Julia Hailes MBE - News-2005

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS 2005

HIGHLIGHTS 2005

BULMERS FOUNDATION Potential for fruit fly maggots	SHELL RETAIL Guidance on Social Performance	ECO-RENOVATION of my house
NATIONAL BUSINESS AWARDS	ECOS TRUST joined Somerset Board	FOOD CLIMATE RESEARCH NETWORK

In November 2005 I attended my first meeting as a member of the Board of the Somerset Trust for Sustainable Development. for some time I have been impressed with their work - particularly in relation to green building projects. Great Bow Yard in Langport has been a stunning example of eco-housing, which I came across during my time as a District Councillor in South Somerset. There are 12 new houses and apartments, which have been built using sustainably sourced materials, avoiding commonly used toxic chemicals, incorporating renewable energy sources and using high standards of insulation. Some of these houses are still for sale. Another project initiated by STSD is Homes For Good Exhibition 2006, promoting sustainable building and lifestyles, which took place in Taunton on 17th, 18th and 19th February 2006.

For the third consecutive year I was asked to be a judge for the National Business Awards - this year for the Corporate Social Responsibility Award. Laing O'Rourke Scotland came top of the 10 candidates we had to choose from, with some truly innovative approaches to community and employee initiatives. They were duly presented their award at a black tie event at the Grosvenor House Hotel on November 8th, presented by Fiona Bruce from BBC News. However, I was surprised and impressed at the significant role corporate social responsibility has apparently played in turning around the Royal Mail. And the enthusiasm and enterprise shown by Foneback, which re-uses and recycles mobile phones, was commendable.

Since January 2005 I have been working on a feasibility study of the idea of using fruit fly larvae in chicken feed. The study was commissioned by the Bulmer Foundation with joint funding from Business Link. The idea is to develop an alternative to fish meal that comes from more sustainable sources - the larvae will feed on apple waste from Bulmers Cider. The feasibility study concluded that there were significant opportunities for this area, but more research was needed with a sizeable sample of larvae, to assess their nutritional content and the costs of production. Anyone interested in finding out more should contact me directly.

Shell commissioned me to write one of a series of Guidance Notes. This one was targeted at managers of their retail sites across the world. It explained how Shell are managing their social performance in a retail environment. The aim is to raise awareness of social issues throughout the life-cycle of a Shell fuel station - from planning to decommissioning as well as giving direction on managing impacts and helping bring benefits to local communities. The Guidance Note is currently being circulated within Shell to get comment and feedback before final copy is agreed.

British Airways Communities and Conservation Awards support programmes in and around communities they fly to, that focus on key themes of Education and Youth Development, Sustainable Tourism, Environment and Heritage. In 2005 the Haller Foundation was the recipient of this award enabling us to direct more funds towards projects on the ground.

Haller Park was created by Dr. Rene Haller, the inspiration behind the Haller Foundation. In August 2005 the Park was selected by the International Council of Mining and Metals as an example of best practice in post mining regeneration.

Triodos is one of Europe's leading ethical banks. It offers banking services for social businesses, charities and groups that pursue positive social, environmental and cultural goals. I went to see Managing Director, Charles Middleton, to discuss a range of things, including their Renewables Fund, which was launched earlier in the year. The main idea of the fund is to give institutions and invididuals the opportunity to invest in commercial opportunities from renewal energy projects.

Foursome Investments is a private family venture capital fund belonging to the Engelhorm family. They are particularly interested in clean technology investments and asked me to help identify opportunities.

On 27th January 2005 I attended a prestigious awards ceremony – the inaugural dinner for Great Britons 2004. I was intrigued to hear Philip Pullman make a plea for freedom to raise challenging issues about religion when collecting his Arts Award. Other award winners were Sir Paul Smith – the Business Award; Jane Tomlinson – the Campaigning Award; Lord Foster – the Creative Industries Award; Lord Deedes, who despite being 91 was able to be very jovial when collecting the Public Service Award; Tim Berners-Lee – the Science and Innovation Award; and finally Kelly Holmes – The Sport Award. The evening was hosted by Jim Naughtie from Radio 4’s Today programme, sponsored by Morgan Stanley and the guest speaker was the Chancellor Gordon Brown. On one side I sat next to George Cox, whose most recent appointment is as Chair of the Design Council but who I discovered wore many hats. On my other side was Ian Hargreaves, former editor of the Independent but currently working for British Airports Authority.

From plough to plate to bin and beyond: towards reducing the food chain’s role in greenhouse gas emissions.

On Monday 31st January I went to the launch of the Food Climate Research Network. The organisation has been inspired and set up by Tara Garnett, who will be running the network based at the University of Surrey. The event was extremely well attended and it was clear that everyone there recognised the need to tackle climate change in the food supply chain. Tara pointed out that around 20% of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions are produced by food related activities whether it is through agriculture, transport, cooking or even waste disposal. Anyone interested in these issues should contact FCRN to be put on their mailing list. Tara’s email address is: taragarnett@blueyonder.co.uk

On Christmas Eve 2004 my family finally moved lock stock and barrel. We awoke on Christmas morning with great excitement but very cold - the heating was not yet working. Now the renovation is nearly complete - in January 2005 we more or less finished the decoration, the carpets, the electrics and the plumbing. The chippy, however is still hard at work installing the kitchen - a cast off from a friend - and building masses of shelves.