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 overview of the progress being made to deliver the Council’s energy and water reduction strategy.  It was noted that the update report recommended that Members noted progress and commented on the proposed work plan for the next period.  The Energy Reduction Manager explained that the report provided an update on the Annual Energy Consumption Figures 2016/17, Town Hall Water Reduction Project, Schools RE:FIT programme and Building Management System & LED lighting phase 2 projects. 

The key areas covered were noted as follows:

·         Annual Energy Consumption figures 2016/17.

·         Town Hall water reduction.

·         Building Management System & LED lighting phase 2 projects.

·         Schools RE:FIT programme.

·         Work planned over the next period until the next Sustainability Panel

In the ensuing discussion, the following points were noted:  

Ø  That whilst the Energy Reduction Manager had recommended savings for the York House refurbishment the decision was ultimately down to the Property Service Lead, Rob Large, and the consultants who had designed the refurbishment.  The Vice-Chair stated that he believed the long-term savings outweighed the short-term costs.  The Chairman requested that the Energy Reduction Manager work out the savings figure for items such as solar panels, control systems, etc that could be installed at York House.  Councillor Werner added that he felt it would be mad not to make the changes now whilst the refurbishment was taking place. 

Ø  Councillor Sharp commented that there was still no big screen up in the Reception area in the Town Hall.  The Chairman explained that whilst there was a large screen in place in Reception it was not being used and that she would look into why it was not in use.  Councillor Sharp requested that the person who was now looking after the Reception area in the Town Hall, and the big screen in particular, be invited to attend the next meeting and give a progress update. 

Ø  That the Panel agreed that they preferred the higher flow of water shown during the demonstration for washing their hands as they felt it would be more acceptable to all users.  It was suggested that a sign be displayed to explain the water savings made as a result of using the new piece of kit and a clear explanation why hot water was no longer being used.  Councillor Yong stated that she would be interested to hear any feedback received with regard to the trial.  The Chairman asked the Energy Reduction Manager to look into the costs for proceeding with a trial of the Drenched product.

Ø  Councillor Yong suggested that an article be written to explain to elderly residents in particular the huge benefits of some of the gadgets currently available. 

Ø  Regarding the Schools RE:FIT programme the Chairman asked the Energy Reduction Manager to make the procurement team aware that the Panel would like feedback from schools ASAP (before they broke up for the school holidays in July). 

Ø  It was noted that the LED lighting project in Hines Meadow had showed significant savings this year.  Councillor Sharp requested that the new lights be cleaned more regularly as he felt they were starting to lose efficiency when dirty.  Councillor Sharp requested further analysis on the savings figures so the good news stories could be highlighted.  The  Energy Reduction Manager agreed to produce a breakdown to the Panel.

Ø  Councillor Sharp informed everyone present that he was impressed with the Energy Reduction Manager as he believed his predecessors had not been as enthusiastic about the role. 

That work planned over the next period included:

·                     LED lighting upgrade programming / project planning / installations.

·                     Building Management System upgrade programming / project planning.

·                     Investigating the Schools RE:FIT programme.

·                     Staff awareness campaign planning.

·                     Energy Switch to Save planning.

RESOLVED Unanimously; That:

§  The Sustainability Panelnotes the report, the progress made and comments on the proposed work plan over the next period as detailed in paragraph 11.18.

§  The Sustainability Panel approves the installation of volumiser tap flow regulators at the Town Hall subject to a positive trial of the technology.

§  That delegated authority be provided to the Lead member for Sustainability and the Head of Community Protection and Enforcement to decide whether the volumiser tap flow regulators are installed at the Town Hall if the trial is positive.

§  That the Sustainability Panel approves a workshop being held with schools to raise awareness of the Schools RE:FIT project, consolidate initial interest and help to convince hesitant schools to sign up.