Renewable & Sustainable Energy: Useful Links
National
Carbon Trust - www.carbontrust.co.uk
The Carbon Trust is a not-for-profit company set up by government to accelerate the move to a low carbon economy. It provides specialist support to help businesses cut carbon emissions, save energy and commercialise low carbon technologies.
Department for Energy & Climate Change - www.decc.gov.uk
DECC was created in October 2008 to bring together energy policy (previously with BERR, now BIS) and climate change migration policy (previously with DEFRA).
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs - www.defra.gov.uk
DEFRA is the UK government department responsible for policy and regulation on the environment, food and rural affairs.
Energy Institute - www.energyinst.org
Created in 2003 with the merger of the Institute of Petroleum and the Institute of Energy, the Energy Institute (EI) is the leading professional body for the energy industries. It aims to promote safe, environmentally responsible and efficient use of energy in all forms and applications.
Energy Saving Trust - www.energysavingtrust.org.uk
Funded by the UK Government, the Energy Saving Trust is a leading independent organisation set up to promote action that leads to the reduction in CO2 emissions. It is a source of free advice and information for businesses and private individuals that are looking at ways to save energy, conserve water and reduce waste.
Energy Technologies Institute - www.energytechnologies.co.uk
The ETI was created in 2006 to bridge the gulf between laboratory proven technologies and full-scale commercial tested systems. It aims to increase the levels of R&D funding available to develop and deploy low-carbon technologies.
Environment Agency - www.environment-agency.gov.uk
The Environment Agency is the Executive Non-departmental Public Body responsible to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. Its principle aims are to protect and improve the environment, and to promote sustainable development.
National Non-Food Crop Centre - www.nnfcc.co.uk
The NNFCC is the UK’s national centre for renewable materials and technologies, and provides independent advice and information to industry. It is a leading authority on plant-based renewable materials and technologies.
Ofgem - www.ofgem.gov.uk
Ofgem is the Office of the Gas and Electricity Markets. Governed by an Authority, it determines strategy, sets policy decisions, and takes decisions on a range of matters, including price control and enforcement.
UK Energy Research Centre - www.ukerc.ac.uk
The UK Energy Research Centre is the hub of UK energy research into sustainable future energy systems. Based at Imperial College London and University of Oxford, it is funded by the Research Council’s Energy Programme and is made up of a consortium of 15 different UK institutions.
Regional
Centre for Alternative Energy - www.cat.org.uk
Established almost 40 years ago, CAT is a registered charity based in Powys. It has become Europe’s leading eco-centre offering solutions to climate change, pollution and resource waste. The organisation demonstrates practical ways of addressing these issues and addresses every aspect of the average lifestyle.
Centre for Sustainable Energy - www.cse.org.uk
Established over 30 years ago, CSE is a registered charity based in Bristol. It helps people and organisations from the public, private and voluntary sectors meet the twin challenges of rising energy costs and climate change. It does this by giving advice, managing innovative energy projects, training others to act, and undertaking research and policy analysis.
Community Energy Plus - www.cep.org.uk
Community Energy Plus offers free and impartial advice and support for homes, businesses, schools and community groups in Cornwall.
Devon Association for Renewable Energy - www.devondare.org
DARE is a not-for-profit membership organisation, offering impartial advice on renewable energy solutions to individuals, businesses and community groups.
Devon Environmental Business Initiative - www.debi-online.org.uk
DEBI is a non-profit organisation set up by business representatives to inform, support and motivate Devon business owners to adopt environmentally sound and profitable policies in order to achieve environmental best practice..
Low Carbon South West - www.lowcarbonsouthwest.co.uk
LCSW is a new body that aims to promote the South West as a hotspot for technologies and services. It has been created through the merger of the Bristol Environmental Technologies & Services initiative (BETS) and the environmental activities of the University of Bath’s Innovation Centre (BIC). It is the largest trade body of its kind in the UK.
Our South West - www.oursouthwest.com
The ‘Our South West’ project is funded by Government Office for the South West (GOSW) to champion sustainability and provide a ‘one-stop-shop’ for useful data, environmental policy, topical issues and initiatives to help the region move towards a low carbon future.
Regen South West - www.regensw.co.uk
Regen SW is the sustainable energy agency for the South West of England. Funded by the South West RDA, Regen works to enable business, local authorities and other organisations to deliver renewable energy and energy efficiency projects, as well as help to build a prosperous low-carbon economy in the region.
Renewable Energy 4 Devon - www.re4d.org
RE4D is an award winning partnership providing independent advice and support to businesses, communities, households and public sector. It aims to maximise the opportunities for renewable energy companies by increasing the demand for smaller scale renewable energy installations, whilst assisting businesses and communities to reduce energy costs.
South West Observatory - www.swo.org.uk
The South West Observatory is a regional information gateway. One of its six Thematic Modules is the environment – this website provides a wide range of information about the South West’s environment, covering over 50 aspects.
Sustainability South West - www.sustainabilitysouthwest.org.uk
As a registered charity, SSW is an independent champion body for sustainable development in the South West. It co-ordinates the Regional sustainable Development Framework and special strategic projects.
Trade Associations
Anaerobic Digestion & Biogas Association - www.adbiogas.co.uk
The AD & Biogas Association (ADBA) represents all businesses involved in this sector in order to help remove barriers to growth.
Anaerobic Digestion Portal - www.biogas-info.co.uk
This website is a portal maintained by the NNFCC (National Non-Food Crop Centre). It is supported by DECC and Defra but remains independent from them.
British Hydropower Association - www.british-hydro.org
The BHA is the professional trade body representing the interests of the UK hydropower industry.
European Biomass Industry Association - www.eubia.org
EUBIA was established in 1996 an as international non-profit association in Brussels. It groups together market forces, technology providers, and knowledge centres that are active in the field of biomass.
Heat Pump Association - www.heatpumps.org.uk
The HPA is the UK’s leading authority on the use and benefits of heat pump technology, and includes manufacturers of pumps, components and associated equipment.
Micropower Council - www.micropower.co.uk
The Micropower Council represents the microgeneration sector (production of energy on the smallest of scales for individual buildings or communities).
Renewable Energy Association - www.r-e-a.net
The REA represents the UK’s renewable energy industry, covering all renewable power, heat and fuels, and promotes the use of sustainable energy.
RenewableUK - www.bwea.com
Formerly known as the British Wind Energy Association (BWEA), RenewableUK is the trade and professional body for the UK wind and marine renewables industries. With over 600 corporate members, its primary purpose is to promote the use of wind, wave and tidal power in and around the UK.
Solar Trade Association - www.solar-trade.org.uk
The STA represents the interests of UK-based solar thermal and solar photovoltaic companies to promote the uptake of the technology in domestic, commercial and industrial applications.