Corporate report: Environment Agency Active Pension Fund annual report and financial statements 2017 to 2018
The report highlights:
- financial performance
- governance
- environmental footprint
- progress towards the funds responsible investment strategy
News story: £700 million South West food exports are vital to economic success
The Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Liz Truss used a visit to several food manufacturers in Cornwall this week (12 and 13 July 2018) to unveil new figures that showed food and agricultural exports in the first quarter of 2018 were up for the fourth year in a row.
From January to March 2018, £175 million worth of food and agricultural goods were exported from the region around the globe, up £10 million on last year.
In 2017, nearly £700 million worth of Cornish food and agricultural goods were exported around the world, and the Chief Secretary hopes that this figure will be bettered this year:
Food manufacturers in this region have made a flying start to 2018 and it’s hugely encouraging to learn, once again, that food exports are up for the first quarter of this year.
Exporting boosts the earnings of a business, and the wages of local workers, it also enhances the reputation of Britain and Cornwall around the world.
I want to see more people abroad enjoying a taste of Cornwall, like the magnificent clotted cream I’ve seen made during my visit.
It is so important that local traders in this part of the world have the opportunity to increase their trade and create jobs and I’m here to learn how we can help them do this.
While visiting Cornwall, the Chief Secretary was hosted by groups of businesses and also visited several food manufacturing factories.
The government is delivering for the South West, and the region now has the second-lowest unemployment rate of all UK regions. And this year alone employment has increased by 37,000, with a record high 2.8 million people now in work.
Since 2010 the government has worked hard to make sure businesses in all regions of the UK can start-up and scale-up. By cutting corporation tax we have helped encourage this, with 1.2 million more businesses starting up since 2010.
2050 Climate Group joins SEPA in encouraging young people to get involved in flood conversation
12 July 2018
The 2050 Climate Group has joined the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) in calling on young people to take part in the national consultation to improve Scotland’s future flood risk management plans.
- Take part in SEPA’s national consultation on the designation of areas which are potentially vulnerable to flooding by 31 July.
- 81% of respondents so far agree that flooding is one of the major climate change challenges Scotland will face in the future.
- SEPA is seeking feedback to ensure local knowledge is captured.
Amy Ritchie, from the 2050 Climate Group, which aims to engage, educate and empower Scotland’s future leaders to take action on climate change, said:
“Climate change will lead to more frequent and intense flooding in Scotland so it’s really important that young people, as the generation that will be affected by these impacts in the future, take the time to review and respond to SEPA’s consultation. Research shows that 18 to 34 year olds in particular are not engaged in the issue of flooding. As a result, we are urging as many young people as possible to share their thoughts on SEPA’s increasingly vital work.”
People have until 31 July 2018 to help shape SEPA’s understanding of Potentially Vulnerable Areas by sharing their local knowledge to help make Scotland more resilient in the face of increased flood events.
Over 170 responses have so far been received, which can be viewed at: https://consultation.sepa.org.uk/evidence-and-flooding/pvas2018, with 81% of respondents agreeing that flooding is one of the major climate change challenges Scotland will face in the future.
Climate change is expected to increase flood risk, potentially doubling it in some areas in Scotland before the end of the century. SEPA is now looking for the views of young people in particular to ensure that a broad spectrum of knowledge and experience is represented.
SEPA plans to publish the results of the consultation in December 2018.
Terry A’Hearn, SEPA’s Chief Executive, said:
“We are pleased that we have received so many responses to this consultation so far which demonstrates the widespread knowledge and interest in this important issue. It may seem peculiar to ask people to think about flooding given the recent dry summer weather but please ensure you do because your views really do count and we want as many people as possible to share their views with us. The deadline is now fast approaching so I would strongly encourage you to take action now and join the discussion before 31 July.”
Ends
Notes to editors
Potentially Vulnerable Areas (PVAs)
Identifying PVAs is a vital part of protecting people, properties, communities, businesses, infrastructure and environment. These are based on Scotland’s National Flood Risk Assessment (NFRA) which is updated and published every 6 years. This provides a clear picture of past, current and future flood risk and feeds into SEPA’s Flood Risk Management Strategies and Local Flood Risk Management Plans.
Designation of an area as a PVA allows local authorities and public bodies to work with communities to focus activities on reducing the impacts of flooding. Better data has provided a greater understanding of the location of properties and access to better mapping and modelling has improved the assessment of flood risk.
Over 40 of Scotland’s best green businesses announced as finalists for environmental awards
12 July 2018
More than 40 of Scotland’s best green businesses have been announced as finalists for the VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards in recognition of their commitment to tackling environmental challenges.
Now in their 19th year, the awards urge Scotland’s businesses to challenge their everyday working practices and embrace the economic opportunity of sustainability.
Amongst the diverse businesses which have made the cut for their contribution to Scotland’s sustainability are Wood, Glengoyne Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Devro (Scotland) Ltd, Edinburgh Trams and the Royal Zoological Society Scotland (full list in notes to editors). The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony held on 14 November at Radisson Blu in Glasgow.
The finalists have been selected across nine individual award categories which aim to recognise the different ways organisations are implementing environmental best practice in their daily activity. This could range from reducing the use of plastic or developing a new product or service, to encouraging cycle to work schemes or replacing company vehicles for electric cars.
Sustainable best practice isn’t just good for the environment but is also beneficial for business performance, with many of this year’s entries reporting associated benefits including; enhanced competitiveness, a positive working culture and both environmental and financial savings.
Commenting, Bob Downes, chair of SEPA and head of the VIBES judging panel, said:
The VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards are a great chance to recognise business leadership in sustainable environmental investment. This is at the core of SEPA’s One Planet Prosperity regulatory strategy. New approaches for delivering environmental improvements provide businesses with opportunities to enhance their sustainability and economic performance.
“The Awards celebrate businesses which are already stepping up to this challenge and are leading by example and are an excellent opportunity to recognise and reward these companies for going beyond “business as usual” and driving sustainable growth through innovation. It is very encouraging to see so many of Scotland’s businesses leading the way and making a difference which will not only support the environment but also protect their bottom line. I would like to congratulate each of this year’s finalists and wish them luck for November’s ceremony.”
Awards will be presented for the following categories: Management Large, Management SME, Green Team, Sustainable and Active Travel, Circular Economy, Environmental Product or Service, Innovation, and Hydro Nation Water Innovation. A Micro Business Award will also be presented to the best entry to any category from a company with less than 10 employees.
This year a Climate Adaptation commendation has also been introduced, in partnership with Adaptation Scotland, which will reward a business that has demonstrated managing climate related risks or has created a product or service to help society adapt.
Award sponsors to date include Adaptation Scotland, Anglian Water Business, Chivas Brothers Pernod Ricard, Climate-KIC through ECCI, Energy Saving Trust, Farne Salmon and Trout, Greenvale AP, Scottish Government, ScottishPower and University of Stirling Management School.
For more information on VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards please visit www.vibes.org.uk
– Ends –
Notes to editors:
VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards is a strategic partnership between Scottish Environment Protection Agency, Scottish Government, Scottish Water, Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Zero Waste Scotland, and Energy Saving Trust.
The Awards are further supported by CBI Scotland, the Institute of Directors, the Federation of Small Businesses, Bright Green Business, Quality Scotland and Scottish Council for Development and Industry.
The Awards are accredited by the RSA Environment Awards Accreditation Scheme (www.rsaaccreditation.org).
The full list of VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards 2018 categories and finalists are as follows:
Adaptation to Climate Change:
- Aberdeen City Council Countryside Ranger Service
- The James Hutton Institute
- TreeGreen trading as EGG lighting
- Universities Superannuation Scheme LTD
Circular Economy:
- Hamilton Waste & Recycling Ltd
- Kittiwig Ltd
- Remade in Edinburgh
- Renewable Parts Ltd – Refurbishment Centre
- Spruce Carpets Limited
Environmental Product or Service:
- Clearwater Controls Ltd
- Moock Environmental Solutions Ltd
- Peel Tech Ltd
- Scotch Whisky Association
- Wood
Green Team:
- Clyde Shopping Centre
- Devro (Scotland) Ltd
- Investec Wealth and Investment (Investec Plc)
- Midlothian Council (Community Payback Team)
- Royal Zoological Society Scotland
Hydro Nation Water Innovation:
- Aqualution Systems Ltd
- Clearwater Controls Ltd
- Proterra Energy Ltd
- Scotmas Limited
- Veolia (Veolia Water Outsourcing Limited)
Innovation:
- 3F BIO Ltd
- CuanTec
- eRally Motorsport Ltd and Knockhill Racing Circuit Ltd
- IntelliDigest Ltd
- McCormack Innovation Ltd
- Xanthella
Management Large:
- Devro (Scotland) Ltd
- DSM Nutritional Products (UK) Limited
- EDF Energy Nuclear Generation
- Scottish Leather Group Limited
- TechnipFMC
Management SME:
- Glengoyne Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
- Greens deli
- Hickory
- Paterson Arran Ltd
- Sidey Solutions Limited
- The Wildcat Cafe Ltd
Sustainable and Active Travel:
- Beyond Green
- Edinburgh Trams
- eRally Motorsport Ltd and Knockhill Racing Circuit Ltd
- nextGenergy
- Next Plc
In addition, Micro business will be considered for the Micro Business category:
- Aqualution Systems Ltd
- Beyond Green
- eRally Motorsport Ltd and Knockhill Racing Circuit Ltd
- Greens deli
- IntelliDigest Ltd
- Kittiwig
- McCormack Innovation Ltd
- nextGenergy
- Peel Tech Ltd
- Proterra Energy Ltd
- Remade in Edinburgh
- Renewable Parts Ltd – Refurbishment Centre
- The Wildcat Cafe Ltd
- TreeGreen trading as EGG lighting
- Universities Superannuation Scheme LTD
- Xanthella
World news story: Call for proposals for Colombia’s Technical Assistance Programme
Updated: The London Workshop venue has been confirmed.
The BEIS ICF Technical Assistance Programme aims to:
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Contribute to the reduction of Colombia’s emissions and poverty reduction by improving the capacity and capability of key institutions (national, subnational, non-state).
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Support demand-led technical assistance that prioritises implementation and helps raise climate ambition, by addressing barriers, constraints and areas of opportunity at different levels of government based on the country’s political and economic context and sectoral priorities.
The programme has the following themes:
a. Diffusion of non-conventional renewable energy sources to ensure an affordable, resilient, and low emissions energy system
b. Addressing key policy, finance and technical barriers to scale up the energy efficiency market
c. Financial and non-financial incentives (existing and new) and better access to innovative finance instruments, combined with a more comprehensive and coherent policy and regulatory framework, to accelerate the deployment of low emission vehicles
d. Improving energy access through decentralised renewable energy generation models in areas that complement other UK forests and land use programmes
e. Sustainable tourism and scientific research as a strategy to protect forests, ensure sustainable rural development and consolidation of peace in areas that have been affected by conflict
Crosscutting themes are:
a. Implementation of Colombia’s Green Growth Policy to consolidate long-term GHG emission reduction and sustainable economic development
b. Improved understanding of investment opportunities and risks in green growth and support implementation of Colombia’s roadmap to establish a green bond market
c. Operationalisation of Colombia’s MRV system for mitigation action, including a transparent registry, to track progress and ensure NDC implementation
Call for proposals (C4P)
BEIS ICF has allocated up to £2 million for technical assistance activities in Colombia through an open, competitive call for proposals. Funds are available for projects of up to one year in length.
This C4P request implementation partners to submit concept bids for the following project types:
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Year 1 projects should require funding from the ICF of between £250,000 – £500,000 (indicative), for up to one year of activity from the point of signing the grant agreement. The total project budget may exceed the amount requested from the ICF with co-funding and exceed the timescale of one year, if the activity applied for is an initial phase or component within a larger multi-year project.
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Skill share projects should require funding from the ICF of between £25,000 – £100,000 (indicative), for up to one year of activity from the point of signing the grant agreement.
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Early transition activity projects should require funding from the ICF of between £25,000 – £100,000 (indicative), for up to six months of activity from the point of signing the grant agreement. Projects funded through this bidding round must:
- relate to one or more of the themes of the call for proposals
- require funding of between £25,000 – £500,000 (indicative), for up to one year length of activity from the point of contracting, based on the project types described in the ICF Colombia Call for Proposals Strategy and Guidelines.
- be compatible with Official Development Assistance (ODA) criteria
- facilitate the exchange of policy and commercial expertise. Good proposals will demonstrate substantial collaboration and involvement on implementation between Colombian and UK and/or international partner
- explain how the project has sufficient buy-in from Colombian stakeholders to deliver the expected outcomes. Further information on our programme work can be found in the attached publication (links below)
Bidding round stages
The ICF Technical Assistance Programme in Colombia is coordinated by the British Embassy in Colombia. The bidding process is split between a concept stage and a full proposal stage.
Stage 1: Concept bid development. Implementing organisations develop concept bids in consultation with the Embassy, and submit by the deadline (using the Project Concept Bid form provided).
Stage 2: Approval of concept bids. Concept bids are assessed on five criteria: strategic fit, potential for transformational impact, value for money, additionality, and deliverability. Implementers successful at this concept stage will be invited to develop full bids.
Stage 3: Development and approval of full bids. Successful implementing organisations are invited to submit full bids, which are assessed by a Programme Board. Successful projects will then begin from Autumn 2018.
Proposed timetable
Submissions should be sent to both ICF.Colombia@fco.gov.uk and ICF.Colombia@beis.gov.uk, based on the following deadlines:
| Early Transition Activity | Skill Sharing | 1 Year Projects |
|---|---|---|
| Deadline of concept bids for early transition activity projects is August 8, 2018 – 23:59 (GMT) | Deadline of concept bids for skill share projects is August 22, 2018 – 23:59 (GMT) | Deadline of concept bids for 1 Year projects is August 22, 2018 – 23:59 (GMT) |
The timetable is subject to change, at the discretion of the Colombia TAP Team.
Attachments to download
If proposals are accepted at the concept stage, implementers will be required to submit a more detailed bid form and more detailed activity-based budget (ABB). The Colombia TAP Team will provide the template documents for full proposals to successful implementing organisations in due course.
Colombia TAP Team contact details
For further details on the call for proposals, please contact the Colombia TAP Team by email at ICF.Colombia@fco.gov.uk and ICF.Colombia@beis.gov.uk
Implementers briefing workshops
The Programme team will host two workshops for potential implementers in Colombia and London (to be delivered in English).
The workshops will:
- brief on ICF Technical Assistance Program, including Colombia strategy
- explain the requirements for the bid form
- provide opportunities for potential implementers to make questions on the C4P process
Colombia Workshop will take place Wednesday 18 July, 2018 from 15:00 to 16:30 (GMT) / 9:00 to 10:30 (COL time).
Registration deadline: by 13:00 on Monday 16 July 2018 (GMT)
Venue: WebEx virtual room to be confirmed
Register form:
If you are interested in attending the workshop, please send an email, fill in the relevant form above and send to ICF.Colombia@fco.gov.uk before deadline, with “Colombia workshop” in the subject field. The programme team will send to all registered organisations a confirmation with details for connection.
London Workshop will take place on Thursday 02 August.
Registration Deadline: by 9:30 on Friday 27 July 2018 (GMT)
Venue: 1VS Conference Centre, 1 Victoria Street, London SW1H 0ET
Register form:
If you are interested in attending the workshop, please send an email, fill in the relevant form above and send to ICF.Colombia@beis.gov.uk before deadline, with “London workshop” in the subject field. The programme team will send to all registered organisations a confirmation including date, time and venue.