An inventor has designed a three-storey house on wheels that can revolve to follow the sun during the day.
The £500,000 environmentally-friendly home will feature solar panels and use tyres and railway tracks to rotate.
Robin Hamilton will add wind turbines and also use recyclable materials to build the home on a former quarry near Snelton, Ashbourne.
He said the rotation was not a gimmick and would help create more energy than the 700-tonne home will use.
"It's going to rotate to make maximum use of solar energy. We are going to gain solar energy by tracking the sun.
"As the sun swings round so the house will rotate.
"Also the wind turbines, which are an integral part of the roof, will be facing the direction of the prevailing winds which tend to be south westerly here."
Rural property surveyors Fisher German helped with the development.
Head of the planning team Kay Davies said: "You're not allowed to create new dwellings in the countryside unless they're specifically for agricultural purposes.
"In this case we were able to break those rules, break through those barriers, because it was so revolutionary."
Mr Hamilton, who has been given planning permission for the home, said the only problem he could envisage would be the fact that a revolving building might confuse his cats when they tried to get in.
He hopes to have completed his new home within two years.
What will he do when the ice age arrives?
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-26 11:36:58
Showing posts with label environment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label environment. Show all posts
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Peak District Cave Secrets Revealed!
The results of a three-year study into the history of hundreds of caves in the Peak District and Yorkshire Dales National Parks will be revealed today.
Researchers examined more than 400 caves for the Conservation Audit of Archaeological Caves, funded by £95,000 from English Heritage.
The findings, which will be announced at the Peak Cavern, Castleton, later today, will be used to guide national policies for cave conservation.
Prof Andrew Chamberlain, of the University of Sheffield, and Dr Randolph Donahue, of the University of Bradford led the project while Helen Holderness and Glyn Davies, of the University of Sheffield, carried out the study.
The team systematically recorded the setting and dimensions of each cave and looked for archaeological deposits to establish what made particular caves attractive for use in the past, with some surprising results.
Prof Chamberlain said: "Caves have been used throughout history for a number of purposes and provide a unique window to the past.
"Throughout the survey it was interesting to note that aesthetic features such as the direction of view from the cave entrance, the size of the cave and its location within the landscape were the important factors in determining whether a particular cave was chosen for domestic or ritual activities.
"We are accustomed to hearing the words 'location, location, location' when discussing present day house purchases. Now it appears similar criteria may have been used by prehistoric hunters and farmers when selecting caves in which to conduct their activities."
Well it's not rocket science is it. Who knows there were probably estate agents around at that time and looking at some of the one's around today I think it fair to say they have come from the stone age.
Jon Humble, Regional Inspector of Ancient Monuments with English Heritage, added: "Caves are often associated with mystery, intrigue and the unknown. This project has helped significantly to lift some of those veils – the archaeological investigation providing a much better understanding of the conservation needs of the present day and the future to help guide national policies for cave conservation."
Unfortunately for Blair, Bin Laden wasn't found.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-27 04:31:51
Researchers examined more than 400 caves for the Conservation Audit of Archaeological Caves, funded by £95,000 from English Heritage.
The findings, which will be announced at the Peak Cavern, Castleton, later today, will be used to guide national policies for cave conservation.
Prof Andrew Chamberlain, of the University of Sheffield, and Dr Randolph Donahue, of the University of Bradford led the project while Helen Holderness and Glyn Davies, of the University of Sheffield, carried out the study.
The team systematically recorded the setting and dimensions of each cave and looked for archaeological deposits to establish what made particular caves attractive for use in the past, with some surprising results.
Prof Chamberlain said: "Caves have been used throughout history for a number of purposes and provide a unique window to the past.
"Throughout the survey it was interesting to note that aesthetic features such as the direction of view from the cave entrance, the size of the cave and its location within the landscape were the important factors in determining whether a particular cave was chosen for domestic or ritual activities.
"We are accustomed to hearing the words 'location, location, location' when discussing present day house purchases. Now it appears similar criteria may have been used by prehistoric hunters and farmers when selecting caves in which to conduct their activities."
Well it's not rocket science is it. Who knows there were probably estate agents around at that time and looking at some of the one's around today I think it fair to say they have come from the stone age.
Jon Humble, Regional Inspector of Ancient Monuments with English Heritage, added: "Caves are often associated with mystery, intrigue and the unknown. This project has helped significantly to lift some of those veils – the archaeological investigation providing a much better understanding of the conservation needs of the present day and the future to help guide national policies for cave conservation."
Unfortunately for Blair, Bin Laden wasn't found.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-27 04:31:51
Should the Peak District National Park go 'Green'
While everyone is going green crazy, the Peak District National Park planning service want your thoughts on how 'green' the Peak District should become.
For example, should the Peak District be covered in tall, white wind turbines to help create 'green' energy?
There will be exhibitions across the National Park held on March 29 at Bamford Institute, April 12 at Chapel en le Frith Town Hall, April 16 at Bakewell Medway Centre, April 18 at Dungworth Village Hall, April 24 at Parwich Village Hall, on May 10 at Warslow Village Hall.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-27 04:18:06
For example, should the Peak District be covered in tall, white wind turbines to help create 'green' energy?
There will be exhibitions across the National Park held on March 29 at Bamford Institute, April 12 at Chapel en le Frith Town Hall, April 16 at Bakewell Medway Centre, April 18 at Dungworth Village Hall, April 24 at Parwich Village Hall, on May 10 at Warslow Village Hall.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-27 04:18:06
Fly Tippers caught on Camera
In a bid to stop fly tipping in Derby hot stops, Derby City Council is to use CCTV cameras to help identify fly tippers illegally dumping rubbish.
The Council is working with the Environment Agency and Derby Community Safety Partnership to monitor various areas of land where rubbish is often illegally dumped and will use CCTV pictures to help prosecute fly-tippers.
The Council is also warning householders and businesses that they are legally responsible if they hire someone to take their waste away and it ends up being dumped, so they need to check that anyone they hire to take their rubbish away is registered as a waste carrier with the Environment Agency. The Environment Agency can be contacted on 08708 506506 or minicom 08702 422549.
Councillor Alan Graves, Council Cabinet Member for Leisure and Direct Services, said: “Many people and organisations are putting in a lot of effort, particularly this week, to clean up Derby, so we want to stop the minority of unscrupulous people who want to save money or make a profit at the expense of our city by fly-tipping.”
Councillor Pauline Latham, Council Cabinet Member for Enforcement, said: "We will not hesitate to use the pictures captured by these cameras as evidence in prosecutions of businesses or individuals who fly-tip rubbish in Derby. I would warn anyone considering doing so that they risk an unlimited fine and even up to five years in prison.”
As the prisons are already full of trash I would suggest a heavy fine and 50 tonnes of shite dumped in the culprits living room.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-27 04:13:24
The Council is working with the Environment Agency and Derby Community Safety Partnership to monitor various areas of land where rubbish is often illegally dumped and will use CCTV pictures to help prosecute fly-tippers.
The Council is also warning householders and businesses that they are legally responsible if they hire someone to take their waste away and it ends up being dumped, so they need to check that anyone they hire to take their rubbish away is registered as a waste carrier with the Environment Agency. The Environment Agency can be contacted on 08708 506506 or minicom 08702 422549.
Councillor Alan Graves, Council Cabinet Member for Leisure and Direct Services, said: “Many people and organisations are putting in a lot of effort, particularly this week, to clean up Derby, so we want to stop the minority of unscrupulous people who want to save money or make a profit at the expense of our city by fly-tipping.”
Councillor Pauline Latham, Council Cabinet Member for Enforcement, said: "We will not hesitate to use the pictures captured by these cameras as evidence in prosecutions of businesses or individuals who fly-tip rubbish in Derby. I would warn anyone considering doing so that they risk an unlimited fine and even up to five years in prison.”
As the prisons are already full of trash I would suggest a heavy fine and 50 tonnes of shite dumped in the culprits living room.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-27 04:13:24
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Toxic Waste in Derbyshire
At least four highly toxic acid tar dumps remain untreated in the Belper area it has been claimed this week.
Sites at Wyver Lane, near the Chevin Golf Course, Firestone Hill in Hazelwood and a spot in Holbrook known locally as 'Oil Woods' have all been named as places where the Silkolene oil company is thought to have disposed of its waste more than 20 years ago.
Calls have now been made by concerned residents for Amber Valley Borough Council to designate them all as 'special sites' and ask the Environment Agency to clean them up.
Development of the controversial Cinderhill site between Belper and Denby has just been put on hold while the same acid tar waste is cleared from the pits on that site.
Peter Carney, Chief Executive of Amber Valley Borough Council, this week refused to say whether or not the authority knew of the sites but said there was a register of potentially contaminated sites.
Mr Carney said: "The council has a register of potentially contaminated sites and we have a strategy to examine them. Legislation sets out a process for determining if they are contaminated.
"If there are sites not on the register that we are made aware of then we will look at them and follow the legislation. The register is available for inspection and can be requested under the Freedom of Information Act."
Sounds like someone has something to hide.
Paul Harrison, who worked as a civil engineer on the sites after the waste was dumped and has lived near the Cinderhill tar pits, for nearly 20 years, said: "These sites have the same stuff in them as Cinderhill which is now a special site, they also need dealing with.
"They tipped the tar at Wyver Lane which is on the Derwent flood plain and has that nature reserve there now. At Firestone it started moving and pushing the fences and there's another dump on the corner of the Chevin Golf Course.
"People who play there say you can smell it on the hot days in the summer. The carcinogens are in the smell, that's the toxic fumes.
"I've got two children and I'm scared. We shouldn't be here but who's going to buy our house with that on the doorstep?"
The landowner who did not wish to be named said: "It was no secret at the time, everybody knew what it was. They offered less than a farthing a gallon to the land owners.
"When we were approached they took us to see it being dumped into the site at Firestone, tankers rolled up and just poured it into the ground. When we found out what it was we told them we didn't want it on our land.
"Silkolene didn't have a problem getting planning permission, they were large employers and jobs were precious. The authorities probably didn't know how dangerous this stuff is but they do now.
"It's nasty stuff – it doesn't come from oil refining, it comes from reclamation of used oil."
It's interesting to see that 20 years on big employers still get their own way where planning permission is concerned.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-20 01:37:04
Sites at Wyver Lane, near the Chevin Golf Course, Firestone Hill in Hazelwood and a spot in Holbrook known locally as 'Oil Woods' have all been named as places where the Silkolene oil company is thought to have disposed of its waste more than 20 years ago.
Calls have now been made by concerned residents for Amber Valley Borough Council to designate them all as 'special sites' and ask the Environment Agency to clean them up.
Development of the controversial Cinderhill site between Belper and Denby has just been put on hold while the same acid tar waste is cleared from the pits on that site.
Peter Carney, Chief Executive of Amber Valley Borough Council, this week refused to say whether or not the authority knew of the sites but said there was a register of potentially contaminated sites.
Mr Carney said: "The council has a register of potentially contaminated sites and we have a strategy to examine them. Legislation sets out a process for determining if they are contaminated.
"If there are sites not on the register that we are made aware of then we will look at them and follow the legislation. The register is available for inspection and can be requested under the Freedom of Information Act."
Sounds like someone has something to hide.
Paul Harrison, who worked as a civil engineer on the sites after the waste was dumped and has lived near the Cinderhill tar pits, for nearly 20 years, said: "These sites have the same stuff in them as Cinderhill which is now a special site, they also need dealing with.
"They tipped the tar at Wyver Lane which is on the Derwent flood plain and has that nature reserve there now. At Firestone it started moving and pushing the fences and there's another dump on the corner of the Chevin Golf Course.
"People who play there say you can smell it on the hot days in the summer. The carcinogens are in the smell, that's the toxic fumes.
"I've got two children and I'm scared. We shouldn't be here but who's going to buy our house with that on the doorstep?"
The landowner who did not wish to be named said: "It was no secret at the time, everybody knew what it was. They offered less than a farthing a gallon to the land owners.
"When we were approached they took us to see it being dumped into the site at Firestone, tankers rolled up and just poured it into the ground. When we found out what it was we told them we didn't want it on our land.
"Silkolene didn't have a problem getting planning permission, they were large employers and jobs were precious. The authorities probably didn't know how dangerous this stuff is but they do now.
"It's nasty stuff – it doesn't come from oil refining, it comes from reclamation of used oil."
It's interesting to see that 20 years on big employers still get their own way where planning permission is concerned.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-20 01:37:04
Green Card for Brown Budget
The most obvious way to squeeze through yet more tax hikes in Wednesday's Budget is to play the green card. Mr Brown and David Cameron have recently been trying to gain the moral high ground on this topic. The electorate is almost certainly far more concerned about crime and education and a hundred and one other things, but with global warming the new religion, Brown will feel he can not go wrong.
Not that we need more taxes. The shadow chancellor George Osborne, reckons we've seen 99 tax hikes since 1997, and Mr Brown's on for the century and more on Wednesday.
But which green tax to go for? The latest suggestion is that 4x4s and sports cars will be attacked with higher road tax - having already hiked air passenger duty, which hits less well-off tourists more than the wealthy, he might be tempted to tackle the demon gas-guzzlers to show some semblance of equality. After all, only the well-off drive them and everyone else apparently hates the Chelsea tractor brigade, so it should be an easy grab.
Annual duty on the 225,000 least fuel efficient vehicles purchased brand new since last April, including most 4x4s and sports cars, is set to rise from £210 to more than £400 over the next two years, according to the Times and Sun.
But the move is unlikely to satisfy environmental campaigners, who have called for road tax of up to £2,000 for the worst polluters.
Dave Timms, economics campaigner with Friends of the Earth, said the Chancellor had to put climate change at the "heart" of the Budget, rather than merely "tinker in the margins".
"Mr Brown must come forward with a comprehensive package of measures that tax polluting activities, make it easier and cheaper for people to cut their carbon dioxide emissions and demonstrate that he is prepared to take this issue seriously."
Among other environmentally-friendly proposals believed to be mooted is offering incentives for energy-efficient products, possibly by cutting the rate of Vat on them.
However, those hoping for income tax concessions are likely to be disappointed, and Mr Brown is expected to maintain an iron grip on public spending.
Brown will undoubtedly be crowing about his economic forecasts. He looks on course to meet his public borrowing target of £37billion this year, which he will certainly be pleased about. But in reality, this is nothing to be proud of. Six years ago the Chancellor predicted public borrowing this year would be £12billion. That's a margin of error of more than 200%.
And don't forget about his golden rule which has been yanked and manipulated so much it should really be called the rubber band rule. He claims to have kept government spending to below 40% as a proportion of UK GDP, but if you add in all the off balance sheet items and public sector pension liabilities you could readily reach a figure as high as 80%".
It can only be a matter of time before the economy crashes and like a typical politicion he will escape just in time to leave his successor to deal with the mess.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-19 13:28:47
Not that we need more taxes. The shadow chancellor George Osborne, reckons we've seen 99 tax hikes since 1997, and Mr Brown's on for the century and more on Wednesday.
But which green tax to go for? The latest suggestion is that 4x4s and sports cars will be attacked with higher road tax - having already hiked air passenger duty, which hits less well-off tourists more than the wealthy, he might be tempted to tackle the demon gas-guzzlers to show some semblance of equality. After all, only the well-off drive them and everyone else apparently hates the Chelsea tractor brigade, so it should be an easy grab.
Annual duty on the 225,000 least fuel efficient vehicles purchased brand new since last April, including most 4x4s and sports cars, is set to rise from £210 to more than £400 over the next two years, according to the Times and Sun.
But the move is unlikely to satisfy environmental campaigners, who have called for road tax of up to £2,000 for the worst polluters.
Dave Timms, economics campaigner with Friends of the Earth, said the Chancellor had to put climate change at the "heart" of the Budget, rather than merely "tinker in the margins".
"Mr Brown must come forward with a comprehensive package of measures that tax polluting activities, make it easier and cheaper for people to cut their carbon dioxide emissions and demonstrate that he is prepared to take this issue seriously."
Among other environmentally-friendly proposals believed to be mooted is offering incentives for energy-efficient products, possibly by cutting the rate of Vat on them.
However, those hoping for income tax concessions are likely to be disappointed, and Mr Brown is expected to maintain an iron grip on public spending.
Brown will undoubtedly be crowing about his economic forecasts. He looks on course to meet his public borrowing target of £37billion this year, which he will certainly be pleased about. But in reality, this is nothing to be proud of. Six years ago the Chancellor predicted public borrowing this year would be £12billion. That's a margin of error of more than 200%.
And don't forget about his golden rule which has been yanked and manipulated so much it should really be called the rubber band rule. He claims to have kept government spending to below 40% as a proportion of UK GDP, but if you add in all the off balance sheet items and public sector pension liabilities you could readily reach a figure as high as 80%".
It can only be a matter of time before the economy crashes and like a typical politicion he will escape just in time to leave his successor to deal with the mess.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-19 13:28:47
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Who is the greenest of them all - part three
In the final part of our search for the greenest party we look at the grand old man of politics. A man who is that old that he can remember the last ice age.
Sir Menzies Campbell and the Liberal Democrats
Personal
Formerly the owner of a classic Jaguar, Sir Menzies traded in his beloved gas-guzzler for a VW when he secured the Liberal Democrat crown. He has accumulated substantial air miles in the past year but in fairness, his constituency is North East Fife and all the carbon clocked up on his flights is offset. Ming has vowed to ditch cars in favour of tubes and trains wherever possible when he is travelling to appointments.
Political
The Liberal Democrats have perhaps the clearest and boldest policies when it comes to the environment. They back government plans for a 60 per cent reduction in carbon emissions by 2050, although they would likely strive for a more ambitious target and commit to annual progress reviews. The Liberal Democrats resolutely oppose a new generation of nuclear power stations and are committed to developing renewable energy sources, particularly wave and tidal power.
Green taxes introduced by the Lib Dems would be firm but fair, the party promises. The greenest cars would be subject to little or no vehicle excise duty while the most polluting motors would incur the most tax. Road pricing is a favoured policy, with a system based on location, congestion and pollution levying taxes which would then be invested in public transport and a national cycling plan.
On air travel, the Lib Dems seek to place the emphasis for environmental responsibility on flight operators, with airlines paying a tax on every plane that takes off from a UK airport, thus discouraging half-empty planes from flying.
The pragmatic and benevolent nature of Liberal Democrat policy makes it difficult to argue with, but given that they are the party least likely to form the government at the next election, it's fair to say they can afford to occupy a more idealistic ground.
So who is the greenest of them all?
It's a difficult call to make. In Labour we have a party who are unafraid to push through unpopular decisions but seem reluctant to be held accountable. The Conservatives have made the environment the key issue in the rebranding and repositioning of the party as a whole, but have yet to deliver any solid policy to back up their manoeuvring. The Liberal Democrats meanwhile exude clarity of vision and purpose when it comes to the environment, but of course, they have no chance of being elected.
What's really needed is a politician who is able to balance the environmental evangelism of David Cameron with the sheer bloody-mindedness of a Gordon Brown or Tony Blair, while heading up a party that boasts a portfolio of visionary environmental policy.
Anyone believe in miracles?
But for now, a cross-party consensus on the environment is as unthinkable as it is unworkable, even with the future of the planet at stake.
My green policy is simple. I have thought about the subject at length, about what should be done and how I could improve the situation. Having given great thought I have decided not to bother, but it is the thought that counts, isn't it?
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-17 03:28:40
Sir Menzies Campbell and the Liberal Democrats
Personal
Formerly the owner of a classic Jaguar, Sir Menzies traded in his beloved gas-guzzler for a VW when he secured the Liberal Democrat crown. He has accumulated substantial air miles in the past year but in fairness, his constituency is North East Fife and all the carbon clocked up on his flights is offset. Ming has vowed to ditch cars in favour of tubes and trains wherever possible when he is travelling to appointments.
Political
The Liberal Democrats have perhaps the clearest and boldest policies when it comes to the environment. They back government plans for a 60 per cent reduction in carbon emissions by 2050, although they would likely strive for a more ambitious target and commit to annual progress reviews. The Liberal Democrats resolutely oppose a new generation of nuclear power stations and are committed to developing renewable energy sources, particularly wave and tidal power.
Green taxes introduced by the Lib Dems would be firm but fair, the party promises. The greenest cars would be subject to little or no vehicle excise duty while the most polluting motors would incur the most tax. Road pricing is a favoured policy, with a system based on location, congestion and pollution levying taxes which would then be invested in public transport and a national cycling plan.
On air travel, the Lib Dems seek to place the emphasis for environmental responsibility on flight operators, with airlines paying a tax on every plane that takes off from a UK airport, thus discouraging half-empty planes from flying.
The pragmatic and benevolent nature of Liberal Democrat policy makes it difficult to argue with, but given that they are the party least likely to form the government at the next election, it's fair to say they can afford to occupy a more idealistic ground.
So who is the greenest of them all?
It's a difficult call to make. In Labour we have a party who are unafraid to push through unpopular decisions but seem reluctant to be held accountable. The Conservatives have made the environment the key issue in the rebranding and repositioning of the party as a whole, but have yet to deliver any solid policy to back up their manoeuvring. The Liberal Democrats meanwhile exude clarity of vision and purpose when it comes to the environment, but of course, they have no chance of being elected.
What's really needed is a politician who is able to balance the environmental evangelism of David Cameron with the sheer bloody-mindedness of a Gordon Brown or Tony Blair, while heading up a party that boasts a portfolio of visionary environmental policy.
Anyone believe in miracles?
But for now, a cross-party consensus on the environment is as unthinkable as it is unworkable, even with the future of the planet at stake.
My green policy is simple. I have thought about the subject at length, about what should be done and how I could improve the situation. Having given great thought I have decided not to bother, but it is the thought that counts, isn't it?
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-17 03:28:40
Who is the greenest of them all - part two
Today's politicion and party under the spotlight is
David Cameron and the Conservative Party.
Personal
From day one, David Cameron has loudly worn his green credentials on his sleeve and famously cycled to Westminster with an army of cameramen following behind. It later emerged that his car followed him to work carrying his shoes and official papers.
Cameron's new home is still being built but is all set to include wind turbines and solar panels.
The leader of the Conservatives also made a very public show of switching to renewable energy suppliers and he even wears recycled shoes. Cameron's support for the environmental course is so zealous that I often get the impression that celebrated 90s activist Swampy has emerged from his tunnel, cut his hair and somehow become leader of the Tory party.
However, he has a tendency to want to grab the headlines. Remember the "Hug a Hoody" gaff. Well last weekend he was pictured in his garden planting a tree. Great. Except this tree clearly came from a garden centre and he must have used his car to collect it and therefore emitted a garden shed full of carbon into the atmosphere took the gloss of it somewhat.
The Conservatives back government plans to reduce carbon emissions by 60 per cent by 2050, and would like to go even further. Crucially, they back the idea of annual adjustments to targets, which would be reviewed and set by an independent body.
The Tory stance on nuclear power is still uncertain and they have not ruled out the possibility of a new generation of nuclear reactors as a last resort. The backing of EU targets to source 20 per cent of energy from renewable sources by 2020 has been soured somewhat by opposition from a number of Tory MPs who have opposed plans to build wind farms in their constituencies.
When it comes to green taxes, the Conservatives have indicated that they would be prepared to make decisions unpopular with the electorate. A proposed green air miles allowance would limit travellers to one short-haul flight a year at a lower tax rate. Any further air travel would then be taxed at a higher rate. Motorists would also be likely to face a raft of new taxes dependent on where and how often they use their cars.
However, the green tax issue, along with the Conservatives' environment agenda as a whole remains vague, as the party has yet to complete its broader policy review. And while policy remains forthcoming, David Cameron for now has the luxury of making the political running when it comes to saving the world.
Verdict
A party that on the face of it cannot make up its mind what to do and led by a complete prat. Is it too late to bring back Hague? We all know he had a nightmare last time but now he has more experience behind him, sounds plausible and would regain political trust. The fact that he allegedly reads my column has nothing to do with it.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-16 09:28:28
David Cameron and the Conservative Party.
Personal
From day one, David Cameron has loudly worn his green credentials on his sleeve and famously cycled to Westminster with an army of cameramen following behind. It later emerged that his car followed him to work carrying his shoes and official papers.
Cameron's new home is still being built but is all set to include wind turbines and solar panels.
The leader of the Conservatives also made a very public show of switching to renewable energy suppliers and he even wears recycled shoes. Cameron's support for the environmental course is so zealous that I often get the impression that celebrated 90s activist Swampy has emerged from his tunnel, cut his hair and somehow become leader of the Tory party.
However, he has a tendency to want to grab the headlines. Remember the "Hug a Hoody" gaff. Well last weekend he was pictured in his garden planting a tree. Great. Except this tree clearly came from a garden centre and he must have used his car to collect it and therefore emitted a garden shed full of carbon into the atmosphere took the gloss of it somewhat.
The Conservatives back government plans to reduce carbon emissions by 60 per cent by 2050, and would like to go even further. Crucially, they back the idea of annual adjustments to targets, which would be reviewed and set by an independent body.
The Tory stance on nuclear power is still uncertain and they have not ruled out the possibility of a new generation of nuclear reactors as a last resort. The backing of EU targets to source 20 per cent of energy from renewable sources by 2020 has been soured somewhat by opposition from a number of Tory MPs who have opposed plans to build wind farms in their constituencies.
When it comes to green taxes, the Conservatives have indicated that they would be prepared to make decisions unpopular with the electorate. A proposed green air miles allowance would limit travellers to one short-haul flight a year at a lower tax rate. Any further air travel would then be taxed at a higher rate. Motorists would also be likely to face a raft of new taxes dependent on where and how often they use their cars.
However, the green tax issue, along with the Conservatives' environment agenda as a whole remains vague, as the party has yet to complete its broader policy review. And while policy remains forthcoming, David Cameron for now has the luxury of making the political running when it comes to saving the world.
Verdict
A party that on the face of it cannot make up its mind what to do and led by a complete prat. Is it too late to bring back Hague? We all know he had a nightmare last time but now he has more experience behind him, sounds plausible and would regain political trust. The fact that he allegedly reads my column has nothing to do with it.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-16 09:28:28
Who is the greenest of them all - part one
This week, political posturing over the environment seems to have reached fever pitch as the three main parties seek to convince voters of their green credentials.
Over the next three days I will attempt to cut through the bullsh*t and tell you.
Up today is the finger nail biting jock with a something strange happening to his mouth when he talks (perhaps he his trying to discard a chewed finger nail).
Gordon Brown and the Labour Party
Personal
Following the furore caused by Prime Minister Tony Blair's refusal to curb his flights in January, PM-in-waiting Gordon Brown has sought to distance himself from Blair's comments.
Brown believes that politicians should be setting a personal example and he is a keen advocate of composting, energy efficiency and home insulation.
The Chancellor has made a point of keeping his overseas leisure flights to a minimum, and has spent the last three summers holidaying in Scotland. Unfortunately on all three occassions he has come to back work.
All flights taken on Treasury business are offset. Meaning what I haven't a clue but it sounds trendy and I am using it myself especially to debt collectors.
If Gordon Brown does eventually make it into Number Ten, he will be inheriting a property that comes fully equipped with energy-efficient light-bulbs and a thermostat that has been turned down 1 degree Celcius. With all the hot air that circulates around Number Ten I would have expected closer to 7 degrees.
Political
Labour's draft climate change bill signals a commitment to reduce carbon emissions 60 per cent by the year 2050.
Despite pressure from opposition politicians and environmental groups, Labour have refused to review targets annually, preferring instead a series of five-year reviews.
Labour have also approved plans for new runways at Heathrow and Stansted, a decision which will inevitably impact on their or any party's ability to hit those all important 2050 targets.
The party is staunch in its support for a new generation of nuclear power stations, despite continuing opposition from its own back benches, and aims to produce 20 per cent of Britain's electricity from renewable resources (wind, wave, tidal) by 2020.
When it comes to green taxes, Gordon Brown has already made a start with a doubling of air passenger tax duty which came into force in February of this year. Labour have previously considered the idea of personal carbon allowances which would have an impact on how people fly, drive and use energy around the home, although for now at least, the idea has yet to make it to policy stage. However, road pricing, along with the roll-out of congestion charging in other major cities, is very much on the cards.
In a speech made to the Green Alliance earlier this week, Gordon Brown revealed plans to provide incentives for energy-efficient homes. He also said that Chancellors of the Exchequer will now count the carbon as they currently count the pounds.
But, when you consider that Labour's progress in hitting its emissions targets will be measured every five years while, thanks to Gordon, the Chancellor's Budget currently rolls around twice a year, this statement loses some of its impact. Well actually all of it.
Verdict
Tosser
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-15 15:51:54
Over the next three days I will attempt to cut through the bullsh*t and tell you.
Up today is the finger nail biting jock with a something strange happening to his mouth when he talks (perhaps he his trying to discard a chewed finger nail).
Gordon Brown and the Labour Party
Personal
Following the furore caused by Prime Minister Tony Blair's refusal to curb his flights in January, PM-in-waiting Gordon Brown has sought to distance himself from Blair's comments.
Brown believes that politicians should be setting a personal example and he is a keen advocate of composting, energy efficiency and home insulation.
The Chancellor has made a point of keeping his overseas leisure flights to a minimum, and has spent the last three summers holidaying in Scotland. Unfortunately on all three occassions he has come to back work.
All flights taken on Treasury business are offset. Meaning what I haven't a clue but it sounds trendy and I am using it myself especially to debt collectors.
If Gordon Brown does eventually make it into Number Ten, he will be inheriting a property that comes fully equipped with energy-efficient light-bulbs and a thermostat that has been turned down 1 degree Celcius. With all the hot air that circulates around Number Ten I would have expected closer to 7 degrees.
Political
Labour's draft climate change bill signals a commitment to reduce carbon emissions 60 per cent by the year 2050.
Despite pressure from opposition politicians and environmental groups, Labour have refused to review targets annually, preferring instead a series of five-year reviews.
Labour have also approved plans for new runways at Heathrow and Stansted, a decision which will inevitably impact on their or any party's ability to hit those all important 2050 targets.
The party is staunch in its support for a new generation of nuclear power stations, despite continuing opposition from its own back benches, and aims to produce 20 per cent of Britain's electricity from renewable resources (wind, wave, tidal) by 2020.
When it comes to green taxes, Gordon Brown has already made a start with a doubling of air passenger tax duty which came into force in February of this year. Labour have previously considered the idea of personal carbon allowances which would have an impact on how people fly, drive and use energy around the home, although for now at least, the idea has yet to make it to policy stage. However, road pricing, along with the roll-out of congestion charging in other major cities, is very much on the cards.
In a speech made to the Green Alliance earlier this week, Gordon Brown revealed plans to provide incentives for energy-efficient homes. He also said that Chancellors of the Exchequer will now count the carbon as they currently count the pounds.
But, when you consider that Labour's progress in hitting its emissions targets will be measured every five years while, thanks to Gordon, the Chancellor's Budget currently rolls around twice a year, this statement loses some of its impact. Well actually all of it.
Verdict
Tosser
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-15 15:51:54
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