From Guest Blogger Tara Gould: Solar Champions UK – Business, Community, Industry Pioneers

According to the DECC (Department for Energy and Climate Change) the UK is committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050. This emissions target, outlined in the Climate Change Act 2008, is legally binding. But judging from the behaviour of the British Government you’d be forgiven for thinking otherwise. David Cameron’s pledge to lead ‘the greenest government ever’ is in stark contrast to the recent Government cuts to renewable energy subsidies. Coupled with the Chancellor’s rhetoric which blatantly undermines green issues, and Tory Kowtowing to back bencher ‘Nimbies’ intent on disrupting the necessary growth of on shore wind power, Government intentions appear anything but green. The British public are losing faith too: according to a recent poll by Green Peace, only one in fifty members of the British public believe in Cameron’s pledge.

Collaboration and Community

With government policy on green issues clearly not stemming from heartfelt principles or genuine concern for the environment, the only way a substantial reduction in greenhouse emissions and independence from fossil fuels is possible is through positive community action, in tandem with behavioural change. Ultimately it’s the vision, dedication and ongoing commitment of green community groups, businesses and industry pioneers that will make the difference, not a reliance on government policy.

Dr Victoria Johnson, New Economics Foundation and lead author of the Employment chapter in the zero-carbon Britain 2030 report, echoes this sentiment:

“The great transition to a zero-carbon Britain is not only the most pressing challenge of our time, it is also entirely possible. The solutions needed to create a low-carbon and high-wellbeing future for all exist, what has been missing to date, is the political will to implement them.”

Solar is the most financially viable and accessible route to local, low carbon, sustainable energy generation. Community solar projects mean not only that carbon emissions are slashed, but also fuel prices. With outrage in the UK in response to the second price hike in a year from the Big Six energy companies, fuel poverty is set to become an even bigger issue for many low income families. Community solar projects for housing coops and associations lower bills, combat fuel poverty and raise awareness for tenants. Community owned solar also means local people have a stake and a say in the generation of energy, and the impact they have on the environment.

As we face a more and more uncertain future with resources dwindling, Government refusing to get serious about low carbon energy, and big energy companies becoming greedier and ever more powerful, the development of community owned clean energy is a necessary alternative. An alternative that could disrupt the UK’s current energy power matrix, triggering the kind of catalyst for change that’s needed if we are to reach those cuts in emissions and steer our own energy ships.

Committed eco groups across the UK such as Repowering South London, Brixton Energy, OVESco, The Transition Network and others are instigating a community energy revolution and helping to install solar panels on the roofs of churches, schools, factories, businesses, housing coops and solar farms. This type of activity is fast becoming infectious. Community groups and not-for-profit organisations are accepting the importance of partnering with forward thinking businesses who have the expertise, resources, and leverage to lobby government and help make manifest the vision of sustainable communities.

Businesses and Industry Pioneers

At a black tie dinner on October 10th, amidst the suited and booted luminaries of the micro generation sector, a number of individuals and companies were recognised for their pioneering work within the UK’s renewables sector. The event was presented by the MicroPower Council, who aim to bring industry and government together to support a low carbon future. Howard Johns, MD of Southern Solar won the prestigious Microgen Champion of the Year Award, and was Highly Commended in the Connecting Communities category. The prize recognises Howard’s positive and pioneering work at the helm of Southern Solar, and his dedication to the development of the UK solar industry.

A leading mover and shaker in the world of solar powered energy, Howard Johns is a man on a definite mission: to reduce communities’ impact on the environment by creating a decentralised energy revolution.
Southern Solar have been instrumental in the growth of community solar projects in the south of England. Howard set up Southern Solar in 2002 with the express intention of accelerating and supporting local solar projects in the UK by powering communities.
Ten years later, and a meaty portfolio of community solar projects under his belt, Howard is still motivated by the same virtues and principles. As Director of the Solar Trade Association (STA), which represents over 200 solar energy companies in the UK, he has been actively involved in lobbying Government to try to improve conditions for the industry since 2007. His successful lobbying as part of the 2011 and 2012 ‘Cut don’t Kill’ campaign guaranteed that the changes to the FiT (Feed-in-Tariff) would not completely demolish the solar industry in the UK, but help it to develop in a sustainable way.

What Howard Johns has shown is that he stands by his values. He has lived and breathed his passion for solar – spreading it into communities and inspiring action. He hasn’t just wanted to run a profitable company, he’s wanted to change the energy landscape in the UK.

In a Green Liberal Democrats event Business Secretary Vince Cable expressed concerns for what he sees as the current “populist backlash against everything green” and re-asserted his conviction that economic growth and recovery must be aligned with environmental values.
He said that many consider ‘green growth’ to be an oxymoron. But people like Howard Johns, and the numerous other green industry pioneers across the UK, are proving that it’s not, that growth can, in fact, be very green.

Tara Gould is a writer who likes to communicate ideas and information creatively for companies and third sector organisations that really mean something to her. She supports the renewable energy industry and ethical business, and enjoys writing about all things eco. She is excited and fascinated by how, in an age of burgeoning global communication and ‘reputation capital’, more and more businesses must strive to marry social and environmental responsibility with making profit.