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Bicton Earth - Principal lays last turf 06/02/2012 14:47
A significant milestone in the building of the EaRTH project was celebrated on Friday 16th December at Bicton College.
The unusual Topping Out ceremony saw Bicton Principal David Henley laying a sedum mat some 5m above the ground over the stylish curved entrance of EaRTH, the college’s exciting new Environmental and Renewable Technologies Hub.
The vegetative mat for the roof has been sourced from Blackdown Greenroofs of Chard and is a mix of hardy succulent plants and wildflowers designed as an ecological protection layer to reduce storm water, lower carbon emissions and provide a minimal maintenance, drought resistant jacket.
Building work is well on track and due to be completed by the end of January 2012. An Open Day is planned in February inviting schools, businesses and local community groups to visit EaRTH and find out how they can benefit by working with the College.
Graham Waddell, Section Leader Environment & Sustainability and Head of the EaRTH Programme at Bicton, said ‘Given our region’s leading position in the UK’s low carbon industries, the imminent launch of EaRTH is a real shot in the arm for specialist training provision in sustainable energy, construction and environmental technologies for businesses and young people in the South West.’
Bicton College Principal David Henley adds, ‘Bicton is at the forefront of delivering high quality land-based education provision and EaRTH will further integrate our expertise in energy and the environment for the benefit of our learners. Having already delivered very successful solar training courses to trade professionals, we will be launching our full training programme for businesses and schools from February 2012. The interest in EaRTH has been immense.”
Bicton EaRTH will provide high quality training for businesses and communities across the South West in renewable energy technologies and environmental education. It is a local facility supporting commercial and educational development in the growing low carbon sector. EaRTH also offers unique conferencing and interpretation facilities to host events, seminars and education days for local businesses, schools and community groups. It is already being recognised as a centre of excellence and a local resource for impartial information and development support.
By renovating old stable blocks, the BREEAM (BRE Environmental Assessment Method) “very good” rated, EaRTH project demonstrates best practice in sustainable building refurbishment techniques whilst applying leading renewable technologies and building management services to create a unique and fully functioning regional demonstration centre of excellence.
Courses in Photo Voltaic Panel, Solar Thermal Hot Water Installation and Micro Certification Scheme Accreditation are held on a regular basis.
Hide Bicton Earth ahead of schedule and on budget 27/09/2011 09:20
Building work at Bicton EaRTH, the exciting new Environmental and Renewable Technologies Hub, is right on target.
Work to transform the old barn and stable block into a low carbon retro-fitted training centre with a BREEAM (BRE Environmental Assessment Method) “very good” rating is progressing ahead of schedule. The buildings have been re-roofed, and have 10kw of photo voltaic panels fitted on the south facing side. Underfloor heating and cooling pipework is now in place in the workshop areas and the solar heating and hot water array is installed on the roof. Suppliers of the underfloor pipework, Timoleon Ltd of Exeter have sponsored the installation of “vision panels” enabling visitors to see through the various floor construction layers and view the pipe work in both the under-floor heating system and subterranean cooling system.
The project continues to attract good will as it seeks to promote local businesses and products that are relevant to the low carbon economy and sustainable energy agendas. The latest cost saving comes through the donation of a new 8kW Villager wood burning stove from Arada Ltd of Axminster, fed by fuel crops grown on the farm, the stove will provide both heat and ambience to the visitor interpretation centre in the colder months. External cladding using western red cedar grown in Devon and Cornwall has commenced, completely transforming the aesthetics of the building and providing a “tea cosy” solution to the insulation challenges of an older building.
Jonathan Davis, EaRTH Training Co-ordinator, said, “The project is ahead of schedule and under budget which has to be good news. The new government incentives for consumers to generate renewable energy are creating such a rush in the market that we have already started our PV courses and are about to launch our solar thermal training, giving trade professionals the best chance to get ahead of the game. Bicton EaRTH is providing high level training right here in the South West, providing qualified professionals with the confidence and credentials to install renewable technology and offer real assurance for consumers searching for approved installers.”
EaRTH will also include a conferencing and interpretation facility to host events, seminars and education days for local businesses, community groups and schools. EaRTH is already being recognised as a centre for impartial information and advice where anyone within the wider community, from homeowners and schools, to installers and regional agencies can learn about renewable technologies.
Further courses in Photo Voltaic Panel, Solar Thermal Hot Water Installation and Micro Certification Scheme Accreditation are held on a regular basis. For more details visit the courses pages on this website.
Hide First brick laid for Bicton EaRTH renewable technologies training and confe 29/06/2011 11:09
History was made today as David Henley, Principal of Bicton College laid the first brick for Bicton EaRTH, the new environmental and renewable technology training, information and conference centre.
Work is starting to transform the barns into a carbon neutral building with a BREEAM (BRE Environmental Assessment Method) “very good” rating providing tailored, practical training in renewable technologies. The EaRTH building will generate electrical energy from photo voltaic panels on the south facing roof. A solar thermal array and air source heat pump will also provide the dual function of heating and cooling the building via underfloor heating and cooling coils. A biomass boiler fed by fuel crops grown on the farm will supplement the under floor heating and rainwater will be harvested for use in the centre.
David Henley, Principal of Bicton College says, “I am delighted to be part of another milestone for Bicton College. The Bicton EaRTH centre will be a unique learning environment for a host of users from professional trades people to school children, local community groups and students. It will be a fantastic example of environmental practice and renewable technologies and of the College’s commitment to training a new group of professionals able to find rewarding careers and meet the climate change challenge.”
He continues, “All credit goes to the commitment of the staff at the College who have seen this project come to fruition and to our funding partners who share our vision of providing these training and conference facilities in an inspiring and sustainable building. I congratulate all those involved.”
The EaRTH building is designed to provide four workshops for practical training in solar thermal and PV, heat pump, biomass and rainwater harvesting installation and features an interpretation and conference space available for events, workshops and meetings.
The build is financed with funds from Productive Skills for Devon awarded by Devon County Council, Skills Funding Agency and Making it Local together with sponsorship from the EDF Energy Green Fund and the College’s own reserves. The build will be finished by Spring 2012 at a total project cost of £1.48 million. Building is being carried out by Skinner Construction Ltd of Sidmouth, Philip Tucker Managing Director said “We are delighted to be chosen as the Main Contractor for this project as we fully endorse the spirit of this scheme. Having a training facility within the heart of East Devon for renewable technologies will bring awareness to our entire region. Also, for employers like ourselves we will be in a position to use the training facilities thereby lowering our own carbon footprint.”
Councillor Paul Diviani, Devon County Councillor and Leader of East Devon District Council, Sam Pascoe Carbon GC, John Thorn, TFQ Architects and Jessica Pearce, Granted also attended the ceremony held on the site at Bicton College’s Home Farm.
Bicton EaRTH is currently running 5-day Photovoltaic (PV) Domestic Installation and Maintenance courses (EAL 501-1846-8 Level 3), designed specifically for working electricians, and a Complete Guide to the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS), giving renewable technology installers the low-down on how to gain MCS accreditation. Both are being provided from the main Bicton College campus. Solar Thermal Installer Training courses will begin in September 2011.
For more details about Bicton EaRTH visit www.bictonearth.co.uk call 01395 542571 or text EARTH to 88020.
Hide Support our Energyshare Campaign 10/06/2011 17:00
Building work begins on Bicton EaRTH renewable technologies training and co 18/05/2011 13:36
Bicton EaRTH, East Budleigh, Devon has today appointed Skinner Construction Ltd, Sidmouth, Devon to begin the retrofit and build of its renewable technologies training and conference centre. Final approval has been granted by the Skills Funding Agency enabling Bicton EaRTH and the contractors to begin the conversion of two disused barns on Home Farm, part of Bicton College’s working farm.
Work will now begin on the site on 23rd May to transform the barns into a carbon neutral building with a BREEAM (BRE Environmental Assessment Method) “very good” rating providing tailored, practical training in renewable technologies. The EaRTH building will generate electrical energy from photo voltaic panels on the south facing roof and a solar thermal array will provide hot water for the underfloor heating. An air source heat pump will also provide the dual function of heating and cooling the building via underfloor heating and cooling coils. A biomass boiler fed by fuel crops grown on the farm will supplement the under floor heating and rainwater will be harvested for use in the centre.
David Henley, Principal of Bicton College says, “The Bicton EaRTH training and conference centre will be a unique learning environment for a host of users from professional trades people to school children, local community groups and students. We are pleased to be starting work on the build which will be a fantastic example of renewable technologies and of the College’s commitment to training a new group of professionals able to meet the climate change challenge.”
Skinner Construction Ltd expect the build to be finished by Spring 2012 at a total project cost of £1.48 million. Sub-contractors Rainbow Renewables, North Devon will supply and fit the renewable technology and TFQ Architects, Topsham, have designed and will project manage the build. Funding for Bicton EaRTH’s training and conference centre has come in the shape of grants from Productive Skills for Devon, Making it Local, the Skills Funding Agency and the Community Sustainable Energy Programme as well as sponsorship from businesses including EDF Green Fund. Grants and sponsorship has been secured by Granted Ltd, Exmouth.
John Thorn, MD of TFQ Architects, says, “The Bicton Earth project marks a significant and exciting milestone, firmly rooting the region on the map in terms of developing positive attitudes towards sustainability in the built environment”
Bicton EaRTH is currently running 5-day Photovoltaic (PV) Domestic Installer Training and Assessment courses (City and Guilds 2399 Level 3) designed specifically for working electricians and a Complete Guide to the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) giving renewable technology installers the low-down on how to gain MCS accreditation from the Bicton College site.
In September 2011, Bicton EaRTH will also welcome the first students onto its new BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Environmental Sustainability.
EaRTH Project Manager, Lisa Stroud, says, “We have had a good response to our practical courses so far and are keen to begin hosting events and more courses in our new building. Anyone interested in tracking the ups and downs of a retrofit barn conversion should visit our website to follow the building project blog as it develops.”
For more details about Bicton EaRTH visit www.bictonearth.co.uk or call 01395 542571 or text EARTH to 88020.
Hide New Course date for Photovoltaic Installer Training 01/04/2011 14:41
SEE THE LIGHT!
Photovoltaic (PV) Domestic Installer Training and Assessment City & Guilds 2399 Level 3 is now also running from Monday 20th June.
Position yourself at the front of the solar energy revolution with practical, hands on training at Bicton EaRTH. Trade professionals with the latest working knowledge of installing and erecting PV arrays will teach you:
How a photovoltaic module works
Best practice design and plan for PV installation
Planning considerations and process
Network connections
Installation techniques and practice
Testing and commissioning an installation
Fault finding and maintenance
The business case for PV installations, Feed in Tariffs and grants
A 5-day training course specifically designed for working electricians and delivered by PV installers and other trade professionals. Price £695 includes lunch and refreshments.
Book online or call 01395 542 571.
Hide BICTON COLLEGE RECEIVES GRANT TO SAVE ENERGY AT HOME FARM 23/03/2011 14:06
Bicton College, the premier College of the Land and Environment, has received up to £5,000 funding from the Rural Development Programme for England to install a Heat Recovery Unit and Variable Speed Vacuum Pump in the dairy on its 166 hectare farm, greatly reducing energy use as part of Bicton’s Sustainable College Campus policy.
The Heat Recovery Unit captures heat given off from the milk refrigeration plant, re-using it to heat water in the dairy, and the Variable Speed Vacuum Pump speeds up or slows down depending on demand, replacing a pump that always runs at full speed.
Bicton College’s Home Farm will save more than 60 kwh per day and over £2000 per year in electricity costs with the installation of both systems. Farm Manager Paul Redmore says, “We are always looking to reduce our electricity costs, find new ways to make Home Farm more efficient and demonstrate sustainable farming of the future to students. The energy we are saving with the two new systems will pay us back in about six years.”
David Henley, Principal of Bicton College says, “At Bicton College we are committed to minimising our environmental impact and are developing an ethos of environmental responsibility in our staff and students. In conjunction with Bicton EaRTH, our new centre of excellence for renewable technology training and education, we are working hard to become a sustainable community.”
Ian Hague, RDPE Delivery Manager said: “It is wonderful that the RDPE funding will help this forward thinking educational establishment to become more energy efficient and sustainable. This is a good message to be teaching the next generation of rural representatives, to ensure that the South West to continue to strive for affordable and more sustainable methods of farming for the future.”
The Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) aims to support the creation of genuinely sustainable farming, forestry and food sectors, whilst also bringing wider benefits for the economy, the environment and rural communities. RDPE is funded jointly by the EU and Defra.
Bicton EaRTH is running one-day Micro Certification Scheme Accreditation Courses from April 2011 and a host of environmental sustainability courses throughout the year. For more details about EaRTH courses information visit www.bictonearth.co.uk. For details about courses at Bicton College including diploma’s, apprenticeships and foundation degree’s in Agriculture visit www.bicton.ac.uk.
Hide Bicton EaRTH launches renewable technologies training courses for spring 20 04/02/2011 11:16
Renewable technologies training begins at Bicton EaRTH with initial courses in Photovoltaic Installation and a guide to the Microgeneration Certification Scheme giving working electricians and renewable technology installers the skills to take advantage of the growing green energy market.
Jonathan Davis, EaRTH Training Co-ordinator, says, “Professional electricians and renewable energy installers are perfectly placed to take advantage of the market growth and demand for renewable technologies - they just need new skills to understand the smart technology which the EaRTH accredited training courses supply. And it’s not just new build, the Feed in Tariff and Renewable Heat Incentive is creating a huge market in retrofitting renewable technology creating a gold rush effect that electricians with the right training can take advantage of.”
The new 5-day Photovoltaic (PV) Domestic Installer Training and Assessment course (City and Guilds 2399 Level 3) begins on 11th April 2011 and covers how a PV module works, best practice design and plan for PV installation, planning considerations, network connections, installation techniques and practice, testing, commissioning, fault finding and maintenance. The high level course is designed specifically for working electricians and is taught by experienced PV installers using a replica roof and real PV array, providing practical training.
Bicton EaRTH’s Complete Guide to the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) gives renewable technology installers the low-down on how to gain MCS accreditation - a must-have certification allowing their customers to access payments under the Feed In Tariff or Renewable Heat Incentive. Course attendees receive a personalised company manual and memory stick containing template documents for the MCS accreditation process as well as guidance on using the MCS paperwork and what the assessor will be looking for. The first course is on Friday 25th March and is open to office administrators or anyone compiling the MCS documents.
Lisa Stroud, EaRTH Project Manager, says, “The feedback we have from companies is that, until now, they have regularly had to send staff on courses outside the region to get renewable technologies training. Bicton EaRTH is providing high level training right here in the South West, giving qualified professionals the credentials to install renewable technology and providing assurance for consumers searching for approved installers.”
She continues, “The new incentives for consumers to generate renewable energy are creating such a rush in the market we have decided to start our courses before the EaRTH centre has been completed, giving trade professionals the best chance to get ahead of the game. Spring and Summer courses will be run from the stunning Bicton College main site with practical elements, using the replica roof and PV array, taking place adjacent to the EaRTH building.”
Additional courses covering Solar Thermal installation, biomass heating, heat pumps, grey water systems and rain water harvesting are planned for Bicton EaRTH in the coming year.
EaRTH - the Environmental and Renewable Technologies Hub – will also include a conferencing and interpretation facility to host events, seminars and education days giving local businesses, community groups and schools impartial information and advice about renewable technologies.
For more details about Bicton EaRTH courses visit www.bictonearth.co.uk or text EARTH to 88020.
Hide EaRTH project awarded Making It Local Funding 05/01/2011 16:35
The EaRTH project, Bicton College’s new centre of excellence for renewable technology training and education, has received £100,000 from Making it Local to develop its dedicated conferencing and interpretation centre. Making It Local is a locally managed grants scheme in the Blackdown Hills and East Devon AONB areas incorporating funding from the EU, Defra, South West RDA and Leader. Making it Local funds rural businesses and communities bringing economic benefit to the Blackdown Hills and East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
EaRTH - the Environmental and Renewable Technologies Hub – will include a conferencing and interpretation facility to host events, seminars and education days for local businesses, community groups and schools. In addition to delivering professional skills training in renewable technology, EaRTH will also become a centre for impartial information and advice where businesses, organisations, community groups and schools can learn about renewable technologies.
EaRTH Project Manager, Lisa Stroud, says, “There are so many questions surrounding renewable technology that the EaRTH project will be able to answer. What does a solar thermal panel look like? How heavy is it? What if a football hits one? Is underfloor heating a better solution than radiators? We aim to make EaRTH the best place for good advice about renewable technology and sustainable practice in the South West.”
Events and activities planned for EaRTH include specialist seminars, networking and meet the installer events, high level CPD courses for professionals, advice days for homeowners and community groups and hands-on practical workshops for schools.
Making it Local Chairman, Paul Diviani, says, “Making it Local funds projects that make the most of this diverse and beautiful area, are sensitive to nature and support local communities and businesses. Funding the EaRTH interpretation and conference centre will leave a long-term legacy and we are glad to support such an important project”.
David Henley, Principal of Bicton College, says, “The Making it Local award of £100,000 gives the EaRTH conferencing and interpretation centre a real boost. It will help make our goal of reaching out to almost every section of society, from homeowners and schools, to installers and regional agencies with renewable technology advice and inspiration a reality.”
The conference and interpretation centre will itself be a best practice example of a retro fit barn. The EaRTH building will be powered by almost 10kW of solar electricity from photo voltaic panels on the south facing roof and a solar thermal array will provide hot water for the underfloor heating. A biomass boiler fed by fuel crops grown on the farm will supplement the under floor heating and rainwater will be harvested for use in the centre.
Hide Clearing work begins at EaRTH 01/12/2010 13:58
Bicton College student volunteers have begun clearing work at the EaRTH site.
Jon Bellamy and a team of his Year 2 Level 3 Arboriculture students have been felling trees to clear the site in readiness for construction which is due to start in January 2011. The timber from the trees will be stored to use in the biomass boiler once the EaRTH building is up and running.
Bicton College students will be involved throughout the project putting their skills to good use and learning new techniques along the way.
Hide Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) 24/11/2010 12:43
An announcement from the Department of Energy and Climate Change:
As announced on 20 October 2010, as part of the Spending Review[External link], the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) will go ahead in 2011. We believe the RHI Scheme is the first of its kind in the world and will therefore be a world-leading scheme to provide long term support for renewable heat technologies, from household solar thermal panels to industrial wood pellet boilers. The RHI will represent over £850m of investment over the spending review period, driving a more-than-tenfold increase of renewable heat over the coming decade and shifting renewable heat from a fringe industry firmly into the mainstream.
Heat production is responsible for around half (49%) of the final energy demand consumed in the UK and roughly half of all UK’s carbon emissions. Taking action now to switch from fossil fuels to cleaner and more sustainable green sources of energy will reduce the impact that our heat requirements have on the environment and help ensure the UK has an energy supply that is safe, secure and reliable.
As part of the Spending Review process we have looked again at the RHI to target the scheme more effectively. We have more work to do to determine support levels, but we believe the level of savings required from the spending review will enable us to meet our key targets in renewables deployment and carbon savings.
We remain committed to the ambition of moving from 1% to 12% of all heat generated from a renewable source by 2020. This will require all aspects of society to play their part – householders, communities, public, commercial and industrial sectors.
We expect to be in a position to announce the details of the scheme, including RHI tariffs and technologies supported, before the end of this year, and be open for business from June 2011.
We published proposals on the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme in February 2010.
Hide Potential sponsors tour the EaRTH site Giselle Beasley 15/11/2010 14:27
With planning permission recently obtained, the project took another step forward on Tuesday 28th September when guests attended a Sponsors' event at Bicton College and were given a tour around the EaRTH site, as well as learning more about how they could become involved with the EaRTH hub. Representatives from the renewable energy sector, building sector, Exeter Chamber of Commerce, local schools and the community all attended the event. Businesses from across the South West were welcomed by Principal of Bicton College, David Henley, and Chris Lorimer, Project Director, who gave an overview of the project stating the aims and objectives, as well as the benefits to potential partners. Tours then took place to Bicton Home Farm where the two current disused farm buildings will be renovated into the EaRTH centre. Jonathan Davis, Project Co-ordinator, walked guests around the buildings explaining where the work would take place. Organisers of the event were delighted by the response and interest shown by those who attended, as well as many others who could not attend the event. David Henley, speaking at the event stated: "Partnership with other organisations is key to the success of the EaRTH centre. Essential to the project is partnering with others where we can all work together utilising our strengths." Heather Oliver, Marketing Manager for Nu-Heat, was at the event: "The EaRTH project is an excellent demonstration of how renewable technologies can be integrated into a challenging old building and the opportunity to use Nu-Heat's products and expertise to push the boundaries was too exciting to miss. We look forward to supporting the centre as it develops over the coming years." Work is due to start on the building in November 2010, with renewable technologies being installed in Spring 2011 and the first training courses running over the summer of 2011. If you are interested in becoming a partner in this project and having a strategic input to the environmental and renewable technologies training agenda in the South West, as well as having high profile brand exposure to influential stakeholders across the UK, then please contact Giselle Beasley, Marketing Manager, Email: GSBeasley@bicton.ac.uk or telephone: 01395 562326.
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