Dave Worthington (Verco): Focus on schools
Schools are often the best starting point for councils as the total emissions and potential for energy reduction is usually greater than the rest of the council’s footprint and there is the added benefit of educating the next generation of energy managers.
Alexandra Willey (Affinity Sutton): Keep in mind the knock-on benefits
“Fuel poverty is recognised at a high level as a key driver. There is also reduced turnover and potentially lower arrears if people are warmer and can afford their bills, but this can be very difficult to evidence accurately.
Dr Zack Gill (Willmott Dixon): The importance of good housekeeping
Budgets are set based on last years consumption, rather than what consumption should or could be. A key starting point for all local authorities is simply good housekeeping. This may require specialist input or dedicated positions within the council (even just to collate information from historic bills and meters) but can lead to quick wins (i.e negotiated utility contracts, reduced availability charges, focused attention on poor performing buildings...etc.)
Steve Fawkes (EnergyPro): Work out what buildings are needed first
Local authorities need to decide what the property portfolio strategy is before they decide on energy efficiency targets. There is no point investing in making a building energy efficient that will subsequently sold or closed. Until the changes settle down, there would be an argument for only investing heavily in core buildings.
Richard Lupo (Sustainable Homes): Focus on the buildings with the most potential
Start with the worst performing buildings first because when it comes to sell them you will be able to attract a higher price.
Steve Fawkes: Learn how to sell it to the top brass
Talk the language of chief executives and chief financial officers – not the language of energy efficiency. Research their ‘hot buttons’ and talk about the non-energy benefits (risk, local employment, etc,)
Steven Morris (Peterborough city council): Take advantage of devolution
This is the biggest opportunity for local authorities. We aim to be a net exporter of electricity in the next 12 months. We will then look to export and consider setting up localised energy tariff for residents. If every council collects waste (which either gets recycled or mainly sent to landfill), that waste could produce a substantial amount of electricity which could be used locally. There is no reason why local authorities cant do the same throughout the UK.
Phil Summerton (Cambridge Econometrics): Don’t fear regulatory standards
“In Europe we have a long-term framework for lowering the emissions of new vehicles and it is delivering. It goes to show that regulatory standards can be effective drivers of change, not just nuanced market-based incentives.”
Duncan Price (BuroHappold): Language is very important
“We often say that there needs to be improved energy literacy but I think it is just as important that energy professionals are technical, numerate, articulate and literate and able to speak to different audiences about what matters to them.”
Dave Worthington: Know when are the best times to make changes to buildings
The point at which a property changes hands – either a change of landlord or tenant – is a great time to consider improving energy efficiency via deep low carbon refurbishment and a huge missed opportunity if nothing is done.
Richard Lupo: Report all the impacts of your work
“Quantify NHS savings, crime reduction and economic benefits of refurbishment.”
View the full discussion on how councils can improve energy efficiency here
