Themes from the APSE Energy Summit in Falkirk

A number of themes emerged from the presentations and discussions at the APSE Energy Summit in Falkirk last week.

The need for local authorities to support innovation was one of these and it was highlighted by reference to a number of case studies from councils such as Stirling, Warrington, Nottingham and Dumfries and Galloway. These and other local authorities are taking this agenda forward by investing time and resources into new operating models, products and services which are new to the sector and so involve an element of managed risk. Lori McElroy from BRE also outlined evidence from a number of studies and highlighted innovative products. The point is that there are many private sector companies looking for public sector partners to try new products and services.

A further theme to emerge was the value of starting small in terms of projects within this agenda. It is not the case that all projects have to be large scale and expensive - start small but at least get started. Success breeds momentum and that will lead to more interest and activity.

There was interest in a couple of models which are available to help you track carbon footprints – so make sure you utilise them. We have mentioned the SCATTER tool and the Tyndall Centre model previously – they can help you monitor where the organisation is starting from and monitor progress.

The issue of education also emerged – if we are expecting our colleagues to suggest schemes which will help the local authority meet its climate emergency targets, then they must be informed enough about the global, national and most importantly local context, to make a contribution.

Finally, there was a focus on the fact that this is an unusual time in terms of the level of public interest in climate change and the resulting declarations made by many councils. What the impact of these declarations will be over the long term, only time will tell, but if ever there was a time to make the case for projects and services which will support sustainability and carbon reduction, it is now. Commitments are being made across local authorities and officers and councillors need to make the most of the amount of support for climate-related action in order to push for long-term and significant investment.