Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Corporate Energy Manager.

The City Surveyor presented the report which provided an update on the Renewables and Energy Efficiency Programme, including income generation, energy and carbon savings, as well as feasibility work for new projects to commence in 2018/19. He highlighted a number of projects the Energy team had been working on including the progression of a European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) grant to support smart grid systems and the benefits of battery storage, on sites on Clapperbrook Lane and the Livestock Centre.  New LED lights had also been installed at Princesshay 3 Car Park.  

Data for the Council’s Annual Greenhouse Gas Emissions for 2017 was now available and reflected further reductions in energy consumption and total carbon emissions which were detailed in an appendix to the report. Total CO2 emissions had illustrated a 25% reduction in emissions from buildings and 34% in emissions from transport since 2012.  Energy consumption at the Civic Centre had also reduced by 36% and was a clear endorsement of the benefits of a combination of Solar PV, energy saving LED lights, hand dryers and a more efficient gas boiler.  The Energy Strategy target of a 50% energy reduction in energy consumption and carbon emissions by 2022 was still achievable if invested in.  He also drew attention to the new savings and income streams made in energy by the City Council of £1.5 million since 2012.

Corporate Services Scrutiny Committee noted the report and the energy saving progress made to date, income and savings generated up to April 2018, and projects planned for the Renewables and Energy Efficiency Programme.