Welcome to our June newsletter!
 There are many actions already taking place across Devon that are successfully reducing greenhouse gas emissions and implementing the Interim Devon Carbon Plan. Here are our picks for the month.
English Riviera UNESCO Geopark launches new Environmental & Marine User policy
 The UNESCO Geopark in Torbay recently unveiled two new policies designed to protect the area. The new Environment policy focuses on protecting and enhancing the park's natural habitat, encouraging visitors to be respectful. The Marine User policy will help to regulate visitor behaviour in the marine environment (such as leisure boats), encouraging users to minimise their impact on the protected marine habitat within the park. |
University of Exeter receives funding to decarbonise key research centre
Heat Network Project in East Devon Awarded Funding to Reduce Waste and Create Energy
 East Devon District Council have received £10.7 million of funding, in order to develop an Energy from Waste heat network in Cranbrook. This new development will enable Cranbrook and nearby Skypark to be connected to a forthcoming Energy from Waste Plant, meaning homes will be heated sustainably. The new development will supply heat to 3,500 homes, as well as supplying heat to 4,600 existing homes in Monkerton/Tithebarn. |
New Study Shows Benefits Of Floating Offshore Wind For The South West
 According to a new study undertaken by Regen, Floating Offshore Wind (FLOW) could have great benefits for the south west. The research showed that, whilst fixed offshore wind development would not be possible in the Celtic Sea owing to seabed depths, floating offshore wind is viable in the region.
Floating Offshore Wind presents a fantastic economic opportunity for the Southwest, as the skills needed in the supply chain are transferable between marine engineering and offshore renewable energy sector applications. |
North Devon Link Road Contractor Reduces Carbon Emissions Using HVO Fuel
 Contractors working on the £60 million North Devon Link Road upgrade are using a more environmentally friendly fuel as part of a series of measures to cut carbon emissions.
HVO fuel (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) produces 90% less CO2 than regular diesel, and is made using waste vegetable oil or fats and hydrogen, rather than methanol. Work on the link road was halted earlier this year to accommodate dormice, who were hibernating on nearby land. Now that the dormice are emerging from hibernation, work on the road can continue. |
 The Natural Capital Marketplace (NCM) is a new platform designed to financially incentivise farmers and landowners to improve their land for the benefit of nature. The marketplace helps to support and fund land improvement projects. Successful projects can then be translated into carbon credits, which are certified and sold to organisations committed to a pre-2050 net-zero target. If you are a farmer/landowner and would like to register your interest with NCM, you can create a free account on their website and begin exploring your options.
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| South Hams District Council is launching a new fund to boost investment in the development of infrastructure that will help the district to reduce carbon emissions. Projects can apply for between £1,000 and £25,000. Projects with match-funding will be looked upon favourably. This is an exciting opportunity for infrastructure projects in Devon to begin aiding the transition to net-zero. Expressions of interest for this fund must be submitted before the 9th June. |
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With the cost of living crisis affecting many households around the country, it’s understandable that many people in Devon will be concerned over the cost of heating their homes.
Since the end of March, the project's commissioned creatives have been working hard to complete their Net Zero Visions. The final Visions will soon be ready for a public showcase. This is an exciting moment in the project, as we look forward to discovering how each community has imagined a low-carbon future for their local area.
