Energy across the authority 2019

More examples of how local authorities have taken advantage of energy opportunities

APSE Energy’s latest publication '2019 Energy across the authority – more examples of how local authorities have taken advantage of energy opportunities’ follows the same approach from the original ‘Energy across the authority’ from last year. As the focus on formalising progress within Council’s with regard to sustainability, climate change and energy continues (especially with climate emergency declarations) there is a greater interest on projects that are being undertaken across the sector. Action plans are a vital part of any strategy and examples such as those included within this documents provide the practical methods to realise the targets set out in those action plans.

This publication highlights 8 case studies from across the UK which detail the approach taken to address a range of problems for the benefit of local communities and economies. It includes examples of energy companies, electrification of the fleet, geothermal, work with schools, street lighting air quality and more. The lessons to be learnt are not specific to the examples – there is much to be gleaned which can be applied to other circumstances, technologies and outcomes.

Local authorities across the UK are engaging in the energy agenda at a growing rate because it provides them with an opportunity to fully utilise their assets, to support their local communities and economies and to generate income. Councils are able to take real leadership role in their areas and encourage others to play their part too.

Local authorities own assets – pieces of land, civic and council house roofs, vehicles, commercial properties – and they have access to other assets within their localities which they do not own. There is a duty on councils to make sure they are using their assets to the full and some of the examples in this publication show just how this is being achieved. These are just a small selection of the many projects that councils have undertaken in terms of the energy agenda.

However some are less willing to innovate than others. We hope that ‘2019 Energy across the authority’ will encourage all local authorities to understand that there are a variety of opportunities open to them if they wish to invest in energy and that the activities of others will encourage them to take the plunge. I hope you find this report to be informative and inspiring.