Low carbon Africa
The Red Sea city of El Gouna signed an agreement in late January committing it to carbon neutrality, with its sights set on becoming the first city in Africa to achieve this status. The agreement was signed by Dr Laila Iskandar, Egypt’s Minister of State for Environmental Affairs.
Waste oscars
The Awards for Excellence in Recycling and Waste Management are now open for entries. Submissions are welcomed from local authorities, commercial organisations, individuals and the community sector. This year, the new Circular Economy Success award accompanies other categories including Retail Recycling Champion, Design of a Waste Management Facility and Recycling Business of the Year. All 11 categories are free to enter and submissions must be received before the closing deadline of midday, 13th March 2014.
Northern optimism
Land remediation contractor and environmental specialist VHE has opened a new office in Cumbernauld. The Scottish office will be headed by the recently appointed Alan McKillop as Contracts Manager. The company played a part in preparations for the forthcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, through its site preparation work for the Athletes’ Village.
Palace pump
Pumping equipment made by Börger is set to complete five years of service at Sandringham, the Queen’s country retreat. A PL100 Classic Maintenance in Place (MIP) Pump, installed in 2009, operates 24/7 to pump re-activated sludge with a heavy rag content. Sandringham’s Building Surveyor, Andrew Holt said: “We’ve been very impressed with [the pump’s] performance these past five years”.
