The future’s green

The Eco Technology Show offers gadgets, fun and money-saving ideas. Frank le Duc reports

One of the biggest obstacles faced by fans of greener living is the cost. Another is the image – to many it all somehow seems worthy but dull.

A third relates to the everyday practicalities. All three are in the sights of the organisers of Brighton’s first Eco Technology Show. The two-day event at the Amex Community Stadium in Falmer combines science and fun and includes gadgets galore, a Tomorrow’s World-style glimpse at the future with a Top Gear-style test track. Although don’t expect to reach the same sort of speed as the Stig.

The choice of venue is fitting. Brighton & Hove Albion’s stadium is the greenest in the country and the club have been praised for their work in ensuring such a high proportion of fans travel to and from matches on public transport. The show on Friday and Saturday (15-16 June) also highlights another option for clients of the city’s conference and exhibition trade who have traditionally opted for venues on or close to the seafront.

The two days are intended to cater for different audiences with businesses targeted on the opening day and families on the second. Both will be able to check out a large range of electric cars and bikes outside the stadium. The vehicles on display are worth more than £1 million. Visitors can try the latest e-bikes and e-trikes on a test track outside. It wouldn’t be Brighton if there wasn’t also a sustainable food and drink market alongside, teeming with organic goodies.

Inside the stadium the zones will include;

•The Build, Energy and Home Zone, where people can find out how to improve their homes, cut energy bills and generate their own electricity.
•The Transport Zone, where visitors can check out some of the snazziest and fastest electric vehicles on the road.
•The Information, Education and Lifestyle zone, where people can try out new gadgets and talk to the experts.

A programme of talks and seminars will also combine practical ideas with money-saving tips. The topics include how to choose the best renewable energy option for a house or flat, how to make a home more energy efficient and simple ways to reduce waste and water use.

“‘We all have a role to play in the creation of
a low carbon future”

The current drought may be the wettest on record but water metering is due to be compulsory within three years so the advice is timely. It could easily save the £5 cost of a ticket for the show. Nicola Gunstone, commercial director at the Eco Technology Show, said: “Tickets to the Eco Technology Show are selling fast as it promises to be a truly entertaining, educational and fun day out for all the family interested in making their home and lives more sustainable.

“From checking out the latest and fastest electric cars and testing out e-scooters to buying and eating locally sourced sustainable food in the local food market and listening to the MPs and green leaders with the latest insight on the Green Deal, the show offers something for everyone.

THE TOP TEN ATTRACTIONS

The top ten things to see and do at the Eco Technology Show include:

1. SolarZED ‘trees’ – Innovative solar canopies made locally by Boho Green have integrated seating and docking stations to provide charging points for electric vehicles and other mobile devices.

2. The incredibly fast Electric Bluebird – This model has set eight UK electric speed records.

3. The Tesla electric sports car – The car is made by a group of intrepid Silicon Valley engineers who set out nine years ago to prove that electric vehicles could be awesome. Their car has set the benchmark for electric sports cars.

4. The Lighting Car – Produced by the Lightning Car Company and developed in Britain, it provides supercar drivers with performance, looks and style. Yet it’s emission-free at point of use.

5. The Transport Zone – The world’s most advanced electric cars will be on show along with information about how they’re closing the gap on petrol and diesel models in terms of range and speed. A large collection of electric cars and bikes will be on display.

6. The Build, Energy and Home Zone – Perfect for finding out how easy it can be to make a house or flat warmer and more comfortable to live in. This zone offers tips to cut energy bills, ideas to stop wasting energy in the home and even practical advice on generating electricity.

7. The Information, Education and Lifestyle Zone – This is where visitors can find clear answers about government incentives and current regulations. Practical training and education will be on offer. And there will be information about how to source environmentally friendly products.

8. A chance to quiz ministers – Greg Barker, the Climate Change Minister, will be at one of the seminar presentations on Friday followed by a question and answer session on the Green Deal. Visitors can attend any of the seminar presentations by leading politicians and business leaders for free. Transport Minister Norman Baker and Caroline Lucas, the Green MP for Brighton Pavilion, are also expected to answer questions from the public.

9. A healthy place to eat and drink – The food and drink market will feature local, award-winning sustainable food and drink producers. Visitors can sample and buy organic fruit and vegetables, cheese, chutneys, pickles and jams, sausages, meat, fish and pies, cakes and ice cream and, of course, local beer and wine.

10. A prize for children’s bright ideas – The winner of the school competition to create the best plan by children to make their school green will be announced at 2pm on Friday. The ideas will go on show inside the Amex. Pupils entered their plans on how to reduce their schools’ impact on the environment, focusing on water, waste, energy or transport.

TALKING THE TALK

The first day of the two-day Eco Technology Show includes the Smart Business Conference. The conference features talks by pioneering business leaders from companies such as Accenture, IBM, Logica and B&Q. It also includes three local MPs with expert credentials – Caroline Lucas, Greg Barker and Norman Baker.

The one-day conference is aimed at both the private and public sector and will look at strategies and tools to support sustainable growth within local government and business. Those attending will have a chance to network with decision-makers, subject specialists, buyers and policy-makers.

The new Mayor of Brighton and Hove, Bill Randall, will formally close proceedings at the Smart Business Conference on Friday and officially open the second day of the Eco Technology Show on Saturday. The £99 cost includes morning and afternoon refreshments and a light lunch as well as admission to the main show.

Climate Change Minister Greg Barker, the Conservative MP for Bexhill and Battle, said: “We all have a role to play in the creation of a low carbon future, by cutting carbon and becoming more energy efficient. Events like the Smart Business Conference are vital to help spur on changes in the way we build businesses and run our cities and ensure we reap all the benefits that a move to a low carbon economy has to offer.”

Transport Minister Norman Baker, the Lib Dem MP for Lewes, said: “When climate change is the number one threat to our way of life we should all be looking at ways to be smarter when it comes to protecting the environment but this certainly does not have to be to the detriment of the economy. Helping the economy and helping the environment should be, and can be, two sides on the same coin.

“Businesses can save money by reducing waste or investing in video conferencing technologies and cities can use central funding to invest in public transport links to stimulate the local economy. The Smart Business Conference will be an opportunity to discuss and share new ideas in this field.”

‘Big Beasts’ go head to head

Latest TV has brought together two of the biggest beasts in Brighton and Hove’s political jungle after they spent months engaged in a Twitter feud. Jason Kitcat, the new Green leader of Brighton & Hove City Council, went head to head with Lord Bassam in The Vote Show on Latest TV.

Steve Bassam, now Labour’s chief whip in the House of Lords, was leader of the council for 12 years. He ran the old Brighton Council and was the first leader of the merged Brighton & Hove Council. The pair were joined round the table for a heated debate with Mary Mears, the city’s last Conservative leader. Latest TV’s Frank le Duc refereed.

Councillor Kitcat and Lord Bassam used Twitter to fight over the case for a council tax rise versus a freeze. They’re online battle began when the Greens published their first budget proposals just before Christmas. While some officials and political insiders have been uncomfortable with the pair’s frank exchange of views, others have praised them for their open approach to public participation.

Until their appearance on The Vote Show, the pair had never met. But they shook hands for the cameras before discussing their ideas about what’s best for Brighton and Hove. Although they are from different generations, remarkably both became council leader at the age of 33. But that’s where the similarities ended. Watch episode 4 of The Vote Show at www.thelatest.co.uk.

Watch the big three debate. Cllr Mary Mears, Cllr Jason Kitcat and Lord Steve Bassam debate the Green’s first year in power in Brighton and Hove on  The Vote Show at thelatest.tv. Your referee is Frank le Duc