Don't miss your chance to find out which renewable energy system is best for you! You can discover this and lots more at PLANED's Second Energy Awareness Day, being held tomorrow (Saturday) at Narberth's Bloomfield House Community. Speak with local renewable energy installers, veg oil distributors, sustainable builders and recycling organisations, between 11 am to 4 pm, both inside and outside the centre. Experience how solar and wind power works at two renewable energy workshops run by Bob Robarts from Sustainergy at 11.15 am and 2 pm. Places will need to be booked in advance for these. Energy experts will be giving presentations through out the day which include: 11.30 am - Steve Cranston, How to start a Community Renewable Project; 12.30 pm - Chris Lord-Smith, Which renewable system is best for me; 1.30 pm - Dan Blackburn, Using pure veg oil for car fuel; 2.30 pm - Keith Knight, The installation of commercial wind turbines. Places will need to be booked for these too. In my last Bright Ideas column, I summarised The Stern Review which stated that it will be better for the world economy to reduce carbon emissions now than if we wait to see what the consequences are. Local businessman Mr. Trimmings, rang me with a suggestion for Governments to do something practical to reduce carbon emissions without spending money. He suggests that VAT could be reduced to five per cent on all renewable energy systems, and the cost of obtaining planning permission for renewables, especially in National Parks, could be removed. This, he said, could knock 15 to 20 per cent off the price for those individuals who are trying to reduce CO2 emissions by installing renewable systems. It would make pay back time quicker too and would therefore encourage more people to take the plunge! If you want to make a comment about this suggestion or any other energy related topic, I would like to hear from you, and if you want further information about the Energy Awareness Day, please ring (01834) 862119 and ask for Jo Brookman.
Jo Brookman