This is a brand new forum for providing people in Dorset easy to use info about renewable energy.

This funky new website is at http://www.dorsetenergized.co.uk/.

There is information about lots of different types of renewable technologies  and some exciting offers available ! You can also ask for advice and support from a local panel of experienced people if you have any queries, or read the latest energetic gossip in the Dorset Energized blog.

Sustainable Projects Manager

Dorset Energy Advice Centre Bob Hann House Shillito Road Poole BH12 2BW

Direct Dial - 01202 307413

Mobile - 07958 138053

Reception - 01202 469907

Fax - 01202 252606

www.deac.co.uk

How can my business be more successful?

Is 'success' maintaining market share and customer base or achieving aggressive growth targets?

Can this kind of success be reconciled with a values-based business approach?

Business Futures is an alliance of a number of Dorset based organisations whose purpose is to promote sustainable economic development, within environmental constraints.

On 3^rd October we are bringing together businesses from Dorset, Bournemouth and Poole to explore these questions. CarbonSense will also introduce ‘Picture of Success’ – a project supported by a number of high profile UK businesses that  suggests a wider meaning for “success” and which uses the Earth Charter as a guiding tool.

We will learn from the experiences of local companies, who have been exploring, with specialist consultancy CarbonSense, the challenges of bringing into their business a broader values-based approach based on the Earth Charter:

• Green House Hotel:  Why ‘greening’ a hotel is good for business
• WDS:  Setting up a community action team in a hi-tech service business
• Sembcorp Bournemouth Water:  Re-defining a Business Conduct and Ethics Policy
• Yellow Buses: Integrating sustainable thinking into a transport business

CarbonSense will also introduce ‘Pictures of Success’ – a project supported by a number of high profile UK businesses that  suggests a wider meaning for 'success' and which uses the Earth Charter as a guiding tool.

These insights will then form the input for the participants in working groups to address the questions:

• What opportunities could this create for my organisation?
• What expertise, support and resources would I need from outside my organisation to capitalise on these opportunities?
• What are the main issues and blocks that get in the way of redefining 'success'?

This will be Business learning from Business, with our organisations creating the necessary framework to support where possible the emerging initiatives.

This workshop will be the first in a series of initiatives to support local business in their drive for sustained economic development.

The event will start at 14:30 but will be preceded by networking over a locally-sourced buffet lunch at 13:30.  To save food wastage please advise if you will attend the lunch.

To participate please reserve your place. Select the appropriate option from the pull-down menu:

• Business Futures' Guests (personal invite): FREE
• Participants: £50

Participants: £50 Personal Invites: FREE

Sharing the power of the tide with the community of Poole.

We need your support to win EnergyShare funding for a study of the potential for electricity generation from the tide from the harbour area of Poole. The energy needs of Poole are significant, but this highly predictable source of power is literally on our doorstep. There are innovative devices out there which can trap some of that energy, balancing alongside the valued leisure, wildlife and commercial activities of Poole.

A transition to a low-carbon economy is much more difficult to achieve in a built up area than in the rural environment (no chance to put up big wind turbines for example). Transition Town Poole is keen to work with everyone in the local area to make the most of the natural resource that flows right around our busy town. Twice every day, between 30,400 to 45,000 cubic metres of water enters and then leaves Poole Harbour, and via constrictions, several bays within the harbour.

A recent study of tidal power around the Dorset coast went across the mouth of Poole Harbour, but took no notice of the opportunities for using the water within. Those of us who try and fight the tide in small boats know its power, especially at the entrance, and at the mouth of Holes Bay and Lychett Bay.

Our first aim is to commission a study of the potential for electricity generation from the tide within the harbour. The energy needs of Poole are significant, but this highly predictable source of power is literally on our doorstep.

The second step, once this has proven the scale of extractable energy, is for us to develop as a Community Interest organisation to generate power to support the local community. Any development will need to be sensitive to the impact on the marine environment, balanced with the benefits of using local renewable energy.

And thirdly, this in turn will enable us to plough profits back into further energy saving and green energy production projects in the town, helping to protect our built and natural environment.

The harbour is a jewel along the south coast, and the second largest natural harbour in the world. Loved for boating, wildlife, a commercial port, a holiday destination and surrounded by nature reserves, and outstanding beauty. Any scheme will need to be sensitive to these competing demands. The waste tip in Poole is already Dorset's largest energy generator, but rather than mostly rely on dirty energy generated far away from oil, coal, gas and nuclear, we need your help to establish what can be achieved renewably right here. Energy security should be everyone's concern.

If you want to add your support for this project, register on the EnergyShare site:  Poole Tidal Energy Partnership

Poole Tidal Energy Partnership

Twice every day, between 30,400 to 45,000 cubic metres of water enters and then leaves Poole Harbour.

A transition to a low-carbon economy is much more difficult to achieve in a built up area than in the rural environment (no chance to put up big wind turbines for example). Transition Town Poole is keen to work with everyone in the local area to make the most of the natural resource that flows right around our busy town.

A recent study of tidal power around the coast of Britain went across the mouth of Poole Harbour, but took no notice of the opportunities for the water within. Those of us who try and fight the tide in small boats know its power, especially at the entrance, and the mouth of Holes Bay and Lychett Bay.

Our first aim is to commission a study of the potential for electricity generation within the harbour. The energy needs of Poole are significant, but this highly predictable source of power is literally on our doorstep.

The second step we hope this will prove is the scale of extractable energy, and the basis for us to develop as a Community Interest organisation to generate power to support the local community.

The harbour is a jewel along the south coast. Loved for boating, wildlife, a commercial port, a holiday destination and surrounded by nature reserves. Any scheme will need to be sensitive to these competing demands. Rather than rely on energy generated far away from oil, coal, gas and nuclear, we need your help to establish what can be achieved right here.

We already have interest from

• Transition Town Poole

• Poole Harbour Commissioners

• Carter Community School

• DEAC - Dorset Energy Advice Centre

• Poole Housing Partnership - providing social housing across the area

• Bournemouth University - Green Knowledge Economy centre

• Borough of Poole

• Rockley Park - Caravan Holiday Park

• Business Link

 Tell your friends, join this group:  Poole Tidal Energy Partnership  (http://www.energyshare.com/poole-tidal-energy-partnership/)

20th May to 5th June, Bournemouth and Poole

There is a huge range of events - over 75 - for individuals, families, community groups and business.

Download the full  BGF Programme (PDF) HERE

A workshop on Organising Events to Build Social Movements, Monday 25th October, Boscombe 18:00-20:00  read more

In celebration of Dorset Food Week

Transition Poole invites you to an evening of “Film, Food and Friendly Discussion”

Thursday 28th October

at Ashley Road Methodist Church Hall, Ashley Road, Parkstone, Poole 7.15pm

We will show the inspiring and beautiful film “A Farm for the Future” in which wildlife film maker Rebecca Hosking looks at transforming her family farm in Devon into a low-energy farm for the future and discovers that nature holds the key. (50 min)

Please bring a plate of food to share.

See whether you can create an interesting plate of food based on ingredients sourced from within 30 miles of where you live. Or use a traditional Dorset recipe. Or home-grown produce.

Soft drinks provided (no alcohol).

Free entry but donations will be welcomed.

If possible, please send me a quick email (by Tues 26th) letting me know what food and how many friends you intend to bring so that we can plan. harrietsj@googlemail.com

Any queries: Call Harriet on 01202 735758 or Helen 01202 741148

Please forward invite to friends and colleagues and networks.