadlines for Enriching Nature applications are as follows:

Applications received by 27 March 2007 will be considered at the Board meeting on 12 June 2007.

Applications received by 26 June 2007 will be considered at the Board meeting on 11 September 2007.

Applications received by 14 September 2007 will be considered at the Board meeting on 11 December 2007.

SITA Trust, The Barn, Brinkmarsh Lane, Falfield, South Gloucestershire GL12 8PT Tel: 01454 262910 Fax: 01454 269090 Email: sita.trust@sita.co.uk Website: http://www.sitatrust.org.uk/

 

Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP)

eQuip Residual Value Guarantee

The eQuip RVG scheme aims to help recycling organisations secure the financial help they need to lease equipment and machinery. The Scheme works by guaranteeing the future residual value of the machinery needed and set up a panel of leasing organisations and banks who will consider leasing to the recycling sector. Initially this scheme will only be available for the plastic, glass and organics sector but will be extended to assist in wood, paper and aggregates. It will be available for organisations already working in the recycling sector or to those setting up a new organisation For further information contact: eQuip Cranmer Lawrence and Company Ltd Kings Head House 15 London End Beaconsfield Bucks HP9 2HN Tel: 01494 689500 Fax: 01494 689515 Email: equip@cranmerlawrence.com

Visit the WRAP website for up to date information on WRAP funding, tenders, courses and seminars http://www.wrap.org.uk/

If you learn about any information affecting the recycling and environment  sector that you feel would be useful to other members send it to Rachel.oddie@sesc.info

 

Events

Do you want to ‘Save money AND the planet’? 

Then come to a motivating evening run by PeopleProfitPlanet that will leave you energised with actions. 

This highly participative and interactive event will give you vital tools and information for your business and life.  You will discover just how easy it is to make a positive impact on your organisation and lessen your impact on the environment.  Additionally there will also be a networking aspect to the event as an important part of the process is that participants work in teams.

Venue:              Park Lane House, Park Lane, Leeds, LS3 1AA (near Law Courts)

Date:                26^th February 2007

Registration:      6pm with light refreshments

Start - Finish:    6.30pm prompt - 8.30pm

Cost:                No charge

Booking:           Email adam@peopleprofitplanet.co.uk or call 0845 2799 837

The workshop leaders are Adam Woodhall (founder of PeopleProfitPlanet) and Tony Brook, both passionate about the environment and experienced trainers.

With environmental issues shooting up the agenda and every business being interested in saving money, this workshop is sure to fill up so book now as there is strictly limited space.

 

Back to School

Are you interested in working with schools? Are you based in Calderdale?

If so, we are holding a meeting at the Learning Services Centre in Halifax on 27^th February for people interested in working with schools in the Calderdale area.  There are a whole host of opportunities. The meeting will take place between 10.30 and 12 noon, followed by a networking lunch. For further information please contact Rachel.oddie@sesc.info or telephone 01924 241330.

 

Past Events

The first social enterprise link recycling and environment network event was held in December in Leeds.  It was great to see so many social enterprises and procurers from Local Authorities from across the region sitting down to discuss the issues that affect the sector.  Speakers from WRAP, RAY discussed the strategic developments within the sector, and Social Enterprise Link’s Paula Denison gave an overview of procurement. Our very own network members Aalto, Seagulls and Beat shared their own experiences of setting up and running a successful social enterprise. Our thanks go Social Enterprise Link for funding the event, all the speakers and delegates for attending and to Paul and Mary at CRN who also helped organise the event.

For more information check out the events diary on our website www.sesc.info

 

Tender opportunities

Leeds City Council

Leeds City Council – Are seeking expressions of interest for the provision of waste disposal and recycling of paper and cardboard

Return tender date due 14^th March 2007

To down load the tender documents/pre-qualification questionnaires go to scms.alito.co.uk (no need for the www.)

For further information contact Leeds City Council, tel: 0113 2474443 or email Amanda.pitt@leeds.gov.uk

 

Academy for Community Leadership

The Academy for Community Leadership is a training broker promoting leadership training skills to those involved in community organisations in and around South Yorkshire.  They are seeking providers to deliver contracts for training in the areas of Community Leadership & Environment.  A full tender specification can be downloaded from Monday 5^th February 2007 via the Academy or Northern College websites http://www.afcl.ac.uk/ or http://www.northern.ac.uk/ or telephone 01226 776031

A pre-tender workshop will be held at Northern College, Wentworth Castle, Stainborough, Barnsley S75 3ET on Wednesday 14^th February 2007 between 2pm and 4pm.  The closing date for applications is Friday 23^rd February 2007 at 12.00 noon,  The Academy is a project within Northern College for Adult Residential Education and is funded by European Social Fund, Yorkshire Forward and LSC South Yorkshire.

If would like to know more about procurement contact our Specialist Advisers for contracting Paula Denison at Paula.denison@sesc.info or David Morrissey on david.morrissey@sesc.info or telephone 01924 241330.

 

Market Place

The market place is an opportunity to promote your organisation’s service or products.  You may be looking for a service or product, if so another member may be able to help you.  Also, if you have a vacancy we can place your advert in this section.

 

Mentoring Support

Each of our networks has an identified experienced practitioner who works within the sector who can provide one to one support, either for social enterprises that are just starting trading or assist with a business related issue.  This support runs alongside the business support provided by Social Enterprise Link Advisor Team.  If you would be interested in more information please contact Rachel Oddie.

 

Forum Topic

In each addition of the newsletter a topic for discussion will be suggested, we would be grateful for your views. To comment on the forum topic or suggest other topics either email Rachel.oddie@sesc.info or go to the forum section under enterprise networks on the website http://www.sesc.info/

This edition’s topic is (supplied by member Adrian Ashton): Do we practise what we preach and if so do we measure the environmental impact our organisations have on the planet?

Don’t forget to send us your organisation’s news to Rachel.odddie@sesc.info

Regards

Rachel Oddie

Enterprise Network Manager

© 2006 Social Enterprise Support Centre. All rights reserved.