Attachment 2 An Energy Strategy for Kingston: A Draft for Consultation Summary of Consultation findings 1. Introduction Initial consultation 1.1. The draft energy strategy was written after a period of evidence gathering and stakeholder engagement. This included interviews with people who have an interest in or responsibility for energy matters, a stakeholder event which brought together representatives from public and private sector organisations and energy support services providers and two special interest groups one on fuel poverty and one addressing planning and development issues. Formal consultation 1.2. A six week period of formal consultation was conducted after the Draft Energy Strategy was approved for consultation on the 4 th November 2008. The consultation material consisting of the draft energy strategy, a summary, and a response form was available on the RBK website, local libraries and Guildhall 2. The consultation was advertised to the public on the council website and a press release (published in the Informer and Kingston Guardian). Stakeholders were informed of the consultation at 1:1 meetings and via a targeted email. 1.3. A series of presentations was made to a number of representative groups and their comments invited. These were: • The four Neighbourhood Committees • Kingston Strategic Partnership and three of the Delivery Groups o Adult Health and Wellbeing Board o Children and Young People’s Trust o Safer Kingston Partnership • The Primary Care Trust Board. • Chessington Business Working Group • The Ecological Footprinting Working Group • The Primary Heads Partnership Group and • The Schools Premises Consultative Group Responses 1.4. We received 54 responses to the Draft Energy Strategy from a range of sources. Groups and individuals responded via the formal questionnaire, provided a written response or contributed to discussions at meetings. 1.5. We received 20 formal questionnaires and 11 written responses from external organisations and individuals. In addition we received 10 responses from Council officers in writing and via meetings. 1 1.6. The written responses and those in the response forms are categorised by sector in the table below. Category of group/organisation Number Business 8 Public Sector 2 Education 2 Trade Associations and Service Providers 2 Registered Social Housing Landlord 1 (Charitable Industrial & Provident Society) Religious 1 Charity 1 Residential 7 Voluntary 5 1.7. The response to the general approach to the strategy is set out in section 2, Scope and Purpose of the Strategy. In section 3, Key Issues, we summarise the key issues that emerged from the formal consultation, including the Neighbourhood committee meetings and the questionnaire responses. 1.8. In Annex 1 we set out the relevant minutes from the Neighbourhood committee meetings. 1.9. In Annex 2 we provide an analysis of the responses from the formal questionnaire. 2. Scope and Purpose of the Strategy 2.1. The development of the Energy strategy by the Council was welcomed and was seen as a good first step in dealing with a very complex issue. 2.2. The majority of respondents agreed with the scope, purpose and objectives of the Strategy and that we had identified the main issues and challenges. In particular the following were supported: • The attribution of responsibility and accountability • The need for partnership and networks • The key role that spatial planning policies can play 2.3. Some felt that it is not possible to maintain the current economic direction of the borough and meet the energy and carbon challenges set out in the strategy. • Gaps that were identified include: • The need for tougher and measurable targets and timeframes for action • The need to identify the financial costs and benefits of measures and actions. • The identification of clear actions to deliver the objectives. • Daring policy and leadership from the council 2 • The wider energy implications of the use of finite resources 3. Key issues The consultation responses identified several key issues and actions. These are: 3.1. Leading by Example • The council should lead by example both in ambition and by demonstrating practical commitment eg by switching off lights and computer monitors when not in use. 3.2. Planning • The importance of setting targets eg % of onsite renewables; standards of energy efficiency • The provision of information and advice for decision makers and developers • The need to vigorously address energy issues in key developments eg K+20 and Eden Court • The need to gather information and data to identify the potential and opportunities for the use of renewable and decentralised energy in the borough. 3.3. Retrofitting • The importance of making energy efficiency improvements to the existing buildings, in particular the domestic housing stock. 3.4. Renewables • Greater use of renewables was welcomed • Concern was raised at the initial cost of retrofitting renewable technology. • The potential for energy from water – the Thames, Hogsmill or underground aquifer. 3.5. Decentralised Energy • Strong support for decentralised energy eg in Kingston Town Centre • The need to identify the potential for local energy networks and the introduction of policies and actions to support delivery. • The strategy should include policies that support energy from waste 3.6. Communication and Awareness • Is essential to achieve necessary behavioural change • There was lot of support to assist through organisations existing networks and channels • The messages need to be appropriate and targeted to the needs of different sectors/audiences. • Schools were identified as an important conduit. 3 3.7. Partnership and Networking • There was strong support and commitment to work together. • A range of services were offered. • The need for best practice case studies and sharing of experiences and resources was identified 3.8. Schools • Schools should be targeted for action as high energy users and key influencing organisations. • Training for schools facilities managers was identified as a need. • School managers were keen to help facilitate action both in relation to the curriculum and education and facilities management. • The programmes for school improvements/refurbishments and Building schools for the Future were key triggers for action on energy and climate change. • The issue of adequate resources and funding to support delivery was raised. 3.9. Fuel Poverty • Several organisations identified the need to address fuel poverty, particularly in the light of increasing prices. • There is a need and commitment for a framework and partnerships to help deliver action. • The need to ensure that vulnerable people have access to adequate energy for health and well being • At the same time as tackling fuel poverty it was recognised that Kingston is a relatively affluent borough and we need to address the issues of the fuel rich and profligate. 3.10. Street lighting • Effective street lighting is considered important to safety and to the night time economy. • The need to continue with good energy management and innovative technical solutions. • There were suggestions to switch off / down street lighting in the early hours, it was recognised that there may be safety concerns. 4 Annex 1 Neighbourhood Committees Kingston Town 1. the vision and objectives of the Strategy: • More could be achieved if the Government was prepared to introduce changes to building control through regulation. • The Government has not introduced an effective enforcement regime for SAPs consequently there is no penalty imposed if landlords do not install energy efficiency measures where appropriate before re-letting properties. • Some of the principle objectives for the Council as a Community Leader are not in the control of the Council to implement 2. the possible actions suggested: • Schools should be used as a resource to disseminate information • Combined Heat and Power may not reduce carbon generation sufficiently to make a significant difference. • Greater emphasis should be given to climate change and energy conservation issues in reports on planning applications so the content should be amended accordingly. • Reduce the illumination on advertising panels and/or investigate the use of LED or low energy lighting; reduce the number of hours that the panels are lit. • Consider turning off street lighting earlier in the morning. • Encourage residents to reduce energy and distribute information on measures residents can take to achieve this. • Ensure lights are switched off when offices are empty. 3. No further suggestions were made for key stakeholders to consult in the development of the strategy or who could contribute to the delivery of action in the first Annual Implementation Plan: 4. No additional projects that were identified for inclusion in the first Annual Implementation Plan and would contribute to aims of the energy Strategy: Maldens & Coombe i) the vision and objectives of the Strategy (ref. Annexes 1 and 2) were broadly supported. ii) in relation to the possible actions suggested in Annex 2: • these were broadly supported in principle but more detail about their cost and how they would be implemented were requested, particularly in relation to implementation in local authority housing and funding from the Housing Revenue Account and ‘invest to save’. • the Strategy should promote the benefits of combined heat and power generation as a modern and feasible option which does not pollute the environment, is sustainable and cost effective and which can be provided