INVITATION TO TENDER
FROM: Lancaster Energy Forum &
Lancaster District Council for Voluntary Services

FOR: Development of an Energy Advice and Sustainable Building Shop

We are looking for someone to develop an Energy Advice and Sustainable Buildings Shop in Lancaster. Would suit a self-employed person with suitable background or possibly small consultant.
The Project will start in the first week of September 2006 & the work needs to be completed by 31 March 2007.

The deadline for submissions is Friday 28 July 2006.
For further information on the project, & a copy of the tender document.
Please contact Cllr Chapman on 01524 846628,
or by email.

SMALL CHANGES - BIG DIFFERENCE

An average home contains 25 things that run off electricity, including, on average, three televisions. We are now using more and more electricity for convenience and entertainment in our homes.
On 5 June, World Environment Day, the Environment Agency encouraged everyone in the country to pledge to make a few changes over the next year.
Here are a few examples of pledges you can try on for size.

1. I will replace light bulbs in my home with energy saving ones (not suitable with dimmer swiches). These are available free from the DIY Recycle Shop 22A Yorkshire Street, Morecambe Tel: 01524 833080 (while stocks last)

2. I will switch off my television or computer screen, rather than leave it on stand-by.

3. I will turn the thermostat on my central heating down by one degree centigrade. This saves up to 10% on your fuel bill.

4. I will boil only the water I need, rather than filling the kettle every time.

5. I will switch my household to energy generated from renewable sources like wind and biomass. See www.ukgreenpower.co.uk for details

6. I will insulate my loft (use at least 8 inches of insulation) and fit a hot water cylinder insulation jacket (available free from the DIY Recycle Shop). Loft and cavity wall insulation installed at reduced price. Contact Tel: 0800-616115.

7. I will turn my bio-degradable waste into compost for my garden.

8. I will replace one two-mile car journey per week by walking, cycling or public transport.

9. I will re-use my plastic bags when shopping and avoid over-packaged goods.

10. I will buy the most energy efficient new items and donate my old electrical appliances to Furniture Matters. Tel: 01524 426622

If people act, it makes a real difference. If just 100 people replace two lightbulbs with energy-saving ones, 4,000kg less carbon dioxide will be emitted. Imagine the changes possible if everyone in the NorthWest made one pledge. For the full list of suggested actions, more information and to make a pledge online, see www.environment-agency.gov.uk

'It is important that we lead by example,' said Cllr Gina Dowding, Cabinet Member for sustainability at the City Council.
' The City Council housing stock is amongst the most energy efficient in the country and we use low energy light bulbs in most of our Council offices and public buildings. The Council has recently switched to renewable energy for three of its buildings. But there is still lots that we can do. We are hoping to install windmills on some of our property.'

To find out more about the Lancaster District Sustainability Partnership and how you can get involved, contact Dr Joy Grayson, Lancaster Town Hall, Dalton Square
Tel 01524 582061.

MORE INFO/LINKS

North Lancashire Real Food Group

Ivah Great Hill Tree Planting Project.
Tel: 07833777996