issue one april 2011

connectednetwork newskeeping you up to date on carbon leapfrog

activities and low carbon thinking

Welcome to the first edition of the Carbon Leapfrog newsletter – a regular update of the activities of the people that make up the Carbon Leapfrog network.

The theme for this first edition is connected, a feeling that reverberated around the Guildhall, London at our recent Creating Low Carbon Communities conference, a one-day event designed to connect community level entrepreneurs with the practical tools and information to help develop their own projects and initiatives. “Connection” is also a key theme for Carbon Leapfrog and embedded in our DNA. Carbon Leapfrog exists to connect ambitious low-carbon social entrepreneurs with multi-sectoral professional support services they need for growth and development, from legal advice to technical environmental services, accountancy to public relations. All of these professionals within the Carbon Leapfrog network, individuals and corporates, provide their services to low-carbon initiatives pro-bono – for free. By connecting the professionals’ skills and time to Carbon Leapfrog projects, we provide them with an avenue for active participation in climate change mitigation and a new and exciting space to develop their Corporate Social Responsibility and wider sustainability strategies. Our network is growing rapidly. This first edition is being sent out direct to over 3,000 individuals in the corporate and/or community sustainability sector. If you have something to contribute, or would like to reach out to this network, please do get in touch. We would love to help you make the connection.

The Carbon Leapfrog Teamgetinvolved@carbonleapfrog.org

welcome to leapfrog network news

issue 1: connected

300 people 50 speakers 5 new products 4 workshops 1 green bus 1 electric car 1000s of connections

connect with carbon leapfrog:facebooktwitterlinkedin

300 people 50 speakers 5 new products 4 workshops 1 green bus 1 electric car 1000s of connections

connected

inspiring

community energy & city professionals talking to same purposedelegate:

Daren HowarthCLEVEL carbon & sustainability solutions

If our first major conference – Creating Low Carbon Communities – had one clear message, it was this: community engagement in, and ownership of, the low-carbon agenda and low-carbon enterprise is key to Britain’s low-carbon future.

But, achieving this engagement & ownership is going to require input, interaction and backing from all sectors of society – from central government to big business, and parish councils to mainstream finance.All of these elements could certainly be seen at the conference, from the array of products and services being showcased at the event – from finance facilities and insurance products to mapping tools for renewable energy potential – from firms which have seen the potential of the community enterprise sector for their own future growth.

Opportunity:For example, Paul Monaghan, Head of Social Goals at The Co-operative Group, outlined how The Co-operative is investing £100 million from its own renewable energy funds into community based energy projects – the largest sum of any UK fund in this sector.(continued on page 5)

creating low carbon communities

just do it...inspiring David Hopkins

Managing Director of Spartacus Communications – specialists in research-led communications and stakeholder engagement strategies for the sustainability sectors.

opportunitiescurrently out there, as well as in development, are outstanding. Community projects can now be a leading light in the renewable energy industry.”

“The

keynote speaker:

Paul Monaghan Head of Social Goals and Sustainability at The Co-operative Group

opportunitiescurrently out there, as well as in development, are outstanding. Community projects can now be a leading light in the renewable energy industry.”

“The

(continued from page 3)

Barriers of course do still exist and were noted – from policy, planning and regulation issues to financial access and business skills. However, as Sara Parkin OBE noted in her keynote address, community entrepreneurs sometimes need to “just do it” to provide the leadership for others to follow. This is by no means always easy. It takes a lot of planning and hard work to achieve even the smallest steps and overcome obstacles. But, the fact that all of the entrepreneurs in the audience have chosen to carry on and not let setbacks grind them down, shows just what can be achieved. And, in the absence of promotional “goody bags”, it was this “just do it” attitude and entrepreneurial leadership which provided the take-home feelgood factor of the day. The array of new business models and propositions was overwhelming. It showed that community based low carbon social enterprise is a rapidly growing part of the economy, and a part which is here to stay, regardless of barriers or hurdles. We hope you found it all worthwhile and enjoyed the day – despite the timing over-runs! – the feedback has certainly been incredible. We plan to hold a series of stakeholder events in the coming months looking at different aspects of this agenda, from enabling project success to meeting corporate CSR targets and look forward to seeing you all there n

communitykeynote speaker:

Sara Parkin OBE Founder, Director Forum for the Future

“The large number of

groups here today already doing something about climate change, is proof that initiatives like this are where the future lies.”

community“The large number of

hydro energy fact commodiamet vel ullaoreet volorer

carbon reduction %

featured project:

bath community energy

get involved at www.carbonleapfrog.org

The BCE project is helping to fulfill regional targets of 11MWe by 2026.

BCE’s aim is to finance 1.5MW of projects - enough to power 1000 houses!

BCE will raise £5 million to finance the projects through a combination of bank loans, member subscriptions and financial partnerships. BCE will benefit the community through the creation of a local renewable fund.

featured project:

bath community energy

get involved at www.carbonleapfrog.org

Bath Community Energy (BCE) was established by seven local and professional enthusiasts who mostly carry out their roles as directors on a voluntary basis. BCE looks to generate energy through implementing Hydro, PV Solar and Wind technology in Bath and the surrounding area. The group was established in 2010, “and since then we have gone from strength to strength” says newly appointed Managing Director, Jeff Kenna; “It’s not always been an easy ride without it’s frustrations” – Having recently experienced challenges around one of its projects and potential negative changes in the feed in tariffs – “but we are building up a portfolio of quality projects and getting a lot of interest from local schools, community halls and business. So we are very positive about the future of the initiative!” Joining Carbon Leapfrog in summer 2010, BCE has since received professional advice from a series of professional firms. Taking on a Community Benefit Society legal structure, they are planning for a significant share of the project’s profits to be put in a community fund to finance more local, low carbon projects.“It has been a great experience working with the BCE team” reflects Helena Farstad, Carbon Leapfrog’s pro-bono project manager “I’ve learnt a lot about how community projects work, their many challenges and most of all their dedication and motivation– it is inspiring!” BCE’s immediate aim is to develop and finance 1.5 MW of projects. But BCE has bigger ambitions; Bath Community Energy is in discussions with Bath and North East Somerset Council to maximise the proportion of the local 2026 (draft) renewable energy target of 110 MWe – delivered via a community model. Thus, through behavioural change and renewable energy initiatives, BCE aims to be an inspiration for projects everywhere nRead more: www.bathcommunityenergy.co.uk

This carbon leapfrog team includes:Simmons & Simmons and Lawrence Graham – legal adviceBDO – financial and business supportWSP – environmental consultancy Spartacus – marketing and communication consultancy

Jeff Kenna Managing Director, Bath Community Ebergy

featured project:

PURE community energy fund

get involved at www.carbonleapfrog.org

The installation of PV solar panels will allow for a generation of approx 15kW peak renewable energy which is about the energy required to drive from London to Madrid

The PV installation capital investment amounted to £76K which was partly funded by the PURE community fund

The hall uses recycled materials to a very large degree, including the use of recycled hemp for insulation, and recycled plastics for the underground drainage. Rainwater is collected and used in the lavatories and the whole system is heated by a ground source system.

featured project:

PURE community energy fund

Carbon Leapfrog has been working with BRE/PURE to develop a revolving debt fund for community renewables projects – a fund seeded by consumer use of the BarclayCard Breathe credit card. Whilst officially launching the fund at the Leapfrog Conference on 21st March, it has already made its first low interest loan to Rock Village Hall (pictured) for the installation of a PV array. It is a great looking building, built to stringent environmental standards with low-carbon heating and now renewable electricity. Many thanks to Simmons & Simmons’ funds team for drafting the loan documentation and HSBC for applying their financial modelling skills to this low-carbon venture.“The Rock Village Hall Committee was fortunate enough to receive numerous grants contributing to the cost of a PV array at our Hall. Despite this we were still short of several thousand pounds when we heard about the PURE Community Energy Fund, developed with Carbon Leapfrog. PURE have been incredibly helpful and provided us with a loan to cover this gap in our finances. We now have a fantastic 15kWp PV array to compliment our already very environmentally friendly new Village Hall.” Robert Marriot, Chairman of the Rock Village Hall Committee nRead more: www.puretrust.org.uk

The Carbon Leapfrog project team included:Andrew Binmore, Capital Funds expert at HSBC – modelled the fund finances and proved its viability Jenny Nittmann, VAT expert also of HSBC – provided vital VAT advice Richard Slater (Partner) and Katie Pointer from Simmons & Simmons – advised on the legal issues around fund givernance and drafted loan documentation

“The assistance of Carbon Leapfrog and their partners has been invaluable to PURE in helping us get the PURE Community Energy Fund off the ground and the opportunity to launch the fund at the Creating Low Carbon Communities Conference at the Guildhall has given us a flying start with lots of interest in the Fund.”

Jon d’Este-Hoare, Environmental Markets, BRE

GVEPGlobal Village Energy Partnership (GVEP) is an international nonprofit organisation seeking to reduce poverty through accelerated access to modern energy services by launching an ‘impact investment fund’ with Carbon Leapfrog’s support.www.gvepinternational.org

Haringey PVHaringey PV’s key objective is to install PV and energy efficiency measures in up to 10 schools in the London Borough of Haringey and extend existing work on retrofitting homes and changing behaviour.www.en10ergy.co.uk

Just EnergyJust Energy is a not-for-profit social enterprise, currently acting in South Africa, which jointly develops renewable energy projects with low-income communities to ensure they benefit from low-carbon investments.www.just-energy.org

K-Set K-SET plans to develop power on a weir on the River Lune around Killington Village, Cumbria. Income generated will fund further power generation projects and energy saving measures.www.communigate.co.uk/lakes/kset

Low Carbon Oxford North Low Carbon Oxford North (LCON) intends to install solar panels on large roofs in North Oxford. They plan to raise finance through a community share offer and inject the generated income into further low carbon activities.www.lcon.org.uk

photo: Mike Goldwater

If you know of any companies that would be interested in joining please ask them to contact getinvolved@ carbonleapfrog.org

The Carbon Leapfrog family continues to grow with new corporate members coming on board all the time. This month we’re delighted to welcome HSBC, Accenture and Landmark.

Why should my company become a Carbon Leapfrog member?• Provides opportunities for your people to practice and

develop professional skills in a new environment.• Inspire and motivate your employees and boost your brand’s

eco-credentials• Shows your commitment to action on climate change and

support for low carbon initiatives – important elements in the Corporate Responsibility (CR) agenda.

• Strengthens your business network and builds new relations across different industries.

Carbon Leapfrog membership provides real benefits to companies, their people and the low carbon projects they actively support . Note that we ask companies to make a small annual donation to the organisation, which helps us to continue to mitigate climate change.

HSBCAs a leading international and emerging markets bank, sustainability for HSBC means managing their business for the long term and making a real contribution to social and economic development. ‘We’re delighted to support Carbon Leapfrog. It’s a great way to take the skills and commitment of our people and apply them to projects that will make a real impact on our communities and on the challenge of climate change’

Russell Picot, Group Chief Accounting Officer.www.hsbc.co.uk

AccentureAccenture is a global management consulting, technology services and outsourcing company. In addition to a commitment to action on its own carbon emissions, Accenture is committed to helping clients achieve high performance through sustainability, promoting sustainability among suppliers and engaging employees in its environmental programmes.“We’re delighted to be supporting Carbon Leapfrog. It’s a great opportunity to show what a difference the skills and talents of our people can make on the critical issue of climate change.”

Camilla Drejer, UKI Corporate Citizenship Leadwww.accenture.co.uk

Landmark Information Group Landmark offer current and historical environmental risk management information and desktop mapping solutions for the property industry. The Group believes that the pursuit of best environmental practice makes sound commercial sense. “Landmark is already working towards the low carbon economy through innovative products like Carbon Counter. We are very happy to be contributing to Carbon Leapfrog as it’s a great opportunity to hone our skills on new real-life projects, and an inspiring practical choice for staff development.”

David Haines, Strategic Projects Manager, Landmark Information Groupwww.landmark.co.uk

watch this space for updates on work being done by our new members to support Carbon Leapfrog projects.

award winning leadershipCongratulations to Garry Charnock on winning Climate Week’s ‘Most Inspirational Leader’ award on 21 March. A high-powered judging panel that included Tony Juniper, Lord Nicolas Stern, author Ian McEwan and Tony Smit of the Eden Project and Terry Tamminen, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s environmental advisor presented Garry with the accolade.At the awards ceremony at Lancaster House, London, Kevin Steele, Chief Executive of Climate Week, outlined how the judges were impressed by Garry who has been the driving force behind the social experiment to mobilise the Cheshire village of Ashton Hayes to become the UK’s first carbon-neutral community. They also recognised the instrumental role that Garry played in helping Steve McNab found Carbon Leapfrog. In the past year he took sabbatical leave from his employer RSK Group to run the organisation’s Executive - a job which he now shares with Giles Bristow.

executive changes within carbon leapfrog

Carbon Leapfrog has seen tremendous growth over the last year and we really feel that we are delivering on our mission “to accelerate action to materially impact climate change”! We remain focused on our core operation to support carbon reducing initiatives through the allocation of pro bono professional support from our members; the resounding success of the Communities Conference (thanks all for your feed-back) really cemented Carbon Leapfrog’s position in this space. Nevertheless, we are also thinking of how we can best develop what we do and how we will be able to ensure our own financial sustainability. As part of this strategy for growth, Giles has joined Garry as co-CEO and Helena takes on more responsibility as COO. With the generous support of Tellus Mater and Esmée Fairbairn, Carbon Leapfrog will continue to take on more projects and help deliver further carbon reductions. We are looking to develop a series of project workshops and professional training sessions as part of a “Leapfrog Lite” service.Behind the scenes, Leapfrog has been looking at the barriers to low-carbon iniatives, lobbying for policy support for community renewables and developing cost saving tools for our projects. “We are really pleased with what we have achieved these past few months. It’s been a fantastic start to 2011 and we intend not just to ride the wave of success, but to build upon it so that we are in the best possible position to give full support to our projects and provide realvalue for our members, supporters and partners.”

Giles Bristow, co-CEO Carbon Leapfrog

Helena

helenafarstad@carbonleapfrog.org

Giles

gilesbristow@carbonleapfrog.org

2013 TargetsNumber of Projects: 100+Pro Bono hours: c.60,000 (worth £12 million)Carbon Reduction:c.500,000 CO2e per annum

We are looking to build the Carbon Leapfrog membership and also to find and support award winning projects.

www.carbonleapfrog.org

ready to make an impact?Become a member of the Carbon Leapfrog network today.contact: getinvolved@carbonleapfrog.org t: +44 (0)20 7825 3479

new projectsWe are selecting new projects on a monthly basis andwould be delighted to hear about any that may meetour criteria.

join our networkWe are also keen to talk to any organisation or professional that wishes to participate in a project whether through skills or finance.

get experienceInternships and secondments to support the development and the work of Carbon Leapfrog are also available.

something to share?To be in our next newsletter, e-mail us at admin@carbonleapfrog.org

reducing hurdles to growth for low carbon projects

“Climate change is a global

problem requiring a global

solution. We all need to

be part of that solution and

Carbon leapfrog provides

the perfect opportunity

for corporations to utilise

their unique skill sets in an

innovative manner to help

communities pull together and

reduce their carbon footprint”

Chris Livemore

Director, Ibex Earth

thank youTellus MaterEsmée Fairbairn Foundation

for seeding the growth of Carbon Leapfrog

BDOCity of LondonEnergy Saving TrustFinance South EastLandmarkSpartacusSimmons & SimmonsTysers7creative

for catalysing the production of the Creating Low Carbon Communities conference and supporting our projects – and all of the key note speakers, panellists, exhibitors and delegates that made the day such a success!

Finally a very special thank you to 7creative and Spartacus for their wisdom, expertise and creative input to the production of this Carbon Leapfrog newsletter!

network news