1. Joint Healthcare Waste and Resources Research Group and ISWA International conference
In conjunction with the International Solid Waste Association (ISWA), the Group will be hosting an international conference on April 14 and 15, 2016. It will be held at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Trust in London. More details to follow.
2. Landfill Tax set to rise
Landfill tax is due to rise with inflation on 1 April, taking it from £80 per tonne to £82.60, Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs (HMRC) confirmed. It will increase in England, Wales and Northern Ireland from £80 to £82.60 per tonne as a result of a change in Finance Act 2014.
Read the story here: landfill tax rise
3. 2degees awards
Voting is now open for the 2degrees awards. Winning is based on peer support.
Vote here: 2degrees awards
4. New French buildings must have solar panels or green roofs
France has introduced a law that requires the roofs of buildings constructed in commercial zones to be at least partially covered by solar panels or plants. The law, which was passed on the 19 March, is a weaker version of what environmental activists were lobbying for. The initial call was for all new buildings to have “living roofs”. Businesses will now be able to cover only part of their roof in plants and can if they wish substitute photovoltaic panels.
France is behind other western European countries in terms of its solar power effort. Whereas Germany has a peak capacity of about 40GW and Italy has 17GW, France has only 5GW, about the same as the UK – which is more reliant on wind power. Its solar capacity actually dropped in 2013, and now accounts for only 6% of total European capacity.
Read the full story here: New French building guidelines
5. ISWA video awards
Click here for more details: ISWA video awards