Robert Lloyd - a Sir Gar Blog of random news . . . and some Clecs!

A School-University Partnership Initiative run by Aberystwyth University has been highly commended by the leading organisation for sustainable development in Wales. The Sustainability Network Wales (SusNet) Project, is a School-University partnership which enables sixth form students in Ceredigion to engage with a range of research-led academic modules, delivered by departments across Aberystwyth University. Although diverse in content, each module shares the common theme of sustainability and/or social responsibility. The four year project is funded by Research Councils UK. The Sustain Wales Awards 2016, organised by Cynnal Cymru–Sustain Wales, celebrate sustainability excellence, innovation and leadership across Wales. Aberystwyth University’s SusNet project was highly commended in the Sustainable FE/HE Institution category at the awards. This year’s awards ceremony, sponsored by Llyr Gruffydd AM, took place in the Senedd in Cardiff Bay on 17 November to an audience of national a...

Aberystwyth University has been awarded EcoCampus Gold Award following an independent audit of its environmental management system. The award recognises the University’s commitment to improving its environment and sustainability, and paves the way for securing the EcoCampus Platinum Award and the internationally accredited ISO14001 environment standard. Among the initiatives undertaken during 2016 is the replacement of old campus street lights with low energy LED lights, which is expected to yield an 80% reduction in electricity consumption. New bike shelters have been installed as the University seeks to encourage more students and staff to cycle to work, and work on sowing wildflower seeds and planting bulbs – more than 50 different varieties - has been continuing apace to boost biodiversity and encourage wildlife on campus. Also highlighted as good practice is the upgrading of the C66 Llandinam laboratory which is currently underway. Covering water, energy, waste, health and wellb...

Burry Port’s eco-friendly community primary school is up for another top award! Officially the first educational building in Wales to pass the stringent Passivhaus standard owing to its super energy efficiency features, the school has already won three national architectural awards. Now, Welsh sustainability organisation Cynnal Cymru has shortlisted it for a Sustain Wales Award, in the ‘sustainable school’ category, which will be decided by a public vote. The £3.8 million school, which opened in September 2015 was built as part of Carmarthenshire County Council’s Modernising Education Programme, with part funding from the Welsh Government’s 21st Century Schools initiative. It is home to children aged three to 11, and also incorporates a Flying Start nursery which includes a sensory garden space for the outdoor environment which will be the first of its kind in Wales. Built by council framework contractor WRW Ltd and designed by Architype UK, the school is made of a modular timber fra...

An eco friendly roadshow is visiting Carmarthen town centre tomorrow, Friday. Carmarthenshire County Council has teamed up with Europe Direct – West Wales European Centre - to celebrate and raise awareness of the wide range of green initiatives in the county working to reduce our carbon footprint and encourage a more sustainable way of living. The Sustainable Living Roadshow is part of a two-day county tour and is an opportunity to spotlight key issues such as pollution, waste, endangered species, natural resources scarcity and climate change. The show will take place at Carmarthen Town Centre (market area) between 11am and 2pm. As part of the event, council recycling officers will be giving advice and information on recycling as well as helping residents to reduce their waste, particularly food waste. There will be cooking demonstrations giving ideas on how to use left-overs to create delicious recipes and sharing tips on growing your own vegetables, upcycling demonstrations on c...

The Communities First areas of Tyisha, Felinfoel, Llwynhendy, Pantyffynnon, Glanymor, Bigyn 4 have come together to imagine a different, more sustainable future. The great turnout to the workshop held in Felinfoel Resource Centre showed that the environment is a priority in the area, despite the new Communities First programmes focusing on other themes. More than 30 local community members, 25 children and 12 development organisations attended to ensure that environmental projects will be developed alongside the new Communities First scheme. The workshop was run by West Wales’ change makers the TYF Group as part of a pilot for the Welsh Government. Darren Gibbs, of TYF, set out the focus for change in terms of global issues such as resource depletion, the rising costs of food, transport and energy and the decline in biodiversity. The exercises then focused on a more local level with the ambitions of the community for the future forming a vision statement for 10 years time. A live...

Carmarthenshire is joining countries from all over Europe to celebrate European Sustainable Energy Week next week. From Monday to Friday (June 18-22) has a programme of activities highlighting initiatives and projects under way aimed at reducing the county’s carbon footprint and energy consumption. The West Wales European Centre, part of the Europe Direct EU information network, is working in partnership with Carmarthenshire County Council Sustainable Development Team to raise awareness of the county’s ongoing sustainable drive. The council’s Sustainability Adviser Eurgain Powell said: “We are doing a huge amount of work to reduce our energy consumption. The measures we are putting in place will lead to financial savings, as well as reducing the authority’s energy use and carbon emissions. “From energy monitors being installed in Carmarthenshire schools, energy-efficient lighting being fitted in all county council’s buildings, to leisure centres looking at re-using waste water, the cou...

Thousands of Carmarthenshire County Council housing tenants will be marking Wales Sustainability Week in homes which are greener than ever. The council is mid-way through a £203million investment in its 9,200 homes as part of the Carmarthenshire Homes Standard, a programme which has sustainability at its core. Through its energy efficiency programme, the council has – to date – achieved an average Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) rating of 70, which already exceeds the Welsh Housing Quality Standard of 65. As well as reducing CO2 emissions, the CHS improvements have helped to reduce fuel poverty. The loft insulation and wall insulation programme has led to an average reduction in heating bills of £200 a year, reducing CO2 emissions by 1,750kg. High efficiency boilers along with double glazing and damp proofing has saved tenants a further £220 a year and reduced CO2 emissions by 1,680kg. But the CHS wasn’t just about creating sustainable homes - equal emphasis was placed on promoting...

Melin Consultants, the fast-growing South Wales firm of environment and sustainability experts, has expanded its operation into England. The Llanelli-based company has opened a branch office in Bristol. “It’s a move which puts us on the map nationwide,” said Melin director Jamie Best. “We offer specialist technical services which are earning us a great reputation here in West Wales, but it is time to make our mark on the wider world east of Cardiff. “We are in the market to win contracts further up the M4 corridor and the Bristol office should put us in a position to do just that.” Mr Best said 2012 was shaping up to be an exciting year for Melin Consultants. “We have a team of eight based in Llanelli – and now in Bristol, at Park House in Park Street. “We specialise in all the things which people value in the construction industry today – getting environmental issues right and making sure buildings are as sustainable as possible. “We are right up there in the vanguard when it comes ...

Llanelli-based sustainable building consultant Jamie Best will be one of the key speakers at a Constructing Excellence Wales event being held in Aberystwyth on Thursday night (February 23). Mr Best, director of Melin Consultants, will be speaking on energy reduction in new buildings at the Aberystwyth University event which explains the overall requirements of BREEAM 2011, the benchmark by which all new public-funded buildings are measured. “It sounds very technical,” Mr Best admitted, “but the assessment method BREEAM is now a requirement under planning legislation in Wales and impacts on all new buildings over 1000 square metres.” “It’s a real brain-storming event to help everyone target sustainability standards of excellence in the construction industry in Wales. “For example, it will explain how architects and other designers can get buildings to perform better in terms of their energy use. “We want to make sure that the performance of buildings is fully maximised when they are ...

Aberystwyth University has been awarded with a Good Egg Award by Compassion in World Farming. The Good Egg Award is given to caterers who carefully source their eggs and egg products from cage-free birds. Jeremy Mabbutt, Head of Hospitality Services explains: “The University is committed to ensuring that, whenever possible, local food suppliers are sought. We have a comprehensive sustainability and ethical purchasing food policy which puts environmental, health and sustainability considerations at the core of any purchasing decisions made. “We’re very pleased to have won this award as it recognises our commitment to ensuring that our eggs not only meet the needs of our consumers in terms of quality and taste but also our commitment to ensuring that the eggs purchased are produced to high welfare and sustainability standards.” Aberystwyth University purchases approximately 96,000 eggs every year, all from an award winning egg producer based some 9 miles from the University, Bir...

The 'Working Together' sustainable building project in West Wales now has a new website - http://www.workingtogetherwestwales.co.uk/

A growing company which is totally tuned in to the construction industry buzzwords of ‘environment and sustainability’ has moved its offices to Llanelli.  Melin Consultants is fast building a Wales-wide reputation as one of the industry experts on sustainable construction. “We specialise in all the things which people value in the construction industry today – getting environmental issues right and making sure buildings are as sustainable as possible,” said Melin director Jamie Best. “It’s an exciting time for the building and construction industry with everyone appreciating the value of getting it right first time in terms of energy savings and sustainability. “We are right up there in the vanguard when it comes to technical expertise in this area. We’re probably not on the radar as far as members of the public are concerned, but our name and reputation is growing day by day.” The company has relocated its HQ from Tycroes, near Ammanford, to Llys Aur on the Llanelli Gate busin...

Firms join forces for eco boost aim | This is South Wales A Kidwelly construction company is part of an innovative new project looking to give a major boost to community projects and the environment. Dyfrig Dalziel Limited is helping to spread the gospel about sustainability across Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire. To do so, it is are pooling its knowledge and resources with five other companies in the county including Pontyberem's Lloyd & Gravell, Morganstone Ltd and TAD Builders Ltd, both of Llanelli, along with Narberth's HM Building Services and Ammanford's T Richard Jones Ltd to help local communities as part of a new group called "Working Together".

A conference on sustainable development in Wales has been organised by the Institute of Welsh Affairs in association with the University of Wales Trinity Saint David. The conference is called 'Wales’ Central Organising Principle Legislating for Sustainable Development' and is being held on Friday 27th January 2012 at 9.00am - 4.00pm at the Halliwell Centre, University of Wales Trinity Saint David, Carmarthen. Welsh First Minister Carwyn Jones has set out his Government's commitment not only to have sustainable development as its central organising principal but also to enact this through primary legislation. A Sustainable Development Green Paper will appear next May, followed by a White Paper in the autumn of 2012. This will be the first piece of primary legislation dedicated to sustainable development in the United Kingdom and has the potential to be a world leader. This conference addresses what the proposals should contain, how they should be implemented ...

Carmarthenshire residents are being urged to trail-blaze lifestyle changes that will help the planet. The Council’s Sustainability champions are calling on people to embrace environmental issues in their day-to-day lives. They are leading a call for residents to go green and change their habits in favour of a more sustainable world. Recycling, using transport wisely, shopping ethically and thinking about the use of energy, could all help to preserve the planet for future generations. The move comes after a new carrier bag charge was introduced in Wales. The Welsh Assembly Government has introduced a 5p charge for every single use carrier bag in a bid to drastically reduce the number of bags that are thrown away each year. Carmarthenshire County Council is leading the way in sustainable development and staff are working to educate people about how the decisions they make are having an impact on the world. Officers say that everyone could make simple changes that would have a big impact ...

The Welsh Government will today announce that an additional £6m will be allocated to developing sustainable transport across the country over the next year. The funding will go towards creating “sustainable travel centres” in Mon a Menai, Aberystwyth, Haverfordwest and Carmarthen, and further investment in a Cardiff pilot scheme. Read More http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2011/07/18/welsh-government-hands-out-6m-for-green-transport-in-bid-to-put-brake-on-car-journeys-91466-29071407/#ixzz1SYcsySR4 Welsh Government hands out £6m for green transport in bid to put brake on car journeys - Wales News - News - WalesOnline

Hi-tech energy monitors are helping Carmarthenshire residents save money. Special devices that measure energy usage are available for loan from libraries across the county. Householders can borrow one for free just as they would a book, CD or DVD. And by highlighting exactly how much electricity is used, they are helping householders save pounds on their energy bills. They are available from 15 libraries across Carmarthenshire as well as through the county’s mobile library service. Residents simply plug them in and they will monitor exactly how much electricity household devices use in a day, and what the cost is. The scheme is part of a major campaign to help Carmarthenshire families save money and raise awareness of energy saving measures. Sustainability officers are behind the drive to help the planet and cut the county’s carbon footprint. The moves are also helping people who have been hit hardest by rising energy prices. Sustainability Adviser Eurgain Powell said: “The energy moni...

More than 240 people have taken part in a 24-hour event to promote a more sustainable way of life. Project twenty 4 Changing Tomorrow – Today was held at the Carmarthen Campus of the University of Wales Trinity St David. It opened with a schools and business innovation forum, followed by lunch with business leaders. In the afternoon there was a sustainability and innovation master class for business and the community followed by a networking supper. Project twenty4 is the UK’s first twenty-four hour sustainable innovation event, designed to give business owners, managers in public or private sector organisations, community groups and students the opportunity to turn practical challenges into real solutions that save money, resources, carbon and the environment. Project twenty4 has been developed by Menter Cwm Gwendraeth, TYF and University of Wales Trinity Saint David, with support from Swansea University, Swansea Metropolitan University and Coleg Sir Gar. During the event over 240 peo...

A groundbreaking 24- hour brain-stormer is being held in Carmarthen to create a vision for a sustainable Wales. The country’s first day long sustainability and innovation event will be staged in the town this week. Leaders from the worlds of business, government, communities and education will join forces to design a plan for a sustainable future. Organisers hope it will lead to a new way of thinking about ways to help the environment and reduce our impact on the planet. The pioneering Project Twenty4 event will be held on Friday at the University of Wales Trinity St David. It will run from 9am until 9am on the following day and participants will work through the night to thrash out a new sustainability vision for the nation. Carmarthenshire County Council, which is leading the way in sustainable development, is supporting the event. Assembly Minister for Environment, Sustainability and Housing Jane Davidson is also attending. It will kick off with a schools and business innovation for...

A 24-hour event has been organised to encourage business to innovate, save money and help the environment. Project twenty 4, Wales’s first 24 hour sustainability and innovation event, will take place on Friday and Saturday February 18 and 19 at the Carmarthen Campus of the University of Wales Trinity Saint David. It has been sponsored by Menter Cwm Gwendraeth with support from its partners. Project twenty 4 'Changing Tomorrow – Today' will open with a schools and business innovation forum from 9am-1pm, followed by lunch with business leaders. Then from 2-6pm there will be a sustainability and innovation master class for business and the community followed by a networking supper from 6-7pm. Fashion students from Coleg Sir Gar are taking part in a swishing and clothing up- cycling workshop and fashion show from 7-9pm. Anyone attending will be encouraged to bring one item of clothing and work with students to adapt them and make them more contemporary before unveiling the results ...