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NEWSLETTER No. 39 - JANUARY 23rd 2007 In these times of increasing familiarity with the reality of global warming, it is understandable that Friends of the Earth and their counterparts and partners throughout the world are pushing campaigns to reduce pollution and carbon footprints. "L’Alliance pour la Planète" - a partnership of French environmental associations - is urging the French population to switch off lights and electrical appliances on standby in their homes for five minutes on February 1st 2007 between 7:55pm and 8pm. Top properties are an extensive restored hilltop farmhouse in the Gard, and a one bedroom off-plan apartment, part of a new development in the village of Clarensac beside Nîmes. Should you wish to be removed from this mailing list, please use the link provided at the bottom of the page. Otherwise, kindly read on. Theme of the fortnight: Friends of the Earth in France (Les Amis de la Terre) have chosen a tongue-in-cheek marketing campaign to launch an interesting initiative to raise awareness of energy wastage across the nation and among the media and decision makers. They argue that switching off certain electrical appliances for only five minutes is very short, it costs nothing, and yet it should raise the environment profile among Presidential candidates. The event, entitled "a 5 minute respite for the planet", coincides with the issue of a first report by intergovernmental specialists at the UN on climate change detailing scientific aspects of global warming. In addition, an international conference will be held on the environment on February 3rd and 4th, an initiative on the part of the French President, with an eye to the creation of an Environmental United Nations Organisation. Later this year further studies will be issued by the UN on the impact of climate change and solutions required. Friends of the Earth are quick to point out that the objective of this initiative is not in itself to save energy but to raise awareness of the need to make considerable efforts on a daily basis, not only to use less electricity, but save energy used for transport and heating. Indeed the most energy intensive activities in France are those for transport (31%) and for heating and hot water (33%). Nevertheless, Friends of the Earth are in discussion with the French electricity networks in order to mesure the impact of the event on electricity consumption across the country. They hope to display a magnified view of the variation on internet on the 1st February of that displayed by the French electricity network website (http://www.rte-france.com/htm/fr/accueil/courbe.jsp). In addition, precautions have been taken to prevent any overheating in power stations across the country caused by a lower consumption of electricity than forecast.  Countering arguments that most of the electricity used in France is produced by non-CO2 emitting Nuclear power stations, Friends of the Earth argue that at peak periods such as the 7:55 - 8pm window, nuclear power cannot meet all the demand across the French territory. Thermal power stations using gaz or carbon are employed to meet the additional demand. Further to this, they argue that nuclear energy remains an area for debate in the light of accidents in power stations and the necessity to store radioactive waste. For additional information you might wish to consult the following sites: http://www.amisdelaterre.org/Participez-a-la-plus-grande.html www.lalliance.fr www.rac-f.org We shall review in future newsletters the latest government subsidised designs and technology for heating and hot water with renewable energy. Top Properties: Firstly, a vast farmhouse in a beautiful setting offering a total surface area of 900m² of which 400m² are currently habitable. The property has undergone an extensive and competent renovation. There are two kitchens, a large living room, dining room, 7 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. The house stands in 5000m² of mature grounds with basin and two springs. Views extend over the local countryside. The asking price is 890 000€. Property Ref.: 439         Secondly, an off-plan development beside Nîmes. Résidence Les Buis is set in CLARENSAC, 10 minutes from Nîmes city centre. There is currently one remaining 1 bedroom apartment for sale, with a surface area of 45.23m², a garage and 50m² of walled gardens. Rental management is proposed by the national groupe Gestrim with a yield of 4.45%. Delivery is due in the first quarter of 2008. The price is 134,500€. Property Ref.: OP - Les Buis Both Nîmes and Montpellier airports easily accessible, as are the A9 and A54 autoroutes. Beaches are a half hour drive. The extensive Caremeau hospital facilities, a 5 minute drive away have spurred increasing demand for rental facilities. All general necessities are available nearby.    +33 467 297 068 +33 626 581 415 Contact: http://www.jamespropertiesfrance.com/contact.php www.jamespropertiesfrance.com About James Properties France: Based in Montpellier in the south of France, bringing to you a carefully picked selection of properties within a 70 mile radius - with the occasional more distant exception - that are chosen for their combinations of attributes, most notably: - Setting of outstanding natural beauty - Distinct character or unusual features - Quality of renovation or authenticity - Value for money James Properties France (JPF) serves primarily an English speaking, though often highly Francophile clientele looking to move or own a second home in the south of France around such places as Uzes, Nîmes, Montpellier, Anduze, St. Hippolyte du Fort, the Southern Cevennes, Gignac and Clermont l'Herault and the Hauts Cantons. The property selection proposed by JPF is targeted to fit buyers from abroad in terms of types of location, accessibility, environment / landscapes, and types and formats of construction. Besides bringing you a wide array of properties, JPF helps by running specific searches in the Gard and Hérault. JPF acts as an intermediary between you and a number of regional estate agencies, at no extra charge. Selections of properties that meet your criteria can be established prior to your visits, any linguistic issues totally alleviated, questions about French procedures and legislation addressed quickly, and information on prices and property details addressed plainly by all parties. JPF helps you with your purchase from the beginning to the end of the process, often communicating with the assigned notary to make sure that content and conditions of sale are correctly documented, ensuring all is in order for completion, and keeping you informed of progress. Insurance and utilities can also be arranged. In addition, should you wish to have assistance in maintaining or making alterations to your house, or any formalities associated with property ownership or financing in France, JPF can give assistance on an hourly basis. Should you wish to sell your property in the south of France, JPF can also help. If you would like to unsubscribe from this newsletter, please click on the following link: www.jamespropertiesfrance.com/unsubscribe.php |