New (almost!) double decker buses have appeared on the Stagecoach Eastbourne route 1A in recent weeks, featuring audio announcements of next stops. This is very important for anyone with sight impairment, but reassuring for everyone on the bus – especially those new to bus travel or unfamiliar with the area. In due course, all buses will be required to install this facility giving us a ’step change’ in the quality of bus travel. The display on the front of these buses is in clear ‘white on black’ type, a departure from the current coloured type. Seating is comfortable and charging points standard.
New Improvements
ESCC EVENT- DISPLAYS ON SHOW:
Other improvements are to follow in due course including those unveiled at County Hall in mid-January. An invited audience of groups and individuals saw examples of bus stop information displays designed to help those with sight impairment, while benefiting all users. A large number of bus stops in East Sussex, Brighton and Hove (220) will see these installed, including an audio version with instructions in braille.
Maintaining and Improving Reliability of our Buses
Services restored and increased though the Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) over the last year have added journey opportunities and attracted new passengers. Their voices are now heard through bus user groups set up in Eastbourne and Hastings areas where concerns are aired and opportunities for improvements discussed with local authorities and bus operators. Improvements there certainly have been and more are in the pipeline with bus priority measures coming for Eastbourne to benefit bus services on the Hailsham – Stone Cross – North Langney – Seaside corridor as well as the Hailsham – Polegate – Willingdon – DGH – Eastbourne corridor. These are congestion busters!
BRIGHTON. AND HOVE ‘COASTER’ SERVICE 12 PASSING EXCEAT – SEVEN SISTERS COUNTRY PARK
To the west, the success of the popular Brighton and Hove 12/12X13X routes is worthy of note. The proposals between Eastbourne and Brighton are key to its continuing success and development against a backdrop of congestion hotspots, so we strongly support those measures proposed for: A259 Upperton Road – Station Parade, Eastbourne; A259 Newhaven, The Drove – Denton Roundabout; A259 Telscombe Cliffs – Peacehaven.
Conclusion
Buses are certainly getting better: wi-fi is now standard along with the ‘kneeling’ function to allow easy access for all.
Derrick Coffee
EEAN Transport Group
By the 1980’s bus services in England were in decline, with rising costs, increasing subsidies and so in order to address this problem the government of the time decided to deregulate bus services. This meant that private bus operators were allowed to set up bus routes, timetables, services and fares. This process was not a disaster, but the ever-increasing popularity of the private car weakened the need for buses. What we have now is a patchwork of bus operators who prioritised the most profitable routes at the cost of reducing services on less attractive routes such as those in rural areas.
Bus companies do not have to make all their bus routes profitable and to their credit they do run some routes at a loss paid for by more profitable routes.
Currently most bus routes in the Eastbourne and South Wealden area are operated by Stagecoach but East Sussex County Council (ESCC) subsidise some non-commercial bus routes mainly in rural areas, additionally ESCC also operate the free bus pass scheme for older people.
Bus Back Better
Buses are the most important form of public transport in England accounting for 53% of public transport journeys. But the number of bus users and bus miles is falling. In 2023 bus passenger numbers fell to 3.4 billion from 4.6 billion in 2009.
In March 2021 the Department for Transport announced their plans to improve bus services in England via ‘Bus Back Better’. This resulted in roll out of Bus Service Improvement Plans including Enhanced Partnerships (EP) and franchising options, but very few bus franchising schemes have been introduced.
What is an Enhanced Partnership (EP)?
An EP is a model through which the local transport authority and bus operators jointly agree a plan to improve bus services. The plan is a voluntary arrangement and attracts funding from government.
East Sussex County Council currently operate an EP with declared aims such as:
• Improving fares and ticketing
• Improving bus infrastructure
• Introducing bus priority measures
• Reduce harmful emissions
• Improve digital accessibility
• Improve public transport information
Inside of Bus
What is Franchising?
Franchising is a model of providing bus services where Local Transport Authorities (LTAs) such as county councils take control of how buses are run, this could be on a specific route or a particular area and ask bus operators to bid to operate these routes.
The LTA would specify the route, frequency of service, timetable and fares. The current government is keen to further improve bus services and so is encouraging LTA’s to introduce franchising schemes.
Franchising is not a new idea and is the model currently used in London, the Channel Islands and in many regions and cities in Europe. Greater Manchester has, this month, just finalised the third tranche of their franchise network and Liverpool are well underway in their planning.
Why we need good bus services?
Bus Stop
• There are many people in society that do not have the luxury of having their own car or motorcycle and to them good bus services are vital.
• There are those that are unable to drive or are too young to drive, they too need good bus services.
• Buses connect our communities and allow access for many to health, leisure and education services.
• Good bus services can also get people out of their cars and so free up road space which will assist in making buses more reliable.
• Using buses will help us reach our carbon reduction targets.
• Less traffic on our roads will lead to less pollution.
• If bus services become more profitable through greater passenger numbers, then funding can be invested in electric buses.
Cambridge and Peterborough consultation document
Some thoughts:
• Analysis seems to show that franchising brings more benefits.
• Enhanced partnerships will mean less financial risk to transport authorities.
• In a shrinking economy can we afford to place a greater financial burden on local authorities?
• The main opposition to bus services is the private car, which is just too convenient, this will not change without a huge shift in public values which is not going to happen soon, if at all.
• Do local transport authorities have the expertise to operate bus ticket strategies, bus fare policy, network design, bus timetables etc?
• The setting up of a franchise scheme would have very large set up costs.
• Perhaps a compromise position could be reached whereby some areas have a franchise scheme while neighbouring areas have an Enhanced Partnership?
• Most franchising schemes that are currently in place or are being planned are in locations with high population densities such as Manchester and Liverpool. East Sussex is very much a rural area and hence will be more costly to operate a bus service.
Unitary Authorities
In January 2025 East Sussex County Council applied with West Sussex County Council and Brighton City Council to become a Mayoral Strategic Authority. It is reported that this could unlock significant power and resources to these areas. Transport could be one area to benefit if more funding becomes available as the authority could potentially introduce franchising schemes.
Conclusion
At the end of the day either the Franchise or the current Enhanced Partnership model will improve bus services in the area.
David Everson
Eastbourne ECO Action Network
Jan 2025
Transport and Planning integration is the key to a sustainable, healthy future.
In the big battle against climate change, the one missing yet key weapon in the armoury, accepted by all policy makers for decades but infuriatingly absent in practice, is the full integration of ’transport’ and ‘planning’.
We must abandon ‘silo thinking’ around ‘transport’ and ‘planning’. They should be integrated to avoid the procession of car based developments being delivered across the UK. Until that happens, we won’t increase the take-up of shared transport (bus/train/tram) and increase levels of walking and cycling necessary to meet targets. At the same time it will improve the nation’s physical and mental health.
Fewer cars will free up space for nature, housing, business and children’s play and reduce congestion. Policy documents have recognised this over 50 years: delivery on the ground is sadly the exception. The new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) must deliver such integration if it is to be fit for purpose. Failure to do so would be unfair both to current and future generations.
Based on a letter published Jan 2025 in iNews
Derrick Coffee
There has to be a better way to implement new transport schemes, than making two sets of campaigners, fight it out.
Seaside
The contentious Eastbourne Seaside bus lanes, which have now been agreed by East Sussex County Council (ESCC), still have to be redrawn and then go back to the Department for Transport , for a third time, for final sign off. Large amounts of money have already been spent on redesigning, two consultations, micro modelling traffic flows, health and safety and equality assessments . All this while nothing has been built and a year has gone by.
Non Bus Lane Options
However is seems that outside of the formal process it is possible for the various campaigning sides to agree what they think would work.
In terms of the £41M Bus Service Improvement Programme (BSIP) measures this includes:-
A scheme, proposed in the BSIP consultation, of a 100m ‘bus gate’ at then end of Atlantic Drive and the Crumbles, that would join the North and South harbours for buses. Perhaps a modified version of the 5 and 5A could then run along the seafront and through the harbour. This could lead to a faster and more regular service for the new housing developments.
Priority Traffic Lights for buses, where they actively change the lights, to let them through. You can see the idea at Huggetts Lane in Willingdon , where lights miss a phase if nobody wants to turn right or the green light stays longer if more traffic is on one direction. This makes the traffic flow better. Now add in the detection of buses and perhaps have longer, or earlier green phases. Of course the other vehicles on the same carriageway would also benefit. ESCC have £1.5M for 34 locations where there will be priority lights. Let us make the most of these time savings.
These are both examples of widespread support. There is then less likelihood of campaigners disagreeing and more of the tight budget will be spent on actually building schemes.
Cycling
The same idea should also be used for cycle routes, where there is a often a consensus, that off-road routes do not cause issues for motor vehicles. Such successful schemes include Horsey Sewer, Cuckoo Trail and the A27 shared path to Firle. So let us prioritise these where possible, instead of contentious and poorly configured solutions that are ‘shoehorned’ into narrow spaces on roads and footways.
Based on letter in Eastbourne Herald and Sussex Express ( on line)
What a wasted opportunity! Thousands of new houses are being built in South Wealden without enough solar panels. Very similar in Eastbourne where apart from small schemes, houses are being built with either no or inadequate solar. This being the sunniest place in the UK!
Background
The price of solar panels ( Photovoltaic PV) keeps dropping dramatically . So why do local councils not influence builders in making the most of this clean energy?
It would make sense to reduce electricity grid demand by ensuring that all our newly built homes have enough solar panels. This does not appear to be happening. Where they are included, there can be as few as 2 panels and no battery. This would provide up to 1kW. This is barely enough to run a toaster.
Eastbourne’s previous MP, Caroline Ansell, in 2022 backed a bill, to make solar panels mandatory on new homes. “Solar costs have fallen by 50 per cent in the last seven years and I believe it is now the right time to ensure developers put this technology on all new homes.This is a win for homeowners and the planet. Installing solar is green and it will cut energy costs for people when gas and electricity prices are high and will remain so for some time.”
Sunsave says “The benefit of legally mandated solar panels on new builds in the UK would be enormous, and it seems to be on the horizon. However, until that time, it’s crucial that developers refrain from putting a pointlessly small number of solar panels on the roofs of new properties, as this only causes headaches for homeowners further down the line. “
Locally
Hindsland – Eastbourne Road Polegate
Some developers are doing well and some not. Here is an example in Hindsland (Polegate) . There will be 180 houses, where each unit, has around 2 solar panels. Next to it will be Mornings Mill with 800 units. Let us hope this will do better.
In the main picture is an estate in Hellingly. These houses have 4 to 6 panels. However on the other side of the road is a huge estate with next to none.
Building Regulations
So solar panels aren’t compulsory on new builds. They have become a common way for developers to meet certain building regulations. Many builders choose to install them in order to meet the required SAP (Standard Assessment Procedure) score for energy efficiency.
By incorporating solar panels in the roof, developers enhance the property’s energy performance and raise their SAP score. This score is a calculation of its energy cost performance and renewable energy sources. Each building’s SAP score is then used in its Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating.
SAP scores are on a scale of 1 to 100+ with higher scores indicating better energy efficiency and less environmental impact. A score of over 100 would mean that the property’s net cost of energy over the year is nil, perhaps due to exporting back to the grid.
According to the UK Government’s most recent survey, the average SAP rating was less than 70 points. So how do developers get a higher score?
Walls, roofs, and floors are well-insulated
High-efficiency boilers or heat pump
Solar panels
Using double/ triple-glazed windows LED lighting
Mechanical ventilation heat recovery (MVHR)
Less heat loss by design & construction
Smart thermostats & heating controls
So solar panels are just one way to increase the score. But adding only 2 panels can have negative effects. One common problem is that developers don’t use all the available roof space. The property gets a higher SAP score but with only a few panels the actual impact on energy bills is negligible.
This can then create challenges if the homeowner decides to expand their solar panel system. Sometimes the original panels might be sunk into the roof and will need to be removed, to allow for a larger system, which adds to the total cost.
From the house to the Power Grid is becoming bi-directional (From Octopus )
Often the developers will provide an EV charger, for each house, but this will need to use the national grid . What a waste ! When more panels and batteries could result in free power. The idea of ‘National Grid 2.0’ allows for electric cars with solar panels and a battery, to export excess energy and provide enough household energy for up to a week.
Conclusion
Many developers appear to be installing as few solar panels as possible. This will not support net zero. There should be a minimum number. Perhaps 4 panels in a ‘standard house’ with even more in larger ones.
There will be new Eastbourne bus lanes in 2025/26. They will mark a major step in improving public transport and reducing congestion in the town. They will also deliver significant benefits to bus reliability and journey times. The bus lanes, which will run along Seaside and St Anthony’s, are part of a wider effort to promote sustainable transport solutions. Plus they should reduce the number of car trips in the town. Priority for buses is an important step in reducing traffic on our congested roads.
East Sussex County Council’s officers (ESCC) have recommended these bus lanes should proceed. With the final decision being made at the ESCC Transport and Environment Committee on November 18th.
Background
The Government gave £41m to ESCC, for their Bus Service Improvement Programme (BSIP). ESCC state this funding is to “… to ensure that East Sussex residents and visitors enjoy the highest possible quality bus services that provide a frequent and comprehensive choice, reduce congestion and make a positive contribution to better air quality and decarbonisation.”
Without new bus priority infrastructure, such as these bus lanes, it is unlikely to succeed.
Initial Consultation
The Initial BSIP bus priority public consultation ran for 8 weeks in 2023. However the Seaside scheme had 70% opposing it. The responses highlighted concerns about the loss of on-street parking provision. As well as the negative impact on general traffic flow due to reallocating road space for bus lanes. The designers were then told to reconsider the design.
Unfortunately one of the effects of the bus lanes being rejected, as Stagecoach predicted, was the Government did not allocate any funds to the county for Zero Emission buses (ZEBRA) . Whilst Surrey, West Sussex , Kent and Brighton were funded for hydrogen and electric buses.
Second Consultation
There was then a modified scheme. This had the proposed cycle infrastructure removed. Plus a considerable number of parking places reinstated. This was to address the concerns of residents and local businesses along Seaside. This design was consulted on and this is the scheme that has been accepted. See details here
This second consultation had 2,788 completed surveys. 56% supported the new scheme and 37% opposed it. It is fair to say, this has split the town, with some opposition from some local business owners. As is often the case, businesses may over estimate the number of their customers, who drive to their premises. Only time will tell what affect the bus lanes will have!
Time Savings
ESCC predict improvements, for bus times, will vary by the time of day but should be Eastbound up to 3.6 minutes and Westbound 3.4 minutes. So on a return trip around 7 minutes. Plus there is the benefit of a more reliable timetable.
Following concerns from residents there was also further modelling undertaken. This was to include the local streets, that had junctions on Seaside. The conclusion was that “nil detriment to general traffic journey times in both the AM and PM peak periods, whilst delivering significant benefits to bus reliability and journey times.”
Bus lanes along Seaside should be good for passengers. They will also play a vital role in improving overall mobility in Eastbourne , give people greater transport choices, make the area more liveable as well as improve the environment.
The importance of bus services in and around Eastbourne was a major topic at the initial meeting of the Eastbourne Area Bus Users Group (EABUG). This event took place in Eastbourne Town Hall on 16th October 2024. The group is an initiative of the Eastbourne Eco Action Network (EEAN). It aims to provide an interface between bus users, bus companies and local authorities. EABUG plans to meet three times a year.
Prominent among those present were representatives of local bus companies, Stagecoach, Brighton & Hove and Cuckmere buses. Also present were representatives of local disability groups, local and county councillors plus members of the public.
Jill Shacklock and David Everson (EEAN) both highlighted the need for good bus services. This was for those who could not drive or afford to drive, school children, those with disabilities or the elderly. They also emphasised the need to develop good sustainable transport systems.
East Sussex CC
A member of the East Sussex Bus Team, Donnalyn Morris, gave an update on a variety of infrastructure projects that had been taking place in Eastbourne and Friston. Work on the Hailsham Mobility Hub was yet to start, with discussions currently taking place with Tesco about the project. The consultation about the proposed Bus Priority measures along Seaside and St Anthony’s in Eastbourne had now completed and a decision would be made in November.
Stagecoach
Matthew Arnold, Commercial Director, Stagecoach South East expressed concern over the detrimental effect that congestion had on bus punctuality and highlighted problems in Eastbourne. He described these as the worst in the south east. He stated that car traffic was up 15% on pre Covid levels whilst bus passenger numbers had only risen to 94% of pre-Covid usage.
In addition, he also stated that buses were hindered by lack of co-ordination in the planning of roadworks. There needed to be more advance information sharing between ESCC and utility companies.
Brighton & Hove
Ben Garcia, from Brighton and Hove Buses, informed the meeting of recent improvements to their bus services. They are now a UK lead when it comes to inclusivity on their buses. They have dementia friendly seating and their drivers are trained to be ‘Dementia Friends’. All their buses are ‘talking buses’.
Cuckmere
Nick Price from Cuckmere Buses informed the meeting that their operation of eight, 16 seater buses were all driven by volunteers and that their new timetables would be published soon.
The main body of the meeting involved presentations, discussions and workshops about ‘Accessible Information’ on buses. New legislation requires most buses to provide information to passengers about the bus number and route and next stop information. Importantly the information must be given both visually and aurally. The new legislation came into force on 1st October 2024 for buses registered after October 2019. Older buses that need to be retrofitted with display boards and sound systems must be accessible by October 2026.
Using Apps
During the meeting there was a short presentation on how to use both Stagecoach and Brighton & Hove Bus Apps. QR codes were also highlighted as a quick means of accessing information at bus stops. A limiting factor for both of these sources of information is the necessity to have a Smart phone to access it.
Next Meeting
The next meeting of EABUG is planned for February 2025.
For further details please visit – Eastbourne ECO Action Network.
Guest Blog by David Everson – Chair of the EEAN Transport Group
Information for those wishing to complete the ESCC Bus Priority Measures consultation for Seaside and St Anthony’s, Eastbourne, which closes on 18th August 2024.
The EEAN Transport Group support the revised proposals for Bus Priority Measures and would encourage as many people as possible to support the plans in a positive way.
As we look to the future, we need to encourage the use of mass transport systems such as buses to reduce congestion on our roads. Bus can be used by most people including the young and old who are not able to drive a car, or other sections of the community who cannot afford to drive.
Key points
The plan to spend £3 million is a significant investment for Eastbourne and will help the town move towards sustainable transport in the long term.
The plan will reduce bus journey times through the proposed bus lane area particularly at peak times making bus use a more attractive option for travellers.
The introduction of several pedestrian crossings will improve pedestrian safety and assist those who walk to bus stops.
The bus lanes will take up some road space and the amount of parking along Seaside will be reduced. However, surveys carried out by ESCC indicate that sufficient parking will remain for both residents and local businesses.
Traffic flow through the project area will be eased and so reduce congestion along Seaside and St Anthony’s. This will make buses more reliable.
If passenger numbers increase due to the bus priority measures, then bus companies will be more likely to invest in more buses on routes.
If buses are not hindered by congestion, then it is much more likely that bus companies will invest in electric buses which will assist in efforts to decarbonise our transport and improve air quality.
There is no evidence that the introduction of a bus lane will damage the viability of local businesses, in fact studies have shown that bus lanes can increase footfall for businesses along routes.
Eastbourne is one of the most car dependant towns in the South East of England and the provision of bus lanes will encourage people on to the buses.
The number one current issue for politicians, councils and much of the public is potholes. They are an important issue for drivers but also pedestrians and cyclists. They damage vehicles, cause accidents, and lead to expensive repairs . We must work towards creating safer roads and one solution is for residents to contribute to an online database.
Bespoke and Eco Action Eastbourne are experimenting with ‘Stan the App’. It is easy to use and utilises ‘cutting-edge computer vision technology’ to identify road defects, such as potholes, with remarkable accuracy. Just by driving you help to build a comprehensive database of road defects, enabling the prioritisation of repairs more effectively.
Damage
National Pothole Day revealed 21% of UK cyclists had accidents caused by potholes. This was evident when Bespoke Cycle Group, for their Kidical Mass ride, had to change the route to avoid the worst potholes in town. Many of the faults had been reported to https://live.eastsussexhighways.com/report but there is no way of knowing when the issue will be resolved and sometimes unclear if someone else has already reported it. Or you could use https://www.fillthathole.org.uk where you can report a range of other issues on roads and cyclepaths. The system will then pass on your report to the relevant council.
With Stan, every pothole ‘reported’ adds to a more detailed picture. The system uses all the reports to show how big the problem is. It empowers residents to become highway surveyors and holds authorities accountable for road repairs.
In neighbouring West Sussex there was a focus on four towns. The worst of them was Worthing, where the comprehensive road map is still shown heavily in ‘red’.
The easiest way to get involved, is simply download the app to your phone and then record a video of your journey. The app will only upload when you use your wifi. A short time later the system , through AI, has worked out the road defects and added them to the UK map. There is an other option of taking photos and this may be more relevant for cyclists. The system knows where you are and once again you just upload when it is convenient.
There are other apps out there, but it will be more effective if everybody uses the same one and Stan is the RAC’s official pothole reporting partner. You can download the application from both App store and Google Play.
Future Action
In a few months time, the idea would be to write a report for councils and politicians to give them the information they need to get crucial repairs done. It may be that East Sussex Highways would then use it as a source of information
If you are interested in getting involved and want further information, videos and case histories go to http://www.stantheapp.com.
Notes
This article was submitted to Eastbourne Herald but here is some further content. If your internet connection is slow uploading content can take time. However with reasonable bandwidth unless you have recorded a long trip it should be okay. Generally video the routes you have not recorded before. Still experimenting if H.264 or H.265 is best for the video.
In photo mode try to include something that would give the pothole a scale . So perhaps a car wheel, kerb or road marking. Otherwise hard for the system to assess the pothole size.
West Sussex
Here is an example from Worthing of what is possible when residents are involved – Red is a serious problem and Green is okay.
Eastbourne
Here is the starting point with only a few people using the app. Note how around the Golf Course is poor and incomplete. However after a few days it seems to have filled in the whole route so be patient.
Cycling notes
Trying to record video while cycling, even on an MTB with suspension, may have poorer results. It will not record if going too slow and may struggle with media content that shakes. The system also appears to reject many photos even where there are serious potholes. Overall the effectiveness of uploading data from driving seems higher
Paul Humphreys – EEAN Transport, Bespoke Cycle Group, Cycle East Sussex
At our recent Carbon Neutrality Symposium held at Eastbourne Town hall on 20th April, our keynote speaker, Richard Garland, a prominent local business owner, gave an inspirational talk about how local businesses can make a very significant contribution towards Eastbourne becoming a truly Carbon Neutral town by 2030. Below is an abridged version of his speech:
Good afternoon, everyone. I am Richard Garland, and amongst other things I am co-founder of Gradient Consultants. We are chartered surveyors, project managers and compliance consultants, based here in town since 2004. Some of our projects you may be familiar with include the Fishing Quay development on Sovereign Harbour, Costa Drive-thru on Hampden Retail Park and the affordable rental flats in Southfields Road. In 2020 we certified as a B-Corp, the first independent company in Eastbourne and one of the first UK built environment professional firms to do so. B-Corp is a global movement transforming the economy to benefit ALL – people, communities and the planet. We still have to make a profit but the way we go about it isn’t about making profit at any cost – everyone has to benefit along the way.
Our purpose is our commitment to making a positive impact on the world. As a certified B-Corp, our values are deeply rooted in sustainability, social responsibility, and ethical business practices. We believe what we do in the next 7 years leading up to 2030 really matters and now is the time to act, with our industry being responsible for over 40% of the UK’s carbon emissions. We consider ourselves carbon neutral through our support of Ecologi. Ecologi® have achieved the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) and have been our offsetting partner for a number of years. We currently offset the business and personal emissions for all our people . We support tree planting and ecological schemes across the world. In the last 3 years we have offset 138 tonnes of carbon, planting over 2000 trees, and supported global sustainable projects. Our goal is to retain this off- setting, regardless of emissions reduction , but bring it closer to home, which we have already started to do by supporting planting on the Eastbourne escarpment. But we want to go further…
In 2022 we decided to set our ambitions on Net-Zero by 2030. We recognised that at some point in the not too distant future Net Zero will be the new carbon neutrality, so we wanted to be ahead of that journey. We started looking at data collection. I cannot begin to tell you how many articles on how to measure, what to measure, and when to measure from, we read – and at one point we got analysis paralysis – just stuck! And it took a friend to simply say stop thinking and just do something, anything – even if it is simply to walk to work and then make that your first action! This was a bit of a light bulb moment and as long as we could evidence a robust source of data it was worth doing something positive, rather than worrying over the how! We looked and celebrated what we were already doing, which included recycling pretty much everything, making sure our unwanted IT equipment and furniture goes into the circular economy, and pushing our clients to install bee bricks, swift boxes and fruit trees onto their development sites.
Calculating our Scope 1 and 2 emissions was relatively straightforward for us as a professional services business so I won’t dwell too much on it- the biggest change is the utility companies will help you with this so it is much easier to deal with. In conjunction with our landlord we now have an office that has solar panels, LED lighting, infra-red heating panels, additional roof insulation and film on the windows to reduce solar gain. As for the dreaded Scope 3 emissions, for a firm such as ours this is where the majority of our emissions lurk and a challenging area for organisations in terms of data collection and carbon reduction initiatives. From travel to water to the things we buy, the list was long but eventually we agreed a more manageable list of priority measures, assisted by Small99. Our Pathway to Net Zero covers short and longer term planned activities to reduce our business ‘and personal’ GHG emissions, as well as push for a greater reduction in the emissions of the projects and services we advise on and can influence. At the last count there were 50 + ideas and actions. The priority ones get a champion, an estimated date for achievement and the emission saving impact. As a result we now use local suppliers as a priority. Local sourcing helps us reduce our carbon footprint and supports our community and local economy. We specify nature based materials, including hemp, lime and we now specify Graphenstone paint for all our projects. This paint absorbs CO2, removes pollutants to purify the air and as a mineral based paint it contains no microplastics. We hold our business event at venues close to a train station to encourage guests to make sustainable travel choices.
And we waved goodbye to our computer server in October last year, which was no longer needed since moving to the cloud as one of our reduction actions. The server had been running continuously for 6 years and by retiring the server we are saving 118 kgCO2e per year. The biggest impact on the list we are currently addressing is banking and pensions. Moving these financial instruments has the potential to have the greatest impact of all – a sustainable pension is 21 times more powerful than giving up flying, becoming vegetarian and switching to renewable energy. Our goal is to make a 10% CO2e reduction year on year from 2024 to 2030. This will have reduced our overall emissions by 70% by 2030. With the Scope 1 and 2 emissions reduction prior to 2023 we believe we can achieve the necessary reduction in emissions to at least try and hit Net Zero by 2030.
So why do this, what and who benefits? B-Corp gave us ‘a legal high, we started to see ourselves as activists and ethical leaders. For us it is a climate justice choice . As a business we are de-risking the need to meet current and future compliance requirements within our industry , and we are acknowledging the opportunities of the low carbon transition – the green economy. For example, retrofitting the UK’s existing building stocks, measuring the Whole Life Carbon costs on construction projects, and the impact of Net Zero building standards, are all opportunities for sustainable growth and meeting future Department for Energy Security and Net Zero targets. Clients need us to have taken action because their funders (banks, pension funds, government) will be demanding it of them. We are influencing our supply chain to take action before they require it of us and we are offering to assist them with that change – openness, sharing ideas and transparency will make the journey go quicker! And to close, my advice to anyone at the beginning or on this journey is: do not over-strategise and get stuck in the data. Imagine if we did nothing and just talked about it? Look at what you have done so far, celebrate it and then take another step on your journey – be a force for good whatever you do!
We are grateful to Richard for kindly making available a full transcript of his speech, as well as the slideshow to accompany it.
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Fewer cars will free up space for nature, housing, business and children’s play and reduce congestion. Policy documents have recognised this over 50 years: delivery on the ground is sadly the exception. The new 
However is seems that outside of the formal process it is possible for the various campaigning sides to agree what they think would work.
The same idea should also be used for cycle routes, where there is a often a consensus, that off-road routes do not cause issues for motor vehicles. Such successful schemes include Horsey Sewer, Cuckoo Trail and the A27 shared path to Firle. So let us prioritise these where possible, instead of contentious and poorly configured solutions that are ‘shoehorned’ into narrow spaces on roads and footways.
Good afternoon, everyone. I am Richard Garland, and amongst other things I am co-founder of