The Government has just announced its intention to introduce a raft of Feed-In Tariffs for renewable energy installations including up to 36.5p / kWh for Retro-fit Solar PV up to 4kW in size. For the first time perhaps this means that fitting renewable energy really does pay and its not for just for the Eco Warriors. Grants are still available for the fitting of the renewable technologies ( see the Grants section of our website ) and with the Feed-In tariffs the capital cost recovery time has come tumbling down.

As the Feed-In Tariffs apply accross the board to Businesses and Individuals alike many business managers are now seriously considering adding renewable technologies to their business premesis - future proofing themselves against the the possibilities of future fuel cost rises and in the long term making money out of the electricity companies. The tariffs are intended to continue but early adopters will get the best rates.

Those interested in finding out more should go to the Eco Island section of our website where you can find out more about teh technologies themselves, the Feed-In Tarriffs and the Grants that are available.

THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A BETTER TIME TO FIT RENEWABLE ENERGIES TO YOUR HOME - remember early adopters get the best rates on the Feed-In Tariffs.

The IOW Council are supporting this in terms of good will, resourses, logo, banners, decor and volunteers and they look forward to being able to produce the whole Big Green Picnic again in 2010 and beyond.

3greenlights.com is proud to announce the new Eco-Island Section of their website. Heralding a new era in the development of the company 3greenlights.com is increasing its commitment to ALL THINGS GREEN. With up to date information on GRANTS for renewables and insight into how the renewables work with a cut-away drawing of the SHOW HOME and a list of all the new TECHNOLOGIES being employed the new area of the site promises to attract a great deal of traffic. There is a section where you can view or download a copy of GREENLIGHT NEWS and shortly to go live will be an area where you can see the ECO-ISLAND PROJECTS which are progressing at this time. Finally there is information on the bi-monthly GREENtank ( the think tank on the Island for GREEN ideas ) with news of the soon to be launched Eco Island Website www.greentank.co.uk

The “Halcyon Days” of an English summer may seem a long way away from the

searing heat of the Middle East but Halcyon Yacht Charter has identified an increasing trend of overseas bookings of its classic 1920’s Bermudan Ketch.

Combining the sumptuous splendour of a bygone age with the magic of a traditional sailing craft, S/y Halcyon embodies all that is best about the pleasures of cruising the idyllic waters of the British Isles. Offering an attractive combination of itineraries ranging from the West Coast of Scotland to the Channel Islands and Irish Shores, S/y Halcyon provides her guests with exquisite cuisine and exceptional service which ensures an unrivalled sailing experience.

With United Arab Emirates’ great sailing heritage in their traditional Dows and a great desire to experience more of the European style of sailing, S/y Halcyon offers a unique blend of hospitality and a purist sailing experience unrivalled by more modern charter yachts.

Unfortunately S/y Halcyon was not able to make it all the way to the show but the next best thing her Captain, Robert Hickman, will be in attendance at the show. Also in attendance is Annette Corder the Hospitality and Marketing Manager and David Green who handles all their promotional activity and who will be happy to answer questions on the Halcyon Yacht Charter stand in the ESS Hall ( Stand no: J2-4 ).

This attendance comes in a year where Halcyon Yacht Charter LLP has already announced its support of the wonderful work of the Ellen MacArthur Trust. The Trust which has been in existence since 2004 specialises in taking young people recovering from serious illness to sea. Their work is renowned as being some of the most successful of its kind in the charitable sector and has transformed hundreds of young lives.

Halcyon Yacht Charter are delighted to be able to announce their support of the wonderful work of the Ellen MacArthur Trust. The Trust which has been in existence since 2004 specialises in taking young people recovering from serious illness to sea. Their work is renowned as being some of the most successful of its kind in the charitable sector and has transformed hundreds of young lives.

Andrew Armour, Halcyon’s owner, has attended the EMT Ball and donated auction prizes in the past but has been so taken with the work of the Trust that he has agreed to donate 5% of all the income from individuals, groups and businesses who quote the Ellen MacArthur Trust when booking. This extra funding will help to ensure that more young people can engage in activity with the Trust in 2009.

Frank Fletcher ( Manager of the Ellen MacArthur Trust ) had this to say about the good news: 

“The Ellen MacArthur Trust is delighted with this continued support from Andrew and the Halcyon team. This is a fantastic way for people to support the trust whilst cruising in this most fabulous vessel.“

Halcyon Yacht Charter, can be found on stand N68D at the LIBS and would be delighted to see you and talk about what is widely regarded as the most beautiful classic yacht on charter in UK waters. If you are thinking of making a booking and taking advantage of the LIBS booking incentive then don’t forget to mention the Ellen MacArthur Trust and you will get the great feeling of knowing that 5% of the proceeds of your trip will be going to help the Trust and their work.

www.halcyonyachtcharter.com

NEW WORLD SOLAR have just won a National Energy Award in the Public sector category for their groundbreaking work as part of the Summerfield Eco-Village Project, in Birmingham. The project saw them install more than 250 Solar Hot Water systems and create 6-Eco Houses as part of a Family Housing Association project, along with Urban Living and Birmingham City Council. In the wake of their triumph they have committed to Eco Island as the next region they wish to support with the roll-out of renewable energy solutions.

NEW WORLD SOLAR bring with them a wealth of technical expertise, the newest technology and vast experience in the sector. They come armed with the latest news on grant aid and a real determination to provide the best renewable energy solution for each installation. They provide everything from “ground source” heat and “air” pumps / Solar PV / Solar Thermal / hot water accumulators / biomass boilers / home insulation / rainwater recycling and grey water treatment systems / under-floor heating and can recommend and install the best solution for your home / business / public building.

www.newworldsolar.co.uk

On 15th September at the Southampton International Boatshow .... Southampton Solent University have announced their partnership with Katie Miller Yacht Racing as associate sponsors. The University, where Katie is currently a third year student, will support the venture to ensure that Hot Socks will be in perfect condition for the start of the OSTAR next year, ensuring that this winter’ essential maintenance can be undertaken.

Corum's Ambassador Ben Ainslie secured his 4th Olympic Medal and 3rd GOLD as part of Skandia Team GBR in Qingdao this year. Sailing brilliantly in some very difficult conditions Ben was unbeatable again. When asked about his last race he said he was just focused on getting the boat over the line in what proved to be some very exacting conditions. The event had been plagued by some light airs and with the weed, the flukey winds and strong currents the event had been billed as a bit of a lottery. As it turned out Ben's skill prevailed and from early in the week it never seemed in any doubt that he would come back with a medal ... but come back with Gold as part of the most successful sailing teams in Olympic History made the victory that much sweeter. 3GL had been instrumental in the negotiations that led Ben to his sponsorship with Corum and he certainly did the brand proud with his performance in China.

Ben is now talking about 2012 and how he hopes to be part of the defending team that steal another haul of medals when the Olympics come to London in 4 years time. He must be favorite for another medal which would make him one of our most successful Olympians ever. Well done Ben and the rest of Skandia Team GBR in bringing home the medals.

Negotiated under 3GL auspices Corum were an Official Supplier to Skandia Cowes Week in 2008..Corum flies the flag of watchmaking expertise and expresses its precision through marine watches and chronographs. Corum chose to reward the best sailors in each category by presenting them with an Admiral’s Cup, the brand’s flagship model distinguished by its twelve-sided bezel and its dial adorned with nautical pennants.

• The winner of the “White Fleet” received an Admiral’s Cup Challenge 44mm featuring a steel case and white dial, powered by the self-winding Corum CO7753 movement, chronometer-certified by the COSC.
• The winner of the “Black Feet” received the same model as the “White Fleet”, but in a version clothed with a black dial.
• A special prize was awarded for the Liz Earle Ladies Day trophy. The winner was handed an Admiral’s Cup 40 mm in gem-set steel equipped with a Corum CO 082 self-winding movement.

Corum have had a long association with the sea and for many their watches have become the yachtsman's chronograph of choice. Corum were delighted with their hospitality programme run by 3GL this year and got a great deal of exposure at the various events throughout the week. Thanks go to the Team at Skandia Cowes Week for making the whole event such a success.

This years Ellen MacArthur Trust Ball raised in excess of £70k towards the work of the Trust. With nearly 600 people in attendance and set in the sumptuous surroundings of Queen Victoria's former residence, Osborne House, the event which was held in a marquee in honour of the Royal tradition there was an overwhelming success. The food was exceptional, the auction captivating and the inspiration from Ellen and Vicky who had been helped by the Trust moved people to tears.

Tim Sewell from Skandia announced their support for the Ellen MacArthur Trust Round Britain Event next year and expressed his delight in being able to contribute to such a worthy cause. The Ellen MacArthur Trust has been the "Official Charity" for the last 3-years at Skandia Cowes Week which has helped the Trust raise even more funds to fuel their incredible work with young people recovering from cancer and Leukemia.

Frank Fletcher the Manager of the Ellen MacArthur Trust expressed his gratitude for all the help and support the Trust has received over the years and Ellen spoke eloquently of the value of the life changing experiences that the Trust brings to these hugely deserving young people.

As in 2007 3greenlights provided assistance in helping to secure auction prizes for the event. One of the surprises of the night was the Eco Scooter ( a scooter that runs on a 12v battery which charges from the mains and does 30miles on one charge ) which fetched £2k on the night - well in excess of it's retail value with a generous donation from Kim Buckland of Liz Earle who was apparently delighted with her success in the bidding. Liz Earle ( cosmetics and skin care ) have a very strong environmental and sustainability policy running throughout their company and it is great to see them leading from the front in this way, For more info on the EcoScooter visit www.thegreenscootercompany.com

3greenlights were also able to secure a position for one of their other clients at the Ball as Corum became the sponsors of the Champagne Reception and donated a watch for the heads and tails game and a main auction prize. The Corum contribution topped £17k in the end with a mix of monies raised from the auctions and their donation to the Trust.

The evening went on until the small hours and everyone said what a wonderful time they had ... supporting the view put forward by the Times Newspaper earlier in the week that the Ellen MacArthur Trust Ball was THE social occasion of Cowes Week - seeing the revelers at the end of the evening it was hard not to agree.

The Ellen MacArthur Trust will be announcing their plans for next year shortly - with the Round Britain Event starting in May - 2009 looks like being a very busy year for the Trust - watch this space for news as it breaks ...

Thanks from 3greenlights to all of you who provided auction prizes and donations on the night - it is a very worthy cause.

For more information on the work of the Ellen MacArthur Trust go to www.ellenmacarthurtrust.org

The Isle of Wight's Big Green Picnic was the most successful first time event run by the IOW Council. With over 7,000 visitors over the two days the Picnic site was inundated with people seeking to find out more about Eco Living. With local celebrities like Dame Ellen MacArthur in attendance ( with her dog ) it surprised all the local skeptics to see how may people really do care about living in a more sustainable way.

There were displays from Vesta Blades ( manufacturers the world's finest wind turbines who are based on the Isle of Wight ), food halls where you could try local produce, art and craft areas for young and old alike ( with face painting and footprint pledges ) and a "Bestival" style bandstand which enjoyed performances from bands as varied as the Bees and the Unity Stompers. There were demonstrations of solar energy from Grant UK and Engenius and a Movie tent showing films with information on how to GREEN up your life.

The purpose of the event was to provide a "shop window" on eco-living and source of information for sustainable housing ... there was even a "straw house" demonstration which created quite a stir. Stimulating interest in a "greener" way of living was always going to be a challenge in a fast and furious world that always seems to be putting other things first BUT on this occasion the Island people surprised us all by turning out in large numbers to emphasize that the "times they are a changing".

3Greenlights.com were involved from the outset of this event and were charged with the responsibility of reducing the IOW Council's commitment to the event by finding suitable partners for the event who would contribute sponsorship monies, services or goods in kind. 3GL were hugely successful in this regard attracting 3 top tier sponsors and a number of subsidiary sponsors.

Funds came in the main from the generosity of Red Funnel Ferries, Liz Earle ( who also took a stand at the event ) and Vesta Blades ( who had a stand in the Council tent ). Other funds came from Grant UK and Solar World who brought a demonstration unit for Solar Thermal panels to the event. 3Gl managed to strike a deal with Southern Vectis to provide cheap bus travel to the event ( £1 per adult return to Newport and young people traveled free to the event ) and IOW radio provided extra coverage on their news and local events programmes during the week to help to swell the crowds. Finally local clothing company Rapanui reduced the cost of their T-Shirts to provide us with some very trendy staff shirts for the event.

Much of the credit for the smooth running of the event must go to the IOW Council Events team who did an amazing job, Kate Jackman ( of Bestival fame ) who was hands on with the organization of all the displays and exhibitions and of course the weather gods who decided that the only rain of the weekend would come at night when the event was closed. We are all looking forward to next year’s event which is sure to be even bigger and better than this year.

For more information on the Big Green Picnic in 2008 and the plans for 2009 you can go to the Eco Island website which can be found at www.eco-island.org.uk or email: info@eco-island.org.uk with your views. You will also be able to read more about next year’s event on the 3greenlights.com website when the details are confirmed for 2009