From 12th February 2024, biodiversity net gain (BNG) will be mandatory for all major developments (unless otherwise exempt) made under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. Major developments include residential sites with 10 or more […]
Renewable Energy for a Sustainable Festive Celebration
As the holiday season provides a warm glow of twinkling lights and festive cheer, it’s easy to forget the significant toll our celebrations take on the environment. While December sees a surge in power to […]
Volunteering around Ouseburn with EP (June 2023)
At EP, we’ve continued to volunteer out time with the Ouseburn Trust through their ‘Adopt a Plot’ scheme which involves us looking after a specific plot in our local area and keeping it free of […]
Why You Should Say NO to Plastic Grass
Over recent years, the huge growth in the use of plastic grass and plants has contributed heavily to the loss of biodiversity. Wildlife populations have dropped by more than two thirds (69%) in the last […]
Ecological Surveys and Planning Permission
With any building development or change of use, certain processes must be followed to ensure that a project can go ahead in line with all relevant legislation. Planning permission is usually required for ‘development’ (such […]
Volunteering around Ouseburn with EP (March 2023)
Recently, the team at EP have started volunteering our time with the Ouseburn trust through their ‘Adopt a Plot’ scheme. This involves looking after a specific area, keeping it litter free and improving it for […]
Low Traffic Neighbourhood Proposals Extended in Newcastle
Jesmond will become the fourth area of Newcastle to become a low traffic neighbourhood, following proposals set out by Newcastle City Council. The council suggests that measures will be installed to restrict traffic through local […]
Natural England’s Green Infrastructure Framework: What this means for City Communities
As a tool resulting from the Government’s 25 Year Environment Plan, Natural England have launched the Green Infrastructure Framework, which is a guide reflecting on the scale of expertise and best practice across the sector. […]
Solar Energy and the Government’s Energy Security Strategy
Words by Tom Grimshaw. With Ofgem announcing that the energy price cap is set to increase from the current £1,971 to £3,549 from 1st October, it is clear that decisive action is needed to mitigate […]
Retrofit Reimagined – Catch the dream and move with it
Retrofit: verb., the addition of new technology or features to older systems. Reimagine: verb., the reinterpret; imaginatively; creatively; resourcefully. Colleagues will know how frequently I mention John Christopher’s Zero Carbon House, located in Balsall Heath, […]
World Earth Day 2022: Invest in our Planet
Today marks the 52nd annual World Earth Day, with the theme for this year ‘Invest in Our Planet.’ This day focuses on a dedicated push to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 to keep […]
FSB Awards – 2022 North East Finalists
We were all thrilled to be shortlisted as finalists for the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) North East Awards in the Environmental and Sustainability category. Whilst we didn’t win, we are honoured that our work continues […]