This is the first bi-monthly e-bulletin of the S&E Forum

The Sustainability and Environment Forum represents Dorsets 3rd sector organisations within key county and locality based multi-agency planning partnerships in Dorset.

The aim of this newsletter is to keep interested persons and stakeholders informed about the forum and also of local sustainability news, events, training and funding opportunities.

We apologise if you do not wish to recieve such information, to unsubscribe simply click the link at the bottom of this email.

To contact the 3rd sector representatives and to read bulletins from meetings attended  fgo to www.da21.org.uk/sustainable/forum

The forum is part of a wider project  which aims to represent the views of the third sector more information is avaliable by following this link http://www.da21.org.uk/sustainable/forum/system/files/Brief+overview+April+09%282%29.doc
A major event is planned for the project in the coming months, we will keep you informed.

NEWS

The S&E forum is electing a representative for the Environment Theme Group

Mike Clark of Weymouth has stepped down as S&E representative leaving a representative space free on the Environment Theme Group. Meetings are every 2 months, and the forum can reimburse you for your time and expenses.

Elections will be held later this year. To declare your interest please fill in this form and for more information on what is involved contact Katy Pascoe Katy.Pascoe@dorsetcommunityaction.org.uk

Sustainable Communities Act

Following on from a packed meeting on the act organised by Dorchester Transiton Towns, councils in Dorset have now agreed a timetable and method of considering proposals, the deadline is the 30th April. More information is available on the Dorset For You Website http://www.dorsetforyou.com/index.jsp?articleid=391606

Transition Support

da21 is organising free transition training for groups in Dorset. The training will be delivered by professional trainers from Totnes over the weekend of the 2-3rd May. To apply and for more information http://www.da21.org.uk/training.htm

Co-operative is also operating a small grants program for Transition town groups - see the funding section at the bottom of this email.

Dorset Energy Efficency Strategy

The Dorset Energy Group is being re-organised to deliver both the Renewable Energy Strategy and the Energy Efficency Strategy for the County. Targets include a 30% reduction in CO2 emissions bby 2020 and eliminating fuel poverty by 2016.
A sub-group will be formed  looking at how the third sector can help deliver the strategy. Groups interested in attending can email Pete West , Renewable Energy Office at Dorset County Council.

Are you involved in a rural social or community enterprise?

Training and support avaliable through the Survive to Thrive Program. More information on http://www.da21.org.uk/training.htm

This comprehensive project will help to manage the many current and future pressures facing the Dorset coast, from new development and climate change to competition for space between interests such as shipping, commercial fishing, recreation and renewable energy.

Major Consultation from Dept of Energy and Climate Change

On 12 February the Department of Energy and Climate Change and the Department for Communities and Local Government launched three Heat and Energy Saving Strategy consultations:

·      Heat and Energy Saving Strategy

·         the design of the Community Energy Saving Programme (CESP), which aims to deliver significant packages of energy efficiency measures to households in low-income communities. The consultation closes on 8 May.

·         a 20 per cent increase to the Carbon Emission Reduction Target (CERT) on major energy suppliers, driving significant investment in GB household energy and carbon saving by March 2011. (This consultation has closed)

Further details on these consultations can be found at http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/consultations/consultations.aspx (HES), setting out the Government’s longer-term ambitions for how we use energy in our homes and businesses, and how we generate our heating. The consultation closes on 8 May.

Events for April and May

• Grassroots Grants
  http://www.localgiving4dorset.org.uk/home/home.php
• Energy Saving Trust - cafe Program
  http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/cafe
• Running or involved with a transition Group? The co-operative is handing out small grants to help groups get started in the SW call 01884 266892 or visit http://www.co-operative.coop
• Grants of up to £25,000 are available for renewable energy projects. Local community groups, not for
  profit organisations and charities can apply for the funding, which is available through the Green Energy Trust
  http://www.scottishpowergreentrust.co.uk

More funding opportunties are avaliable on Dorset Community Actions Website.

http://www.dorcom.org.uk/DisplayPage.aspx?GroupId=15666&ID=8545