Sustainability

Financial support offered for Derbyshire residents to retrain for alternative energy sector

A unique opportunity to retrain in the field of alternative energy has opened up in Chesterfield and Derbyshire with the launch of the County Council’s Green Entrepreneurs Scholarship Scheme.

The local authority has set aside a £100,000 fund offering grants of up to £1,500 to help Derbyshire residents learn new skills in the alternative energy industry.

It’s part of the wider Green Entrepreneurs Programme which is funded by the council and run in partnership with the University of Derby to help support green economic recovery across Derbyshire.

The leader of Derbyshire County Council, Barry Lewis added: “We’ve had a positive response to the Green Entrepreneurs Fund so far from businesses looking for financial support to help turn game changing proposals to help tackle climate change into reality.

“As well as helping to reduce Derbyshire’s carbon emissions in the future, by helping these projects get off the ground we’re bringing wider benefits to local communities and local economic conditions to create high quality jobs driven by utilising the local skills base in engineering and manufacturing.

“We’re looking forward to announcing the successful applicants soon for funding announced so far, as well as opening up applications for our new Scholarship Fund which will help to skill-up the alternative energy workforce of tomorrow.”

Professor Kathryn Mitchell DL, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby, said: “It is vital that we all play our part in helping the UK to achieve its net zero targets and the appetite within Derbyshire to meet this challenge head-on is hugely encouraging.

“It is not just about providing financial support, however, but enabling people to develop their skillset to deliver the change we need.

“As a university, empowering people with the knowledge and ability to have a positive impact on our economy and society is central to our purpose. We therefore welcome the launch of the Scholarship Scheme, which will help employees within our SME sector to make important contributions to carbon reduction and equip them with highly-valued skills.”

Find out more information about the Green Entrepreneurs Programme including application forms, timetable for grant funding and eligibility criteria at: https://www.derbyshire.gov.uk/business/green-entrepreneurs-fund/green-entrepreneurs-fund.aspx

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Spireites supporters beat other clubs to the top of the table in sustainability initiative

Chesterfield FC fans have lifted the Planet Super League Spring Season Trophy, with a clean sweep of wins across all 11 matches this season.

The unique football tournament sees fans score goals for their club by completing planet-protecting activities like having a meat-free meal, using the car less and even taking cold showers.

Chesterfield FC fans put in an incredible effort over the 11-week tournament, racking up 33 points and beating 23 other clubs to the title. Fans have a perfect record for the season, winning all 11 matches including victories against West Bromwich Albion, Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa and MK Dons.

Chesterfield fans completed 1,793 activities over the season, saving 1,761 kg CO2. The Planet Super League trophy will be placed in their trophy cabinet at the stadium.

Keith Jackson, Chesterfield FC Community Trust’s head of sports and activities, commented: “We have always known we have the best fans in Britain, and now we have seen it in action. The commitment from fans to make positive environmental efforts in the name of the club is incredible. We will proudly display the trophy at the Technique Stadium, but this really belongs to our fans.’

Emma Tooley-Browns, one of the Chesterfield FC supporting families who helped them win the title – commented: “We have had a brilliant time taking part in Planet Super League. It’s provided loads of fun for the family and helped make the planet greener.

“We now use environmentally-friendly washing capsules, take more notice of the nature around us and we will continue to enjoy our screen-free evenings. We can’t wait to participate next year.”

A total of 24 clubs and 8,000 people took part in Planet Super League’s spring season, completing over 17,900 activities, saving 56,057 kg CO2, the equivalent to planting 3,203 trees.

Planet Super League made taking climate action fun and rewarding through 60 covid-safe, planet-protecting activities, which were available for fans to complete. These ranged from practical measures like having a meat-free meal, a screen-free evening or switching to green energy to creative tasks like making a bug stadium or writing a short Jamie Johnson story.

Planet Super League co-founder Tom Gribbin commented: “We are proud to see how our spring season, with a host of new activities and a larger format, has resonated with fan families.

“We are continuing to grow, innovate and evolve our model to make it more and more impactful, with big things to come. Huge thanks to our participants who are literally making the world a better place through their efforts.”

Planet Super League’s summer season kicks off on June 14 with 60 summer activities for fans and 33 clubs taking part. Newcomers include Arsenal, Leeds, Ipswich and Chelsea FC. Recruitment is taking place already across the UK. You can represent your club and play for the planet by signing up and playing for free at planetsuperleague.com.

You’ll be able to hear more about the Spireites’ Planet Super League win on the next episode of The Chesterfield Show podcast, set to be launched on Spotify on Friday, 25th June.

Chesterfield FC supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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New bee-friendly ‘pocket park’ created by Chesterfield residents

Community-spirited residents have pulled together to create a new ‘pocket park’, with support from Chesterfield Borough Council.

The new space at Edinburgh Road Park features a number of raised beds that have been planted with wildflowers and plants to support pollinators like bees, new paving, 15,000 spring flowering bulbs and local urban artist Peter Barber has created a wall mural that celebrates nature behind the raised beds.

Councillor Jill Mannion-Brunt said: “I had a great time getting stuck in and helping out at one of the planting sessions. The pocket park is a fantastic space for the local community and offers something unique for them to enjoy. We also had a wonderful array of daffodils in the spring thanks to the efforts of the group and the children who enjoyed planting in the mud!”

“Working together with The Healthy Friends of Edinburgh Road Park, to develop this park shows how projects like this can help bring the community closer together. I know local people of every generation have been involved in this project throughout and I hope they will all get to enjoy it for many years.”

The work is being led by The Healthy Friends of Edinburgh Road Park after securing funding worth almost £20,000. Working in partnership with the Healthy Friends of Edinburgh Road the council submitted a bid to the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government and were awarded £14,500, Chesterfield Borough Council through its Housing Tenant Participation programme provided £5,000 and Derbyshire County Council Public Health also contributed a further £1,000 towards the project.

More improvements are planned, and volunteers are still welcome to get involved.

James Green, Chairperson of The Healthy Friends of Edinburgh Road Park, said: “I’ve lived near Edinburgh Park all my life. As a child I used the play area and used to play football on the field. Nowadays, I walk my Border Terrier, Missy down there for exercise and a bit of relaxation.

“It was clear that Edinburgh Road Park was in need of some tender loving care so after many months of working with local residents, the council and a number of funding bodies it’s been pleasure to get to this point in the project. There have been many positive comments from local people on the improvements we’ve made. I hope more people visit the park to take a look!”

The first phase of improvements, including the raised beds and paving, were completed during the first lockdown in late spring 2020, closely followed by a socially distanced bulb planting in the autumn of 2020. In the autumn the group will complete the project with the planting of 40 trees in the same area as the bulbs and local people are still welcome to volunteer and get involved.

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Local leaders to guide green growth and recovery in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire

As the UK transitions to a low carbon economy there are significant opportunities arising at pace from the changes to technology, methods of production and forms of consumption.

In response the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership has established a new Low Carbon Growth Group.

The group will convene and coordinate low carbon activity and programmes aimed at delivering opportunities for investment, business growth and jobs across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire (D2N2).

The formation of the group comes as the Confederation of British Industry has set out its new UK Economic Strategy which emphasises decarbonisation as a critical factor in the UK’s economic recovery.

The new group aims to build on the LEPs ambitious plans to deliver the largest turnaround in carbon emissions in England, as part of its recovery and growth strategy. The group will also deliver on the goals of the UK’s Ten Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution.

The group will be chaired jointly by Becky Rix, D2N2 Board member and Marketing Director at Roadgas and Wayne Bexon, Interim Corporate Director for Growth and City Development at Nottingham City Council. Other members include representatives from a wide range of key local private and public sector organisations

On the group’s agenda is:

• Supporting the region to reach net zero
• Developing and enhancing greater coordination of low carbon investment plans
• Developing a portfolio of development opportunities to attract more government and private sector investment in the area.

Sajeeda Rose, Chief Executive at D2N2 said: “Underpinning the D2N2 Recovery and Growth strategy is our ambition to achieve the highest turnaround in carbon emissions in the country. Bringing together some of the region’s most influential experts to form the Low Carbon Recovery Group will provide the vision and action needed as our economy retools and moves towards a carbon-free tomorrow”

Becky Rix said: “I am delighted to be co-chairing the Low Carbon Growth Group and sharing my experience as we look for opportunities to deliver a low carbon agenda for the region. I think this as a very exciting time to be participating in the delivery of future developments as we focus on growth and a green recovery. I am looking forward to learning more about the opportunities and challenges, listening and learning from colleagues and ensuring collaboration for all interested stakeholders.”

Wayne Bexton said: “A Green Recovery has been referenced throughout the pandemic and this new group brings together expertise from across the private and public sector to target low carbon initiatives via a joined up approach. There is a unique opportunity ahead for carbon neutrality to be achieved alongside economic growth and Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire can be at the forefront for the UK on this agenda”.

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Local leaders shine spotlight on sustainable transport for English Tourism Week

Robert Largan, Member of Parliament for High Peak, has joined Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire (MPDD) together with local leaders to shine a spotlight on sustainable transport for English Tourism Week (22-31 May 2021).

Mr Largan MP joined Jo Dilley, Managing Director of MPDD; Andrew McCloy, Chair of the Peak District National Park Authority; John Young, Commercial Director of Stagecoach; Sir Richard FitzHerbert, Chair of MPDD; and John Harrison of Speedwell Cavern to highlight the Peak District’s new Hope Valley Explorer bus service – and to promote green travel across the county.

Following a successful pilot in 2019, the Stagecoach-operated bus will run from 23 July to 3 October 2021, offering a hop on hop off service in the Hope Valley. Visitors are encouraged to leave the car behind, take the train from Sheffield or Manchester and join the Hope Valley Explorer at Hope or Bamford – or hop aboard direct from Chesterfield or Dronfield.

Attractions on route include the Peak District’s dramatic Upper Derwent Valley and the fascinating cave networks at Castleton, providing a great chance for visitors to travel by public transport whilst supporting the recovery of local businesses.

In a bid to further boost car-free visits, a series of extended bus services has been announced by Derbyshire County Council for summer 2021, including new hourly Sunday services on routes connecting Derby and Ashbourne; Matlock and Chatsworth; Sheffield, Castleton and Buxton; and Chesterfield and Bakewell. Some of the services also connect with trains at Buxton, Chesterfield and Matlock stations.

The news follows the launch of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire’s 5-year Tourism Rescue & Rebuilding Plan, which highlights the destination’s aims to lead the way in sustainable tourism, active travel and transport connectivity.

Led by VisitEngland, the annual English Tourism Week campaign – which this year uses the slogan ‘Here for Tourism’ – highlights the importance and vast contribution the sector makes to the UK economy. In 2019, tourism was worth £2.5 billion to the Peak District & Derbyshire economy, supporting 32,000 local jobs.

Details of the Hope Valley Explorer Bus and public transport across Derbyshire can be found at: visitpeakdistrict.com/getting-here.

Robert Largan, MP for High Peak, said: “Tourism and hospitality are absolutely vital to our local economy in the Peak District and it’s fantastic to see so many great public transport options available to visitors this summer.

“English Tourism Week is an ideal time to recognise not just the value of the tourism sector, but also the key role it can play in levelling up the UK’s economy, and sustainable tourism will play a huge role in the industry’s future success.”

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire said: “English Tourism Week is a fantastic time to shine a light on sustainable tourism and the role it can play, not just in the sector’s recovery, but in improving public transport links for all those who live, work and visit here.

“Assets like the Hope Valley Explorer offer a great way to enjoy green travel in the Peak District & Derbyshire, whilst supporting the recovery of local businesses, and when used alongside the area’s many fantastic rail links can make for an enjoyable and hassle-free day out.

“Our 5-year Tourism Rescue & Rebuilding Plan maps out the new long-term vision for the sector and sustainable transport will be a key driver of recovery and growth. We’re encouraging visitors to explore as many car-free options as possible this summer and to enjoy a great, green day out in the Peak District & Derbyshire.”

Councillor Barry Lewis, Leader of Derbyshire County Council said: “I’m delighted that we are able to provide more bus services into the Peak District on Sundays for the coming summer season. These services will benefit local people and will also link with rail services at Chesterfield, Buxton and Matlock for those coming from outside the county.

“By increasing the services on offer we hope that those without a car can visit the countryside more easily, and that more people will decide to take the bus rather than drive. Having increased services also opens up the possibilities of walkers being able to use them to link up with their walks, opening up additional possibilities for local people and those who come from further afield. Derbyshire is now well and truly open for business.”

Andrew McCloy, Chair of the Peak District National Park Authority said: “We’re delighted to be working again with operators Stagecoach during summer 2021 to bring the Hope Valley Explorer service back to some of most scenic parts of the National Park. It can drop you at the start of a walk, take you to the heart of a picturesque village, or you can simply stay on for a relaxed tour of the valley in the company of a knowledgeable and friendly driver and the fascinating on-board commentary.

“More than anything, you will be helping to lessen the impact of cars on this sensitive location, reducing congestion and pollution and helping us develop more sustainable travel choices for everyone to enjoy.”

“We all need to think about the long-term effect of how we get to and around the National Park and the impact on local communities, our health and fitness, and ultimately the climate. The Hope Valley Explorer shows that there is an alternative to the car that is every bit as attractive and accessible.”

Phil Medlicott, Managing Director, Stagecoach Yorkshire said: “We are delighted to support the return of the Hope Valley Explorer service, working in partnership with the Peak District National Park, which opens up a beautiful part of the countryside for people to enjoy in a sustainable way.

“This service is a great example of partnership working to encourage people onto public transport through connecting with local rail journeys. As the country moves forward and people look to take short breaks or adventures closer to home this year, it’s important that buses play a key role in supporting this and moving towards a greener and cleaner future for travel.”

Sir Richard FitzHerbert, Chair of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire said: “The Peak District & Derbyshire has so much to offer visitors and these great public transport services provide even more reasons to explore this summer – without the need for a car.

“From stately homes such as Chatsworth and Haddon to the caves of Speedwell Cavern and Treak Cliff near the wonderful village of Castleton, so many areas are easily accessible by public transport. After the past year, it has never more important to visit and support local businesses and we look forward to welcoming visitors back for a bumper season.”

Throughout English Tourism Week, Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire is also celebrating other methods of green travel with a dedicated Cycle Week across its social and digital channels.

Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire’s Rescue & Rebuilding Plan can be found at: visitpeakdistrict.com/industry/about-us/rescue-and-rebuilding-plan

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Plastic Free Chesterfield urges businesses to ‘build back greener’

As Chesterfield’s shops, restaurants and cafes start to plan their re-opening from 12th April, local campaign action group, Plastic Free Chesterfield, is calling on the borough’s business sector to Build Back Better and Build Back Greener from the Covid-19 pandemic, by pledging to reduce their single-use plastics.

A Surfers Against Sewage survey last year found that 63% of respondents want to decrease their personal consumption of plastic packaging and 60% want to use refillable containers more once lockdown eases.

Plastic Free Chesterfield is offering to support businesses with advice on how to reduce their single-use plastics, listing swaps they can take on their website, along with a Facebook group to network and ask questions from other businesses who have made changes.

Greg Hewitt, Plastic Free Chesterfield Community Lead said: “Whilst businesses are currently closed and are preparing to open, then can use this time to their advantage by planning ahead, and reducing their single-use plastics, ready for opening. For those hospitality businesses the government has already helped, by banning single-use plastic straws and stirrers, but for other businesses, there are always ways of making sustainable swaps.”

Companies who can make at least three swaps away from single-use plastic will be awarded the status as a Plastic Free Champion business, gaining a certificate and plaque, as well as free publicity from the group.

Destination Chesterfield recently signed up to become a Plastic Free Ally in the town. The organisation has pledged to make a number of changes at its in-person events, including swapping single-use plastic cups and coffee cups for glass and china glasses and mugs for drinks, metal cutlery will be used instead of single-use plastic cutlery and paper, and card or cotton bags will replace single use plastic bags.

Businesses wishing to Build Back Greener should get in touch with Plastic Free Chesterfield via their website

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Chesterfield packaging specialists Robinson launch new sustainability pledge

A Chesterfield manufacturer specialising in value added custom packaging has announced the launch of its ambitious sustainability pledge.

The pledge by Robinson outlines a range of commitments underpinned by their strategic priorities focused on putting the customer first, sustainable growth and thriving people.

CEO Dr Helene Roberts says this the blueprint for Robinson’s future-fit business. She says: “We have a role to contribute to sustainability and regenerative growth, which we view as key drivers with great opportunities for our business and the industry.

“Sustainability is about capacity for now and the long-term: meeting social and environmental needs without compromising the ability of future generations to thrive and prosper. In an industry where our products are used every day, we understand that we must make the most of the resources we use while meeting consumer needs in food and product protection.

“Our aim is circularity: to recover, regenerate and restore all products and materials at the end of their useful life.”

Lubna Edwards, Sustainability and Marketing Director for Robinson, is managing the roll out of the Sustainability Pledge, based on five pillars and 15 ambitious commitments:

  • People – helping people thrive and building a happy and healthy culture, with goals to include implementation of a comprehensive people development plan, zero accidents every year, and championing employee health and wellbeing.
  • Regeneration – extracting the maximum value from resources used in all operations and recovering and restoring materials and resources at the end of their life. Goals include zero waste to landfill, becoming net carbon positive and implementing principles for sustainable buildings.
  • Intelligence – creating sustainable products and services and partnering with customers to contribute to building a circular economy by applying purposeful design, using recycled materials and designing packaging for recyclability. Goals include virgin plastic reduction, maximum recycled content and all products to be fully recyclable.
  • Transformation – driving shared commercial value and income streams beyond current business models and collaborating with customers and partners to regenerate local circular economies. Goals focus on sustainable business environments, greener spaces and habitats, and offering reusable products.
  • Community – delivering real tangible social and environmental benefits to local communities, educating the next generation of change-makers and bringing more sustainable initiatives to the areas in which the business operates. Goals include offering career-enhancing work experience and opportunities, engaging educators and students on the benefits of packaging and recycling and giving back to communities.

Lubna says: “I am delighted to launch our Sustainability Pledge which strengthens our ability to deliver packaging with purpose. It is supports delivery of our company purpose which is to go above and beyond to create a sustainable future for our people and planet. It is an ambitious pledge but one I am confident we will achieve with the support of our people and partners.”

Robinson supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through  Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

 

 

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East Midlands can be at forefront of UK’s “green industrial revolution”, says Chamber

Following the Prime Minister’s announcement of a £4bn green plan to tackle climate change and create jobs in the low-carbon economy, East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire) chief executive Scott Knowles said: “On the face of it, today’s announcement is just the type of bold vision the UK needs in order to seriously rebuild our economy with a greener tint.

“It signals that these are the sectors where businesses need to invest in the future, while it should remove some of the financial barriers that have so far prevented many firms from switching to the low-carbon economy – although questions remain about whether the £4bn funding from Government is anywhere near sufficient to truly stimulate a green revolution.

“This news comes hot on the heels of the Chamber’s Sustainable East Midlands campaign, which was launched last week to highlight the benefits in embracing the sustainability agenda to the region’s businesses, while acting as a new hub for signposting companies to the support available to them.

“We’re excited to hear more about this from Rt Hon Kwasi Kwarteng, the Minister for Business, Energy and Clean Growth, at our East Midlands Energy Summit tomorrow (Thursday 19 November), an event that will place sustainability at the top of the agenda for the region’s post-Covid economy.

“We believe the Government’s UK Net Zero 2050 vision plays into our region’s strengths as the East Midlands has all the pieces of the sustainability jigsaw – the high energy users in manufacturing, energy producers in our coalfield heritage and new hi-tech businesses coming out of our world-leading universities – putting us in a position to be at the forefront of delivering a low-carbon economy.

“In research conducted with the University of Derby that preceded the campaign, we found that engagement with this subject is quickly rising in the East Midlands but there remains a yawning gap in awareness.

“The percentage of businesses deriving turnover from low-carbon and pro-environmental goods and services has nearly doubled between 2015 and 2020 – growing from 16% to 31% – and just over a third (35%) of businesses said they were integrating clean growth into their business plan.

“On the flip side, four in 10 businesses told us they didn’t feel well-informed about support for clean growth.

“This suggests the Government still has a lot to do in order to encourage more businesses to switch to the low-carbon economy by pushing on-the-ground activity to engage and support more firms – and making sure the financial incentives involved will make a tangible difference to their bottom line.

“Only then will it be realistic to achieve the targets set by the UK Net Zero policy and bring the exciting vision for a green industrial revolution to fruition.”

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