Beta Technology

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Established 25 years ago, Beta Technology is a consultancy specialising in networking, knowledge and funding expertise to deliver innovative environmental and low carbon projects, whilst also working in other areas.

Working with public and private sector organisations and research bodies, Beta works in the UK and Europe and has a network of 40 associates covering a range of sectors. “We sit between the private and public sector,” says Managing Director of Beta Technology Richard Wrigley, “from micro business to multi-nationals developing research projects and attracting public sector funding.”

Speaking about low carbon concerns and other environmental issues, Richard says that these are now of prime importance for most businesses, and points to two projects with which Beta is involved that are helping to raise awareness: the European Union’s Framework Programme 7 National Contact Point for the Environment is a role funded by the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) to provide strategic advice for UK organisations wishing to participate in the research programme. This role also covers the new Life+ Programme, which provides financial support for various sustainable development and community-based environmental projects, with a total budget of €2.143 billion between 2007-2013. Beta Technology is the contact point for UK applications to the fund.

The second project is in support of Cenex (the UK’s Centre of Excellence for Low Carbon and Fuel Cell Technologies) to deliver the Low Carbon Vehicle Public Procurement Programme on behalf of the Department for Transport. Richard explains the company’s role: “We work with the Department of Transport to develop and implement the early introduction of low carbon vehicles. The programme uses public procurement as a way of stimulating manufacturers to introduce new low carbon vehicle technology, while supporting public sector organisations with grant funding to offset the additional costs for purchasing low carbon vehicles.”

Beta’s other work includes TRITECH ETV (Environmental Technologies Verification), a European pilot project (Funded by the European Union’s LIFE programme) that Beta was again asked to put together by Defra. The aim was to develop repeatable test protocols for environmental test technologies in the areas of energy, soil and water. The project tested a number of manufacturers’ equipment across Europe to establish whether their product claims were valid. The ultimate aim is to reduce the risks for purchasers and investors through the provision of independent information. Most of the case study companies involved in the project were SMEs, who saw the scheme as a way of supporting their marketing by providing independent evaluations of their claims. The Project successfully concluded in August 2009 and the report and business plan developed by the project is currently with the European Commission, who will decide when, how and in what form an EU-wide ETV scheme could be implemented.

In terms of cutting organisational carbon emissions, Richard identifies two key, direct benefits that a solid carbon reduction strategy can offer: resource efficiency (particularly for businesses); and developing new technology that will enable a future low carbon lifestyle, for both businesses and public organisations. “Many businesses will embrace the resource efficiency element,” says Richard, “due to the financial benefits it can bring. The benefits from a CSR perspective are often more relevant to public sector organisations.”

Having worked extensively with both public and private sector organisations, Beta is well placed to identify the differing environmental needs and challenges of the two sectors. “The public sector needs to be seen to be environmental friendly” says Richard. “To some degree, businesses do as well but how this impacts on the bottom line is often the main driver.”