By the Energy Reduction Manager (Michael Potter).

The Energy Reduction Manager, Michael Potter, referred Members to pages 11-20 of the agenda and explained that the report provided an update and gave the Panel an overview of the progress being made to deliver the Panel’s energy reduction strategy. 

The key areas covered were noted as follows:

• Building LED Lighting project phase 2
• RBWM Energy Switch to Save
• Town Hall Building Management System (BMS) project
• Water Saving Toilet Trial
• Work planned over the next period until the next Sustainability Panel

In the ensuing discussion, the following points were noted:  

Ø  Whether there was a breakdown available of the 750 LED lights in the upgrade project.

Ø  The Energy Reduction Manager informed the Panel that the LED lighting upgrade work would take place overnight and at weekends so as to minimise disturbance to users (e.g. Maidenhead Library users).  Members were informed that the out of hours and weekend work would likely be charged at the same rate by the contractor.  

Ø  The average household saving with regard to the RBWM Energy Switch to Save Scheme was £244.74.

Ø  Councillor Yong informed the Panel that by taking part in the RBWM Energy Switch to Save Scheme had saved her £860.  It was suggested that this example saving should be publicised in the Around the Royal Borough newsletter. 

Ø  It was suggested that the next ‘push’ of the RBWM Energy Switch to Save Scheme should be aimed at the elderly, particularly those not on-line, clubs, etc. 

Ø  It was suggested that RBWM Energy Switch to Save Scheme be advertised more by linking it to the Councils recycling scheme, via Community Champions and by being included in the recycling guide currently being produced.  The Chairman suggested that a table be set up in the Nicholson’s Centre at weekends to help promote the scheme. 

Ø  Councillor Yong suggested that some case studies should be collated, ideally using Members from this Panel, to show the savings they had achieved by switching energy suppliers.  It was suggested that the Energy Reduction Manager emailed all Members to see if they had switched and that photos be taken of those that had before a Full Council meeting so they could be included in case studies. 

Ø  That Ichoser would need to be informed if the Council was going to take part in the scheme – it was suggested that February would be a good time to take part and that the Council should start publicising the scheme in January.

Ø  That the Energy Reduction Manager emailed the Panel in the next week or so with the timescales of the Town Hall BMS projects tender process.

Ø  That the feedback on the water saving toilets from two local authorities had been quite positive with regard to savings made, level of maintenance required, etc.

Ø  Concerns were noted with regard to the availability of spare parts and what would happen if this company went out of business. 

Ø  The Panel felt it was not the right time to proceed with a trial of the water saving toilets and that the Energy Reduction Manager should look at investigating cheaper, more sensible options to help save water.

Ø  That the schools energy savings competition would start on the 9th January and run until the 6th February 2017.  Councillor Sharp explained that the Baylis Trust were interested to get involved on an annual basis but would first need to see the scheme in a written format.  The Energy Reduction Manager agreed to email Councillor Sharp a copy of the full proposal so he could send it onto the Baylis Trust. 

Ø  That the Chairman liked the ‘drip feeding’ process of promoting energy saving awareness messages to staff via screen savers, internal borough bulletins, etc. 

That work planned over the next period included:

• Working with shared building services on the Town Hall BMS project.
• Working on the LED upgrade programme phase 2 tender documentation.
• Further development of schools energy saving competition.
• Development of staff energy awareness scheme.
• Further investigations into water saving measures.

RESOLVED Unanimously; That:

i)             The Panel noted the progress made and commented on the proposed work plan over the next period as detailed in paragraph 17.24.

ii)            The Panel approved the building LED lighting project phase 2 subject to procurement rules at a cost of £35,000 using the CY03 capital code. Also, that delegation be given to the Head of Community Protection & Enforcement Services, in consultation with the Lead Member for Sustainability, to review any variance of the cost following a tender exercise.