Minister Greg Barker Visits Lark Energy

Energy and Climate Change Minister Visits Lark Energy

(left to right): Greg Barker, Minister of State for the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC), Karl Hick, Managing Director Larkfleet Group, Beverly Toone, Business in the Community, Ian Greenfield, Managing Director, Larkfleet Group company Deepings Trading, Jonathan Selwyn, Managing Director Lark Energy, Ian Blythe, Head of CSR, Boots UK

Lark Energy, part of the Larkfleet Group, played host to the launch of the East Midlands Mayday Carbon Positive Awards – operated by Business in the Community – at its head offices in Bourne, Lincolnshire.

Greg Barker, minister of state for the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC), launched the Mayday Carbon Positive Awards after viewing Larkfleet’s sustainability demonstration house that showcases energy saving technologies.

Mr Barker then sat down with the directors of Larkfleet and Lark Energy for a discussion on the Group’s energy and sustainability practices and its future focus. He also heard an industry viewpoint from Lark Energy on the government’s announcement of a fast track review of the Feed in Tariff for all PV projects over 50kWp – a review that industry says could significantly constrain the growth of solar power in the UK.

Representatives from councils across the East of England and local businesses who later joined the launch then had the opportunity to take part in a round table discussion with Mr Barker.

Larkfleet Group Company Larkfleet Homes last year won the East Midlands Carbon Positive Cutting Edge category for less than 250 employees. The Mayday Carbon Positive Awards are open to businesses and organisations which have reduced their carbon footprint and which have low carbon projects that will inspire others to take action. The scheme is aimed at showcasing innovative ways to tackle climate change.

Heidi Watson, Regional Director of Business in the Community, explained: “These Carbon Positive Awards will identify and celebrate the array of innovative solutions that businesses are adopting to increase their sustainability and tackle climate change.”

Karl Hick, managing director of Larkfleet Homes, said: “Larkfleet Homes was honoured to host the launch of the Mayday Awards. The awards will raise the profile of the low carbon economy in the East Midlands and reward those companies which really are leading the way in low carbon and carbon reduction initiatives.”

Greg Barker said: “This is a great opportunity to celebrate businesses thriving in the low carbon economy, driving innovation and seizing new opportunities. Growth in the green economy can play a major role in our economic recovery, supporting jobs and growth, defending Britain from the impact of high oil prices and helping to limit climate change.”

Larkfleet Group has an award-winning commitment to sustainability, building energy-efficient housing and commercial buildings incorporating renewable energy and other technologies. Its retrofit packages for open market and social housing and government-backed demonstration projects also highlight its focus on energy efficiency. Larkfleet is committed to delivering sustainable communities. Group company Lark Energy provides renewable energy solutions for new and older buildings to reduce their use of grid energy and therefore their carbon emissions. Technologies used include solar thermal, air source heat pumps, solar PV and enhanced insulation. Lark Energy provides photovoltaic (PV) solutions for commercial partners and clients.

Larkfleet Group company FE Peacock (www.fepeacock) is an accredited installer of PV panels through the Microgeneration Certified Scheme. The company, working with Lark Energy, can now install PV panels on new buildings and also ‘retrofit’ them to existing buildings

For further information contact: Hannah Thomas or Mike Holland, Smye Holland Associates

Telephone: 01733 564906 Email: hannaht@smye-holland.com

Notes to Editors
1. For more information about the Mayday Network and Carbon Positive Awards in your region please contact: Jenny Hutson/Dianne Allen on 0115 852 3850.

2. Business in the Community (BITC) stands for responsible business.

It is a business-led charity with a growing membership of 850 companies, from large multinational household names to small local businesses and public sector organisations. It advises, supports and challenges its members to create a sustainable future for people and the planet and to improve business performance.

Its members work with it to define what responsibility looks like in the workplace, marketplace, environment, and the community - and it shares what we learn about driving performance through responsible business practice.

Business in the Community is one of The Prince’s Charities, a group of not-for-profit organisations of which The Prince of Wales is President. It works locally, nationally and internationally through a network of partners world-wide and has 28 years’ experience of working with communities in greatest need. www.bitc.org.uk

3. The Prince’s Mayday Network, convened by Business in the Community, is a collaboration of businesses at all stages on the low carbon, resource efficient journey: some leading, some just starting out.

Named after the international ‘Mayday Mayday’ distress signal and founded by HRH The Prince of Wales in 2007, its aim is to inspire, engage, support and challenge as many businesses as possible as they work together towards a sustainable future.

Businesses of all sizes can join The Princes’ Mayday Network to start their journey and participate in workshops, webinars and other business events to help their business grow in a sustainable way.

Businesses are uniquely placed to collaborate, share and lead the transformation towards a sustainable future, and The Prince’s Mayday Network is here to help by providing easy access to the knowledge, tools, contacts and inspiring stories they need to progress along their journey.

The work of the Mayday Network would not be possible without the generous sponsorship of the following leading companies and organisations: Boots UK, EDF Energy, DLA Piper, Lloyds TSB, NBTN and United Utilities. http://www.maydaynetwork.com