domestic behavioural energy use advice – exhaustive...
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Bournemouth Borough Council &Borough of Poole
An assessment of the implications of signing up to the EU Covenant of Mayors
January 2012
Prepared by:Ben Frier Local Delivery Manager Energy Saving Trust
Contact details: [email protected]
Supported by:Ian HutchcroftHead of South Energy Saving Trust
Contact details: [email protected]
AGENDA ITEM 7APPENDIX A
Table of Contents
1 Executive Summary..............................................................................................................3
2 Assessing performance on carbon emissions reduction.......................................................5
2.1 What is the Local Carbon Management Matrix?.....................................................................5
2.2 Assessing performance..........................................................................................................5
2.3 Performance assessment findings..........................................................................................6
3 Detailed discussion of results...............................................................................................9
3.1 Strategic role and commitment...............................................................................................9
3.1.1 Highlights.......................................................................................................................................... 93.1.2 Considerations................................................................................................................................ 103.1.3 Risks............................................................................................................................................... 123.2 Domestic energy efficiency...................................................................................................12
3.2.1 Highlights........................................................................................................................................ 123.2.2 Considerations................................................................................................................................ 133.2.3 Risks............................................................................................................................................... 133.3 Business energy efficiency...................................................................................................14
3.3.1 Highlights........................................................................................................................................ 143.3.2 Considerations................................................................................................................................ 143.3.3 Risks............................................................................................................................................... 153.4 Public sector.........................................................................................................................15
3.4.1 Highlights........................................................................................................................................ 153.4.2 Considerations................................................................................................................................ 173.4.3 Risks............................................................................................................................................... 173.5 Renewables and low carbon technologies...........................................................................17
3.5.1 Highlights........................................................................................................................................ 173.5.2 Considerations................................................................................................................................ 183.5.3 Risks............................................................................................................................................... 183.6 Own transport.......................................................................................................................19
3.6.1 Highlights........................................................................................................................................ 193.6.2 Considerations................................................................................................................................ 203.6.3 Risks............................................................................................................................................... 203.7 Local transport......................................................................................................................20
3.7.1 Highlights........................................................................................................................................ 203.7.2 Considerations................................................................................................................................ 223.7.3 Risks............................................................................................................................................... 223.8 Communities.........................................................................................................................22
3.8.1 Highlights........................................................................................................................................ 223.8.2 Considerations................................................................................................................................ 233.8.3 Risks............................................................................................................................................... 23
Recommendations/ key risks....................................................................................................24
3.9 Signing up to Covenant of Mayors........................................................................................24
4 Next steps...........................................................................................................................24
1 Executive SummaryBournemouth Borough Council and Borough of Poole are considering becoming signatories of the EU Covenant of Mayors programme. The Covenant of Mayors (COM) is an initiative that is helping galvanise local authorities across Europe to save energy, reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and play their part in meeting the EU wide ‘202020’ targets - 20% improvement in energy efficiency, 20% contribution from renewable energy, 20% reduction in CO2 emissions.
The scheme is gaining popularity across the EU member states and beyond, with over 2,300 local authorities signed up and more joining all the time - the COM is a formal commitment made by a city or local authority to reduce area wide CO2 emissions by more than 20% by 2020 (the UK wide target enshrined in law is a 34% reduction in emissions by 2020 based on a 1990 baseline).
In signing the COM an authority pledges to:
1. Carry out a baseline emissions inventory (BEI)2. Develop a Sustainable Energy Action Plan (SEAP) 3. Monitor implementation progress4. Reduce emission by defined amount within SEAP by 2020
These pledges go beyond the requirements of any current programme, including the Nottingham Declarations new initiative 'Climate Local – a local commitment to action on climate change'1.
In comparison to Climate Local, there is a compelling business case for the next stage of Bournemouth & Poole’s low carbon strategies and action plans to be focused on and driven by signing up to EU COMs. In doing so, the Councils should expect the strategic outcomes and benefits to include:
Bournemouth and Poole making a public declaration of their ambition to be ranked and regarded as UK leaders on climate change and carbon reduction.
The Executives of both Councils backing this up with a correspondingly large appetite for investing in the infrastructure and resources critical for the stepped improvement in carbon reduction needed for success.
The Councils being accountable for their delivery to the EU COMs through its transparent and tough external reporting requirements.
The Councils knowing that failure to deliver on the EU COMs commitment could have a significant adverse impact on their reputations and ambitions to be seen as UK leaders on climate change and carbon reduction.
Greater credibility and real substance supporting both Council’s Green Knowledge Economy ambition and expectations, including the growth of new green jobs and establishing a nationally recognised Centre of Carbon Excellence.
Stronger influence on the Local Enterprise Partnership’s emerging strategy and action plans, with the focus on; Enabling more sustainable economic growth Greater business efficiency through improved environmental performance Increasing the local production and use of renewable energy to protect our economy from the
growing threats of ever increasing oil prices and unstable supplies of fossil fuels Significant added-value by removing the need for EU COMs sign-up as an increasingly applied pre-
condition for access to EU funding streams and bid-based pots. New and separate Sustainable Energy Action Plans for Bournemouth and Poole which will
Use the same ‘tried and tested’ model for meet the EU COMs planning & reporting requirements Better enable the development and delivery of a Bournemouth & Poole programme of individual
and joint low carbon projects and measures.
1 http://www.local.gov.uk/web/10161/topic-climate-change/-/journal_content/56/10161/95708/ARTICLE-TEMPLATE 3
Overarch and bring together the development and delivery of the low carbon action plans for Bournemouth and Poole, to include actions supporting the Bournemouth Dorset & Poole strategies for Energy Efficiency (existing from 2008) and Renewable Energy (new from 2012).
Network with other COM authorities across the UK and Europe.
See more at www.eumayors.eu/home_en.htm
Both Councils are able to access support from Severn Wye Energy Agency (SWEA) to develop their SEAPs, which minimises the cost associated with the initial first year of the programme.
In order to stock-take the challenges and opportunities presented by Bournemouth Borough Council and Borough of Poole joint-signing, the Energy Saving Trust has been asked to undertake and assessment of the implications of signing COM by the two unitary authorities.
In addition to providing the intelligence to make decisions on signing COM, the assessment and associated outputs would also provide broader strategic guidance on how the authorities are placed regards long term carbon reduction, where they need to ‘level up’ and how they may interact in a more united fashion going forward irrespective of sign-up to COM. The work could also provide a lead-in to any revision of the Bournemouth, Dorset and Poole Energy Efficiency Strategy and pro-actively support the Bournemouth, Dorset and Poole Renewable Energy Strategy
This paper is the first output of the main output of the work. Additional items of work are a presentation and facilitated discussion with key decision makers and stakeholders, to evaluate the risks and recommendations within this report and make a decision to sign up to COM.
2 Assessing performance on carbon emissions reduction4
2.1 What is the Local Carbon Management Matrix?
The Local Carbon Management Matrix was developed by the Centre for Sustainable Energy2 (CSE), originally to enable a council to self-assess its performance specific to National Indicator 186 (area-wide per capita emissions reduction).
The Energy Saving Trust has opted to use this matrix to encourage the establishment of a single national baseline tool, to allow easy comparison with local authorities across the UK.
The Matrix assesses a local authority’s performance on the following themes:
Strategic role and commitment Domestic energy efficiency Business energy efficiency Public sector Renewables and low carbon technologies Own transport Local transport Communities
Under each theme, a local authority can be rated either ‘weak’, ‘fair’, ‘good’ or ‘excellent’, with the impetus being on the local authority to provide sufficient evidence to justify their scores.
The following section presents the findings from the exercise to measure the performance of Bournemouth Borough Council and the Borough of Poole Council.
2.2 Assessing performance
The performance assessment was delivered through a self-assessment exercise. This was led by Lee Green and Paul Cooling, where officers were designated parts of their respective performance matrix to fill in. In addition to Lee and Paul, those officers involved in the self-assessment and adding to the covering report were:BournemouthAnna BourneAndy WilliamsBob AskewBob JohnsonChris HardyChris KeluDavid HarropDebbie CliftonGary BenthamGraham TwiggIan SelbyKevin SmithLarry Austin
Malcolm HodgesMarcin GrabowskiMark AxfordMartin WilkinsMatt KingMedi BernardNeil ShortPaul HancockPhil RobinsonSimon PercivalSpencer Gardner Steve Goold
PooleStuart Bickel Adrian TrevettHilary Evans Graeme SmithPeter Haikin Mike Harrison Ian JohnsRebecca LandmanStuart OsmanMark ParsonsJohn PatonGary McCannTheresa McManus (DEAC)Jeff Morley
These officers completed the local carbon management matrix where their own knowledge was sufficient to provide a fair overview of their own council’s performance on area-wide carbon reduction.
2 http://www.cse.org.uk/ 5
The completed matrices produced through this process are attached as appendices 1 and 2 to this report.
The information in the performance assessment was based on activity to date, and was found to accurately reflect the two Council’s performance up to September 2011. However it should be noted that the results are a snapshot of performance from a limited period. Future re-assessments of performance may be carried out as part of the overall programme process, for example to monitor improvement, and it is suggested that re-assessment using the Matrix should be undertaken not sooner than two years from the original assessment date.
2.3 Performance assessment findings
Figure 1 – Visual summary of Bournemouth’s performance assessment
Table 1 – Results from Bournemouth’s benchmarking performance assessment
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Figure 2 – Visual summary of Poole’s performance assessment
Table 2 – Results from Poole’s benchmarking performance assessment
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Topic Performance rating
Numerical score(out of 4)
Strategic role and commitment Fair-good 2.5
Domestic energy efficiency Good 3.0
Business energy efficiency Fair-good 2.5
Public sector Fair-good 2.5Renewables and low carbon technologies Fair-good 2.5
Own Transport Good-fair 2.5
Local Transport Good 3.0
Communities Good 3.0
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Topic Performancerating
Numerical score (out of 4)
Strategic role and commitment Good 3.0
Domestic energy efficiency Fair-good 2.5
Business energy efficiency Good-fair 2.5
Public sector Fair-good 2.5Renewables and low carbon technologies Good-fair 2.5
Own Transport Fair 2.0
Local Transport Good 3.0
Communities Good 3.0
3 Detailed discussion of results
The matrices used to make this assessment can be found in appendix 1 and 2 of this report. This contains the full evidencing and reasoning behind the scoring allocations. However highlights of the assessment, considerations and risks are found in the following sections.
3.1 Strategic role and commitment
Bournemouth score = Fair/ Good Poole score = Good
3.1.1 Highlights
Bournemouth
The Council has seen an area wide per capita emissions reduction of 16% from the baseline year of 2005 to 2009 (latest available statistics). The Council signed up to a 6.7% reduction in its Local Area Agreement 2 (LAA2). This represents a move from per capita emissions of 5.9 (adjusted from 5.7) tonnes to 5 tonnes and is significantly above the desired target. It is one percentage point higher than the national average.
The Carbon Management Programme commits the Council to an ambitious target of reducing CO2
emissions from Council operations by one third by 2014. This supersedes the Council’s LAA2 National Indicator 185 (CO2 reduction from local authority operations) target of a 5% reduction from the baseline figure of 27,325 tonnes CO2 for 2008/ 09.
Significant statements supporting the priority and need for more activity on climate change and carbon reduction in the Council’s current corporate plan.
Consequential improvements in delivery through better governance and accountability are expected to result from Bournemouth having just established a new Low Carbon Programme Board, with elected Executive Member and Director involvement in oversight of the delivery of the Council’s internal and external climate change and carbon reduction policies, plans and projects.
Strong community engagement in some areas, such as Transition Bournemouth and East Dorset Friends of the Earth. This will deepen through the upcoming merger of the Bournemouth 2026 Earth Charter & Sustainable Environment Partnership.
The Council has produced its Core Strategy which has been submitted to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government for examination. The Core Strategy contains strategy and policies on climate change actively encouraging renewable energy and heat and improved energy efficiency in new buildings. It also proactively seeks to reduce carbon emissions through transport policies with the objective of managing transport demand, promoting accessibility and integration across the conurbation and promoting greener travel choices.
The Core Strategy takes into account other strategies such as the Local Transport Plan 3, Bournemouth, Dorset and Poole Renewable Energy Strategy and Action Plan and the Bournemouth Sustainable Community Strategy to produce a coherent approach to carbon reduction.
Poole
The Council has seen an area wide per capita emissions reduction of 14% from the baseline year of 2005 to 2009 (latest available statistics). The Council signed up to a 12% reduction in its LAA2. This represents a move from per capita emissions of 7.2 (adjusted from 6.8) tonnes to 6.2 tonnes and is above the desired stretching target.
The Council is linked in to the key local partnerships and has good governance in place to complete work that benefits the environment, local organisations and residents.
The Council was also chosen as one of 12 Forward Commitment Procurement pilots to stimulate the provision of an ultra-low carbon heating solution for its Town Centre North regeneration project.
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Poole’s Core Strategy (Strategic Objective 8) sets out the key outcomes to address local climate change in Poole within the period to 2026. Planning policies that set out criteria to reduce carbon emissions and increase supply of energy from renewable sources are in place. A Delivery Framework sets out how outcomes will be achieved.
Poole’s Carbon Management Programme has set an equally ambitious five year, 25% reduction target from a 2008 baseline to reduce carbon emissions from Council operations. Systems to capture energy usage and project output data are also in place.
Annual Monitoring Report assesses the extent to which policies in the Development Plan are being implemented and monitors any unintended consequences and check relevance of policies over time
The Local Transport Plan 3 (adopted 2011) accords with the priorities and objectives within the Core Strategy, Corporate Strategy and Sustainable Communities Strategy.
Bournemouth & Poole
Bournemouth & Poole have recognised and delivered on opportunities for collaboration, especially around behavioural change campaigns and events e.g. Bournemouth & Poole Big Green Fortnights in May 2009 and 2011.
The well established Dorset framework has significantly been strengthened in the last two years by deeper engagement with Bournemouth & Poole. Further advanced by Government recognition through Bournemouth, Dorset and Poole being awarded national Local Carbon Framework pilot programme status.
3.1.2 Considerations
Bournemouth
Bournemouth's vision for the town in 2026 is captured within the Sustainable Community Strategy that was originally adopted in 2007 by the Bournemouth 2026 Partnership and Bournemouth Borough Council. The vision was subsequently amended by the Bournemouth 2026 Partnership in 2011. One of our five visions is 'to have a sustainable environment with well designed, affordable housing and a well used public transport system' as part of this we want to see that 'Emissions of CO2 in Bournemouth are low and the town is adapting effectively to climate change and the rising costs of energy.'
Both Bournemouth 2026 and Bournemouth Borough Council have signed up to the Earth Charter values and principles for a sustainable future. The Partnership has identified the Earth Charter and Sustainability as one of four golden threads to run through delivery of the Sustainable Community Strategy.
Following a review of Bournemouth 2026 Partnership a number of its partnership meetings were disbanded in light of government changes and removal of LAA & CAA. However due to the drive of partners and the Council to continue working on sustainability and follow up on its commitment to the Earth Charter, a new group has formed named SUSTAIN – Bournemouth Earth Charter & Sustainability Partnership – a merger of the former Environment Forum and Earth Charter Leadership Group to include members from the public, private, community, faith and voluntary sectors. The objectives of the new group are not yet finalised but is expected to include working on reducing the carbon footprint of all activities in order to, as a minimum, meet UK Government targets set to limit the impact of climate change with a focus on the local production of energy from sustainable and renewable sources.
It has been noted that resources have failed to follow strategic commitments. Furthermore there has been no corporate or political requirement to report or monitor activity on carbon reduction activity since the Local Area Agreements were abolished by the Coalition Government. This is now being addressed fundamentally, as described in 3.1 above.
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Poole
Poole’s Sustainable Community Strategy3, “Harbouring a life time of opportunity” was adopted by Poole Partnership, Poole’s Local Strategic Partnership on 2nd September 2010 and the Borough of Poole on 26th October 2010. This includes Poole’s big 3 priorities, one of which is “making Poole greener”, reflecting the importance of this issue for local people. One of the themes of the Community Strategy is “A world class environment” which includes as measures of success “we are reducing CO2 emissions and planned for and coped with extreme weather conditions” and “households, businesses and public agencies are more environmentally friendly and sustainable”.In the past an active Sustainable Environment Partnership took forward specific projects to promote a sustainable environment including a biomass boiler exemplar project, the hosting of two conferences at Bournemouth University and the staging of two “Big Green Fortnights” in May 2008 and May 2010. Within the context of the new Government’s deficit reduction budget and localism agenda the Partnership has been reshaping to focus on a smaller number of priorities and mainstream the themes of the community strategy wherever possible.
With regard to mainstreaming sustainability it is proposed that Poole will join with Bournemouth and Dorset in promoting sustainability through participation in a co-ordinated programme of events aimed at raising awareness and reaching different parts of the community throughout the year.
The Partnership has built a network of partners in the public, private, voluntary and community sectors and facilitated the building of relationships across partner agencies in support of partnership working. A networking event is held annually and Poole’s State of the Area Debate brings partners and councillors together once a year to debate topical issues. Conferences and other Partnership events are also arranged to bring partners together for a specific purpose and this could be one way in which the Partnership could support partners’ participation in the Covenant of Mayors.
It is also anticipated that the current development of the Bournemouth Dorset & Poole Low Carbon Partnership will successfully re-introduce for Poole a working successor to the former LSP Sustainable Environmental theme group, which will increase the opportunities for community partners to become involved in the COM SEAP projects.
Early discussions have confirmed that COM SEAP projects will link into the Council corporate project performance processes.
The Carbon Management Programme has successfully encompassed the former LAA targets and is striving towards meeting the former targets.
The reinstatement of measuring progress on energy efficiency in the local authority area should also be considered including the monitoring of the Bournemouth, Dorset and Poole Renewable and Energy Efficiency strategies.
It was highlighted that due to the recognised synergy generated by the shared urban environment/ conurbation, Bournemouth and Poole’s political and corporate leadership should seek to identify more opportunities for more planned and less opportunistic (last minute/ just-in-time) joint-working on conurbation-wide campaigns and projects. Linked to this, it is proposed that Bournemouth will work with Poole and Dorset in promoting sustainability through participation in a co-ordinated programme of sub-regional events aimed at raising awareness and reaching different parts of the community throughout the year.
Bournemouth & Poole
The Councils are proposing to develop their SEAP with externally funded support already secured from the South West Energy Agency, using a best practice ‘tried and tested’ tool to integrate each Councils’ internal and low carbon projects in a way that both can see them separately and shared according to purpose. Key features required from the model include the status of planned projects (e.g. funded, full business case awaiting funding, at feasibility stage or conceptual/ still in design) and how the projects will be/ expected to be funded (e.g. by a service, several services, corporately, specific externally sources or a mix).
3 http://www.poolepartnership.info/sustainable-community-strategy/ 11
3.1.3 Risks
To enable compliance and success in all aspects of the COM, the Councils will need to ensure that sufficient resources are provided to support the development of the SEAP along the lines proposed. Strategic support is also required to enable the search and application for external funding for high priority projects which cannot be funded entirely by the Councils. Without both, it will be very challenging to create and sign off a SEAP which has the level of depth and detail required for delivery of the necessary emissions reduction by 2020.
A strategic/ political memorandum of understanding (or similar) could be investigated for areas that could benefit from a joint work programme. This would help the Councils achieve joint aims and enjoy the benefits of working at scale. It would also increase the likelihood of attracting large scale external funding of joint programmes through the private sector through, for example, a collaborative ‘warehouse’ mechanism.
Monitoring is a very important part of any action plan and is a deliverable target within the COM programme. The Councils will need to ensure that robust monitoring systems are in place to assess the outcomes of implemented actions.
An effective modelling system is also required to reduce the risks of failing to calculate the expected/ planned level of carbon reduction delivered through specific programmes, projects and initiatives.
3.2 Domestic energy efficiency
Bournemouth score = Good Poole score = Fair/ Good
3.2.1 Highlights
Bournemouth
The Council’s strategic commitment to energy efficient homes is recognised within its Corporate Plan, Go Green Bournemouth Action Plan, Housing Strategy, Community Strategy and other appropriate documents. Regular publicity is completed for the Council’s activities.
The Environment & Housing Portfolio Holder and elected Member support team are 'Champions', supported by the Carbon Reduction Team and Go Green Bournemouth Campaign Team, with a wider staff network of staff 'Green Champions’ supporting behaviour change initiatives and campaigns. Health and Adult & Community Overview & Scrutiny Panels also support.
The Council has a long established, award-winning, targeted grant regimes to address geographical areas of poor energy efficiency (Boscombe) and vulnerable communities falling outside the national grant streams (over 60s, not claiming benefits).
The Council has agreed funding for insulation schemes in the years 2011- 2013. The schemes are completed in partnership with the Local Strategic Partnership and the Primary Care Trust, funding is combined with grant and utility funding to maximise the number of measures installed and residents engaged.
Money generated through the Feed-in Tariff (FIT) will be used to invest in other renewable technologies within the housing stock. The focus will be on properties that cannot benefit from the installation of photovoltaic panels.
The Council completes regular training and provides on-going advice/ support for tenants and staff. Energy efficiency advice is provided through the website and articles published within Home News.
Within Planning, energy conservation measures are critically assessed at plan examination and site inspection stages reflecting the Government target for carbon neutral buildings.
Policy CS1 of the Core Strategy encourages new residential development to meet level 3 of the Code for Sustainable Homes.
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Poole
The Poole Housing Partnership (manages Council housing stock) has their own Energy Strategy which is aligned with the Borough's. It includes Key Performance Indicators to measure improvements made to the housing stock and required housing standards are higher than those require for the Decent Homes Standard.
Core Strategy Policies PCS3, PCS32, PCS33 provide clear steer on improving sustainable quality of new residential development.
Advice on energy efficiency is provided to Council residents, through various media, in collaboration with Energy Saving Trust, Regen South West, Dorset Energy Advice Centre and utility companies.
Partnership work is completed with the above organisation as well as NHS, Bournemouth Borough Council and several other Social Housing providers. Grants and funding has been obtained from various sources to implement the installation of energy efficiency measures.
3.2.2 Considerations
Bournemouth
Recent and planned changes to the way that domestic energy improvements are funded and delivered means that it is difficult to predict what can be achieved with any certainty. The removal of Private Sector Housing Renewal funding means that the Council will no longer be able to provide direct grant assistance to residents. This will bring to an end the successful schemes that have helped improve domestic energy efficiency dramatically over the last 10 years.
The Government Green Deal proposals (currently being consulted upon and due to commence in late 2012) intend to offer loans to householders to make energy saving improvements. Bournemouth is part of a Government funded pilot scheme to assess how popular these proposals are with target groups and how they will work in practice. This is a major departure from the established grant streams and a lot will depend on how the public view the prospect of repaying the cost of insulation and other improvements. The Energy Company Obligation which will operate alongside the Green Deal aims to help those people who cannot afford the Green Deal and those people who require more costly measures. Indications are that this will not be of great use in Bournemouth as much of the funding is proposed to be directed at solid walled properties, of which there are few. There will also be limited scope to fund improvements in council-owned housing and no provision for work with social housing providers. All of this creates doubt as to whether these new mechanisms will deliver what is hoped in the domestic sector.
The reduction in the Feed-in Tariff rates for renewable energy installations will slow the introduction of these measures, which had increased dramatically in the domestic sector over recent months.
Poole
The success of energy efficiency installations in the social housing stock through Poole Housing Partnership has not been mirrored in the private sector. Energy efficiency for private sector housing is not currently being implemented as a strategic or operational focus and the Council does not offer any financial assistance to owner’s occupiers or tenants and landlords in the private sector. Many emerging housing grants such as CESP, CERT are not being pursued.
Obtaining up to date data is difficult as there is no longer a need to report on HECA and NI187. The CSE Fuel poverty indicator still shows that there are three wards with over 9% levels of fuel poverty but obviously that is out of date - with energy bill rises the estimates of fuel poverty have increased.
3.2.3 Risks
Both Authorities need to consider the appetite to initiate a long term programme of activity to reduce domestic carbon emissions and increase renewable energy generation within the two Boroughs. These would have many wide ranging benefits to the residents and support organisations and would
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certainly benefit the local economy. There is however a need to commit human and capital resource to ensure that reductions to 2020 would be achieved and sustained. Without this investment the Councils would find it challenging to meet the carbon reductions necessary.
When completing long term programmes it is necessary to ensure that demand for measures can be fulfilled by the supply chain, the Councils should ensure that they are strategically placed to influence and add value to those groups and organisations that are currently working to develop the supply chain.
3.3 Business energy efficiency
Bournemouth score = Fair/ Good Poole score = Good/ Fair
3.3.1 Highlights
Bournemouth
The Council signposts businesses to environment specialists at Business Link and the European Information Service Centre for advice on and grants for energy efficiency.
The Council are in the process of launching a series of workshops to local SMEs around "greening your business".
The Council works in partnership with a number of local businesses and organisations to promote ways of improving the local environment. Examples of groups are Green Goals Group, Green Knowledge Network (via Bournemouth Chamber of Trade and Commerce), Centre for the Green Knowledge Economy and the Business Futures Group.
A Carbon Management Centre of Excellence has recently been launched by Mouchel and the Council. It offers a number of services and aims to both tackle climate change and generate local jobs.
Policy CS1 within the Council’s Core Strategy encourages commercial buildings to achieve BREEAM “very good” rating.
Poole
Similarly to Bournemouth the Council works to engage with and educate businesses with groups such as, Business Futures Group.
Policy CS1 within the Council’s Core Strategy encourages commercial buildings to achieve BREEAM “excellent” rating.
The Council ensures full review of building specifications on all alterations/ extensions - plus Standard Assessment Procedure/ Simplified Building Energy Model calculations for non-domestic new build prior to approval. This continues with site reviews of construction and final build calculations to the issue of Completion Certificates. Where necessary various forms of enforcement action are taken.
The Council completed a solar photovoltaic seminar in September 2010, a Renewable Energy Strategy workshop in September 2011, a business breakfast energy efficiency seminar and renewable energy exhibition both in November 2011.
3.3.2 Considerations
Bournemouth
Although work is being completed with local businesses there remains minimal attention to business energy efficiency within corporate plans and strategies.
Further improvements should be made in the Council’s procurement processes, such as setting minimum energy performance within contracts as well as contracting to companies that have good environmental performance.
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Poole
The Council has focussed on the energy performance of suppliers within procurement by creating a suite of relevant draft documents – all based on NSPPP (National Sustainable Public Procurement Programme), Marrakech Task Force on Sustainable Public Procurement (SPP), including Green Public Procurement (GPP) standards. The suite of draft documents, which are awaiting formal sign-off is:
1. Sustainable Procurement Policy (DRAFT)2. SPT Guide3. Officers’ Guide
3.3.3 Risks
The Councils should consider how they can further engage with local businesses to gain commitments to reduce consumption and improve the environmental aspects of their business practices. This often has a positive benefit and improves domestic emissions if the behaviours are replicated within the home.
3.4 Public sector
Bournemouth score = Fair/ Good Poole score = Fair/ Good
3.4.1 Highlights
Bournemouth
Energy data has been collected and reviewed for over eight years. Performance of individual sites is evaluated, including benchmarking sites and where appropriate DEC scores held. Information is then used to target specific buildings. Energy efficiency improvements are included in refurbishment projects. The resulting reductions in energy consumption are saving the Council money regarding energy bills for its buildings.
A good example is the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum’s new Energy Efficiency Plan. This embeds energy efficiency as a core value and mainstreams it into the organization. It aims to maximise energy efficiency and the economic use of renewables and deliver savings, carbon emission reductions and an improved energy rating. Another project is underway to improve the Council’s ICT equipment which in turn will reduce the power consumption significantly.
Another good example is the Bournemouth Crematorium, which has had Mercury Abatement equipment fitted (FGT Flue Gas Treatment plant), this not only filters mercury from entering the atmosphere it also takes out other dioxins and furans, uses less gas and produces less CO. The new equipment also has a heat recovery system, this also adds to efficiency and a further reduction in gas and CO.
Bournemouth signed the Nottingham Declaration in 2002 and is likely to sign up to a refreshed national Declaration, soon to be launched. It is one of only a few local authorities who signed up to the three climate change National Indicators 185, 186 & 188
Consequently the Council put in place a Carbon Management Plan (CMP), which sets out a target of 1/3 reduction by 2014 based on 2008/09 levels. Resources are in place to deliver the target supported by the Council’s Carbon Reduction Team (CRT). There is also some funding in place including Salix loan scheme.
Since then the Council has entered into a formal partnership with Mouchel which is set to develop and deliver more innovative and significant schemes to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions. Specifically Mouchel is committed to supporting the Council in meeting CMP targets.
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Mouchel have reviewed the CMP project list and updated it to establish Council wide programmes as well as further site specific projects. This updated project list will be taken through the Councils relevant board to gain senior level support which is key to implementation.
The Council’s partnership with Mouchel includes a commitment to establish a Carbon Management Centre of Excellence. This will help to introduce further investment in Bournemouth’s ‘Green Knowledge Economy’ by bringing new job opportunities as well as significant financial investment.
The Council has almost completed its flagship corporate installation of photo-voltaic cells on the Town Hall Annexe. This should provide a significant proportion of the electricity the office consumes.
Another project involved a pilot scheme to deliver 50 photo-voltaic (PV) installations to Council houses and a further 200 were approved. The Council has planned to have installed 283 installations to their housing stock by December 12th. This project has allowed the Council to learn about the PV industry and gain experience in the installation and supply chain process. Installations will then be considered as part of a larger roll out across residential and business property. This innovative use of green technology will generate job growth for the Town, something the Council’s partnership with Mouchel has committed to do.
Despite the sudden announcement of a reduction to the Feed-in Tariff rates the prices of panels over recent months have come down and energy costs will continue to rise. The Council is therefore taking the opportunity to review its current business case for PV installations and hopes the schemes will still prove viable over the long term.
Energy efficiency improvements are included in refurbishment projects and a project is underway to improve the Council’s ICT equipment which in turn will reduce the power consumption significantly.
There have been a number of successfully accomplished projects improving energy efficiency across Bournemouth School’s including installations of photovoltaic panels in six schools, solar thermal panels, PIR, ground & air source heat pumps, energy efficient lighting, windcatchers etc.
Sustainable Construction Policy obliges school building projects to achieve BREEAM “very good” rating.
The Council in partnership with Mouchel agreed a programme of regular energy efficiency surveys, arranged to coincide with the existing regular programme of condition surveys for Bournemouth Schools.
Advice on energy efficiency and available grants is provided to Bournemouth Schools by the Council in collaboration with Mouchel, Eco School’s Network, Environmental Learning Solutions, Generation Green and Eco-Schools Solar.
Poole
The Council appointed the Carbon Reduction Manager in 2008 to undertake the Carbon Trust local authority carbon management programme with the ensuing Carbon Management Plan being accepted by Council in 2009. The plan aspires to reduce Council emissions by 25% over a 5 year period from a 2008 baseline and a £300k budget was allocated to a top 12 of carbon abatement projects. These projects range from safer driving courses, to voltage optimisation and pool cars. Savings from completed projects is ring fenced to spend on further improving energy efficiency.
The Council’s Carbon Reduction Energy wardens (CREW) energy Champions are in place and an awareness of Carbon Management Programme and CREW is included in induction training. Meetings are held annually with participation in national energy/ sustainability initiatives taking place throughout the year. To date the Council has reduced its emissions by 8% equating to carbon savings of 2,600 t/CO2 and financial saving of £283,000.
Energy data has been collected and reviewed during the life of the plan and work is being completed on evaluating the performance of individual sites to attract invest-to-save funding to target specific buildings.
The Council signed the Nottingham Declaration and is one of only a few local authorities who signed up to National Indicators 185, 186 & 188.
Experiences are shared at a local level and the Council was instrumental in the creation of a Local Authority Energy Managers Forum being introduced as part of the Bournemouth Dorset & Poole Low Carbon Partnership.
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3.4.2 Considerations
Bournemouth
Again, procurement activities have been scored as weak or weak/ fair. This is due to specific environmental standards not being required or life time costs using future price rises being considered. Advice is provided to the Council, but what needs to be agreed is how sustainability is evaluated against other requirements and that this is carried through by agreed policy. A key objective should be set for more sustainable procurement and specifically carbon/ cost reduction through the shortest and most local supply chains possible.
The Council does procure it’s energy from LASER (an energy buying group for publicly funded organisations in the South East).
The Carbon Management Plan that is in place is progressing, however, there are a number of remaining actions that need to be completed and it is necessary to ensure this work stream remains resourced.
Poole
Although the Council has a Carbon Management Plan it is felt that there needs to be a unique energy management strategy put in place to ensure energy efficiency standards are consistent across the authority.
The Council is punching above its weight when its resources are compared against similar sized authorities and the recent high ranking in the national Carbon Reduction Commitment league table supports this.
3.4.3 Risks
The Councils should consider how they procure their goods and services and commit to including environmental aspects and the long term cost scenarios. Although initially expensive goods could achieve cost savings in the future when energy prices are taken into account.
As with previous sections sufficient resources need to be committed to projects in order to complete work projects that will reduce emissions and/or increase renewable energy generation. In many instances work on own estate will lead to cost savings too.
Expected as a condition of sign-up to the EU COMs is more precision around the planned / intended outcomes of internal projects to deliver increased cashable energy cost / carbon efficiencies, a significant reduction in the overall level of energy used and a massive increase in the proportion of this which comes from renewable sources.
3.5 Renewables and low carbon technologies
Bournemouth score = Fair/ Good Poole score = Good/ Fair
3.5.1 Highlights
Bournemouth
The Council has installed Solar PV on some of its housing stock and six installations have been completed on its own buildings, including an installation on the on Kinson Hub by March 2012. A wider role out was planned but has largely been halted as a result of Government changes to the FIT.
Despite the sudden announcement of a reduction to the Feed-in Tariff rates the prices of panels over recent months have come down and energy costs will continue to rise. The Council is therefore
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taking the opportunity to review its current business case for PV installations and hopes the schemes will still prove viable over the long term.
Feasibility into combined heat and power/ district heating scheme has been completed with an ambition for a business case to be submitted by end of 2011.
Poole
As previous stated the Council’s Core Strategy Policies provide a clear steer on improving sustainable quality of new residential and commercial development. Their Sustainable Communities Strategy sets out priority to "Make Poole Greener" identifying Merley First School Biomass Boiler as an exemplar project to promote use of renewable fuel for heating and hot water.
Poole Core Strategy sets target of 100% of new homes to meet Code for Sustainable Homes. As well as improved energy efficiency for all of Poole's stock (existing and new) - achieving average SAP of 65-70 in the housing stock by 2016.
Training is provided to officers on implementation of climate change policies in the Poole Core Strategies.
Evaluation of Environmental Impact Assessment Scoping undertaken in house.
Bournemouth & Poole
Officers have knowledge of renewable technologies and are working with neighbouring local authorities through Bournemouth, Dorset and Poole Low Carbon Partnership (previously Dorset Energy Group) to share ideas and work up innovative solutions for increased deployment.
3.5.2 Considerations
Bournemouth
The Council is currently completing work on the refresh of the Bournemouth, Dorset and Poole Renewable Energy Strategy. It is hoped that this will rejuvenate both the activity and the corporate and political engagement that currently exists.
However the planned wider roll-out of Solar PV installations has been stopped as a result of Government changes to the FIT.
A major replacement programme for increasing the level of local renewable energy production is required and it is proposed that, prior to finalisation of the new municipal waste strategy, an urgent feasibility study is undertaken to assess the conurbations’ potential to produce biogas from the collection of domestic and commercial food waste, especially the latter given the relative significant size and scale of the hospitality industry.
Poole
An update on the Carbon Management Programme was recently presented to Members and was extremely well received. Councillors across both main political parties are keen to develop energy and renewable energy strategies and the time is ripe to take advantage of this enthusiasm through the pursuance of the Covenant of Mayors scheme.
The Council is arranging a renewable energy exhibition on 21st November 2011 and has invited local business and the public to have their say on what is the most appropriate renewable technologies for the Borough. This will then enable the Council to be better informed when working with Bournemouth and Dorset colleagues in the development of the Bournemouth, Dorset and Poole Renewable Energy Strategy.
3.5.3 Risks
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Leadership and work on the development of programmes on renewable energy and low carbon technologies installations will need to be completed by the Council to ensure commitments within COM are completed. Both Councils are currently refreshing the sub-regional renewable energy strategy, it will be necessary to make sure that this Strategy has a clearly defined action plan that includes how increased take up of technologies will be brought about.
The Councils should seek to understand how any changes in Government policy (FIT, Renewable Heat Incentive subsidy, Planning etc) on renewables and low carbon would affect any future programmes and take up by residents and businesses.
3.6 Own transport
Bournemouth score = Good/ Fair Poole score = Fair
3.6.1 Highlights
Bournemouth
The Council has completed eco-driver training with some of its staff and hopes to roll out a wider programmer in the future.
The Council is committed to taking steps to ensure that energy efficient and cleaner fuel alternatives are specified when fleet vehicles are to be replaced.
The Council has a strong desire to minimise casual and essential user mileage in favour of a pool vehicle fleet, comprising of the most environmentally friendly vehicles that the Council can afford. The Council has trialled a wide range of electric and hybrid cars as possible pool vehicles. Under the Council Travel Plan a Grey Fleet Review -Strategic Business Case has been given the green light (Nov 2011.) The Strategic Business Case proposes a review followed by an implementation of new Grey Fleet arrangements with the object of delivering:
financial savings; significantly reduced carbon emissions; reduced corporate risk entailed by the use of private cars for Council business; opportunities to encourage staff to walk, cycle, and use public transport in and around the
town of Bournemouth, and further afield. The Council takes measures to reduce carbon levels from its fuel by adding cleaning additives. Future initiatives being considered include; minimising emissions by improving fuel types, reducing
the number of fleet vehicles operated and replacing older vehicles with better rated Euro standard engines. The Council is committed to replace its entire light commercial fleet with the latest standard of Euro rated engines throughout 2012.
Vehicle specifications for a replacement commercial fleet and passenger transport vehicles will include a significant element of cleaner/ efficient requirements on offer by the manufacturers.
The Council’s Passenger Transport function is currently subject to a transformation review, one of the key action points is to use vehicle assets more efficiently reducing the number of vehicles.
Poole
The Council has completed eco-driver training with some of its staff and hopes to roll out a wider programmer in the future.
Working with leading vehicle manufactures (Dennis Trucks) to introduce bespoke fuel saving systems to reflect the demands of refuse collection.
The re-introduction of LPG into the fleet (Mayor’s car). Alternative fuels – Poole has been at the forefront of trialling alternative fuels since 2006, operating a
variety of refuse collection vehicles on sustainable fuels such as waste cooking oils and Pure Plant oils, providing a substantial CO2 reduction of 80 – 90% over Diesel.
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Engine tuning – trials have been carried out with vehicle engine/ transmission tuning to improve overall MPG, to facilitate this work, Poole has been collecting vehicle CANBUS data to provide detailed understanding of the correlation between driver input & the daily vehicle collection rounds.
Tracking – Poole has been studying the benefits of vehicle based Tracking & Telemetry for the purposes of increasing MPG performance through driver management technology and improve overall efficiency of use by through monitoring tracking technology, this has been done by carrying out extensive in-house trials and through case studies of similar organisations, culminating in a roll out plan for the entire LGV fleet.
The Council are specifying, wherever possible, light vehicles with sub 100g CO2/km and zero road fund licence.
The introduction of electric pool cars into the fleet is being assessed and Poole were one of the first councils to demo the Citroen C Zero.
Large vehicles are being specified with anti-idle devices where possible. Light vehicle are being introduced with stop start technology. Vehicles need to have Finance and Service Unit sign off before ordering to ensure the vehicle is
required. The A35 corridor between Bournemouth and Poole is a priority improvement. Cycle and bus
infrastructure improvements are a significant feature of Poole’s portion of the LSTF bid.
3.6.2 Considerations
3.6.3 Risks
Transport emissions outside of those that will be changed through manufacturer improvements are often more difficult to reduce. This is largely due to cost barriers or the perceived inconvenience or public transport. The Council would need to commit to showing leadership in using low emitting vehicles and promoting the use of local transport. Working with local transport providers is essential.
The consideration of more flexible working and virtual meetings will have an effect on reducing the need to travel to meetings and/ or workplaces. The Councils should identify the opportunities for conference calling, video conferencing and staff working from home where applicable. Reducing travel time will also have a positive effective on the number of effective work hours for employees. BBC is already working on a Business Travel Decision Tree and the implementation of a new Business Travel & Subsistence policy wef 1/4/12.
3.7 Local transport
Bournemouth score = Good Poole score = Good
3.7.1 Highlights
Bournemouth
The Council has a Low Carbon Travel Strategy in place and a number of low carbon infrastructure projects are being looked at though their Local Carbon Framework work.
Bournemouth in partnership with Poole and Dorset have developed a joint Local Transport Plan (LTP) 2011 to 2026 which will deliver a programme of measures to help reduce carbon and mitigate against future impact of climate change on transport infrastructure, these measures include: Providing people with a greater choice of alternatives to the car and giving increased priority to
low carbon travel modes such as walking and cycling, especially for shorter distance journeys. Working with bus operators to increase the attractiveness and competitiveness of bus use
compared to the car and to improve the fuel efficiency of bus fleets. Encouraging the role of rail based park and ride at suburban stations to encourage greater use
of rail for longer distance trips to urban centres.
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Creating lasting sustainable travel habits in Dorset through well-publicised “Green Travel” marketing and awareness campaigns - supported by effective travel planning at schools and workplaces, car clubs and car sharing initiatives.
Establishing a network of infrastructure for alternative fuel vehicles, including charging points for electric vehicles.
Adapting maintenance practices to have a greater focus on sustainable and more energy efficient solutions, such as low energy variable street lighting and sustainable drainage
Using recycled, low carbon materials where possible in transport improvement schemes to reduce energy use.
Designing, constructing or maintaining the transport network to withstand the potential impacts of extreme weather events, flooding and rising sea levels arising from climate change
Developing visitor management practices and Visitor Travel Plans for major attractions, supported by multi-operator tourist travel cards, to reduce the carbon footprint of our important tourism industry
The LTP also contains carbon reduction targets. The Council has the annual School Travel Health Check and targets in their LTP. Awareness raising campaigns, travel planning and community engagement activities are seen as key
aspects of the Council’s transport activity and work. Again the Council works in partnership with neighbouring authorities, the 3rd Sector and outside agencies.
Bournemouth in partnership with Poole and Dorset has submitted a joint Local Sustainable Transport Funding bid (£15.135 Million). This bid is based upon a project providing an integrated and targeted package of measures which will create a long-lasting step change in low carbon travel along the key east-west transport corridor defined in the main by the A35 linking Christchurch, Bournemouth and Poole. The package will deliver enhanced local bus, rail, walking and cycling alternatives through a combination of targeted infrastructure, service and operational improvements. This will be complemented by removing key barriers to the use of these modes and by engaging with local communities and businesses along the corridor to “nudge” travel behaviour towards non-car modes.
In addition to the joint LSTF bid Bournemouth is developing a “small” LSTF Bid ‘The Bournemouth Economic Sustainable Movement Around Town’ (BE SMArT). This Tranche 2 bid (£4.647 million) will aim to influence a change in the behaviour of commuters on their daily journeys. The bid will support economic growth and reduce carbon emissions across the Borough through the promotion of measures to remove barriers to cycling, walking and using public transport for journeys to work and education. The measures will also include travel planning, adult cycle training, marketing campaigns, and targeted publicity amongst others.
School Travel Plans promote walking, cycling and public transport with more practical measures to reduce car travel.
Dorset, Bournemouth & Poole Local Transport Plan 3 (adopted April 2011) has clear priorities, setting out short, medium and long term measures to reduce carbon emissions across all Dorset authorities. Site Specific Allocations and Development Management Policies Development Plan Document contains transport policies relating to Accessibility & Safety which seek to ensure development is sustainably located and promotes walking and cycling.
Due to the rising number of pre-school children due to the increased birth rate, Bournemouth is having to cater for an additional 420 primary school places for academic years 2013 & 2014 in 11 schools. Under this expansion there are fresh incentives to review the existing travel plans and opportunities to re-engage with behaviour change and modal shift through exposure to the planning process. Almost all of Bournemouth schools now have an adopted Travel Plan.
Poole
School travel plans promote walking, cycling and public transport with more practical measures to reduce car travel.
Dorset, Bournemouth & Poole Local Transport Plan 3 (adopted April 2011) has clear priorities, setting out short, medium and long term measures to reduce carbon emissions across all Dorset authorities. Site Specific Allocations and Development Management Policies Development Plan
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Document contains transport policies relating to Accessibility & Safety which seek to ensure development is sustainably located and promotes walking and cycling.
Most of Poole’s schools are going through a re-organisation process from three to two tiers, removing ‘Middle’ schools. (Junior and Secondary). For some schools, there are fresh incentives and opportunities to re-engage with behaviour change and modal shift through exposure to the planning process. Almost all of Poole’s schools now have an adopted Travel Plan.
For the past three years the local Primary Care Trust has funded a ‘Bike It’ Officer to promote school cycling. This funding is due to end later this year, in September 2012. The Primary Care Trust itself is due to close in 2013”.
The speed of delivery of some of the Council’s Sustainable Transport objectives (e.g. A35 and other bus corridors) depends on the success of the Local Sustainable Transport Fund bid. The larger the amount of funding received, the faster the pace of delivery.
3.7.2 Considerations
Bournemouth
Whilst there is an acknowledgement that awareness raising campaigns, travel planning and community engagement activities are seen as key aspects of the Council’s transport activity and work, it is not clear that this is happening to the level that is required to meet the level of carbon reduction planned through LTP3. It is suggested that a check is needed to provide the evidence that this is happening effectively across all modes of sustainable travel. These kinds of activities will be ramped up through the life time of the current LTP as part of the Smarter Choices agenda. Additionally, if we are successful with LSTF, these kinds of activities are a core part of the LSTF projects and will provide a step change in personalised travel planning, marketing etc.
Poole
The LSTF bid supports over £1 million pounds of cycle and bus corridor improvement schemes. If the bid is not successful these schemes would probably still take place, but at a reduced pace of delivery. The result of the LSTF bid is due in late June 2012. LSTF bid money would be ‘ring fenced’ for the schemes proposed in the bid. In contrast, LTP money is not ring fenced. It could be withdrawn to fund other projects.
Poole has been very successful in securing and operating School Travel Plans. Central government’s removal of the ‘mode of travel to school’ question for the next school census has taken away a valuable data gathering tool for measuring effectiveness and targeting achievements in School Travel Plans.
3.7.3 Risks
Similarly to the above section the Council should identify opportunities/ barriers to reducing the number of car journeys and how they can increase the numbers of people using public transport and bikes, walking etc. The identification of opportunities and barriers is being looked at as part of the LTP process and during the development of the LTP Capital Programme.
3.8 Communities
Bournemouth score = Good Poole score = Good
3.8.1 Highlights
Bournemouth
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Neighbourhood workers and other community staff are engaged and support community projects on sustainable energy and carbon transmission.
The Council supports community organisations, such as "Transition" group, with shared targets through their commitment to the Earth Charter and involvement with schools, Bournemouth University and other partners.
The Council has a good understanding of the dispersal of fuel poverty cross the Borough. Two target areas have been chosen as priorities within their Community Strategy.
Partnership working through strategic community partners and Bournemouth 2026 has seen strong community engagement and a number of new initiative and projects to tackle carbon emissions.
Community Plan links strongly to the Earth Charter and demonstrates a wide range of linkages to the impact of climate change.
Community Centres (seven) encouraged and supported to implement energy saving measures as well as using re-usable energy sources as part of their on-going asset management plans.
Poole
The Poole Tidal Energy Partnership is in place and is seeking funding for a study of the potential for electricity generation from the tide from the harbour area of Poole. The ambition is to then set up a Community Interest Company to manage the generation of power from the harbour and other areas. The generation of power would not only supply some of the electricity needs of the local residents but gain income that would be used to fund future projects.
Council has previously been actively engaged in Home Energy Conservation Act and on several fuel poverty schemes with excellent results. Although recent in-house Service Unit re-structures has meant that this work has diminished.
3.8.2 Considerations
Bournemouth & Poole
Work to deliver a low carbon 3rd Sector, community groups, neighbourhoods and partners has potential to deliver positive behavioural changes at a level which is disproportionate to the relatively lower levels of investment required to bring about cashable savings. Not only does this make a major contribution to the overall strategy and plans for Low Carbon Towns it has the added value of increasing the resilience of this sector and the local communities to the growing threat of fuel poverty driven by the escalating costs and insecurity in the supply of fossil fuels. That added value is increased by the ability grass roots activism to bring about change which the Council is unlikely to be able to do itself – for instance, the significant contributions being made by the Transition Towns movement, the Big Green Believers Agreement and work with the local University which is galvanising action through multi-faith groups across Bournemouth, Dorset & Poole.
3.8.3 Risks
The Councils will need to ensure that they continue their engagement with community groups. In addition they should look for opportunities to influence other communities to either increase their momentum or start projects. Without communities being on board it will be challenging to increase the number of installations needed to reduce emission and increase renewable energy generation.
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Recommendations/ key risks
3.9 Signing up to Covenant of Mayors
Both Councils performed well in the performance assessment and are in a position to sign up to and gain benefit from the EU Covenant of Mayors programme.
There are however a number of risks that should be considered and satisfied to ensure that the Councils have complete confidence in their ability to achieve the milestones within the programme, they are:
A strategic and political commitment is in place to commit resources to the programme and the work. The ability for cross service and cross council working to be implemented. Effective monitoring systems in place to ensure progress on implementation of the action plan
objectives can be clearly defined. New ways of working are investigated and implemented, for example, more flexible working and less
travel to meetings when they can be completed through conference calls/ webinars.
4 Next steps
Both Councils should review this document and the considerations and risks that have been identified. Work should be completed to understand if these have identified real barriers to continuing work in this area and specifically signing up to EU Covenant of Mayors.
This work can be drawn into a pre-circulated paper and then be discussed at the meeting of decision makers and stakeholders to enable a clear decision to be made.
A further recommendations paper will then be produced and delivered by EST.
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Energy Saving Trust, 21 Dartmouth Street, London SW1H 9BP Tel: 0207 222 0101 energysavingtrust.org.uk © 2011. Energy Saving Trust. E&OE This publication (including any drawings forming part of it) is intended for general guidance only and not as a substitute for the application of professional expertise. Any figures used are indicative only. The Energy Saving Trust gives no guarantee as to reduction of carbon emissions, energy savings or otherwise. Anyone using this publication (including any drawings forming part of it) must make their own assessment of the suitability of its content (whether for their own purposes or those of any client or customer), and the Energy Saving Trust cannot accept responsibility for any loss, damage or other liability resulting from such use.
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