izen
Issue summer 2013
Magazine
Win a RevO E-bike system & the ‘Unusual and Unique Overnight Directory’!
pamper yourself:
GREEN FUTURE:
eco holidays the great green life
THE WORLD IN 2037 LIFE WITHOUT AN ENERGY BILL 1
Reduce your energy bill with IZEN solar PV panels
Solar PV Panels / Solar Thermal IZEN energy systems (South East) Tolworth Tower Ewell Road Surbiton Surrey KT6 7EL T: +44 (0) 7932 150486 E: Southeast@izen.co.uk W: www.izen.co.uk 2
energy systems
WELCOME
Welcome to the Summer 2013 edition of IZEN Magazine. Here at IZEN it’s a hectic time, with longer days, we’re busy completing renewable and energy saving installations, exhibiting at the Surrey Bike Events, the Eco Technology Show in Brighton and the Renewables Show at the NEC, as well as further afield at InterSolar in Munich.
COLOPHON Publisher:
Wherever we go, there is tremendous interest in our products and systems. No longer solely the preserve of Eco Warriors, the incessant rise in energy prices and concerns about energy security are prompting many to consider solar energy as a valuable supplement to the existing supplies.
IZEN energy systems Editorial staff: Geoffrey Dobson, Anita Rampall, Steve Dobson, Jolien Lynen, Gie Verbunt, Jelle Henneman Design: Joke Lammens, Elke Treunen Photography: Joke Lammens, Jolien Lynen Susan Smith (Susie Mey Photography) Contact: g.dobson@izen.co.uk
Of course, not everyone lives in a house with a roof suitable for a solar panel installation but how about a solar car port? A great way of sheltering your car and generating your own electricity at the same time - particularly if you already have, or are considering an electric car. Not just for electric car owning homeowners, though, commercial scale car ports can make perfect sense, as our client Hödlmayr discovered - see page 6 The summer is also a great time to get outdoors, whether a barbecue in the garden with friends, a bike ride with the family or having a break and getting away from it all, exploring somewhere different. If you are looking for somewhere to stay, we have some great ideas, thanks to our friends at Go Unusual, who have written about some
of the Eco hotels they’ve visited and have kindly donated a copy of their latest book as a prize for one of our lucky readers. If you’re looking for somewhere new to visit, how about a trip to Belgium ? It’s a fun place, renowned for its beer and chocolate, but there is so much more to discover and it’s readily accessible from the UK. Our friends at Visit Flanders have told us of the increasing numbers of British cyclists, keen to explore the varied countryside, historic towns and villages, and write of the country’s two wheeled heritage and enthusiasm for biking, particularly the internationally renowned Tour of Flanders which celebrates its Centenary this year. If that sounds far too energetic, we’ve found some cool energy saving ideas! Check out the IZEN team’s favourite Eco gadgets and devices in our Great Green Life feature on page 24, and let us know what you think. We are also running a competition to win a RevO - one of the best ideas we’ve seen in ages, it’s a brilliant way of converting your existing bike into an electric bike, simply by changing over the front wheel! Check it out on page 25. Whatever you decide to do this summer, the IZEN team hope you have a great time look out for us at the shows we’re attending, don’t forget to come on over and say hi! Best wishes, Geoffrey Dobson 3
of experience 4
CONTENT
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9
10
solar car port
school is cool
THE WORLD IN 2037
domestic & commercial
energy from the sun
THE FUTURE LOOKS GREEN
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16
18
cycling trip
eco holidays
the organic farm
cycling in flanders
unusual hotels of the world
sunny vegetables
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24
ENERGY TIPS
John’S HOME
PAMPER YOURSELF
PULL THE PLUG
ZERO ENERGY BILL
THE GREAT GREEN LIFE
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solar car ports 6
For domestic & commercial use
solar car ports
Not everyone has access to a roof suitable for a solar panel installation - maybe you live in a flat, have windows in the roof or a chimney that creates too much shade – so why not consider a solar car port ? Many homeowners have discovered the value of converting their garage into a games room, study or spare bedroom and modern cars are perfectly happy living outdoors, but they can still benefit from protection against the harshest of weathers, so a car port is a great idea.
Even better when the roof comprises solar panels which can reduce your energy bills and generate a valuable tax free income, index linked over 20 years through the UK Government’s Feed in Tariff (FiT) scheme. Thinking of owning an electric vehicle? The benefit of solar PV is even greater when you have an electric or hybrid car, which you can charge directly from your free POD Point (see page 9), whether the panels are on the car port or main roof of your house. Car ports aren’t just for domestic properties either, they’re great for
supermarkets, hotels and commercial properties, providing shade during the summer and shelter from the wind and rain. The power generated can usefully offset the energy used, as the owners of the Eco hotel Masseria Cervarolo in Puglia found - see page 16 - dramatically reducing lighting and heating costs. The power of PV was welcomed by our client Hödlmayr, the international vehicle logistics company, for whom we constructed over 200 commercial scale car ports at their Tongeren facility in Belgium, under which they can store up to 3,200 cars at any one time ! Providing
protection against the elements, the cars are sheltered under more than 17,000 solar panels which cover an area of 36,000 sq metres, over 9 acres. How many free miles of travel is that worth!? The threat of damage to the cars from hailstones is reduced and the 4.6MW solar power station supplies local homes and businesses clean, renewable power through the grid. Please call the IZEN team on 020 8144 8687 if you would like to learn more.
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Interested? g.dobson@izen.co.uk 07932 150486
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case
King Athelstan primary school are celebrating the first anniversary of their solar PV system
Installed by the IZEN Energy Systems team over the Easter holidays in 2012 and opened by Ed Davey MP, the school has been delighted with its performance which has exceeded expectations - generating over 16,000 kWh (kilowatt hours), even after the disappointingly wet summer of last year. The system is projected to generate 20% of the school’s energy requirements, reducing the school’s electricity costs as well as, through the Feed in Tariff (FiT) scheme, a very useful tax free income, index linked over the 20 years with which to invest in additional facilities for the pupils. The school is keen for their PV system to be used for educational purposes and Damon Hart-Davis, the Parent
Governor responsible for the system, is publishing regular updates on system performance on - http://www.earth. org.uk/solar-powered-schools.html The school was delighted that their local MP, Ed Davey, was available to formally open the system as, being also the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change with overall responsibility for energy policy across the UK, he could see the direct benefit of solar power to the school and local community. IZEN Energy systems were pleased for the opportunity to make a contribution to the schools energy improvements and is working with other community groups and businesses to reduce energy costs through PV. 9
The future looks green
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THE WORLD IN 2037
25 years ago, IZEN started as a rarity in the nongreen world. Today much changed. But let’s look another 25 years ahead, in the year 2037: what does our society look like then in terms of energy? According to Geert Palmers, with his globally active company 3E an absolute expert in the field of renewable energy, we can then have reached the point of zero CO2 emissions. But that means investments and - mostly- politicians who dare to make choices.
The company 3E advises big clients all over the world about the production and distribution of renewable energy and develops software to control and safeguard those processes efficiently. As an authority, CEO Geert Palmers expresses his thoughts on the future. What will energy supply be like in the year 2037?
What do you mean, we are not going to save energy? Yes we will and energy efficiency will improve requiring less electricity in several sectors. On the other hand, more electricity will be needed to replace fossil fuels, especially for transport.
Geert has combined his thoughts with several exhaustive predictions that already exist with a virtually CO2-free future.
Transport is one of the three important sectors that will have to change profoundly in the coming decades, along with the building sector and the energy sector.
What stands out is that the researchers base their predictions on a growing energy consumption: We are going to use more electricity.
YOUR HOME’S COVER Energy effeciency is now a well-established principle within the construction sector. Before WWII, a home
consumed about 120.000 joules, and this has now been halved to about 56.000 joules. The European objective is to reduce this to zero by 2020. A large part of the techniques used to realize this target are already known. First of all, buildings need better insulation. And there has to be a transition to passive homes, meaning houses that use what nature gives us primarily the sun, to provide the heating, lighting and ventilation systems. That means that houses won’t look the same any more. Future toddlers won’t draw houses with chimneys and smoke anymore as chimneys will disappear. Geert Palmers is convinced that rene11
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THE WORLD IN 2037
wable energy equipment will be ‘more stylish’. The build-up solar panels as we know them today, will be replaced by integrated systems. Solar energy will therefore not be ‘visible’ anymore as a technology but part of the building structure. Moreover, we will also copy traditional energy efficient building techniques from tropical countries for example with regard to natural ventilation, the use of materials that store heat and clever spatial planning. Such traditional techniques do not require more electricity but do offer more comfort. But all of this does mean that building renovation has to be accelerated - from one percent to at least three percent for existing buildings. SOLAR FIELDS AND ISLANDS The energy sector has also progressed a long way already. For Palmers, 2012 was a milestone in energy history: for the first time ever large solar energy projects were being built on all continents, without subsidies. This ‘grid parity’ is possibly the most important development in solar industry as it offers a real opportunity to use renewable solar energy in the long term. International predictions show scenarios with 80 percent of the conventional energy sources replaced by renewable energy in 2050. This can even rise to 100 percent if innovations accelerate, which is a very realistic evolution. Wind and solar energy in particular will play 12
In Europe, about five thousand square kilometers will be covered with solar panels a dominant role when switching from conventional to renewable. Solar energy via photovoltaic cells will be the most used technology. One thousandth of Europe’s total surfaceabout five thousand square kilometers- will be covered with solar panels. These panels will be more stylish, more standardized, cheaper and more efficient. Wind turbines will become bigger and bigger to provide us with wind energy. By 2050, 100,000 new wind turbines will have been installed in the European Union, half on land, the other half offshore. The cost price of those turbines, like all other renewable energy solutions, will be entirely included in the consumer rates, without subsidies and including recycling costs at the end of the projects’ lifespan. The price of energy will not come down immediately. But here also applies that a strong technological revolution will take place with more diversity in the applied technologies. When the stable production of conventional energy is indeed replaced by a
more variable production of renewable energy, the electricity network will have to be adapted. The specialized software used to manage the net, the connected users and the available renewable energy, will become very important. Peaks and dips will have to be better guided. That means that the demand for energy can depend on the supply and as a consequence a number of big energy users will operate more frequently at night when the supply is greater than the demand. It will be difficult to provide the industry entirely with sustainable energy that has been generated locally. Also large cities will face problems, as part of their energy needs to come from outside the town, in some cases from even further. That’s why intercontinental electricity networks are required. The situation of remote communities is the total opposite: small towns and villages that are not linked to that large electricity network, so called “islands”. Various innovations are needed to provide them locally with energy. That’s when we talk about production of renewable energy and the storing of that energy in batteries in order to make these communities energy independent, on condition that the storing of electricity becomes much cheaper. But Palmers is convinced that this storage will become a reality in 25 years’ time. Better quality batteries are
CO2-free cities, where non- electrical cars are not allowed any more, will become as acceptable as smokefree pubs so important for electric cars, that a breakthrough is inevitable, partly because of mass production for example in China. That should limit the price that “islands” will pay for their energy. This price however will vary from island to island as they‘ll each represent a different scenario with different needs. All of this requires important investments in the electricity network. The current investment rate of around 30 billion Euro per year has to increase to about 70 billion Euro. That is a lot of money and additionally, public resistance needs to be overcome. A more extensive network has to be built underground and over-ground. In this aspect, Palmers fears a lack of political courage and a long-lasting battle for the needed building permits. The NIMBY-syndrome - not in my backyard - is facing a very busy future. SMOKE-FREE CITIES The third and last sector in the spot-
light is the transport sector. The current system has nothing to be proud of as far as Palmers is concerned. High energy consumption and little efficiency... The cars in the cities today drive as fast as the horses in the Middle Ages. The most important change is surely the rising of the electric car, according to our expert. He foresees a much smaller market share for bio fuels and hydrogen. He also expects that CO2-free citieswhere the classic car is not allowed anymore - will become as acceptable as smoke-free pubs. Initially contested but inevitable. Is this all really possible? ‘Yes’, is the answer. Geert Palmers is very optimistic about the feasibility of the future in this technological field. But there are various serious challenges to be faced and enormous investments to be made.
If the technological innovations accelerate and the price of conventional energy sources keeps increasing, those investments become profitable. The pure production of those investments also becomes a challenge. Companies have to have sufficient scale size in order to be able to build the required infrastructure in the coming years. Moreover, base material required for certain technologies, like batteries, has to be used wisely. But Palmers’ fear is the political and social side of the story. A number of choices will have to be made rapidly. Society has to be ready to invest heavily and accept the construction of the required infrastructure. Technologically it is possible but will the people follow? # Do you agree with Geert, or do you foresee a different future? Let us know your ideas and you could appear in a future edition of IZEN magazine.
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Flanders is cycling and cycling is Flanders Flanders is the international cycling region par excellence, the place to experience cycling in its purest form. This is where a special breed of cyclists – they like to call them Flandriens - is born and made. Their stories, cobblestones and bergs appeal to the imagination of every cycling loving enthusiast. With so many inspirational, fascinating and interesting perspectives on the Flemish cycling culture, cycling heritage and cycling identity, a trip to Flanders is a must for any cycling enthusiast.
With plenty of races taking place all year round, the Flanders Classic races are well known internationally and within Belgium. Apart from best known race, The Tour of Flanders, there are plenty of other classic racing circuits which are popular in the region. These are a few of the interesting ones: OMLOOP HET NIEUWSBLAD Omloop Het Nieuwsblad is the opening event on the Belgian cycling calendar. In this race the riders show their new team gear for the first time on the Belgian roads. ACROSS FLANDERS Across Flanders ( or in Flemish, Dwars door Vlaanderen) is traditionally the start of the Flemish cycling week. It is the first time the riders can test the Tour of Flanders-legs. GHENT- WEVELGEM Despite its name, the race hasn’t always started in Ghent. Traditionally 14
this race began on the market square of nearby Deinze. The course then sets westward towards the Belgian coastal region, after which it moves southwards near the French border towards the Monteberg and Kemmelberg, before heading towards Wevelgem. TOUR OF FLANDERS This race one of the cornerstones in the international cycling year as well as in Belgium and along with Paris– Roubaix, the world’s most important cycling race held on a single day. It celebrated its centenary this year and is held in Belgium every spring, a week before the Paris–Roubaix road race. It is part of the UCI ProTour and one of the so-called monuments of the European professional calendar, and contributes to the UCI World Ranking points. SCHELDEPRIJS This race starts in Antwerp and finishes in Schoten. The event, ranked at 1.HC on the UCI European calendar,
is seen as a race for sprinters, held on flat roads over roughly 200 kilometres. The route includes seven cobbled sections varying between 1300 and 3000 metres. BRABANT ARROW The challenging bicycle race Brabant Arrow starts in the centre of Leuven and ends in Overijse. The snappy hills of Flemish-Brabant enable the riders to test their climber’s legs for the first time. With so many races on offer, there are also plenty of cycling attractions available for cycling enthusiasts throughout the region. WieMu, the national cycling museum captures the vast and dynamic world of cycling within four walls. Located in Roeselare, in the heart of West Flanders, a region famous for producing some of the finest cyclists Flanders, Belgium and the world has ever seen, the cycling museum or ‘WieMu’ presents a dazzling story. You
Tour of Flanders
could say this is where the heart of the ‘Flandrien’ beats.
It’s the best place to get to know what it means to be a Flandrien.
The museum is the place to go for those who are passionate about cycling. Through its collections, activities and exhibitions, the WieMu tells a story of heroism, determination and suffering. The museum is more than just a gallery. Above all, it is a research centre looking for new insights and knowledge on Flanders’ social history, culture and the evolution of cycling sports. Be prepared to be taken on a journey through the history of unique Flemish cycling culture.
Flanders is also a home to the sporting museum, “Sportimonium”, situated within easy reach of Antwerp, Brussels, Mechelen and Leuven. It offers a lot to see and to do for the active sports fan as well as for those with a more passing interest. In a new dedicated exhibition about cycling heritage and icon Eddy Merckx, a digital guide tells the story of the highlights of cycling history and commemorates the striking moments from Merckx’s career other cycling heroes. It provides a fascinating insight into the bicycle evolution, from the walking machine to the ‘boneshaker’ (tyres without air) and from the elitist ‘dandy-horse’ to ‘the horse of the poor’.
Discover the bikes used by Stijn Devolder (2008) and Jules Vanhevel (1920) to win the Tour of Flanders or the museum unique collection of ‘vélocipèdes’. The WieMu shop is a great place to discover cycling books and (retro) shirts, or lose yourself in the rich archive and documentation centre and a jukebox with old cycling records.
Avid cyclists might like to find out about six new cycling loops in the Lys Valley Area and the Bruges woodland and wetland. Explore the roots of cycling in West Flanders and experience the
punishing stories of our Flandriens. The routes start at approximately 19 miles and are designed in loops with starting places equipped with charging points for electric bikes and cars. Each route currently has a number of places to see, hear and visit during the circuit. The physical experience elements are enhanced by a mobile application, available in English, which not only offers practical information, but also an interactive story in images and sound. www.iedereenflandrien.be There’s no doubt that there are a wealth of interesting cycling opportunities, activities and interests for any keen cyclist to Flanders. From bergs, cobbles and streets , cycling is Flanders and Flanders is cycling through and through! For more information about visiting Flanders see http://www.visitflanders. co.uk/discover/flanders/cyclingflanders/index.jsp 15
Electricity in the Masseria Cervarolo is generated by a large solar car port, with photovoltaic panels integrated into the roof of the car park.
Photo: Masseria Montenapoleone
Win a copy of the Unusual & Unique Overnight Directory Both properties feature in the Unusual & Unique Overnight Directory, listing over 300 amazing properties including lighthouses, caves, tree houses, planes, trains, prisons and more. Email GoUnusualcompetition@ IZEN.co.uk with your name, address and contact details and one lucky winner will receive the latest edition of this award winning guide. The book is available from Amazon and GoUnusual4.com. IZEN magazine readers are invited to register on the GoUnusual.com website to receive free electronic access to view the book.
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eco holidays
Eco Hotel Masseria Cervarolo
Recycled Hotel Masseria Montenapoleone
It isn’t just work for the team at IZEN and they recently checked out one of the few EU Ecolabel certified properties, Masseria Cervarolo, in the Puglia region of Southern Italy. Normally this area is renowned for it’s outstanding local produce, with fish and cheese some of the best you’ll taste in Italy, however Masseria Cervarolo has gained a reputation for quality and hospitality, in partnership with EU Ecolabel credentials to confirm it’s commitment to the environment.
A key approach to best environmental practice is to maximise the re-use of materials where possible. Taking this message to heart, Masseria Montenapoleone in Puglia, Italy has decorated their luxurious bedrooms with a variety of bric-a-brac repurposed into ‘Rustic Chic’ items. From doors turned to shelves, to waffle irons as night lamp stands, the creativity and care of owner Giuliano Monteneve extends to the smallest details, ensuring that a stay is memorable, leaving you with a smile at his team’s artistry.
The 17 spacious rooms of the Masseria are in both traditional Trulli – cone-shaped dwellings built without mortar, as well as a 16th Century traditional fortified farmhouse – once presided over by noble families. Brought back to their original splendour, rooms are furnished with lovingly restored antiques and original fabrics. Electricity is from a large Photovoltaic installation, integrated into the roof of the car park, and through the use of traditional techniques – shutters on rooms, whitewashed walls, high ceilings – the energy usage to keep the property warm in winter and cool in summer is minimal. The Masseria surrounds you with shady terraces of local vegetation and provides a magnificent pool faced with sandstone, the water reflecting varying shades of blue. It is located in La Vallee D'Itria - the very heart of Puglia. With the beaches of the Adriatic 12km away and two large nature reserves close by (Fiume Morelli - 15mins, Torre Guaceto - 25mins), there is plenty of opportunity for walking or relaxing on the beach, cooled by sea breezes. Masseria Cervarolo, Ostuni, Puglia, Italy
As the gates of this fortified farm open, you are wrapped in the beauty of nature, which invites you towards the entrance. Oleander bushes, bougainvillea and olive trees line your path. The Masseria has been refurbished and renovated - not to stand out, but rather to be part of the nature around it. Some of the rooms are the original caves and dwellings of the first settlers in the area, hundreds of years ago. While these early settlers might have welcomed the security and cool of the cave bedroom – now a favourite for honeymoons - they wouldn’t have been able to enjoy the pool, with its views stretching across to the sea and the white walls of nearby Ostuni. Giuliano‘s attention to detail extends to the food served in the restaurant at breakfast and lunch, with organic products from the Masseria Montenapoleone farm itself the mainstay of offerings. A fantastic place to stay! Masseria Montenapoleone, Pezze di Greco, Puglia Italy
See www.GoUnusual.com for details
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Sunny vegetables from Antwerp!
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PAYinG A ViSiT TO THe ORGAniC FARMeR Solar panels are financially attractive and ecologically responsible. Jeroen Bockx from Antwerp has an impressive area covered by solar panels. Electricity for his home and business. An organic farm on two hectares, with a farm shop, “The Bio-shop”, where he sells a great assortment of chemical-free vegetables and fruit.
Jeroen grew up in a green environment. More than thirty years ago, his parents started the organic farm from an ideological point of view. After his studies, he took over the farm in 2004. When Jeroen explains how an organic farm functions, you realise that such a business requires a highly qualified manager. Every product to which any chemical process has been applied, is banned. Only natural products, bacteria and viruses are welcome. And that is nonnegotiable. The farm is inspected twice a year and a sample is taken at least once a
year. Jeroen Bockx tells the story of an organic farmer who had a load of fruit refused because traces of a chemical pesticide were found on his produce, coming from a neighbouring farmer who had sprayed his corn. NAUGHTY CREEPY CRAWLIES Jeroen’s answer to the question why he and his wife farm organically is simple : health. However, growing high quality organic produce is a complex battle. For most of us, wet weather from May to July is just annoying. For an organic farmer, this is an additional challenge. “We have to be able to work in a preventative way. When a crop
has been damaged, it is often a lost case.” When contamination looms, the organic farmer has to be able to treat the plants immediately. However, if it rains for days on end, every treatment is washed away. Weed control with machines is equally difficult when it rains and the soil becomes too wet to use the machines on the land. Luckily, the organic farmer has other alternatives. The ‘naughty creepycrawlies’ can be eliminated by helpful insects like ladybirds or linopodes mite. Organic farmers also work on the ‘resistance’ of the plants by means of algae preparations, for example, in 19
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paying a visit to the organic farmer
As the intermediate trader is left out, organic farming becomes profitable. order to make the plants more resistant to fungi. This requires specific knowledge about which plant can be made resistant in which way. “Fruit is even more difficult than vegetables,” says Jeroen who mainly grows vegetables: lettuce, green beans, parsnips, cucumbers, tomatoes and potatoes. The apple trees and berry bushes grow in between the vegetable patches. Another alternative to chemicals is plot rotation. In a cycle lasting 9 years, crops alternate in accordance with specific characteristics for each crop. THE BIO-SHOP The Bio-shop has a great vegetable and fruit assortment and that is no coincidence. Locally produced seasonal vegetables are available all year round. The shop is run by Jeroen’s mum, three half- days a week. Besides their own produce they also offer other organic products such as rice, milk, coffee and wine. The shop has everything for a complete meal and that is handy for those who have nothing in the fridge for dinner! Farm shops have become increasingly popular with consumers. The products are fresher and cheaper than in a 20
regular shop. And as the intermediate trader is left out, the farmer can obtain a more reasonable profit margin. “Organic farming then becomes profitable and we even manage to grow and develop,” says Jeroen. The produce that he doesn’t sell in the shop goes to market stalls, restaurants and a wholesaler. Jeroen works part-time at the wholesaler, to supplement his income. In May and June, farming takes about 1415 hours a day of his time but in winter it is more quite. Thanks to his so-called cold glasshouses (with plastic covers and no heating) and with some winter vegetables, Jeroen manages to have crops all year round. The organic vision of The Bio-shop is also represented in the energy supply. When Jeroen took over the business, he renovated the house and got an IZEN solar thermal system to heat the water. At that time, there was no budget available for solar photovoltaic panels but they were installed later in 2010. In 2011, the panels had already generated 12,000 kilowatt/hours. The electricity is used in the home and on the farm, for example, temperature
control for the vegetables and the fridges in the shop. “The return on investment for the solar panels is 5 years,” explains Jeroen, “the reduced subsidies only means that newcomers will have a slightly longer pay-back period.” It is remarkable how well the organic farmers collaborate. They buy each other’s surplus produce, organise group training and exchange tips and advice. Jeroen doesn’t propose vegetable baskets yet, a sort of subscription whereby the consumer receives a regular supply of organic vegetables. Should he decide to go for these additional sales, then he will be able to ‘train’ with a colleague who has already set up such a system. Jeroen has never considered switching to conventional farming and use chemicals “of course I have cursed on occasions when a plot was damaged and the crop lost because I didn’t have the appropriate response.” But in Belgium there is still quite a bit of growth potential for the organic farmer.” Currently, the production is too limited as a lot of organic vegetables still need to be imported. While the demand for organic products keeps increasing.
PULL THE PLUG ON YOUR HIGH ENERGY COSTS
8 ENERGY TIPS
TIPS & TRICKS TO SAVE ENERGY 1
Why not wash at 30° instead of 60°? That is a saving of 60%.
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About 80% of the energy that your washing machine uses goes into the heating of the water. With the Alfamix you can get hot water directly from your boiler sent to your washing machine. That represents a saving of up to 25%.
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In an average household, 10% of the electricity consumption goes into hidden uses such as equipment on stand-by and plugged in telephone chargers, ... use a connector box with an on/off button to easily avoid this.
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Defrost your freezer and fridge regularly. An ice layer of 2mm results in 10% more energy consumption.
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With single glazing 80% more energy is lost than with high efficiency glass. A house that is heated with natural gas that has high efficiency glass will save on average £14 per m² of glass.
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A solar thermal system can heat 55 to 60% of all your sanitary hot water. The solar collectors in a solar thermal system can additionally be combined with a heat pump boiler. Your energy is then generated by the sun and produced by the heat pump.
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Looking for an ehome? Do not forget that a detached house consumes about 20% more than a terraced house. An end of terrace house needs on average 10% more energy.
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When you have a shower, the warm water just goes down the drain. A heat exchanger ensures that the warm waste water runs through a tube that is wrapped around the cold clean water tube. Your cold water is preheated and that means a saving of up to 50% in heating your shower water.
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IZEN brings the bill down to zero
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John and his wife Jane
LIFE WITHOUT AN ENERGY BILL ‘Energy independent living? We don’t think that is a futuristic idea any more’, people at IZEN say. “It’s happening now!’ John can confirm that statement. Due to high energy costs, he decided to totally review the state of his home. With the help of IZEN’s total concept Ecohome, John is now almost energy independent.
We meet up with John and his wife, both in their early fifties, at their old farm in the countryside. Not very eco-friendly? Thanks to different energy saving measures we have proven the contrary. “Due to the rising energy costs, paying our bills became problematic,” tells John. “So we started looking around at what we could do to save energy. Investing money in energy saving measures is nowadays more profitable than having the same money in a savings account, but the ecological aspect was also very important.” John decided to ask IZEN for advice, as he had heard that they have developed EcoHome. “They undertook a home energy efficiency survey which showed that even though our home was in quite a good condition, we could still become much more energy efficient.”
“IZEN advised us to invest in proper insulation and to get rid of our traditional gas heater. Following their recommendations we got an air-water heat pump installed this spring. Years ago, we got solar panels installed and in- vested in a solar thermal system, LED- lighting and an energy efficient fridge and freezer.” The ultimate objective of IZEN’s EcoHome is to make new and existing houses energy independent. “Through an extensive energy-analysis and the right measures, we can bring the energy bill down to zero. Every home requires a different approach and not everybody has to take as dramatic measures as John did.” Currently, John still pays 20 Pound a month for all his energy. “Whether our energy bill really comes down to zero is still to be seen,” he says. “At the moment our bill is still
‘IZEN first came to inspect our house thoroughly. The thickness of the walls, the type of glass, the rooms’ area.’ based on last year’s consumption. As we have just switched to a green supplier, all our energy is now completely renewable. Moreover, the comfort in our home has considerably increased and that is really very important.” 23
The great green life GREEN LIGHT Leaf Lamp
IMPROVE THE WORLD PAMPER YOURSELF CLEAN WITHOUT WASTING
Eco wash ball
Just pour it in ‌ In the rush of everyday life we are sometimes a bit too generous with our detergent, while that is totally unnecessary! A dosing system supplied by company suppliers can help you to be more careful with powder or liquid detergent. Additionally, there is now the Eco wash ball, an ecological ball you can add to your washing. This ball contains small ceramic balls that soak off the dirt while using very little detergent. According to the manufacturer, detergent is not required at all for lightly soiled washing. And for normal to very soiled washing, you only need to add 15 ml of detergent. The Eco wash wall costs 21 Pound but will last about 1,000 washes or between 2 and 4 years depending on the number of washes you do. However, the Eco wash ball is also criticized. The Dutch Consumers’ association carried out a study which showed that there was no difference in washing results with or without the ball. But the positive point is 24
The Leaf Lamp designed by Herman Miller combines ingenious sustainability with elegant design: The Leaf gets its name from the leafshape it represents. Futureproofed, the online platform for ecological design, selected the desk lamp for its e-shop after a thorough test. The praise for the Leaf Lamp is endless: The production process runs entirely on green power. The aluminium structure is 98% recyclable. The light source with the most modern, energy saving LEDs of 9 Watt has a lifespan of no less than 60,000 hours. Depending on your mood and the moment of the day, you can adapt the light intensity by means of a simple button. The Leaf gets its name from the leaf-shape it represents. http://www.futureproofedshop.com/nl/ fpshop/product/leaf/Herman%20Miller/ lastcategory%7Cverlichting_1/
that the dosing system forces you to consciously add a limited quantity of detergent to your wash. www.ecowasbal.com
LET THE SUN DO YOUR WASHING Alfamix
When using a washing machine, heating water demands the most energy: up to 90%! The Alfamix hot-fill system is a better alternative. It fills your washing machine with water that has been heated by your solar boiler. Electrical heating of water in the washing machine is no longer necessary. Very friendly to the environment and available in the IZEN-shop!
With increasingly congested public transport, escalating fuel costs and, for many, a desire to do just a little more exercise, electric bikes have become popular as a way of tackling longer journeys, or giving older riders the confidence to get back into the saddle - E bikes are great ! As with many labour saving devices, however, there is a price to be paid and whilst significant advances have been made in battery technology, reducing weight and increasing capacity, the battery is frequently the most expensive component and E bikes can be pricey, when compared with a regular bicycle. Acknowledging this, the makers of the RevO have designed a Pedelec conversion kit, allowing cyclists to convert their existing bike into an E bike in 3 easy steps: -
Check out the RevO at www.RevOwheel.co.uk or call them on 020 8144 8681 for more information, email info@RevOwheel.co.uk.
1. change the front wheel for a RevO, 2. clip on the wireless controller, and 3. GO ! The RevO is unique in that it is a self contained and wireless electric bike or, more correctly, Pedelec conversion kit. Assembled with high quality electronic components including a 250w brushless motor and 8.8Ah Lithium ion rechargeable batteries from Panasonic, it is housed in a durable aluminium monocoque chassis. There is no separate bulky battery to clutter the frame it is all in the wheel! The Controller communicates wirelessly from your handlebars with the RevO, using the 2.4G protocol, monitoring speed, battery level, distance travelled and the power/ speed setting. The Lithium Ion battery, the same as in a mobile phone, has a lifetime of over 700 “cycles” or charges, following which it will still hold a charge equivalent to 70% of when new. Manufactured by Panasonic, the battery has a capacity of 8.8Ah which gives a range of up to 40 miles between charges, depending on cycling conditions The RevO is road legal and has a top speed of 15mph, the maximum permissible in the UK and above which the power is disconnected from the motor - but there is nothing preventing you from cycling faster, downhill, where road conditions (and speed limits) allow. We think the RevO is great, and fantastic when charged with renewable energy from an IZEN solar PV system!
win an e-bike system! We’re so impressed with it that we’ve arranged with RevO to give one as a prize to a lucky reader of IZEN magazine. To take part, send an email with your name, address, telephone and email to RevOcompetition@IZEN.co.uk. The name of the lucky winner will be published in the next IZEN magazine, after the draw on 30 September. Good luck!
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POWER ON THE MOVE Powertrekk
PICKING UP A BIT OF ELECTRICITY
Blue Corner
TAP WATER FROM A BOTTLE Bobble Water is healthy but the recycling bag is quickly clogging up with empty bottles. Not to mention the cost price. An alternative is reusable bottles. They have been around for a while now and seem to gain real popularity. Bobble is a reusable bottle equipped with a recyclable carbon filter that eliminates chlorine and other organic bacteria from tap water. Bobble was launched in America in 2010. Industrial designer Karim Rashid is responsible for the bottle’s cool colours and trendy look. Every filter can can be used up to 300 times. Depending on the format, the bottle costs 8.99 Euro (385 ml), 9,99 Euro (550ml) or 11,99 Euro (1litre). It can be cleaned with water and soap or with a brush also designed by Karim Rashid. Last year, the New Yorker also introduced the bobble jug, a fast filtering water jug www.waterbobble.com
It’s common knowledge that electric cars are good for the environment. But their success depends entirely on the available infrastructure. Are there enough charging points? Blue Corner has thought about this and developed various solutions for electric car users. The company is convinced that electric driving can only be successful if the proper infrastructure is available to all users of electrical cars, bicycles and scooters. Charging points in public places are the ideal solution. The eNovates eBike Pro is such an example. This charging point can charge six vehicles (bicycles and scooters) at the same time. For cars there is the Blue Corner Home. As the name indicates: a charger for domestic use. Such a charger will be installed after a thorough inspection of the electrical network. In order to be able to guarantee a reasonable price, Blue Corner offers rental contracts. For the price of 10 litres of petrol you can already get a subscription including your very own home charger. http://bluecorner.be/oplossingen_auto.html
FISH BOWL with ecosystem This mini fish bowl and flower pot from the designers Sheng-Zhe Feng and Ling-Yuan Chou is a true ecosystem: The fish’ waste feeds the plants, and the water given to the plants flows into the fish bowl through a filter. Thanks to the circulation, the water remains clean. On the down side, the fish bowl is very small and fish tank experts are doubtful about the temperature control of the water. http://noemigio.tumblr.com/post/382000918/ thedailywhat-eco-system-design-concept-of-the
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It has probably happened to you already: just when you want to record a breathtaking landscape for the next generation, the battery in your camera runs empty. And of course there is nowhere to charge the battery. That’s when you need PowerTrekk, a portable charger you can take with you everywhere. The device consists of a charger and a battery that can be used independently or as additional backup for your charger. PowerTrekk uses fuel cell technology that converts hydrogen into electricity in a clean and efficient way. http://www.powertrekk.com/powertrekk/
A TENT AS A HOUSE Orange Solar Concept Tent Camping is for many of us a way to come closer to nature, yet some tents are far from primitive. In collaboration with the American product designers Kaleidoscope, Telecom company Orange designed the Orange Solar Concept Tent. This high- tech tent has Wi-Fi, produces solar energy through photovoltaics and stores energy for the charging of all your favorite gadgets: telephone, gps,... The moving panels can be adapted to the position of the sun, an LCD touch screen display informs you about the level of available energy and being cold in a tent is also a thing from the past; as soon as the temperature drops below a certain minimum, the under floor heating kicks in! Having trouble finding your tent at night? Send a text message to your tent and it will light up! http://newsroom.orange.co.uk/2009/06/22/ orange-pitches-glastonbury-solar-concepttent/
IZEN collaborates with Kiwi company EcoBulb Over recent months IZEN has developed a relationship with New Zealand company Energy Mad Ltd. What started as a discussion relating to the United Kingdom market has now extended to other markets served by IZEN – Belgium, The Netherlands and Denmark.
who understands and openly promotes energy efficiency but does not do so at the expense of quality and performance.
IZEN is also very excited about the new downlight products that Energy Mad have developed and in particular the 12V 15W Ecobulb that is designed to replace the very inefficient 12V halogen lamps. The savings achieved are not only electricity savings that all consumers want, but also the 20,000 hour life of the 12V 15W Ecobulb means they last over eight times as long as the halogens they are replacing.
With a power factor of 0.93, Ecobulb® compact fluorescent bulbs free up 69% more transmission capacity than standard power factor CFLs. Compared with standard CFLs, this revolutionary bulb produces 80% less harmonic distortion, contains 67% less mercury, produces more lumens per watt and comes in 99% recycled and recyclable packaging.
The Ecobulb® CFL, with an industry leading two-year warranty, is available in 8, 12, 15, 20 and 60 watt sizes, along with a 13W enclosed bulb
Also available are the new Ecobulb® 12V 15W halogen replacement downlights and a 240V 15W Ecobulb® Mini Downlight.
ENERGY EFFICIENT LIGHTING
Energy Mad’s branded product, Ecobulb, This product is suitable is one of the very few energy saving ® be awarded the EU Ecolabel, businesses andmore transmission lamps to Energy Mad listed on the New Zealand With a power factor of 0.93, Ecobulb compact fluorescent bulbsforfree up 69% homeowners and is a and just as recently as this month their Stock Exchange in October 2011 after capacityestablishing than standard power factor CFLs. technology that stacks 12W spiral lamp was awarded a “good” successfully the business score by Stiftung Warentest – Germany’s up very well against in New Zealand and Australia. The consumerbulb watchdog. company has alsowith gained a small CFLs,very Compared standard thisinfluential revolutionary producessimilar 80% LED lessproducts harmonic distortion, – it provides excellent foothold in Germany and Sweden, and contains 67% less mercury, produces more lumens per watt andlight comes in 99% recycled and and long life at an Energy Mad’s products have dominated in the USA they supply Walgreens – the recyclable packaging. affordable price. the New Zealand and Australian country’s largest retail drugstore chain markets and in fact in New Zealand – with their own private label brand of PRODUCT RANGE ® IZEN are excited to more than 57% of homes have ecobulbs energy lamps. SPECIFICATIONS CFL, with an industry leading two-year warranty, is available in 8, 12, 15, 20 and The saving Ecobulb be working with a lighting manufacturer installed. COMPARE ECOBULBS WITH OTHER CFLS ®
Standard CFLs
Ecobulb® Spirals
Power Factor
0.93
0.55
THD (Total Harmonic Distortion)
<30%
100-130%
Mercury
1.5mg
4mg
Lamp life
8,000-20,000 hours
6,000-10,000 hours
Warranty
1-2 years
0-1 year
Yes
Unknown
Recycled Packaging
Founded in 2004 by Kiwi engineers Chris Mardon and Tom Mackenzie, Energy Mad is the originator of Ecobulb® lighting products and is based in Christchurch, New Zealand. Our products are designed in New Zealand to the highest standards, manufactured through a managed joint venture in China and sold all over the world. Our vision is ‘to make lives better by saving enough electricity to power New Zealand’!
60 watt sizes, along with a 13W enclosed bulb
Energy Mad Limited P O Box 29001, Christchurch 8540 15b Leslie Hills Drive, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand Phone +64 (0)3 977 0499 Fax +64 (0)3 961 9600 Email enquiries@energymad.com Web www.energymad.com
SMD2007-01
Also available are the new Ecobulb® 12V 15W halogen replacement downlights and a 240V 15W Ecobulb® Mini Downlight.
COMPARE ECOBULBS® WITH OTHER CFLS Ecobulb® Spirals
Standard CFLs
Power Factor
0.93
0.55
THD (Total Harmonic Distortion)
<30%
100-130%
Mercury
1.5mg
4mg
Lamp life
8,000-20,000 hours
6,000-10,000 hours
Warranty
1-2 years
0-1 year
Yes
Unknown
Recycled Packaging
27 Founded in 2004 by Kiwi engineers Chris Mardon and Tom Mackenzie, Energy Mad is the originator of Ecobulb® lighting products and is based in Christchurch, New Zealand. Our products
“With a solar thermal system I save 60% of my hot water costs.”
PV Solar panels / Solar thermal
www.IZEN.co.uk 28
IZEN energy systems (South East) Tolworth Tower Ewell Road Surbiton Surrey KT6 7EL T: +44 (0) 7932 150486 Southeast@izen.co.uk
IZEN energy systems (Midlands) Unit 3 Tilcon Ave Baswich Ind Estate Stafford ST18 OYL T: +44 (0) 1785 413105 Midlands@izen.co.uk