Since the launch of their Green Light Report land survey, a Sheffield surveyor firm has seen big demand for saving money on the traditional house buyers land searches.
In the current age of internet exposure for products and services, consumers have never had it so easy when it comes to saving money. The recent introduction of the HIP pack saw artificially high prices come down quickly for this new requirement, mainly due to online companies offering lower prices. The typical way to buy a house also includes the land searches performed by the solicitors, and because this kind of profession charges high rates per hour, it can be hundreds of pounds.
There is one Sheffield based Land Surveyor, Green ASAP Ltd, who offer an online report that exposes environmental issues before the need to appoint a solicitor. This means any potential problems can be considered before the need to spend money on the solicitors land search fees.
The success of the Green Light Report shows the concerns that people have with not just saving money, but also the land around the property they either own or want to buy. “We launched this land report in response to what we saw as a shift in demand for knowledge, mainly about flooding. Then after the market research we saw there were a whole host of other concerns, regarding ex coal mining areas and postal codes that fell under high Radon levels” said Philip Wilbourn, managing director of Green ASAP Ltd. He went on to add: “What we didn’t realise was that we were offering a substantial saving over the existing format for land searches, and this is where the boom in sales came from”.
Consumers are more aware of Green issues and the effects of the land on which a property is built, and more information about the Green Light Report can be found at Land Survey Online.
Saturday 19 December 2009
Saturday 5 December 2009
Land surveyor online
Traditionally you would normally go through the yellow pages or perhaps go to a well known local firm when you need the services of a land surveyor. It is not, even in this modern age, something you would really expect to be able to find a solution to on the Internet. Until now that is...
Green ASAP Ltd in Sheffield have developed an online system, that uses the latest technology to offer a full set of land survey results for the essential things you need to know. There are still so many people paying over the odds for land searches when it comes to buying a house or commercial property. In fact a sample that Green ASAP Ltd use is a local estate agent to them in Sheffield, who typically charge £249 for the land searches when someone buys a home.
The fact that the Green Light Report is an online survey, and uses a system that generates most of the report without human intervention, means it costs just £29.99 for the full land survey report. This kind of service has not been available to most of the public in the past, and no opens the avenue to cheaper, clearer land surveys without the high costs that usually come with it. It also gives the more savvy consumer the opportunity to check out a local area before they even start to search for property or land. This saves all the time taken up with travelling to and attending a viewing. Once the land survey from Green Light Report comes back, it gives the 'Green Light' to go ahead with the interest you have in that location. It also saves on the paperwork that is normally involved, so helps you to go green as well.
If you are worried about Radon levels, flood planes, ex coal mining areas and shrinking clay, then this affordable and quick (just 4 working hours in most cases) land survey will give the peace of mind that you need to go ahead in the property market.
Green ASAP Ltd in Sheffield have developed an online system, that uses the latest technology to offer a full set of land survey results for the essential things you need to know. There are still so many people paying over the odds for land searches when it comes to buying a house or commercial property. In fact a sample that Green ASAP Ltd use is a local estate agent to them in Sheffield, who typically charge £249 for the land searches when someone buys a home.
The fact that the Green Light Report is an online survey, and uses a system that generates most of the report without human intervention, means it costs just £29.99 for the full land survey report. This kind of service has not been available to most of the public in the past, and no opens the avenue to cheaper, clearer land surveys without the high costs that usually come with it. It also gives the more savvy consumer the opportunity to check out a local area before they even start to search for property or land. This saves all the time taken up with travelling to and attending a viewing. Once the land survey from Green Light Report comes back, it gives the 'Green Light' to go ahead with the interest you have in that location. It also saves on the paperwork that is normally involved, so helps you to go green as well.
If you are worried about Radon levels, flood planes, ex coal mining areas and shrinking clay, then this affordable and quick (just 4 working hours in most cases) land survey will give the peace of mind that you need to go ahead in the property market.
Thursday 3 December 2009
Land Survey From GreenLightReport.co.uk Can Protect Your Investment
If you are worried about the potential of flood damage to your home, one Sheffield based firm offers a chance to find out what the risks are through their website portal.
With climate change now a real concern for so many of us, we are constantly seeing homes across the UK being damaged by flooding. The risk of flood has never been greater, with what seems like months of rainfall often falling in just a few days. Sheffield based company Green ASAP Ltd know only too well, having been affected directly by the great Sheffield flood of 2007.
Not just for peace of mind but also for insurance purposes, most of us would like to know the extent of the risk of flooding in the areas we live. This kind of information has previously been hard to attain, and is something we usually only come across at the point of either conducting land searches when moving house, or when we try to get house insurance for the first time. Finding out that you live in a flood plain after buying a new home is a potential nightmare.
Burst banks are not the only reason why there can be water damage to a property either. Flooding can result from a wide range of events and processes, and there is a misconception that that managing flood risk is all about dealing with flooding caused by rivers. But a significant proportion of flood related insurance claims within the United Kingdom are from non-fluvial flooding. That is from sources other than rivers.
The GreenLightReport uses some of the most sophisticated flood risk information available alongside the standard Environment Agency flood plain information in order to give you the best possible indicator to the flood risk associated with your property. In addition, unlike many flood risk providers (insurers included), the GreenLightReport looks at the data in relation to your actual property and not the generic post code area in which it is located. The flood information is looked at by highly trained Environmental Surveyors and is not an automated computer driven process. And the fact it is available on the internet for less than £30 means the data you want is more accessible than ever.
With climate change now a real concern for so many of us, we are constantly seeing homes across the UK being damaged by flooding. The risk of flood has never been greater, with what seems like months of rainfall often falling in just a few days. Sheffield based company Green ASAP Ltd know only too well, having been affected directly by the great Sheffield flood of 2007.
Not just for peace of mind but also for insurance purposes, most of us would like to know the extent of the risk of flooding in the areas we live. This kind of information has previously been hard to attain, and is something we usually only come across at the point of either conducting land searches when moving house, or when we try to get house insurance for the first time. Finding out that you live in a flood plain after buying a new home is a potential nightmare.
Burst banks are not the only reason why there can be water damage to a property either. Flooding can result from a wide range of events and processes, and there is a misconception that that managing flood risk is all about dealing with flooding caused by rivers. But a significant proportion of flood related insurance claims within the United Kingdom are from non-fluvial flooding. That is from sources other than rivers.
The GreenLightReport uses some of the most sophisticated flood risk information available alongside the standard Environment Agency flood plain information in order to give you the best possible indicator to the flood risk associated with your property. In addition, unlike many flood risk providers (insurers included), the GreenLightReport looks at the data in relation to your actual property and not the generic post code area in which it is located. The flood information is looked at by highly trained Environmental Surveyors and is not an automated computer driven process. And the fact it is available on the internet for less than £30 means the data you want is more accessible than ever.
Monday 30 November 2009
GreenLightReport.co.uk Land Survey Offers Consumers A Better Option
Sheffield company Green ASAP Ltd are offering a Green Light Report through their new website. This offers the chance to expose any problems before a purchase, and saves on costly solicitors fees.
When looking to buy a home, many things that will first enter the equation is the land on which the property stands. In the past, the normal process for buying a home would involve making an offer, then entering the 'land searches' stage. At this point you have already committed time and money, but there is another option on the market.
The 'Green Light Report' offered by environmental surveyors GreenASAP Ltd, will expose any of the land search issues before entering the time consuming processes normal associated with moving home. This has become more of an appealing service when so many areas are affected by flooding, radon gases and shrinking clay. The experience that many people in the UK will have had, is that these risks are not exposed until we have been through the initial stages of moving home. This includes viewing the property, making an offer and waiting for it to be accepted, and then appointing a firm of solicitors to undertake the costly land searches for the local area.
Through their website GreenLightReport.co.uk, Green ASAP Ltd now offer an expert solution to this out of date practice that is wasting both time and money. In just 4 hours you can have a complete report on the property in which you are interested, which will give all the details you would expect from a solicitors, for a fraction of the price. The report will show you if the land was used for landfill in the past, or if there is a high risk of flooding in the area. The results will also give accurate information on Radon Gas and if there is any evidence of coal mining. Geohazards like landslides and shrinking clay will all show up and potentially save you time and money that would not have been possible in the past.
To see what the Green Light Report has to offer in full, visit their website or call the contact number. Green ASAP Ltd is a form of environmental surveyors and has full access to the UK land registry for a complete and accurate land survey.
About Land Surveyors GreenASAP.co.uk: The GreenLight Report® will provide information on flood risk, geological hazards, landfilling and other environmental information which should be an intrinisic part of protecting your investment when purchasing a property. The website will also offer advice on other environmental property matters such as Energy Performance Certification. By obtaining a GreenLight Report our team of experts will be pleased to help you with any queries you may have. In addition, registering with GreenASAP Limited will enable us to keep you updated with our latest offers as well as giving you access to new property based products, advice and sustainability solutions.
When looking to buy a home, many things that will first enter the equation is the land on which the property stands. In the past, the normal process for buying a home would involve making an offer, then entering the 'land searches' stage. At this point you have already committed time and money, but there is another option on the market.
The 'Green Light Report' offered by environmental surveyors GreenASAP Ltd, will expose any of the land search issues before entering the time consuming processes normal associated with moving home. This has become more of an appealing service when so many areas are affected by flooding, radon gases and shrinking clay. The experience that many people in the UK will have had, is that these risks are not exposed until we have been through the initial stages of moving home. This includes viewing the property, making an offer and waiting for it to be accepted, and then appointing a firm of solicitors to undertake the costly land searches for the local area.
Through their website GreenLightReport.co.uk, Green ASAP Ltd now offer an expert solution to this out of date practice that is wasting both time and money. In just 4 hours you can have a complete report on the property in which you are interested, which will give all the details you would expect from a solicitors, for a fraction of the price. The report will show you if the land was used for landfill in the past, or if there is a high risk of flooding in the area. The results will also give accurate information on Radon Gas and if there is any evidence of coal mining. Geohazards like landslides and shrinking clay will all show up and potentially save you time and money that would not have been possible in the past.
To see what the Green Light Report has to offer in full, visit their website or call the contact number. Green ASAP Ltd is a form of environmental surveyors and has full access to the UK land registry for a complete and accurate land survey.
About Land Surveyors GreenASAP.co.uk: The GreenLight Report® will provide information on flood risk, geological hazards, landfilling and other environmental information which should be an intrinisic part of protecting your investment when purchasing a property. The website will also offer advice on other environmental property matters such as Energy Performance Certification. By obtaining a GreenLight Report our team of experts will be pleased to help you with any queries you may have. In addition, registering with GreenASAP Limited will enable us to keep you updated with our latest offers as well as giving you access to new property based products, advice and sustainability solutions.
Monday 12 October 2009
Online map ordering system on the market via GreenASAP.co.uk portal
Cadcorp desktop and web based GIS software together with Lovell Johns provide GIS capability for Wilbourn Associates and GreenLightReport. Following a thorough competitive tendering and software evaluation process, Wilbourn Associates has chosen Lovell Johns and Cadcorp to provide an online map ordering system and associated back office GIS software.
Wilbourn Associates set up and registered a new subsidiary company, Green ASAP Ltd, which trades primarily as a web based company.
The Green ASAP website offers, amongst other things, a GreenLight Report in which a user can specify a geographic location using address based searching to order an environmental risk assessment. Underpinning this report offering is the deployment of a transactional website process and back office GIS system capable of handling such enquiries and of processing orders.
In development of the online ordering system, Lovell Johns firstly liaised with Wilbourn to fine tune the details then wrote the necessary software to deliver the website experience required. This ordering system, developed by Lovell Johns, was integrated with Cadcorp’s web-based GIS software, GeognoSIS and deployment licences were provided for the intranet mapping order processing server. For the back office GIS and data system requirements, Lovell Johns developed a VB.NET application linked to Cadcorp SIS Map Modeller and Map Editor desktop GIS software.
Once a user has selected a report type, report purpose and property address, GeognoSIS provides a map showing the location of the property using OS MasterMap® Topography Layer data. This allows the user to confirm the correct location for the report before they submit a request. In order to provide a wider context to the view a separate key map is also displayed using the Ordnance Survey 1:50 000 Scale Colour Raster mapping product.
Amongst the reasons why the Cadcorp SIS - Spatial Information Systems product family proved to be a good technical match for the project was its ability to load, maintain and interrogate national coverage of OS MasterMap data stored centrally in a PostgreSQL object-relational database, using the PostGIS spatial database extension (http://postgis.refractions.net/). PostGIS is one of the large number of CAD, GIS and database formats supported by Cadcorp SIS, including all Ordnance Survey map formats.
Once the request for the report has been submitted, qualified Wilbourn Associates Environmental Surveyors using Cadcorp SIS desktop Map Editor licences produce the report. To make this process as streamlined as possible all of the environmental risk data is preloaded into PostGIS. To produce the report the Surveyor is automatically prompted to respond to a comprehensive list of questions and is asked to use their professional judgement based upon the mapping overlays shown in Map Editor. The Lovell Johns developed software then produces the GreenLight Report which is automatically attached to an email and sent back to the client.
In addition to the core use of ordering and producing GreenLight Reports, the scalability of the back office Cadcorp SIS and associated PostGIS database architecture has enabled Wilbourn to spread the use of GIS through the environmental consultancy side of the business with some cost savings already being achieved.
James Corry of Wilbourn Associates explained, ”After the tendering process, which was purposefully very detailed and considered, it was clear that the Lovell Johns proposal with Cadcorp SIS for the GIS element was the only response which had the understanding and fitness for purpose we were looking for. The linkages between the Cadcorp GIS and the Lovell Johns written software are seamless and have resulted in a very efficient and flexible system which was developed and delivered on time and within the allocated budget.”
David Stephens, managing director, Lovell Johns commented, ‘It was a carefully specified project with tight deadlines. Our existing relationship with Cadcorp was invaluable in ensuring the project ran smoothly.’’
Mike O’Neil, managing director, Cadcorp said, “This was an interesting project for Cadcorp to be involved in. We were very pleased with the constructive relationship we formed with Wilbourn Associates and to have another opportunity to work with Lovell Johns”.
About Wilbourn Associates
Wilbourn Associates are the UK’s leading practice of Chartered Environmental Surveyors providing advice on the environment, contaminated land and the resulting impacts upon all forms of Property, Land and Construction. The practice bridges the chasm between the world of environmental science and the market place by offering real estate solutions to environmental problems.
The practice was formed in 1993 and has developed a significant reputation for quality advice in all aspects of environmental real estate consulting. Wilbourn Associates is an ISO 9000: 2000 accredited company and in 2006 were awarded the investors in people standard.
In 2007 Wilbourn Associates set up a new subsidiary, namely http://www.greenasap.co.uk, with the aim of providing no nonsense environmental hazard information relating to residential property. The GreenLight Report gives customers vital information in order that they can make an informed decision about whether to proceed with a purchase - and avoid splashing out cash needlessly on solicitors’ surveys.
More information is available about GreenASAP and Wilbourn Associates at:
http://www.greenlightreport.co.uk
Wilbourn Associates set up and registered a new subsidiary company, Green ASAP Ltd, which trades primarily as a web based company.
The Green ASAP website offers, amongst other things, a GreenLight Report in which a user can specify a geographic location using address based searching to order an environmental risk assessment. Underpinning this report offering is the deployment of a transactional website process and back office GIS system capable of handling such enquiries and of processing orders.
In development of the online ordering system, Lovell Johns firstly liaised with Wilbourn to fine tune the details then wrote the necessary software to deliver the website experience required. This ordering system, developed by Lovell Johns, was integrated with Cadcorp’s web-based GIS software, GeognoSIS and deployment licences were provided for the intranet mapping order processing server. For the back office GIS and data system requirements, Lovell Johns developed a VB.NET application linked to Cadcorp SIS Map Modeller and Map Editor desktop GIS software.
Once a user has selected a report type, report purpose and property address, GeognoSIS provides a map showing the location of the property using OS MasterMap® Topography Layer data. This allows the user to confirm the correct location for the report before they submit a request. In order to provide a wider context to the view a separate key map is also displayed using the Ordnance Survey 1:50 000 Scale Colour Raster mapping product.
Amongst the reasons why the Cadcorp SIS - Spatial Information Systems product family proved to be a good technical match for the project was its ability to load, maintain and interrogate national coverage of OS MasterMap data stored centrally in a PostgreSQL object-relational database, using the PostGIS spatial database extension (http://postgis.refractions.net/). PostGIS is one of the large number of CAD, GIS and database formats supported by Cadcorp SIS, including all Ordnance Survey map formats.
Once the request for the report has been submitted, qualified Wilbourn Associates Environmental Surveyors using Cadcorp SIS desktop Map Editor licences produce the report. To make this process as streamlined as possible all of the environmental risk data is preloaded into PostGIS. To produce the report the Surveyor is automatically prompted to respond to a comprehensive list of questions and is asked to use their professional judgement based upon the mapping overlays shown in Map Editor. The Lovell Johns developed software then produces the GreenLight Report which is automatically attached to an email and sent back to the client.
In addition to the core use of ordering and producing GreenLight Reports, the scalability of the back office Cadcorp SIS and associated PostGIS database architecture has enabled Wilbourn to spread the use of GIS through the environmental consultancy side of the business with some cost savings already being achieved.
James Corry of Wilbourn Associates explained, ”After the tendering process, which was purposefully very detailed and considered, it was clear that the Lovell Johns proposal with Cadcorp SIS for the GIS element was the only response which had the understanding and fitness for purpose we were looking for. The linkages between the Cadcorp GIS and the Lovell Johns written software are seamless and have resulted in a very efficient and flexible system which was developed and delivered on time and within the allocated budget.”
David Stephens, managing director, Lovell Johns commented, ‘It was a carefully specified project with tight deadlines. Our existing relationship with Cadcorp was invaluable in ensuring the project ran smoothly.’’
Mike O’Neil, managing director, Cadcorp said, “This was an interesting project for Cadcorp to be involved in. We were very pleased with the constructive relationship we formed with Wilbourn Associates and to have another opportunity to work with Lovell Johns”.
About Wilbourn Associates
Wilbourn Associates are the UK’s leading practice of Chartered Environmental Surveyors providing advice on the environment, contaminated land and the resulting impacts upon all forms of Property, Land and Construction. The practice bridges the chasm between the world of environmental science and the market place by offering real estate solutions to environmental problems.
The practice was formed in 1993 and has developed a significant reputation for quality advice in all aspects of environmental real estate consulting. Wilbourn Associates is an ISO 9000: 2000 accredited company and in 2006 were awarded the investors in people standard.
In 2007 Wilbourn Associates set up a new subsidiary, namely http://www.greenasap.co.uk, with the aim of providing no nonsense environmental hazard information relating to residential property. The GreenLight Report gives customers vital information in order that they can make an informed decision about whether to proceed with a purchase - and avoid splashing out cash needlessly on solicitors’ surveys.
More information is available about GreenASAP and Wilbourn Associates at:
http://www.greenlightreport.co.uk
Monday 3 August 2009
Tuesday 30 June 2009
Flowers in Bakewell, Hathersage, Derbyshire and Chesterfield
Our delivery team wish to remind local residents that we don't just delivery quality, fresh flowers in the Sheffield area!
We also deliver to the following areas:
Derbyshire (Hathersage, Hope Valley, Bakewell, Baslow and Catleton)
Chesterfield
Barnsley
Dronfield
Penistone
Doncaster
We also deliver to the following areas:
Derbyshire (Hathersage, Hope Valley, Bakewell, Baslow and Catleton)
Chesterfield
Barnsley
Dronfield
Penistone
Doncaster
Thursday 25 June 2009
Go Green
Someone was asking me the other day where I would start if making a real effort to 'Go Green'. Every day more people are thinking about how to make a little difference to their lifestyle, some of whom have never considered this before.
Well I would certainly point them towards saving energy, both at home and with the car. Planning our week a little better can mean less short journeys in the car, and this saves fuel and emmissions.
The other thing I would say is 'do you really need that light on?!'. Many of us automatically turn on the light when entering a room, even when we would manage perfectly fine without it on. Just changing your habit for a few days will help you realise that we burn to much fuel, beit petrol, diesel or electric, every day of our lives.
Well I would certainly point them towards saving energy, both at home and with the car. Planning our week a little better can mean less short journeys in the car, and this saves fuel and emmissions.
The other thing I would say is 'do you really need that light on?!'. Many of us automatically turn on the light when entering a room, even when we would manage perfectly fine without it on. Just changing your habit for a few days will help you realise that we burn to much fuel, beit petrol, diesel or electric, every day of our lives.
Friday 12 June 2009
Go Green
We are all aware of the term 'Go Green', but what does it actually mean? And are we really Going Green when we think we are?
The first place we start to try and become more eco friendly is the home, and this can include things like recycling certain products. Gone are the days when we can just throw the odd wine bottle in the bottle bank and think we are doing enough. The right why to dispose of waste these days is to seperate plastics, paper, glass and food stuffs. It's a chore, but it's just a matter of changing your mindset and daily routine, then we can all start to have a real impact.
Another way to make a positive change is to reduce our energy and fuel consumption. This can include heating, lighting, petrol or diesel and travel habits. It's great to go on 5 city breaks a year, but is it really necessary when we are pumping so much C02 into the atmosphere? There are many great places closer to home that we should explore, preferably by cycle!
There are many reasons to Go Green, and the most obvious are the changes we see day by day with the World climate. A good example is the flooding that occured in Sheffield in 2007, it was just so unexpected and was disturbing to say the least. See some footage at our YouTube page here: Green ASAP.
The first place we start to try and become more eco friendly is the home, and this can include things like recycling certain products. Gone are the days when we can just throw the odd wine bottle in the bottle bank and think we are doing enough. The right why to dispose of waste these days is to seperate plastics, paper, glass and food stuffs. It's a chore, but it's just a matter of changing your mindset and daily routine, then we can all start to have a real impact.
Another way to make a positive change is to reduce our energy and fuel consumption. This can include heating, lighting, petrol or diesel and travel habits. It's great to go on 5 city breaks a year, but is it really necessary when we are pumping so much C02 into the atmosphere? There are many great places closer to home that we should explore, preferably by cycle!
There are many reasons to Go Green, and the most obvious are the changes we see day by day with the World climate. A good example is the flooding that occured in Sheffield in 2007, it was just so unexpected and was disturbing to say the least. See some footage at our YouTube page here: Green ASAP.
Thursday 7 May 2009
Where is the best place to find green travel?
The big problem with being a 'green' individual, is that there are very few ways to be green whilst travelling. Modern travel involves the use of fuel, heating, wear and tear and other factors that sap energy and resources from our planet.
When we have accepted that the only way to travel green is on a bike or by foot, the only option we can then take is by air, car or sea. It's just important to remember not to use an airline with poor policies on renewable energy technology, fuel efficiency improvements and from airports not supporting the local eco-systems.
Either way, it's difficult to be a completely green traveller but these little differences can make a big differnce long term.
When we have accepted that the only way to travel green is on a bike or by foot, the only option we can then take is by air, car or sea. It's just important to remember not to use an airline with poor policies on renewable energy technology, fuel efficiency improvements and from airports not supporting the local eco-systems.
Either way, it's difficult to be a completely green traveller but these little differences can make a big differnce long term.
Monday 27 April 2009
Green Food
With the announcement that Tesco's are making about a billion pounds in profit every week, it seems the supermarket is king at the moment. The current recession also makes it even harder for people to justify spending more on organic and green food products.
It's a shame that the manufacturers of fast moving consumer food stuffs don't do more to recognise the global need for mass produced green food. I for one think that putting more money into supporting the infrastructure for green food manufacturing processes would be money well spent. Unfortunately, for now, we are stuck with mass produced food which isn't supporting the sustainability the industry and general public crave.
It's a shame that the manufacturers of fast moving consumer food stuffs don't do more to recognise the global need for mass produced green food. I for one think that putting more money into supporting the infrastructure for green food manufacturing processes would be money well spent. Unfortunately, for now, we are stuck with mass produced food which isn't supporting the sustainability the industry and general public crave.
Saturday 25 April 2009
Green Forum
Just been looking on Green ASAP's new forum, seem to be creating a lot of interest. There are already plenty of members and new posts about green issues, it's great to see.
The join and see other users posts and comment yourself, or even to start a new green thread, find the green forum here
The join and see other users posts and comment yourself, or even to start a new green thread, find the green forum here
Monday 20 April 2009
Green Light Report is live
The new site for Green Light Report is now live- and it looks pretty good! The company I have been working with has launched this unique service to give home buyers the chance to see what they are getting into- and potentially save thousands along the line.
Have a look at the site and give feedback please....
Have a look at the site and give feedback please....
Thursday 16 April 2009
Green Light Report
Our sister company has recently launched a new service offering Green House Reports. This is an excellent product as it shows you what pitfalls there could be when you buy your new home. It covers things like shrinking clay, land fill issues and radon gas reports for the local area, well worth a look.
Green Car Scheme
So it wont be long now until we hear all about the new incentive to upgrade our vehicle to a more efficient new model. The government has announced plans (in the wake of pressure from the public and press) to follow in the footsteps of the French and Germans and introduce a trade in scheme for cars over a certain age.
Obviously the biggest reason for the government bowing to the pressure is the economic reasons. Although they have to pay the trade in grant, the injection of cash into the economy from the boost in car sales via taxes will almost make up the difference I would hazard to guess. Road tax, sales tax and other related income will see that initial cost buffeted.
So the question remains- why on earth have we got to push for these kind of sales incentives / green schemes? We lag behind when it comes to thinking out of the box, and the latest government scandel shows that they are spending more time composing false emails than putting effort into innovative projects to help the country.
Obviously the biggest reason for the government bowing to the pressure is the economic reasons. Although they have to pay the trade in grant, the injection of cash into the economy from the boost in car sales via taxes will almost make up the difference I would hazard to guess. Road tax, sales tax and other related income will see that initial cost buffeted.
So the question remains- why on earth have we got to push for these kind of sales incentives / green schemes? We lag behind when it comes to thinking out of the box, and the latest government scandel shows that they are spending more time composing false emails than putting effort into innovative projects to help the country.
Sunday 5 April 2009
Solar Power
So why aren't we all using solar power in our homes? This is a question many of us must ask ourselves....
Well the main reason for now, is that it is just to expensive. A set of home solar panels can cost up to £25,000, depending on the size of your house, but £3-4,000 is the usual minimum. This kind of change needs a bank loan for most people, and that's just isn't going to happen while we are in a poor economic climate.
Also, the benefits are not quite as rapid as people think. It can take years to repay the outlay in saved energy costs, and this is not what we may have come to expect when thinking of the apparant benefits to solar power.
One thing is for sure- the technoogy works and is necessary for the future. Another thing is for sure- it's still too expensive and it will be years before it a seen all the way down your street.
Well the main reason for now, is that it is just to expensive. A set of home solar panels can cost up to £25,000, depending on the size of your house, but £3-4,000 is the usual minimum. This kind of change needs a bank loan for most people, and that's just isn't going to happen while we are in a poor economic climate.
Also, the benefits are not quite as rapid as people think. It can take years to repay the outlay in saved energy costs, and this is not what we may have come to expect when thinking of the apparant benefits to solar power.
One thing is for sure- the technoogy works and is necessary for the future. Another thing is for sure- it's still too expensive and it will be years before it a seen all the way down your street.
Wednesday 25 March 2009
Green Blog | Green Twitter
When you want to start to make an effort to have a greener lifestyle, where do you start? I mean there is no big green book delivered to your doorstep with everything you need.
It seems that the only real way to get involved with local schemes, and join groups and memberships for tips and ideas, is by using the internet. There are more blogs and information sites out there now than ever before, there are even profiles on Twitter dedicated to green products, services and news. So if you are just starting out, trying to make that difference, then just have search on Google and you can find all the help you need!
It seems that the only real way to get involved with local schemes, and join groups and memberships for tips and ideas, is by using the internet. There are more blogs and information sites out there now than ever before, there are even profiles on Twitter dedicated to green products, services and news. So if you are just starting out, trying to make that difference, then just have search on Google and you can find all the help you need!
Tuesday 24 March 2009
Green Cars- Tata Nano
So here's the car we have all been waiting for, the Nano! Weighing in at just 20 grams (ish), it's light, cheap and economical. Aparantly it will average over 80 MPG which is as good as any economical car nowadays.
But hang on a minute, it runs on petrol! It's not green and it's not the way forward. If it gets more people in developing countries like India onto the roads, then we are getting more CO2 in the atmosphere and not really achieving anything very positive.
It's yet to be seen how the Nano will perform sales wise in Europe and the West, the small size and instability (due to weight saving and materials used) will render the car a little unsafe for motorways and busy roads alike.
But hang on a minute, it runs on petrol! It's not green and it's not the way forward. If it gets more people in developing countries like India onto the roads, then we are getting more CO2 in the atmosphere and not really achieving anything very positive.
It's yet to be seen how the Nano will perform sales wise in Europe and the West, the small size and instability (due to weight saving and materials used) will render the car a little unsafe for motorways and busy roads alike.
Thursday 19 March 2009
A green home
What is a green home? Is it a home that doesn't use plastic bags in the bin, and turns the TV off standby at every opportunity?
Or is a green home one that is run soley by a vegetable powered generator and solar panels?!
Well every home has a green element to it, and it is just the level of effort that we all make that that is the difference.
A green home starts with the owners deciding to change their lifestyle, and can be simple improvements like cavity insulation or loft insulation. The important thing is to take advice from blogs like GreenASAP and make simple changes one by one. Good luck!
Or is a green home one that is run soley by a vegetable powered generator and solar panels?!
Well every home has a green element to it, and it is just the level of effort that we all make that that is the difference.
A green home starts with the owners deciding to change their lifestyle, and can be simple improvements like cavity insulation or loft insulation. The important thing is to take advice from blogs like GreenASAP and make simple changes one by one. Good luck!
Wednesday 18 March 2009
Welcome to the GreenASAP blog!
Buying a house? - A GreenLight Report will advise on any environmental issues that could drastically reduce the value of your property.
Find out the facts befoe you splash out on surveys and legal fees.
A Green Light Report TM will cost you just £29.97 but could prove the shrewdest investement you’ll ever make.
Find information on the following:
Historic land use - find out what your proposed property is built on - if it’s on a former industrial site, contamination clean up could cost you £££’s.
Flooding risk - will it affect insurance premiums and resale values? Find out before you buy.
Radon Gas and evidence of coal mining - find out what lurks beneath - forewarned is forearmed.
Mobile phone masts / high voltage sub stations & Wind Farms - wherever they are, we’ll find them.
Find out the facts befoe you splash out on surveys and legal fees.
A Green Light Report TM will cost you just £29.97 but could prove the shrewdest investement you’ll ever make.
Find information on the following:
Historic land use - find out what your proposed property is built on - if it’s on a former industrial site, contamination clean up could cost you £££’s.
Flooding risk - will it affect insurance premiums and resale values? Find out before you buy.
Radon Gas and evidence of coal mining - find out what lurks beneath - forewarned is forearmed.
Mobile phone masts / high voltage sub stations & Wind Farms - wherever they are, we’ll find them.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
