Celebrity and environmentalist Noel Edmonds today (February 1st) lent his support to the launch of the Royal Bath and West of England Society’s new ‘Sustainability 2006’ campaign.
And he urged people everywhere to play their part in making the most sensible use of what they had – the land where they live, what it contains and what it grows. By demonstrating what steps could be taken sensible, realistically and economically to protect the environment and safeguard the future, the rest of the world would see what could be done, follow their example and play their part too.
“We, UK plc, cannot save the planet on our own,” he said. “Our aim is to encourage global action – we cannot expect to bring the developing world along with us unless we provide a compelling economic example.”
The popular TV and radio personality was speaking at the official unveiling of the Showground’s ground-breaking new biomass boiler heating system installed in the Showground’s huge Edmund Rack Pavilion which, by being powered by recycled wood pellets, will make the venue much more pleasant for the thousands of visitors to Bath and West Showground events all year round.
When not being used for keeping visitors and exhibitors warm it can be reversed during the summer into a cooling operation, keeping show pigs cool while temperatures soar outside.
The project was funded by a £30,000 grant from EDF Energy’s Green Energy Fund and £46,000 from Clear Skies, a DTI funded and BRE managed renewable energy grant scheme. Installed by Devon-based Wood Energy, The Royal Bath and West of England Society aims to save both money and trees by using recycled waste wood for fuel under a carefully managed forestry system.
Sustainability and the use of renewable energy will be the key theme of this year’s Royal Bath & West Show, which takes place at the Showground from May 31st to June 3rd. The Society has joined forces with the leading environmental charity, the Renewable Energy Foundation – of which Noel Edmonds is the chairman - to develop the sustainability theme across this year’s four day Show.
Businesses are already lining up to be part of the sustainability showcase area at the show, demonstrating the many renewable energy opportunities and technologies that can be used by individuals and local communities.
Noel Edmonds, himself a farmer, and passionately concerned about sustainability and the environment, has pledged his support to the Society and its sustainability initiative. He hopes to be at the Show, and has donated one of his environmentally friendly QPOD vehicles from his Unique Motor Company as top prize for the Show’s Grand Draw.
Proceeds from the Draw will go towards renewable energy projects and towards the funding of a new children’s hospice which Noel Edmonds is also spear-heading.
Dr Jane Guise, Chief Executive of the Royal Bath & West of England Society said :
“The installation of a renewable energy heating system in one of our buildings demonstrates our commitment to showcasing renewable technologies to the 1m visitors who enjoy our showground facilities each year - and this is just the first of a series of initiatives to unfold over the coming months.
“The Royal Bath & West Show attracts visitors from across the world, and we believe it will provide the perfect platform to promote all aspects of the environment, sustainability and the campaign for a renewable future, spreading the message to a wide audience including people of all ages and all walks of life.”
Nigel French, EDF Energy Green Energy Fund Manager, said:
“This heating system will enable millions of visitors to the showground to see technology which will make a small but tangible difference to their local environment. It is so relevant to our future and a great opportunity for the local community to learn about green energy sources.”
Campbell Dunford, Chief Executive of the Renewable Energy Foundation, said: “There is a growing understanding that organic energy projects, correctly conducted, can contribute to our security of supply, give an economically compelling example to the developing world, and provide farms with diversification options that are compatible with the rest of the already diversified rural economy”.
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Noel Edmonds Launches Bath & West Campaign
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