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Review of the potential role
of Community Planning
Partnerships in assisting
meeting the aspirations of the
Scottish Government’s Report
on Policies and Proposals
Report to South Ayrshire Community Planning Partnership prepared by CAG Consultants
February 2014
Contents Page
Executive Summary
1. Introduction
2. Why CPPs should act on climate change
2.1 Climate change as a responsibility of CPPs and public bodies
2.2 Climate change as a framework for integrated action
2.3 Climate change and funding for action
2.4 The CPP as the home for action on climate change
3. Carbon emissions for South Ayrshire
4. Analysis of possible actions
4.1 The RPP by section: Key policies and support mechanisms
4.2 Summary of projects for consideration
5. Conclusions and Next Steps
APPENDICES
Appendix 1: Appraisal Matrix
Appendix 2: List of phone interviews and acknowledgements
Appendix 3: Detailed project plans
Executive Summary The Carbon Trust Scotland commissioned CAG Consultants to undertake a review
of the work of South Ayrshire CPP and the potential for further action in support of
the Scottish Government’s Report on Policies and Proposals (RPP). The aim of
this work is to help focus the resources of CPPs (in this case South Ayrshire) to
make the best possible contribution to a low carbon society and the economic, social
and environmental benefits that it delivers.
The work involved research on the policy context, the current work of the CPP and
the funding available for further action. Discussions were held with the South
Ayrshire Sustainability Partnership and with a number of key individuals working in
South Ayrshire.
Drawing together all this research, this report sets out:
The reasons why CPPs and public bodies should act on climate change
Carbon emissions for South Ayrshire by sector, with analysis
Fifteen possible actions for South Ayrshire CPP that would help address climate
change while also delivering wider benefits
It shows that there is significant scope for further action on climate change by the
CPP, that this work could draw in new funding, and that it could also help meet the
wider economic, social and environmental priorities of the Community Planning
Partnership and the bodies involved. Three areas which appear particularly
promising are detailed below:
Further development of plans for housing retrofit
‘Smarter’ working by public bodies
Community engagement on waste issue
The report concludes with a series of recommendations to the CPP that may also be
of interest to the Scottish Government, COSLA and the Sustainable Scotland
Network, with regards the potential to provide further support to CPPs in acting on
climate change.
1. Introduction Upon request from South Ayrshire Council, Carbon Trust Scotland commissioned
CAG Consultants to undertake a review of the work of South Ayrshire CPP and the
potential for further action in support of the Scottish Government’s Report on
Policies and Proposals (RPP). The aim of this work is to help focus the resources
of CPPs (in this case South Ayrshire) to make the best possible contribution to a low
carbon society and the economic, social and environmental benefits that it delivers.
The Report on Policies and Proposals (RPP) provides detail on the likely impact
of current and future policy on emissions across a wide range of policy areas. The
RPP was created to demonstrate how the Government and wider Scottish society
can deliver on the commitments made in the Climate Change (Scotland) Act
2009. The Act represents perhaps the most ambitious climate change legislation
anywhere in the world, with a target of a 42% cut in emissions by 2020 and 80% by
2050. A second RPP, covering the period up to 2027, is in preparation.
This report sets out:
The reasons why CPPs and public bodies should act on climate change
Carbon emissions for South Ayrshire by sector, with analysis
An appraisal of 15 possible actions for South Ayrshire CPP including 3 areas for
particular consideration
Recommendations and next steps
1.1 Methodology
The first stage of this study involved detailed desk based research on:
The RPP and the wider Scottish, UK and European policy framework for action –
both on climate change directly and on related areas such as transport and
land use. The aim was to set the study within the policy context and identify
drivers and possible funding for work by the CPP.
The existing and planned work of the South Ayrshire Community Planning
Partnership and the main organisations represented on the Partnership.
This research was set out in a matrix (Appendix 1) which mapped current and
possible future actions against the commitments of the RPP. A workshop with
members of the South Ayrshire Sustainability Partnership to discuss the study and the
scope for action was then held in Ayr on 5th December 2012. Following this meeting
the matrix was updated.
The third strand of the methodology was a series of phone interviews with some key
organisations with potential to contribute to further action. (Appendix 2)
Drawing all this work together a draft report was prepared and circulated to members
of the Sustainability Partnership, and then reviewed at their meeting on the 6th
February 2013.
Following comments this final report was prepared. It shows both that action on
climate change is a requirement on all CPPs and public bodies, but also the significant
benefits, in terms of wider outcomes, that can flow from adopting climate change as a
theme running across CPP work. In these economically challenging times a range of
financial support can also be accessed for such work.
2. Why CPPs should act on climate change Community Planning Partnerships, local authorities and the public sector will for the
foreseeable future be working within the context of declining budgets, in turn
placing pressure on the human and financial resources available to meet a wide
range of responsibilities and priorities.
Within this context, action on climate change and sustainable development is likely
to come under pressure. However, there are a range of reasons why action on
climate should be maintained:
It is a statutory responsibility for all public bodies.
Climate change and sustainable development can provide a framework within
which integrated and innovative approaches to policy can be taken, which can
meet economic, social and environmental objectives together, often at lower
overall costs.
There are a range of funding sources available for work on climate change and
huge opportunities to work collaboratively. This means that in some cases
climate change action can generate revenue.
The CPP is the obvious home for much action on climate change, with real
potential for joint working with benefits to all.
2.1 Climate change as a responsibility for CPPs and public bodies
Councils and other public bodies are bound by the Public Bodies Duties in the
Climate Change Act.
This requires all public bodies to1:
contribute to achievement of emissions reduction targets (mitigation)
support climate change adaptation
to act sustainably
The statutory guidance associated with these duties provides a 'step-by-step'
approach to assist public bodies in integrating climate change into their business
practices. This includes:
Understanding their duties and assessing their impact and influence on climate
change
Taking action using a variety of tools and techniques
Reporting as a means of demonstrating compliance
Each step within the process contains a set of desired outcomes and suggested
actions to take to assist in meeting these.
All public bodies in South Ayrshire should review the Guidance and consider what it
means for their strategy, policy and operations. All partners on the South Ayrshire
Community Planning Partnership Board jointly signed up to the Scottish Climate
Change Declaration on 20th April 2011. This represents a clear commitment of all the
public bodies to action, and a good basis for exploring the potential for further
action in a range of areas.
Whilst the most recent guidance on Single Outcome Agreements (SOAs)
(December 2012)2 does not include climate change as an explicitly stated priority,
the Scottish Government has indicated in recent correspondence with South
Ayrshire CPP that it expects climate change to continue to be a central issue for
SOAs and CPPs in future.
Single Outcome Agreements also sit within the overarching National Performance
Framework which includes the national outcomes: ‘We value and enjoy our built and
natural environment and protect it and enhance it for future generations’, and ‘We
reduce the local and global environmental impact of our consumption and
1 http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/02/04093254/0
2 http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2012/12/041212Prevention
production’. These remain outcomes which local authorities and their partners are
expected to work towards. They are supported by a range of national indicators
relating to carbon footprint, public transport, waste, renewable electricity and
biodiversity.
The Menu of local outcome indicators includes:
Fuel Poverty
CO2 emissions per capita
Percentage of journeys made to work by public or active transport
Percentage of driver journeys delayed due to congestion
Percentage of children walking or cycling to school
These are all specifically linked to climate change action. The menu also includes a
range of indicators in related areas such as waste and access to the outdoors.
2.2 Climate change as a framework for integrated action
Driven by the requirements of the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009, at the
national level the Scottish Government has integrated climate change across all
relevant policy areas, with a focus on low carbon communities. This has proved
useful in developing joined-up work that helps meet a wide range of economic,
social and environmental objectives together and more effectively. Key elements of
this are:
Economic
development
The Low Carbon Economic Strategy is an integral part of the
Government’s Economic Strategy and plans for sustainable economic
growth. It aims to ensure that at least 10% of the Scottish economy is in
low carbon goods and services by 2015, creating 60,000 jobs. COSLA are
key partners in the delivery of this strategy, along with Scottish
Enterprise and Skills Development Scotland.
Transport The National Transport Strategy has three Key Strategic Outcomes – two
of these are Reduce emissions to tackle climate change; and Improve
quality, accessibility and affordability of transport, to give people the
choice of public transport and real alternatives to the car
Planning The National Planning Framework 2 is based around the idea of low
carbon and sustainable communities. All national developments are
expected to make a significant contribution to adapting to or mitigating
the effects of climate change. NPF3 is currently in development and the
commitment to action on climate change is expected to be strong.
Land Use Scotland’s Land Use Strategy was driven by the requirements of the
Climate Change Act. The Strategy seeks to promote land management
that will deliver multiple benefits, provide partnerships for nature and link
people to the land.
Waste Local authorities are directly involved in the delivery of the Zero Waste
Plan. The Plan recognises the link between cutting waste and cutting
carbon emissions and the scope for seeing waste as a resource which
offers economic opportunities. Within South Ayrshire there is potential for
development of AD plants and to develop new resource management
businesses. More widely local business could benefit from enhancing
resource efficiency. All these actions are likely to have employment
benefits.
Energy The Scottish Government has published an energy efficiency action plan,
Conserve and Save, and set a target for a 12% reduction in final energy
consumption by 2020. This addresses action across housing, transport
and industry and also by the public sector. Scotland also has a
commitment for 100% renewable electricity by 2020.
Housing Homes Fit for the 21st Century is a strategy and action plan for housing
for this decade and guidance supporting action on climate change is being
integrated into Local Housing Strategies (LHS). Homes that don’t cost the
earth, a Sustainable Housing Strategy, will be published in the coming
months.
Just as the Government has adopted climate change as a thread running across a
wide range of policy areas, local authorities and CPPs can, by addressing climate
change, also impact positively on a range of other policy areas.
CAG has undertaken previous analysis of all Scotland’s SOAs on behalf of Scottish
Environment Link3. This highlighted a number of examples of good practice in
recognising these links. For example, in Clackmannanshire, the local outcome ‘the
environment is protected and enhanced for all’ is seen to contribute not just to
national outcome 12 (natural and built environment) and 14 (environmental impact
of consumption and production) but also national outcomes 10 (well, designed
sustainable places), 1 (making Scotland the most attractive place to do business in
3 Delivering for the environment in our communities: An audit of Single Outcome Agreements, February
2011.
Europe) and 6 (health). It states ‘protecting and enhancing our environment gives
an attractive location for enterprises, visitors and tourists, generates a platform for
business opportunities; it gives opportunities for activity, recreation which promote
health improvement; it promotes community spirit and pride’.
In developing a new SOA for South Ayrshire there is scope to better integrate action
at the strategic level – this is dealt with directly in 2.4 below. There is also scope to
develop a range of projects and actions that help not just to cut emissions but also
to reduce costs, improve health, create employment and stimulate the economy.
Some examples are set out in Chapter 4.
2.3 Climate change and funding for action
The current financial settlement for public bodies is challenging and will remain so
for many years. Within this context it is essential that new action on climate change
can draw in external funding wherever possible. The research highlights a range of
potential sources.
The launch of the Green Deal and ECO will provide significant new funds for
investment in domestic and non-domestic energy. Funding for energy management
measures also flows from the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) and Feed In-
Tariffs (FITs), the Universal Home Insulation Scheme (UHIS), the Energy
Assistance Package (EAP) and the Warm Homes Fund (WHF). Funding is also
available from the Scottish Government for specific projects such as the
development of Heat Maps.
Corporate actions in the Public sector, such as on office sharing, staff energy
awareness or smarter working can either be cost neutral or actually save money.
Low Carbon Transport Loans are available to support a wide range of transport
initiatives. Projects on farming, forestry and waste can also draw in grants and
can also help enhance the viability of rural communities.
It is also worth noting that all the projects identified have wider economic, social
and environmental benefits. In many cases, action on climate change can help drive
more integrated and efficient ways of working, both within the public sector and in
partnership with business and communities.
2.4 The CCP as the home for action on climate change
The public sector is directly responsible for around 2% of emissions4, with local
authorities by far the largest contributors to this. Public bodies also have greater
4 http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2012/07/9583/2
potential for influence on emissions through their delivery of services and by wider
engagement through the Community Planning Partnership (CPP) and Single
Outcome Agreement (SOA). The RPP makes it clear that public bodies and
Community Planning Partnerships have an important role in helping meet Scotland’s
targets.
A range of mechanisms underpin and support action. In terms of corporate
emissions all 32 local authorities, and around 150 public sector organisations, have
adopted the Carbon Trust’s Carbon Management Plan process, with the Carbon
Reduction Commitment (CRC) also driving action on corporate emissions.
Other initiatives assisting local authorities to act include the Public Sector Climate
Action Group (currently being reformed) and the Sustainable Scotland Network,
both backed by government. The Climate Challenge Fund is also being used to
engage communities, often supported by public bodies.
South Ayrshire CPP has taken a lead in responding to the challenge of climate
change. Members have signed the Scottish Climate Change Declaration which
includes commitment 5 to ‘Encourage and work with others in our local community
to take action to adapt to the impact of climate change, to reduce their own
greenhouse gas emissions and to make public their commitment to action.’5
A Better Future Together, the current South Ayrshire Community Plan, identifies
‘To combat climate change and encourage lifestyles which have a lower impact on
our natural environment’ as one of 10 key issues for the area. The South Ayrshire
Single Outcome Agreement 2009-12 includes actions linked to all 15 National
Outcomes and 18 local outcomes identified as priorities for South Ayrshire. Local
Outcomes include LO16 South Ayrshire’s carbon emissions are substantially
reduced, supported by Strategic Objectives and Indicators.
2.4.1 The new Ayrshire SOA – challenges and opportunities
A new SOA for South Ayrshire is currently in development. It is welcome that
Sustainability and Carbon Management are two of the three underpinning themes
for Council Priorities, SOA Priorities and Current Plans and Strategies.
Given the commitment to Carbon Management and Sustainability, it is important
that this is integrated into the Council and SOA Priorities. There is significant scope
for doing so and realising a number of key tangible benefits.
5 http://climatechange.sustainable-scotland.net/
Figure 1: Council Priorities and links to climate change
The draft SOA Priorities also have clear links to climate change action (Figure 2).
In finalising the new South Ayrshire Single Outcome Agreement the challenge will be
to ensure the effective integration of the Sustainability and Carbon Management
underpinning themes into Council Priorities, SOA Priorities and also Current Plans
and Strategies.
Figure 2: SOA priorities and links to climate change
3. Carbon Emissions for South Ayrshire The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) produce estimates of CO2
emissions at local authority level. These estimates are currently available for the
period 2005-2010.
As can be seen in figure 3, below, per capita emissions in South Ayrshire have risen
overall during that period. The overall trajectory in Scotland as a whole between
2005 and 2010 was downwards. This highlights the scale of the challenge for South
Ayrshire in effectively contributing to the national targets for emissions reductions.
Figure 3: Per Capita CO2 emissions (t)
Figure 4: Principle sources of CO2 emissions, South Ayrshire, 2010
Source: DECC
Figures 4 and 5 show the principle sources of CO2 emissions in South Ayrshire and
Scotland respectively. These demonstrate that domestic and road transport
emissions comprise a higher percentage of overall emissions in South Ayrshire than
in Scotland as a whole. However, emissions from industry and commercial sources
are still the most significant overall. Figure 6 provides a more detailed breakdown of
the different sources of emissions. This highlights the importance of efforts to
reduce electricity consumption in industrial and commercial activity, to cut domestic
gas consumption and to reduce emissions from road transport on A-roads. It also
shows the significant carbon sink impact of forestry and land use in South Ayrshire.
Figure 5: Principle sources of CO2 emissions, Scotland, 2010
Source: DECC
Figure 6: Estimates of CO2 emissions by sector, South Ayrshire, 2010.
Source: DECC
4. Analysis of possible actions The key Government policies and support mechanisms for each of the 6 sections of
the RPP are summarised in 4.1 (below), supported by comment on some of the
potential areas that South Ayrshire CPP could consider acting on.
4.1 The RPP by section: Key policies and support
mechanisms Homes and Communities
Scottish action on domestic energy is funded through the Energy Assistance Package
(EAP), UHIS and the Warm Homes Fund and by the UK CESP and CERT schemes. The
Government has also now launched a Sustainable Housing Strategy and plans a
‘national retrofit strategy’ based around integrated area-wide energy initiatives. Social
housing providers are also required to meet the Scottish Housing Quality Standard
(SHQS).
The Green Deal (and ECO) has now been launched and will provide funding and a new
model for domestic energy efficiency. The Energy Agency and Council are already
actively involved in accessing funds from current schemes, for investment and for
engaging with householders.
Business and the public sector
Significant policies and initiatives have been introduced by the UK Government,
including the roll out of smart meters to SME’s, Climate Change Levies on energy use,
the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme, the Green Deal and the Renewable Heat
Incentive. The Scottish Government introduced more stringent non-domestic building
standards in 2010 and further changes are proposed for 2013.
Partners in the CPP are already involved in a range of initiatives to reduce in-house
carbon emissions, including through the Carbon Trust’s Carbon Management
Programme. There are a range of other possible opportunities relating to business and
the public sector, particularly in terms of promoting local take-up of, and effective
responses to, national initiatives.
Transport
Efforts to reduce transport emissions are being taken forward at the EU level through
mandatory emissions targets for new cars and vans, a target for the use of biofuels in
transport fuels and through the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (which now includes
aviation). Public sector CPP partners should also be aware of the mandatory
requirement to include environmental costs as an award criteria when procuring
vehicles. The CPP may be an effective mechanism for sharing advice and good
practice in implementing this requirement.
The Public Sector Low Carbon Vehicle Procurement Scheme provides funding support
to public sector bodies to assist the uptake of a range of LCV technologies in the
public sector fleet. South Ayrshire Council has installed charging points and has plans
for more and has already purchased 4 electric vehicles. Low Carbon Transport Loans,
offered through the Energy Saving Trust, could be used by other public and private
sector partners to purchase electric vehicles. These loans could also be used for
measures to help deliver a number of the other proposals in the RPP, including:
fuel efficient driver training
speed limiters or other vehicle efficiency devices to fleet cars investment in fleet management software
further provision of cycle facilities investment in video conferencing facilities
SPT is major investor in active travel including walking and cycling, working with South Ayrshire Council & CPP, Transport Scotland, SUSTRANS and Cycling Scotland to
promote cycling as a healthy and environmentally sustainable form of travel and alternative to the private car.
Agriculture and related land use
Scottish action is guided by the Government’s Farming for a Better Climate (FBC)
initiative. This is a 5 point action plan to help cut greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs)
across the agricultural sector. The actions are intended to benefit farmers
economically.
The Scottish Government and the Scottish Agricultural College (SAC) run a website
providing information on good practice6. This contains factsheets, information and
case studies. Of particular interest are 4 Climate Change Focus Farms (including one
in Dumfries and Galloway).
Scotland’s Rural College is already engaged in work with Ayrshire farmers on climate
change and this could be extended - the College could work with the Council and
Energy Agency to advance the 5 point action plan in FBC. Investigation of the scope
for further funding of such work through the SRDP and other sources could be
undertaken, as well as additional engagement and capacity building with local
farmers.
Forestry
Scottish Ministers have pledged to plant 100 million trees by 2015, which will require
new planting of approximately 10,000 ha/yr. Grant aid has been restructured to
increase planting rates and efforts are being made to increase the commercial
6 http://www.sruc.ac.uk/farmingforabetterclimate
potential of woodland. A target of 15,000 ha/yr is not yet a firm proposal, but is
dependent on it being shown to be practicably achievable.
The Central Scotland Green Network has been established, which encompasses
forestry objectives. The CPP could play an important role in taking this forward in
South Ayrshire through supporting project development for national CSGN funding
and other funding sources.
South Ayrshire Council, as a planning authority, can exert a strong influence on
forestry through setting policy covering woodland expansion and the development of
related infrastructure. They can also secure new planting and control of woodland
removal through the development management system. A draft Ayrshire & Arran
Forestry & Woodland Strategy has been consulted on in 2012. This will act as
supplementary planning guidance and help to guide development management
decisions. The CPP partners could play a role in the implementation of the strategy –
promoting awareness of the opportunities identified, signposting grant funding
available and promoting community woodlands and forest-based businesses.
Waste
Waste policy in Scotland is driven by the European Waste Framework and Landfill
Directives, the Landfill Tax and by Scottish Government policy as set out in the Zero
Waste Plan. The Zero Waste Plan sets a target for 70% household recycling by 2025,
dramatic reductions in the use of landfill and commits to the production of a carbon
metric for waste. Action is supported by Zero Waste Scotland.
As an overarching commitment the CPP could develop a Zero Waste Plan, with the
Council as lead partner but with all partners signed up to action on waste reduction
and recycling and engagement with staff, the public and suppliers. This could build on
the Area Waste Plan for Ayrshire and Dumfries and Galloway.
Anaerobic Digestion development may be possible in the area, linked to agriculture.
There is also the potential to further boost composting and to engage better with
commercial and industrial waste.
A carbon metric will be applied to municipal waste from 2013. There is scope to
extend this to commercial and industrial waste but this will require better data. South
Ayrshire is already involved in work on ecological foot-printing and this could be
further applied to waste and resource policy.
4.2 Summary of Projects for consideration Fifteen projects identified as having the most potential for development are set out
in the table overleaf. For each a rough appraisal has been undertaken of the carbon
benefits and financial costs (scored out of 5) along with the scope for funding.
Project name Outline CPP
Partners/others
involved
Carbon
saving/Financial
cost and possible
funding
Wider
benefits/comments
Area retrofit The Scottish Government is preparing a National
Retrofit Strategy for Scotland, based around
integrated, area wide action on domestic energy.
Ayrshire could develop an approach to area retrofit -
the Energy Agency is already looking at this. The area
approach would enable different funding streams to be
drawn together, created a more efficient and
integrated approach. It is likely to focus on ECO areas.
CPP
Energy Agency
would lead,
working with the
Council, NHS,
community
councils and other
community
groups.
Others
Scottish
Government,
energy utilities.
CCCC/££££
A range of funding is
available through the
Green Deal and
Scottish Government
energy programmes.
Huge economic and health
benefits. There may also be
scope to link action on
energy with wider
community renewal work.
Other local authorities
including Birmingham and
Newcastle have already
developed models.
Corporate
energy
awareness
That CPP partners could undertake awareness raising
initiatives on energy issues with their staff. This could
have two dimensions:
1) Energy-saving behaviour within the workplace.
2) Wider energy-saving opportunities. This could focus
on Green Deal and Smart Meters.
CPP
All CPP partners
would be involved,
with the Energy
Agency, ESSAC
and Council the
lead partners.
Others
CCC/££
Funding might come
from existing
corporate training
budgets. It may also
be possible to develop
actions already
undertaken under the
CRC and CMP.
Significant health and
comfort benefits to
employees.
A useful model for such an
initiative might be an
adaptation of the Green
Champions initiative run by
the Council.
It would also be
useful to engage
the major energy
utilities.
Public
engagement
on domestic
energy
There is scope to work with local Climate Challenge
Fund projects, Community Councils and other local
initiatives to help build local capacity and awareness
around domestic energy and climate change more
generally.
Specific areas that the engagement work could
concentrate on are:
Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) Feed in Tariffs District Heating (particularly perceptions of it
among the more affluent) The Green Deal Smart meters Small scale renewable technologies
Community energy developments
CPP
Energy Agency and
Council
Others
Energy utilities,
CCF projects and
community
councils
CCC/££££
Energy companies
may be willing to
provide support.
Improvements in energy
performance of homes will
have significant health and
financial benefits. Such work
will also contribute to strong
neighbourhoods and an
active and informed local
population.
This builds on work already
undertaken by the Energy
Agency and others and
could be broadened to
include messages around
waste and also linked to
work with employees of CPP
partners (see other
proposal).
Ayrshire Heat
Mapping
A heat map of Ayrshire (either South Ayrshire or the
whole county) would be prepared. This could build on
and provide more local detail to the Heat Map of
Scotland prepared by the Scottish Government in 2007
and would cover:
public buildings such as Schools, Colleges, Universities and Hospitals
buildings awarded grants
CPP
Energy Agency
would lead in
collaboration with
South Ayrshire
Council, The
Scottish
Government and
CCCC/£££
The Scottish
Government has
committed to fund
such work.
In developing the Heat Map
and Plan the Council could
consult others who have
already done so, such as
Highland Council
http://www.highland.gov.u
k/yourenvironment/plannin
g/energyplanning/renewble
energy/HighlandHeatMappi
sawmills
biomass installers and fuel suppliers large industrial heat demands (where there may
be the capacity to use waste heat)
The Heat Map could be used as the basis for a local heat
plan.
Scottish
Enterprise. If an
Ayrshire-wide map
was agreed then
other Ayrshire
local authorities
would be involved.
Discussions on this
have already taken
place with the
Ayrshire Enterprise
Partnership
ngProject
It should be noted that the
initial assessment of the
Energy Agency is that there
is not huge scope for heat
networks in South Ayrshire
but there may be some
potential and the economics
are changing all the time.
Sharing office
space
The sharing of office space is already happening to some
degree, but partners support the idea of identifying
additional opportunities.
The initial specific action which the CPP could take
forward is in terms of collating and sharing information
on where spare capacity exists and who requires
additional space. Options for hot desk working and
shared facilities could be looked at while reducing the
pockets of small old inefficient buildings dotted all over
the county
CPP Partners
The sharing of
office space is
already happening
to some degree,
but partners
support the idea of
identifying
additional
opportunities. SNH
are already sharing
space locally.
The initial specific
action which the
CPP could take
forward is in terms
of collating and
C/£
May well lead to
financial savings
rather than any costs
There may be knock-on
benefits in terms of joint
initiatives around transport
if there is more co-location
of organisations.
On sharing office space,
security requirements (e.g.
in relation to IT) could be a
challenge. Partners
recognise that progress
needs a shift in attitudes.
sharing
information on
where spare
capacity exists and
who requires
additional space.
Smarter
working
‘Smarter’ working arrangements, such as greater use of
home working and video-conferencing, could help cut
overall carbon emissions and save costs.
Initial steps which could be undertaken by the CPP could
be:
Sharing of good practice policies and procedures
on home working; and
Collating information on existing video-
conferencing facilities and exploring potential for
sharing. Desktop solutions may also be
applicable when there are limitations on using
video-conference rooms.
CPP Partners
All partners with
employees could
be involved.
CCC/£
There should be
relatively little
financial costs
involved, and savings
are possible, for
example, if increased
home working led to
the need for less
office space. Low
Carbon Transport
Loans can be used for
video conferencing
facilities.
There are social benefits to
employees from home
working and potentially
significant benefits in terms
of reduced traffic.
Low carbon
transport
loans
The CPP could encourage mass take-up of low carbon
transport loans, which can be used to fund a range of
initiatives in support of the Scottish Government’s
climate change objectives, including:
Video conferencing facilities
Cycle facilities, including bicycles, storage racks
and lockers
CPP Partners
The scheme is
accessed via the
Energy Saving
Scotland Advice
Centre. All
partners could be
encouraged to
commission the
CC/£
The EST suggests
average annual
savings of over
£7,200 and 12 tonnes
of CO2 for those who
received a Sustainable
Transport Review. The
sustainable transport
There is the potential for wider benefits from investment in low carbon
transport, particularly in terms of health.
Fleet management software
Vehicle efficiency devices which do not void the
manufacturer's warranty. There is already an NHS
framework of lease vehicle suppliers and the
possibility of making this a pan public sector
framework with built in efficiency devices, speed
limiters etc. could be investigated.
Electric and Plugged in Hybrid vehicles
Season ticket loans
Fuel efficient driver training
free sustainable
transport review
which comprises
the first stage of
the process.
The loans are
available to all
public and private
sector
organisations so
there is potential
to involve a large
number of partners
in South Ayrshire.
reviews are free.
Interest-free loans of
between £500 and
£50,000 are available
for the recommended
measures, with
repayments spread
over up to 6 years.
Low Carbon Transport
Loans from Transport
Scotland,
administered by EST
and the Energy
Saving Scotland
Advice Centres. SPT
Sustainable Travel
Grant Scheme (STGS)
2011/12 provides
councils, health
boards, universities,
colleges, other public
sector organisations
and registered
charities with small
grants up to £1,000 to
help promote staff
travel planning
initiatives and
projects.
Non –
domestic
retrofit
Existing buildings are more significant than new
buildings in terms of carbon. CPP partners could be
involved in establishing a retrofit programme for non-
domestic buildings. The programme could seek to draw
together funding sources and other opportunities in a
similar way to area-based domestic programmes. It
could be built around a number of opportunities:
The Green Deal, which is available to businesses as
well as householders. Businesses may, in fact, be
more open to the principle of borrowing against
future savings than householders will be.
The Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI).
Smart meters. The UK Govt is committed to
accelerating the roll out of smart meters to SME’s
EPC’s. All EPCs include advice for improving energy
performance. This provides an opportunity for
support to be provided to implement the advice.
CPP Partners
The Energy Agency
is already involved
in information
dissemination for
the RHI. It involves
Scottish
Enterprise,
Chamber of
Commerce and
others. They are
targeting the big
heat users through
the Federation of
Small Businesses,
Chamber of
Commerce and
Scottish
Enterprise.
CCCC/££
Zero Waste Scotland
have put in place a
contract to deliver
overarching business
advice on efficiency
and waste.
Depending on the
level of provision
available, it may
simply be a case of
generating local
interest in and
awareness of this
resource.
Energy agency’s
ESSAC contract also
includes some
provision for advice
to businesses.
Could Energy Agency
become a Green Deal
assessor for businesses,
with the assessments
becoming a revenue source
to support such a
programme?
By facilitating investment in
local businesses and
enabling revenue savings by
local businesses, the
programme could bring local
economic benefits.
A pellet factory has just
been commissioned in
Girvan which may help in
terms of the local fuel
supply chain.
There is a public sector
framework contract in the
pipeline for biomass fuel
supply, there is also in place
this year a framework for
biomass evaluation and
supply/fitting
Supply Chain The CPP could provide a mechanism for driving forward
more sustainable procurement practices in South
Ayrshire. The CPP could:
CPP Partners
The focus should
be on the partners
CCCCC/££
The embedded carbon
in procured goods and
The procurement standards
which might be adopted
(e.g. Government Buying
Standards) address social,
Adopt a collective commitment to sustainable
procurement using, for example, the Scottish
Government’s Ten Steps to Sustainable
Procurement.
Provide a mechanism for sharing information and
good practice in sustainable procurement.
Collectively influence suppliers of key goods and
services, e.g. through requiring sign-up to relevant
standards (Zero Waste Scotland standards, Carbon
Trust standards etc)
Facilitate resource sharing within and between
organisations, through the application of tools such
as WARPIT (www.warp-it.co.uk)
Explore ways of improving the opportunities of
local businesses to compete for delivery of key
goods and services.
with the biggest
spend (the Council,
NHS, Police, Fire &
Rescue, College)
but the
involvement of the
Chamber of
Commerce and
Business Link will
be important in
engaging with local
businesses.
services can comprise
up to 60% of an
organisation’s overall
carbon footprint.
For financial costs.
This is about adopting
a different approach
to procurement
rather than spending
more. For staff costs,
since there will need
to be a commitment
to getting key
members of staff
around the table and
working together.
economic and
environmental aspects.
There could be significant
benefits for local businesses
if they were enabled to
compete for the provision of
goods and services.
Scotland Excel is the Centre
of Procurement Expertise for
the local government sector
in Scotland and would be a
useful source of information
and expertise.
Travel
Planning
All CPP members could be encouraged to develop and
implement sustainable travel plans, focusing on
encouraging behaviour change among staff, i.e. greater
use of walking, cycling and public transport, through
incentives and awareness raising.
CPP Partners
All partners, but
particular focus on
those with large
numbers of
employees.
Sustrans may be a
useful source of
support and
CCC/£
The EST provides free
travel plans in
Scotland for
organisations with a
minimum of 50
employees and/or
10,000 visitors per
annum.
The Council is already
involved in the Go Active
campaign (school travel
plans) and has its own
Sustainable Travel Plan.
SEPA have banned inter-
office car journeys. The CPP
could be a mechanism for
sharing existing good
practice.
advice. It might be
worth considering
inviting them into
the partnership.
The Ayrshire Green
network officer has
potential to access
CSGN development
funds and other
funds for active
travel projects.
SPT provides
ongoing travel
planning support
and advice to local
authorities, health
boards,
universities,
colleges and other
organisations on
the implementation
and development
of their staff travel
plans. Measures
implemented
include bike clinics,
staff cycling
training, improved
bike parking
facilities, bike to
work schemes,
www.energysavingtru
st.org.uk/fleet
Cycling Scotland's
Cycle Friendly
Employer Award gives
employers national
recognition for
promoting cycling in
the workplace.
www.cyclingscotland.o
rg/cyclefriendlyemplo
yer.aspx
Paths to Health offer
workplace pedometer
packs for a small
charge, training
courses on setting up
a workplace walking
project and workplace
grants to help support
projects which
promote walking in
the workplace.
Paths to Health -
workplace walking
The SPT website has
details of travel plan
officers, grant
schemes and events,
Active Travel Scotland and
NHS Health Scotland have
produced a practical guide
to help organisations
provide active travel
directions to help staff and
visitors choose healthier
ways of travelling.
Active travel - How to
produce active travel
directions for your visitors
and staff (pdf)
Healthy Working Lives is a
national award programme
rewarding employers who
demonstrate commitment
to improving the health and
ultimately the performance
of their workforce. A source
of support and advice on
increasing physical activity
in and around the
workplace.
Healthy Working Lives
walking initiatives,
promotion of public
transport, staff
season tickets and
staff car sharing
spaces.
seminars and new
travel plan initiatives
in the area.
www.spt.co.uk
New timber
management
The CPP could engage with the South of Scotland
Forestry Forum to look at the scope for more local
timber planting by farmers and landowners and the
promotion of local timber to purchasers in South
Ayrshire.
The new draft Ayrshire & Arran Forestry & Woodland
Strategy has been consulted on in 2012. This will act as
supplementary planning guidance and help to guide tree
planting and management decisions.
The CPP partners should engage in the finalisation of the
strategy and could play a role in the implementation of
the strategy – promoting awareness of the opportunities
identified, signposting grant funding available,
promoting community woodlands and forest-based
businesses.
The Strategy will guide planting away from peatland and
carbon soils to reduce disturbance that releases carbon.
It will encourage peatland restoration of afforested
areas to allow this habitat to save and store carbon.
The Roads Department of the Council are engaging with
the draft Strategy around areas of transport of timber
and this issue will be more addressed over the coming
CPP Partners
Scotland’s Rural
College could play
a key role. The
Council and NHS
may have
landholdings which
offer opportunities
for new planting.
The Chamber of
Commerce may
provide a useful
route in to
engaging with
private sector
landowners.
Others
Forestry
Commission
Scotland
CCC/£££
Funding is available
through the Central
Scotland Green
Network initiative. In
addition, the Scottish
Government's budget
statement last
October included
reference to a £1.7m
Peatland Restoration
Fund as part of the
Government’s Green
Stimulus package.
SNH is administering
that fund.
There could be local
economic benefits from the
promotion of local timber
businesses and health
benefits from improved
access to forests.
There will also be benefits in
terms of peatland
restoration, biodiversity and
flood attenuation.
Forestry Commission
Scotland is charged with
securing 750,000 new trees
in the Central Scotland
Green Network area by
2014.
year.
Community
Forests
The CPP could play a role in taking forward
opportunities for new or expanded community forests.
A particular opportunity exists in relation to the Central
Scotland Green Network where there is the potential for
the CPP to undertake project development in order to
access national CSGN funding and other funding
sources.
CPP Partners
The Council and
NHS would appear
to have the
greatest land
available for
community use.
Other potential
partners include
TCV (formerly
BTCV), the SWT,
VASA, SNH and the
Forestry
Commission
Scotland.
Others
Forestry
Commission
Scotland
CCC/£££
Funding could be
provided by Woods In
and Around Towns
(WIAT) programme
and the CSGN and
compensatory
planting schemes.
Significant potential health
benefits from improving
access to high quality
outdoor environments.
There is also potential for
tourism benefits.
Action on
farming
Farming for a better climate (FBC) is the Scottish
Government’s 5 point action plan to help cut GHGs
across the agricultural sector. The actions are intended
to benefit farmers economically as well as cut
emissions:
Using energy and fuels more efficiently Developing renewables
Locking carbon into soils and vegetation
CPP Partners
Scotland’s Rural
University College
(SRUC) is already
engaged in work
with Ayrshire
farmers on climate
change and this
CC/££
Cost is for the
mapping exercise.
Further work may
require more funding.
There is SRDP funding
to optimise the
Could have significant
benefits for farmers in
economic terms and also
wider environmental
benefits through better
waste management and use
of fertilisers.
Optimising application of fertilisers and manures
Optimising livestock management and storage of waste
South Ayrshire CPP could enhance its support and
encouragement for local farmers and rural communities.
One initial action could be a desktop mapping exercise
on funding.
could be extended.
The College could
work with the
Council and Energy
Agency to advance
the 5 point action
plan in FBC.
Others
The National
Farmers Union
Scotland, SEPA
and Biosphere.
condition of peatland
and raised bogs to
benefit carbon capture
and storage as well as
help flood attenuation.
If not included in the
project, this should
be.
The mapping exercise
would also look at
other potential
funding sources.
Anaerobic
Digestion
The Zero Waste Plan commits the Scottish Government
to introduce a progressive ban on material that can be
landfilled. This includes food waste and organic matter.
AD is one of the most cost effective means of treating
this waste.
Based on this, the CPP could undertake work to
determine the viability of further AD development and to
help farmer’s co-ordinate bids.
There is potential to link farm based organic wastes to
other suitable wastes to improve the viability of AD
development.
CPP Partners
Scotland’s Rural
College and the
Energy Agency,
working with the
Council.
Others
The Leader
Programme,
National Farmers
Union Scotland and
Biosphere may
wish to be
CCC/£££
Financial support is
available to land
managers that meet
stated criteria through
the SRDP for the
purchase and
installation of AD
plant and electricity
produced could qualify
for Feed in Tariffs
(FITs).
This could become
part of a wider
initiative in support of
At the workshop it was also
noted that there was scope
for the Energy Agency and
Leader Programme (Rural
21) to help farmers and
rural communities with the
development of other small
scale renewables.
In the interviews it was
noted that many in Ayrshire
would like to see a more co-
ordinated programme of
action on renewables in
rural areas, to avoid the
piecemeal development
involved. local action on
Farming for a Better
Climate. A similar
approach could be
applied to urban
areas.
underway at present.
Waste
engagement
One strong message that emerged from the Workshop
is that further progress on waste reduction and
recycling will only be achieved with a proper public
understanding of the issue and support for action.
A better informed and committed public will help the
Council meet recycling targets and move towards a
more sustainable approach based on waste
minimisation.
There should be three main strands to the
engagement:
General public engagement
Action with pensioners
Work with schools through the curriculum
It was also recognised that there were particular
challenges in rural areas.
CPP Partners
South Ayrshire
Council would lead
with all other CPP
partners involved.
This could be an
Ayrshire wide
initiative involving
other Councils.
Others
Waste Aware
Scotland/Scottish
Government, Age
Concern, Climate
Challenge Fund
projects, schools
C/£££
There may be funding
from Zero Waste
Scotland
The project could lead to
greater awareness and help
build community networks.
It could be linked to action
on energy and transport.
One example to draw on in
terms of engagement is
Going Carbon Neutral
Stirling.
NHS Ayrshire and Arran
have just been awarded a
grant from ZWS to buy and
put in place recycling bins
in public areas in our
hospitals and other
facilities. This is part of the
Recycle on The Go initiative
with support from ZWS with
communications.
Such work could form part
of a Zero Waste Plan for
Ayrshire.
4.3 Priorities for action
All 15 projects were reviewed by the CPP Sustainability Partnership meeting on 6th
February and three projects (including combinations from the initial list) were
identified. These were seen as having the most immediate potential:
Area retrofit (including in the non-domestic sector)
Smarter working
Community waste awareness
These projects have been developed into more detailed project plans (Appendix 3).
While exact costs, resource requirements and carbon savings are not possible to
specify without more detailed work by the CPP or lead partners, each of these three
would appear to offer real benefits. Taking each in turn:
Area retrofit
The Scottish Government is preparing a National Retrofit Programme for Scotland,
based around integrated, area-wide action on domestic energy. Lead by the Energy
Agency and SAC, South Ayrshire could develop an approach to area retrofit which
maximises the potential of the national programme and capitalises on other sources
of funding for energy efficiency and micro-generation. The Energy Agency has
worked extensively on area-based approaches and are already preparing for the
introduction of the National Retrofit Strategy. There is clear scope for action, with
8,000 homes in South Ayrshire having less than 100mm of loft insulation and
23,000 having un-insulated cavity walls. It is estimated that by 2015, action on
insulation could save around 2,100 tonnes of CO2/year.
Smarter Working
This project involves action across 2 of the areas identified in 4.2, namely ‘smarter’ working and the sharing of office space. A smarter working initiative led by the CPP
could include the following elements:
The sharing of office space
Facilitating more flexible working and home working.
Promoting and providing facilities for telephone and video-conferencing to reduce work-related travel.
In terms of the sharing of office space, the Council and NHS are likely to be able to play the most significant role since they have the biggest estates. However,
discussion between all partners will be necessary to identify opportunities for sharing. SNH are already doing this and so can provide advice.
Significant carbon savings are possible from the further sharing of office space but
the level of savings would depend entirely on the level of sharing. The costs would
be negligible and sharing is likely to lead to long term savings
Public engagement on energy and waste issues
The Scottish Government has published a Public Engagement Strategy7 on climate
change that identifies engagement as crucial to delivering Scotland’s climate change
targets. The view that engagement with the public was vital emerged as a strong
message from the Workshop with the Sustainability Partnership. A better informed
and committed public will help cut emissions and assist the Council in meeting
recycling targets and move towards a more sustainable approach based on waste
minimisation. There could be three main strands to the engagement:
General public engagement
Action with pensioners
Work with schools through the Curriculum for Excellence and Ecoschools
Work is already underway, led by the Energy Agency, on engaging schools and this
could be extended. Engagement with local Climate Challenge Fund projects,
community councils and other groups, such as Age Concern, could also be useful.
5. Conclusions and Next Steps The research has shown potential for a wide range of new and innovative actions by
South Ayrshire CPP.
These actions could have a significant impact on the area’s carbon emissions and
deliver wider economic, social and environmental benefits. They sit well within the
new SOA Priorities and Strategies for South Ayrshire. Funding could also be drawn
in, adding value to existing work, which would be welcome given the financial
challenges facing all public bodies.
In consultation with the Sustainability Partnership of the CPP, three work areas have
been identified that have particular potential in the short to medium term, namely:
Area retrofit
7 www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/336432/0110100.pdf
Smarter working
Public engagement on waste
These three projects build on work already underway by community planning
partners and offer significant scope to cut emissions while also saving financial
resources. It is suggested that the CCP investigate how best to enhance current
work in these areas over the coming months. The full list of projects set out in
Section 4.2 should also be considered more fully.
Taking forward concerted action to address climate change will contribute towards
meeting public sector CPP partners’ climate change duties and will directly benefit
other policy priorities including economic development, health and transport.
However, effectively implementing action on climate change will require high level
buy-in from CPP partners and strong leadership on the issue from the CPP Board.
Our experience suggests that, in particular, the CPP Board will need to:
encourage strategic and long term thinking, beyond short term priorities,
recognising the long term threats and opportunities posed by climate change;
champion integration between strategies and policy areas, recognising the
underpinning role of the environment in economic prosperity, quality of life,
health and wellbeing;
facilitate collaboration and building partnerships so that the integration can be
achieved in practice; and
lead by example, for example, by committing resources to key projects or
trialling new approaches.
As one of the first Community Planning Partnerships to sign Scotland’s climate
change declaration, South Ayrshire has demonstrated its desire to provide strong
leadership on climate change. By pursuing the opportunities presented in this report
the Council with its CPP partners has the opportunity to take this leadership to the
next level.
Supporting actions
This research, the first such exercise of its kind in Scotland, has highlighted the
scope for further action by CPPs. It demonstrates that there are strong requirements
from the Scottish Government for action, most notably the Public Bodies Duties, but
also a number of other strong arguments for action – in terms of finance and
integrated, effective working. There is scope for other Scottish local authorities to
consider undertaking a similar exercise.
The research has also highlighted a need for greater clarity and further support to
local authorities and CPPs to ensure that CPPs can play a full part in delivering
Scotland’s climate change targets. On that basis it is recommended that:
The Scottish Government needs to lend greater clarity to local authorities and
CPPs on the requirement to act on climate change. While the requirements of the
Public Bodies Duties are clear, the lack of reference to climate change in the
recently published guidance for Single Outcome Agreements (SOAs) has led to
uncertainty8.
The Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) also has a role to play in
explaining the integration of climate change into SOAs in future and in working with
Councils to ensure that action on climate change can be seen as a way of drawing
together and enhancing action, and not as an additional burden that is difficult to
deliver in financially challenging times.
The Sustainable Scotland Network (SSN) has been active in supporting local
authorities on climate change for a number of years and has recently had its role
broadened to cover the wider public sector. This gives it further scope to support
CPPs and the public sector partners involved around this agenda. SSN has shown an
interest in disseminating this study among its wider network which is welcome.
8 http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Government/local-government/CP/SOA2012/SOA2012
APPENDICES
Appendix 1: Appraisal Matrix
Report on Policies and Proposals
(RPP)
South Ayrshire CPP: Possible response Comments
Policy
area/proposal
Specific
policy/proposal
Areas of work
that will
progress
regardless of
action by the
CPP e.g. changes
to the energy
grid
Areas where the
CPP could be
active but which
are not well
addressed by the
RPP e.g.
sustainable food
procurement
Areas of work that are directly
relevant to the CPP and individual
partners
Actions that could
be taken by one or
more partner
without the
involvement of all
CPP members e.g.
carbon
management
Actions that require
a lead partner to
engage with the
wider partnership
or other
stakeholders such
as shared office
facilities
Homes and
communities:
Policies
Smart metering The UK
Government has
committed to
offering Smart
Meters to every
home in Scotland
(and England and
Wales) by 2020.
As Smart Meters
are voluntary the
level of uptake will
depend on
effective
engagement with
the public by
energy companies
All CPP partners
could help raise
awareness and
promote smart
meters among
their own staff
Note: Scottish Power
recently (September
2012) announced an
18 month trial for the
installation of smart
meters in 5,000 hard
to reach households in
Glasgow and
At present
suppliers are
involved in small-
scale trials with
plans for mass roll-
out from 2014. All
energy suppliers
will be obliged to
complete the roll-
out by 2019.
and others. The
Energy Agency is
already involved in
providing advice to
the Ayrshire public.
This could continue
and enhance this
with support from
other partners,
most particularly
the Council
Lochwinnoch. The
learning from this may
be useful in
encouraging uptake in
South Ayrshire.
Domestic
building energy
efficiency
Current UK
Government policy
is based around
the CESP and
CERT schemes.
The Scottish
Government has
been engaged with
both programmes
to ensure
maximum uptake
in Scotland.
The UK schemes
are augmented by
Scottish action
through the
Energy Assistance
Package (EAP),
UHIS and the
Behaviour change
is a critical area
which is not well
addressed in the
RPP but where the
Council, Energy
Agency, ESSAC
and partners
could have an
impact. All CPP
partners could
engage staff and
raise awareness of
energy efficiency.
It was suggested
that the Council’s
One Stop Shops
could be a useful
resource in
The Energy
Agency and
Council are
already actively
involved in
accessing funds
from current
schemes for
investment and in
engaging with
householders.
At the workshop it
was felt there was
scope for greater
support for action
in low income
homes,
All CPP partners
could promote
awareness of the
Green Deal among
their staff – see
Proposals section.
The Energy Agency
is already one of the
most active in
Scotland with
significant expertise.
The Agency was
awarded the Power
Perfector Energy
Award in 2012 and
has a programme that
has targeted 4,963
homes and saved
18,500 tonnes of
carbon and
£3.6million in fuel
bills.
Following successful
use of UHIS funds in
Troon, funding has
Warm Homes
Fund. The
Government has
also now launched
a Sustainable
Housing Strategy
and plans a
‘national retrofit
strategy’ based
around integrated
area-wide energy
initiatives. Social
housing providers
are also required
to meet the SHQS.
Looking forward
the Green Deal
(and ECO) is due
to be launched and
will provide new
funding and a new
model for domestic
energy efficiency.
informing the
public better.
Could build on the
involvement of the
local third sector
and the NHS
There is also scope
for further work
with local Climate
Challenge Fund
projects and other
local initiatives to
help build local
capacity and
awareness around
domestic energy
and climate
change.
At the workshop it
was also
suggested that the
Energy Agency
and Laeder
Programme could
assist farmers and
rural communities
with small scale
renewable
development
The Energy Agency
is developing a
local database that
will provide more
accurate
information –
excessive phone
calls will stop. The
Council and EST
are also helping
with these issues
South Ayrshire
Council’s Local
Housing Strategy
notes the need to
tackle fuel poverty
and climate
change. There is
potential to build
on this through
action on area
retrofit and
through the Green
Deal. This is
addressed in the
Proposals section
below.
been secured in South
Ayrshire from UHIS2.
One of the 5
outcomes from the
Local Housing
Strategy (2011 –
2016) is to have
warm, dry, energy
efficient homes. The
LHS has been
designed to support
the SOA, in particular
Local Outcome 16.
At the workshop it
was noted that the
following are barriers
to progress:
There is a need for better selling as local people can be bombarded with offers –
this is counterproduc
tive.
More
information on solid wall and hard to treat
properties is needed.
New-build
domestic energy
standards for
2010 (and now
beyond)
These are in place
and a requirement
for all new homes
It is not just the
energy
performance of the
house but its
location and
integration with
services that is
important in terms
of overall carbon
footprint.
Planning is critical
to this, and
planning policy in
South Ayrshire
must be fully
aligned with the
aspirations of the
NPPF to promote
low carbon and
sustainable
developments.
As with the 2013
standards (below)
South Ayrshire
Council could opt
to set higher
standards than
those required by
law for public
sector housing.
Through building
control, the
Council could also
ensure that there
is a rigorous
enforcement of
building standards.
Renewable heat The UK
Government
supports the
Renewable Heat
Incentive (RHI)
which is a payment
to those who
install and obtain
heat from
renewable sources,
There is support of
around £15 million
for households
through the
Renewable Heat
Premium Payment
(RHPP). Advice on
the RHPP, the
home renewables
loans scheme,
CARES and Feed in
Tariffs (FITS) is
available on the
Energy Agency
website, along
with guidance on
individual energy
technologies.
The Council,
Energy Agency
and partners
could undertake
further work to
enhance uptake of
the RHI and also
Feed in Tariffs
(FITS) and
community
renewable energy
schemes. The CCF
projects in the
area may be one
mechanism for
this.
CHP and heat
networks could be
developed by a
CPP partner with
an estate which
has high heat
demand.
Examples would
include the NHS
(hospitals and
other care
facilities) and
South Ayrshire
Council (schools
and council
buildings). In
many cases it may
be better to
develop such
networks in
partnership with a
number of public
bodies – see next
column.
As a first stage it is
proposed that a
heat mapping
exercise for South
Ayrshire is
The development
of local heat
networks in South
Ayrshire could be
undertaken by a
number of public
bodies/CPP
partners working
together – for
example building a
heat network
around a number
of buildings with
high heat demand
such as hospitals
or schools. Such
networks generally
also require
incorporation of
high density
housing.
As a first stage it is
proposed that a
heat mapping
exercise for South
Ayrshire is
undertaken.
At the workshop it
was agreed that
Aberdeen City Council
has pioneered the
development of heat
networks and CHP
schemes and is a
model that South
Ayrshire CPP
partners could look
to. Other areas with
useful learning include
Dundee and
Edinburgh.
One barrier to DH
identified is that there
is resistance among
the more affluent in
particular to district
heating – perceived as
being ‘Stalinist’. There
needs to be more
engagement with the
public to build
acceptability
undertaken. there was
significant scope
for collaboration
between public
bodies and private
developers on
District Heating.
There are funds for
District Heating but
need to
communicate –
Council and Energy
Agency may have a
role in drawing
agencies together
Homes and
communities:
Proposals
Fuel poverty and
insulation
programmes
The Scottish
Government has
committed to a
National Retrofit
Strategy, to
supporting UHIS,
the Warm Homes
Fund and EAP and
to maximising
Green Deal uptake
in Scotland
As noted above,
behaviour change
is a critical area
which is not well
addressed in the
RPP but where the
Council, Energy
Agency and
partners could
have an impact.
All CPP partners
could engage staff
and raise
awareness of
energy efficiency.
There is also scope
South Ayrshire
Council and the
Energy Agency
already operate a
free insulation
scheme, support
energy advice
provision and back
other support
including on boiler
scrappage.
Key actions over
the coming year
could be:
To raise awareness
All CPP partners
could promote
awareness of the
Green Deal among
their staff.
Significant learning on
the most effective
investment models for
the Green Deal is
available from those
areas, such as
Birmingham, that
have been
‘Pathfinders’ for such
work.
A number of Scottish
local authorities are
already interested in
developing an
for working with
local Climate
Challenge Fund
projects and other
local initiatives to
help build local
capacity and
awareness around
domestic energy
and climate
change more
generally.
Other engagement
is under way,
including active
participation in
Earth Hour and
work on
Community
Appraisals and the
‘Carrick Energy
Fair’
of the Green Deal
/ECO and
encourage uptake
Based on plans for
a National Retrofit
Programme, to
develop an
integrated, area
based approach
that combines
Green Deal finance
with other sources.
In this the Council
and Energy
Agency could
draw on the work
undertaken in
Birmingham,
Newcastle and
elsewhere.
integrated response to
the Green Deal/ECO,
and South Ayrshire
could look to joint
working with the other
Ayrshire Councils or
become part of a
scheme covering
central Scotland or
indeed the whole
country.
New-build
domestic energy
standards from
2013
This applies to all
new homes in
Scotland from
2013
As noted earlier,
behaviour change
is as important as
higher standards
in cutting
emissions.
The Council,
Energy Agency
South Ayrshire
Council – the
Council could
require that any
new council houses
are built to a
standard that
exceed the 2013
All partners could
contribute to work
on behaviour
change through
engagement with
their staff.
and other
partners could
further engage
with staff and
communities to
promote
awareness and
better use of
energy.
requirement.
Through building
control, the
Council could also
ensure that new
buildings are built
to the standard
intended.
Through the
planning system,
the Council could
assess the
feasibility of
requiring that all
new homes (public
and private) are
built to energy
performance
standards above
the 2013 level.
Business and the
Public sector:
Policies
Smart metering UK Govt
committed to
accelerate roll out
of smart meters to
SME’s
As for domestic
smart meters, the
Energy Agency
and partners could
develop further
work to encourage
uptake among
SMEs
Energy intensive
business
package
Climate Change
Levy being
implemented on
energy use in
industry,
commerce and
public sector
Energy Agency
and Business
Environment
Partnership could
provide advice and
support for
implementation of
advice
accompanying EPC
assessments.
Could be promoted
via Scottish
Enterprise and the
Chamber of
Commerce
All CPP partners
could
encourage/require
sign-up to Carbon
Trust and EST
programmes in
their supply chain
companies
CRC energy
efficiency
scheme
CRC being
implemented in
large non-energy-
intensive
businesses and
public sector.
Smarter working
through greater
use of home
working, VC, etc
could help cut
overall carbon
emissions and
save costs. All
organisations need
to look at this
more
Another area to
look at is better
sharing of office
space. This is
already happening
Advice on the CRC
is available from
DECC or SEPA.
There may be
scope for Scottish
Enterprise to
provide further
information on the
Commitment to
large local
businesses.
The Police have been
working on building
energy efficiency so
may be a source of
good practice
Need to know which
organisations in
Ayrshire are affected
by the CRC.
On sharing office
space, security
requirements (e.g. in
relation to IT) could
be a challenge.
Progress needs a shift
to some degree,
with SNH in
particular looking
to share space.
This could be
advanced through
better information
on spare capacity,
with the Council
and NHS having
the greatest
potential to
contribute.
All organisations
should look to
greening their
procurement and
explore potential
for collaborative
procurement.
Organisations
could also support
local organisations
more and
investigate ways in
which this can be
achieved within
procurement rules.
The key partners
here is the
Business Link
officer, the Third
in attitudes
Sector and the
Chamber of
Commerce.
Non-domestic
buildings energy
standards for
2010
New-build non-
domestic energy
standards in place
since 2010
There are
opportunities for
social marketing
and other
initiatives to
promote behaviour
change in use of
energy in non-
domestic
buildings. Is there
scope for the
Council’s Green
Champions
initiative to be
replicated in
partner
organisations?
Existing buildings
are more
significant than
new buildings in
terms of carbon.
Could CPP
partners be
involved in
initiatives
promoting or
supporting retrofit
Individual CPP
partners could
ensure new
buildings exceed
current standard.
Council has a role
in ensuring that
new buildings are
built to the
standard.
Through the
planning system,
the Council could
also require that all
new buildings are
built to energy
performance
standards above
the 2010 level,
though there is
likely to be some
resistance to this.
NHS Ayrshire and
Arran’s new
community hospital in
Girvan was awarded a
BREEAM ‘Very Good’
rating when opened in
2010 and includes a
biomass boiler, wind
turbine and other
sustainable design
features.
of energy
measures in non-
domestic
buildings?
Renewable heat Renewable Heat
Incentive (RHI)
being introduced
to provide
payment for
renewable heat
generation.
RHI for non-
domestic
customers was
introduced in 2011
to support
industrial, business
and public sector,
providing premium
and casual
payments of up to
£1300.
Council, Energy
Agency, Scottish
Enterprise and
Chamber of
Commerce could
provide
information and
support on RHI.
Is work needed to
build the supply
chain for fuel?
All CPP partners
could seek out
opportunities for
new renewable
heat installations
It is worth noting the
work that Ayr
College has
undertaken in
developing skills to
support renewable
energy, including
micro-renewables.
While this is not
directly related to the
RPP, it is a
contribution to wider
action on climate
change.
Business and
public sector:
Proposals
New non-
domestic
buildings energy
standards from
2013
New energy
standards
proposed for 2013
and currently
being investigated.
Stated intention is
75% reduction in
emissions from
See above
regarding
opportunities for
behaviour change
and retrofit
projects
There is a role for
CPP partners in
demonstrating that
the ambitious
proposals for 2013
standards are
achievable, e.g.
through exemplar
2007 standards schemes like
Colmonell Primary
School and the
new Community
Hospital in Girvan.
Transport:
Policies
EU mandatory
vehicle targets
Mandatory targets
set for
manufacturers of
new cars and vans.
All public bodies
should include
environmental
costs as an award
criteria when
procuring vehicles.
EU Emissions
Trading Scheme
now covers
aviation.
What weight is
being given to
environmental
costs criteria in
procurement of
new public
vehicles? Is there
scope for CPP
partners sharing
good practice or
collaborative
procurement?
EU biofuels
target
Mandatory targets
set for renewable
sources of
transport fuels.
CPP Partners
could explore
further the scope
for use of
sustainable
biofuels (e.g.
waste cooking oil)
in fleet vehicles.
Transport: Eco-driving Eco-driving is
already part of
Low carbon
transport loans can
The proposal is for
large scale
Proposals police driver
training and tehg
Energy Agency has
offered it. However
there has been a
lack of interest
among the public.
be accessed by
private and public
bodies, and can be
used for fuel
efficient driver
training. All CPP
Partners could
investigate.
partnership
working with local
authorities,
motoring
organisations and
commercial
partners. Specific
plans currently
unclear but there
may be potential
for the CPP to
proactively engage
on this – offer to
be a pilot perhaps?
Speed limit
enforcement at
70mph
RPP proposes
stricter
enforcement of
70mph limit
although there
appears to be
uncertainty
surrounding
implementation
The Police clearly
play the major role
in this proposal.
CPP partners
could fit speed
limiters or other
vehicle efficiency
devices to fleet
cars, which can be
eligible for Low
Carbon Transport
Loans.
Freight: HGV
efficiency
improvements
Little detail in RPP
in terms of firm
proposals
Low carbon
transport loans can
be used for
investment in fleet
management
software
Freight: Van
efficiency
improvements
Little detail in RPP
in terms of firm
proposals
Low carbon
transport loans can
be used for
investment in fleet
management
software and
vehicle efficiency
devices
LCV
infrastructure
provision and
procurement
The Scottish
Government is
promoting use of
Scottish biofuels,
extending support
for public sector
procurement of
LCVs and charging
points, grants for
private purchase of
LCV’s and R&D
South Ayrshire
Council has
installed charging
points and has
plans for more,
and have
purchased 4 EV’s.
The Public Sector
Low Carbon
Vehicle
Procurement
Scheme provides
funding support to
public sector
bodies to assist the
uptake of a range
of LCV
technologies in the
public sector fleet.
All CPP Partners
could investigate
the scope for
making further use
of funding available
to increase use of
low carbon
transport.
The Low Carbon
Vehicles Action Plan
has never been
published although a
progress report was
issued in 2011.
As noted by the
Sustainability
Partnership in their
September 12
meeting, low
carbon transport
loans could be
used by CPP
partners to
purchase vehicles.
Further action
should be
investigated by the
Council. Other
public bodies and
the EESACs
Transport
operator. Advice
should be sought
from Transport
Scotland
Intelligent
transport
systems
Scottish
Government
committed to
delivering
enhanced ITS,
principally
Managed
Motorways, on the
trunk road and
motorway network
Not directly
relevant
Not directly
relevant
in Central Scotland
Travel planning All CPP members
should engage
with staff to
encourage
behaviour change
i.e. greater use of
wwalking, cycling
and public
transport.
Station-specific
pocket timetables
have been
prepared but need
to be regularly
updated. The cost
is £1.5-1.7k every
time they are
updated.
Scottish
Government’s
ambition is to
achieve
personalised travel
planning advice to
all households by
2022, and all
workplaces with
more than 30
employees to have
an effective travel
plan by 2022. Will
involve Transport
Partnership and
South Ayrshire
Council.
SEPA have banned
inter-office car
journeys. Could
CPP partners do
the same?
Corporate CPP-
wide targets
could be set for
reducing emissions
from transport,
building on
individual partner
commitments
SAC involved in Go
Active campaign –
school travel plans
and the Council also
has a Sustainable
Travel Plan.
Car clubs Scottish
Government is
providing funding
for formation of
RPP suggests
towns with
minimum 25,000
population could
support car club.
car clubs.
The workshop
supported the
development of car
clubs and other
measures to
encourage car
sharing. Currently
the NHS, SAC and
the Job Centre all
have pool cars and
such provision
could be provided
by others. SAC
should also look at
the development
of a car club for
Ayr.
The Council could
investigate the
scope for
establishment of a
Car Club in Ayr.
This would require
provision of
parking spaces by
SAC and would
benefit from
support of all
partners.
At the workshop it
was suggested that
funding from road
safety could
possibly be used as
car clubs help take
cars off the road.
Cycling and
walking
infrastructure
investment
RPP states that
local authorities
will be primary
delivery agencies
for improvements
in cycling and
walking
infrastructure.
Low carbon
transport loans can
be used for
SAC Transportation
department was
shortlisted for the
National Transport
Awards in 2011 for
cycling improvements
in South Ayrshire
provision of cycle
facilities and could
be investigated
further by all CPP
Partners
Buses and taxis Extension of the
Green Bus Fund to
encourage
operators and local
authorities to
invest in new low
carbon vehicle
technology.
The Council could
undertake further
work with the bus
operators
through CPT and
the Greener
Journeys
programme to
encourage
increased bus
patronage.
Funding for local
authorities to
encourage travel
by public transport
through innovative
travel exchange
points, information
provision, and
integrated travel
could be accessed
by the Council.
Freight modal
shift
RPP sets out range
of options
RPP states that
most options will
require cooperation
of public and
commercial bodies.
CPP partners
could consider
what further action
is possible.
Reducing the
need for travel -
community hubs
The Scottish
Government is
committed to
undertaking
further analysis of
options for
introductions of
shared facilities in
settlements with
populations of less
than 10,000
RPP identifies
planning process
as pivotal in
reducing need to
travel through
location and
design of new
development
South Ayrshire
Council is the
most likely delivery
partner for
community hubs.
Low carbon
transport loans can
be used for video
conferencing
facilities. Is there
scope for CPP
Partners
sharing/hiring of
existing video
conferencing
facilities?
Maritime
transport
Government is
working with
operators and the
port sector,
particularly those
receiving public
support, to build
on their current
activities relating
to the
environmental
impact of maritime
transport.
Is there scope to
engage Associated
British Ports in the
CPP?
9 http://www.sruc.ac.uk/farmingforabetterclimate
Agriculture and
related land use:
Policies
Farming for a
better climate
(FBC)
Scottish
Government and
the Scottish
Agricultural
College (SAC) run
a website
providing
information on
good practice9.
This contains
factsheets,
information and
case studies. Of
particular interest
are 4 Climate
Change Focus
Farms (including
one in Dumfries
and Galloway).
Many of the
measure in FBC
quality for funding
through the
Scottish Rural
Development
Programme
The FBC is very
much focussed on
reducing resource
use and better
management. It has
not made clear links
to other
Government work
on sustainable food.
Scotland’s Rural
College (which
involves the
Scottish
Agricultural
College) is
already engaged in
work with Ayrshire
farmers on climate
change and this
could be extended.
The College could
work with the
Council and
Energy agency to
advance the 5
point action plan in
FBC.
Investigation of
the scope for
further funding of
such work through
the SRDP and
other sources
could be
undertaken, as
Farming for a
better climate
(FBC) is a 5 point
action plan to help
cut GHGs across the
agricultural sector.
The actions are
intended to benefit
farmers economically
as well as cut
emissions:
Using energy and
fuels more efficiently
Developing renewables
Locking carbon into
soils and vegetation Optimising application of fertilisers and manures
Optimising livestock
management and
storage of waste
It was noted that action on energy and
waste should cover
(SRDP). These
include provision
of manure/slurry
storage and
treatment,
installation of
renewables and
management of
lowland raised
bogs.
well as further
engagement and
capacity building
with local farmers.
At the workshop it
was proposed that
CPP Partners could
support better co-
ordination of grant
bids by farmers on
energy and waste.
The lead partner in
this was identified
as Scotland’s Rural
University College
who could offer
advice,
consultancy and
guidance on the
SRDP. Other
partners would
include the
Coulfield
Environment
Initiative, RSPB,
NFU Scotland and
SEPA. The Energy
Agency could
advise.
More widely there
should be a
urban areas as well
as rural.
desktop mapping
exercise on
funding. For this
the SRUC, NFUS,
SEPA and Energy
Agency could work
with Biosphere.
The aim would be
to identify what
scope there is for
other funding –
however some at
the workshop felt
that Biosphere
may already have
such work
underway and it
was unclear
whether the CPP
could add value to
it.
SRDP funding for
anaerobic
digestion (AD)
The Zero Waste
Plan commits the
Scottish
Government to
introduce a
progressive ban on
material that can
be landfilled. This
includes food
waste and organic
matter. AD is one
There is potential to
link farm based
organic wastes to
other suitable
wastes to improve
the viability of AD
development.
Scotland’s Rural
College and the
Energy Agency,
working with the
council, could
undertake work to
determine the
viability of further
AD development.
At the workshop it
was also noted
that there was
scope for the
Energy Agency and
Leader Programme
(Rural 21) to help
farmers and rural
communities with
the development of
other small scale
Regarding small scale
renewables, the
workshop noted that
there was no funding
for mass investment.
Local builders don’t
have the resources to
train their staff in
of the most cost
effective means of
treating this
waste. Financial
support is
available to land
managers that
meet stated
criteria through
the SRDP for the
purchase and
installation of AD
plant and
electricity
produced could
qualify for Feed in
Tariffs (FITs)
renewables these technologies
Agriculture and
related land use:
Proposals
Single farm
payment scheme
The present
European Union
Common
Agricultural Policy
(CAP) provides a
level of income
security to farmers
as well as a
"cross-compliance"
framework for
sustainable
management of
the environment.
The CAP is due for
Action will require
revisions by the EU
of the CAP and the
earliest this can
occur is 2014, with
changes on the
ground not
expected until at
least 2018.
This should be
borne in mind for
future years but is
not an area for
Climate Change
action is integral to
the Scottish
Government’s Land
Use Strategy (LUS).
The Galloway and
Southern Ayrshire
Biosphere have been
selected by the
Scottish Government
as one of 12
initiatives to explore
how the LUS can be
delivered on the
revision at EU
level in 2014 and
there is potential
for specific climate
change mitigation
measures,
including some of
those encouraged
in Farming for a
Better Climate, to
be made
mandatory
through the cross
compliance regime
that links farming
practices to
subsidy payment.
action as yet. ground.
Forestry:
Policies
Increase
afforestation
rate to
10,000Ha/year
Scottish Ministers
have pledged to
plant 100 million
trees by 2015,
which will require
c.10,000 ha/yr.
Grant aid has been
restructured to
increase planting
rates and efforts
are being made to
increase the
commercial
potential of
There is scope to
further develop local
markets for timber
through provision of
information. The
CPP should engage
with the South of
Scotland Forestry
Forum to look at the
scope for more local
timber planting by
farmers and
landowners and the
promotion of local
timber to purchasers
South Ayrshire
Council as
planning authority
exerts strong
influence through
policy over
woodland
expansion and
development of
related
infrastructure. Also
have opportunities
to secure new
planting and
control of
Role for the
Sustainability
Partnership in
taking forward
Central Scotland
Green Network in
South Ayrshire,
including project
development for
national CSGN
funding and other
funding sources.
woodland.
Central Scotland
Green Network
established, which
encompasses
forestry objectives
Large scale timber
operations have
significant
transport impacts.
Wherever
possible, timber
should be moved
by rail or sea. The
CPP could engage
with the Timber
Transport group to
ensure use of
more sustainable
transport is
maximised.
Promoting greater
access to forests
could have
tourism,
recreation and
health benefits.
The CPP should
engage with the
Forestry
in Ayrshire.
There is also scope
to expand
community forests.
The Council and
NHS would appear
to have the greatest
land available for
community use.
Other partners
include TCV
(formerly BTCV), the
SWT, VASA, SNH
and the Forestry
Commission.
Funding could be
provided by
Woodlands around
towns and the CSGN
and compensatory
planting schemes.
woodland removal
through
development
management
system.
New draft Ayrshire
& Arran Forestry &
Woodland Strategy
has been consulted
on in 2012. This
will act as
supplementary
planning guidance
and help to guide
development
management
decisions.
The CPP partners
should engage in
the finalisation of
the strategy and
could play a role in
the
implementation of
the strategy –
promoting
awareness of the
opportunities
identified,
signposting grant
funding available,
Commission and
other landowners.
promoting
community
woodlands and
forest-based
businesses.
Forestry:
Proposals
Increase
afforestation
rate to
15,000Ha/year
See above See above The 15,000 ha/yr is
not yet a firm
proposal – dependent
on it being shown to
be practicably
achievable.
Waste: Policies
and Proposals
Zero waste
policies (pre May
2010)
Key among pre-
May 2010 policies
is the EU Waste
Framework and
Landfill Directives
which have driven
current recycling
targets in
Scotland.
Another important
driver for action is
the Landfill Tax
and a commitment
to ban all
biodegradable
waste from landfill
Significant potential
for more action by
partners on food
waste?
As of 2011, NHS
Ayrshire and Arran
had diverted 30% of
waste from landfill.
The NHS now has a
Sustainability
Strategy and all have
signed up to GCCAM
from 2017.
Zero waste
policies – Zero
Waste Plan
The Zero Waste
Plan (ZWP) sets
out 22 actions
across 4 areas:
resource streams,
economic
opportunity,
resource
management and
education and
awareness, many
of which will have
an impact on GHG
emissions. Key
elements of the |
ZWP are:
Zero Waste
Targets for 2013,
2020 and 2025 Better waste collection data The creation of Zero Waste
Scotland to provide integrated support Development of a
carbon metric for recycling
The workshop notes
that it was
important to move
beyond recycling on
to waste
minimisation and
resource use. One
particular area to
focus on is food
waste. It was
proposed that this
required more public
engagement
through:
Public
engagement
Pensioners –
Age Concern
Work in schools through
Curriculum for Excellence
All this could be set
out in a Zero Waste
Plan.
The Council is
already required to
meet targets for
recycling
household waste of
50% by 2013 and
up to 70% by
2025. In 2011,
42.7% of waste
was recycled or
composted.
There is scope to
engage better with
commercial and
industrial waste.
As an overarching
commitment the
CPP could develop
a Zero Waste Plan,
with the Council
as lead partner but
with all signed up
to action on waste
reduction and
recycling and
engagement with
staff, the public
and suppliers. This
could build on the
The Government has
powers under the
Climate Change
(Scotland) Act to
introduce secondary
legislation on waste
and climate change.
There is scope to look
at the wider socio-
economic benefits of
waste and resource
management.
Support and guidance
is available from Zero
Waste Scotland
Action on waste felt
to be a particular
challenge in rural
areas.
In terms of
engagement
examples to learn
from include Going
Carbon Neutral
Stirling. A challenge
would be cost of
such a scheme but
may be possible to
work through
existing groups such
as CCF, Community
Councils. and other
community
organisations.
Action on business
waste also
important. BRICC is
working on these
issues and SAC is
involved but the
Council could do
more.
Area Waste Plan
for Ayrshire and
Dumfries and
Galloway.
As noted above,
AD development
may be possible in
the area, linked to
agriculture. There
is also the
potential to further
boost composting.
A carbon metric
will be applied to
municipal waste
from 2013. There
is scope to extend
this to commercial
and industrial
waste but this will
require better
data. South
Ayrshire is already
involved in work
on ecological foot-
printing and this
could be further
applied to waste
and resource
policy.
Appendix 2: List of phone interviews and
acknowledgements Report prepared by Phil Matthews and Tim Maiden of CAG Consultants on behalf of
Carbon Trust Scotland and South Ayrshire CPP. We are grateful to Carbon Trust
Scotland and in particular Warren McIntyre for their support and funding.
We wish to thank the members of the South Ayrshire CPP Sustainability Partnership
for all their help in preparing this report, in particular Lorna Jarvie of South Ayrshire
Council We would also wish to thank all those who took part in phone interviews
that helped inform this report:
Lesley Bloomer, South Ayrshire Council
Carol Gilbert, SPT
Mark Hastings, South Ayrshire Council
Stuart Lindsay, Ailsa Horizons
Liz Marquis, Alan McGonigle, Joe Fergusson and Michael Carr, Energy Agency
Marie Oliver, VASA
Val Russell, Ayr Chamber of Commerce
Marion Shaw and Neil Kitching, Scottish Enterprise
Appendix 3: Detailed project plans
The evaluation matrix appraised the scope for action by the CPP and individual
partners in relation to each area of the RPP. The three project proposals below set
out in more detail how the three most promising projects could be taken forward.
This analysis has been based on the information available at the time of writing – a
full project plan would need to be developed by the CPP if a decision was taken to
proceed with any of these projects.
Project 1: Area Retrofit
Project/work area name
Area retrofit
Description The Scottish Government is preparing a National Retrofit
Programme for Scotland, based around integrated, area-wide
action on domestic energy.
Lead by the Energy Agency and SAC, South Ayrshire could develop
an approach to area retrofit which maximises the potential of the
national programme and capitalises on other sources of funding for
energy efficiency and micro-generation. The Energy Agency have
worked extensively on area-based approaches and are already preparing for the introduction of the National Retrofit Strategy.
The latest data (2009-2011) from the Scottish House Condition Survey (SHCS) suggests that:
South Ayrshire has approximately 26,000 homes with less than
200mm loft insulation, which represents 52% of the housing
stock. This compares to 49% in Scotland overall.
Of these, approximately 8,000 (17%) have less than 100mm of loft insulation, compared to 14% in Scotland overall.
Approximately 12,000 homes have uninsulated solid walls,
which represents 23% of the housing stock. This is the same percentage as for Scotland overall.
Approximately 23,000 homes have uninsulated cavity walls,
which represents 46% of the housing stock, compared to 49% for Scotland overall.
Whilst these figures give broad indications of theoretical potential
for further insulation measures, care needs to be taken in drawing
too much from them since they do not take into account, for
example, problematic lofts or cavity walls where additional
insulation measures are impractical, or issues such as planning
constraints which restrict the potential for solid wall insulation. In
addition, consumer attitudes must also be factored in, recognising
for example that heavily discounted or free loft and cavity wall
insulation has been available to all households over many years now.
However, the National Retrofit Programme, which will be launched
in April 2013 will aim to capitalise on the remaining opportunities
for basic measures (e.g. loft and cavity wall insulation) and
increase the take-up of more complex measures such as solid wall
insulation. The initial focus will be on the most deprived areas,
drawing on a range of data including indices of multiple
deprivation, child poverty as well as the Scottish House Condition
survey and heat mapping.
South Ayrshire has significant pockets of fuel poverty and
deprivation, which may be included in the initial areas targeted by
the programme. The SHCS suggests that the levels of fuel poverty
in South Ayrshire are slightly above the national average, at 29%,
which represents about 15,000 households. In the Scottish Index
of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD) 2012, 17 (1.7%) of the 976 data
zones in the 15% most deprived data zones in Scotland were
found in South Ayrshire. The most deprived data zone in South
Ayrshire in the overall SIMD 2012 is found in Lochside, Braehead
and Whitletts and the Scottish Parliament Constituency of Ayr. It
has a rank of 39, meaning that it is amongst the 5% most deprived areas in Scotland.
The National Retrofit Programme will take over from the Energy
Assistance Package, Universal Home Insulation Scheme and Boiler
Scrappage Scheme. The programme will draw in UK funding from
the Green Deal, Energy Company Obligation (ECO) and additional
Scottish programmes – the Warm Homes Fund (to support
community renewable and district heating projects in the areas
worst affected by fuel poverty) and Gas Infill Loans Scheme (to
extend the gas grid to communities within a reasonable distance of
the mains gas grid). Local area-based programmes could also seek
to draw together funding from other sources such as Feed-in-Tariffs and the Renewable Heat Incentive.
Whilst there will be a focus on the most deprived areas, it will be
important for the project to be part of wider efforts to promote
uptake of universally available funding schemes across South Ayrshire, particularly the Green Deal.
There is also potential for establishing a parallel retrofit
programme for non-domestic buildings. Such a programme could
draw together funding sources and other opportunities in a similar
way to a domestic programmes and could be built around a
number of significant opportunities, including: The Green Deal,
which is available to businesses as well as householders
(businesses may, in fact, be more open to the principle of
borrowing against future savings than householders will be); the
Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI), which is already available to businesses; and the planned roll-out of smart meters to SME’s.
Which CPP
partners would be involved?
It is envisaged that local councils will play the central role in
delivery of the National Retrofit Programme. The Energy Agency
would work alongside South Ayrshire Council. However, maximum
benefit would be derived from the involvement of other CPP
partners such as the NHS, community councils and other
community groups in promoting the scheme and engaging eligible households.
Scottish Enterprise and the Chamber of Commerce would be key
partners in developing a parallel non-domestic programme.
Consideration should also be given to ways in which wider take-up
of the Green Deal can be achieved in South Ayrshire. The Scottish Futures Trust have suggested five main options for local councils:
Limited promotion - where the local council's role is limited
to promoting energy efficiency works, for example through a portal of local, accredited Green Deal suppliers.
Green Deal Community Interest Company - where a
consortium of local councils form a dedicated social enterprise
in the form of a Community Interest Company (CIC) to provide a regional green deal offer.
Framework of Green Deal providers - where the local
council or a group of councils take an active approach in
promoting demand and identifying packages of work and procuring a framework of accredited Green Deal providers.
Green Deal partnership - where the council (or a group of
councils) procures a Green Deal delivery partner who will work
exclusively to deliver the Green Deal, with the council providing
strategic direction and monitoring agreed outcomes.
Green Deal provider - where the local council itself becomes an accredited Green Deal provider.
Would any other
partners be
involved?
Scottish Government as funder of the National Retrofit
Programme, energy companies through their responsibility for
delivering the Energy Company Obligation (ECO).
Rough estimate of carbon savings
Detailed analysis would be necessary to provide estimates of
potential carbon savings with any degree of uncertainty. DECC
themselves acknowledge that there is a high degree of uncertainty
surrounding their estimates of potential carbon savings from Green Deal and ECO, largely because it is a market-based model.
DECC’s Impact Assessment of the Green Deal does provide
estimates of uptake for the main measures across Great Britain.
Applying equivalent rates of uptake to South Ayrshire’s remaining
technical potential for cavity wall, solid wall and loft insulation
would suggest that by 2015, installations of these measures could
be delivering annual savings of over 2,100 tonnes CO2/year. Note
that this does not take account of the additional uplift which could
be achieved through the Scottish Government’s additional funding
nor of any additional savings which could be achieved through a parallel non-domestic programme.
Rough estimate of
staff and financial
Direct Scottish Government funding will be forthcoming for the
National Retrofit Programme (see below). The extent of costs for
securing wider take-up of the Green Deal will depend on the
costs approach adopted. Simple promotion of the Green Deal would have
limited costs associated with it but there would be significant initial
set-up costs associated with the establishment of a Green Deal
Community Interest Company, a Framework of Green Deal
providers or a Green Deal partnership. The costs of becoming a
Green Deal provider would be even more significant, including staff
training, accreditation, sales costs and costs in undertaking Green Deal works, although it could be self-funding in the longer term.
Possible sources
of funding
Direct Scottish Government funding of the NRP will raise £65
million in 2012-13, £79 million in 2013-14, and £66.25 million in
2014-15. It is not yet known how much of this will be directed
towards South Ayrshire. In addition it is intended to directly fund
additional programmes and lever in external funding in order to
achieve a total expenditure in Scotland of £200 million per year. This will come from:
Energy Company Obligation as well as the Green Deal of
circa £120 million per annum (based on getting a proportionate
share of overall GB funding.)
The Warm Homes Fund with £50 million over the course of this parliamentary session.
The Gas Infill Loans Scheme (£1 million for 2012-13 and a
further £4 million 2013-14) to provide the opportunity to access additional, cheaper options for domestic energy.
There are also a number of sources of finance available to support
the Green Deal more widely. These include the Public Works Loan
Board, the Green Deal Finance Company and bank lending, all of
which may be used to help support an expansion in energy efficiency work.
What wider
economic/social/e
nvironmental
benefits could the
project deliver?
There is the potential for significant wider benefits including
reductions in fuel poverty, health benefits associated with warmer
homes and the resulting decrease in the financial burdens on the
health service. It has been estimated that every £1 spent keeping
homes warm can save the NHS 42 pence in health costs.
Particularly through adopting a proactive approach to engaging
with local businesses in delivery, there is also significant potential
for local economic benefits. DECC have estimated that the Green
Deal alone could lead to the creation of up to 250,000 jobs across
Great Britain by 2030.
There may also be scope to link action on energy with wider community renewal work.
Taking this work forward
The Energy Agency are already gearing up for the introduction of
the National Retrofit Programme so we would recommend that a
CPP working group be established to take this forward and to
explore the potential for wider action associated with the Green
Deal and the potential for a parallel non-domestic programme. The
group could include representatives of the Council, the NHS, Scottish Enterprise and Chamber of Commerce.
Project 2: Smarter working Project/work area name
‘Smarter’ working
Description So-called ‘smarter’ working practices have the potential to deliver significant financial and carbon savings.
A smarter working initiative led by the CPP could include the
following elements:
The sharing of office space. This is already happening to some
degree, but CPP partners have expressed support for the idea
of identifying additional opportunities. SNH are already sharing office space
Facilitating more flexible working and home working. Flexible
working practices allow employees to structure their working
week within a framework of strict parameters, through the use
of flexi-time, flexi-working or condensed hours. Capitalising on
improvements in technology to allow more home working could
also have significant benefits in terms of reduced commuting.
Promoting and providing facilities for telephone and video-
conferencing to reduce work-related travel.
Which CPP
partners would be involved?
In terms of the sharing of office space, the Council and NHS are
likely to be able to play the most significant role since they have
the biggest estates. However, discussion between all partners will be necessary to identify opportunities for sharing.
All partners with employees could be involved could be involved in
the other elements of the initiative.
Would any other
partners be involved?
We would suggest that the initiative be focused initially on CPP
partners but there is potential to roll out the initiative to local businesses in the longer term.
Rough estimate of
carbon savings
Significant carbon savings are possible from the sharing of office
space but the level of savings would depend entirely on the level of sharing.
There is potential for significant carbon savings from transport
emissions from other aspects of the initiative.
DfT’s report ‘Smarter choices: Changing the way we travel’ reports
that studies of tele-working (home and remote working) report
overall reductions in mileage or trips of between 11 and 19%. The
same report suggests that reductions of between 10 and 30% are typically reported for organisations that promote teleconferencing.
Every 1,000 miles of car travel saved would result in a CO2
emissions saving of 0.29 tonnes (based on a medium-sized diesel engine car).
Rough estimate of
staff and financial
costs
The initial costs associated with this initiative would be negligible
since it would be about collating and sharing information on
opportunities for sharing of office space. Subsequent costs would
then depend on any need for modifications to, for example,
access, security or IT. However, in the longer term utilising excess office space should lead to financial savings.
The costs associated with facilitating greater home working and
flexible working would depend on any necessary investments in IT
or communication facilities. However, these may be offset to some extent by a need for less office space.
Videoconferencing systems range in price from around £50 to
£15,000 depending on their size and features. High-end systems
may be offered on a contract basis, along with installation,
technical support and training options. However, when the savings
from business travel and increased productivity are considered, a
videoconferencing system may pay for itself, particularly in larger organisations.
Possible sources of funding
Low Carbon Transport Loans can be used for video conferencing facilities.
What wider
economic/social/e
nvironmental
benefits could the project deliver?
The initiative involves measures that reduce the need to travel. As
well as generating carbon savings, this could result in:
lower organisational transport costs
reduced need for car parking spaces
increased productivity, by cutting time spent travelling to
meetings etc.
improved staff recruitment and retention by showing flexibility around working hours
safer roads
lower congestion
less air and noise pollution
Taking this work
forward
The initial specific actions which the CPP could take forward are:
collating and sharing information on where spare capacity
exists and who requires additional space.
sharing of good practice policies and procedures on home working and flexible working; and
collating information on existing video-conferencing facilities and exploring potential for sharing.
Project 3: Public engagement on energy and waste issues
Project/work area name Waste: Public engagement on energy and waste
issues
Description The Scottish Government has identified behaviour
change as an important but challenging element of
action to cut carbon. The South Ayrshire Sustainability
Partnership also identified awareness and behaviour
change as a major barrier to action on carbon, from
domestic energy to waste.
Some engagement is under way, including active
participation in Earth Hour and work on Community
Appraisals and the ‘Carrick Energy Fair’, as well as the
active work of the Energy Agency with local schools.
There is scope to expand this through a proper
programme of engagement, working with local
Climate Challenge Fund projects, Community
Councils and other local initiatives to help build local
capacity and awareness around domestic energy,
waste and climate change more generally. This could
also be linked to engagement work with employees of
CPP partners (see other proposal in section 4.2).
There could be three main strands to the
engagement:
General public engagement
Action with pensioners
Work with schools through the curriculum
Specific areas that the energy engagement work could
concentrate on are:
Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI)
Feed in Tariffs
District Heating (particularly perceptions of it
among the more affluent)
The Green Deal
Smart meters
Small scale renewable technologies
Community energy developments
Engagement around waste issues is also important.
One strong message that emerged from the Workshop
with the Sustainability Partnership is that further
progress on waste reduction and recycling will only be
achieved with a proper public understanding of the
issue and support for action. A better informed and
committed public will help the Council meet recycling
targets and move towards a more sustainable approach based on waste minimisation.
Which CPP partners would be
involved
South Ayrshire Council and the Energy Agency would
lead with all other CPP partners involved. This could
be an Ayrshire wide initiative involving other Councils.
Other partners could include SEPA (on waste issues).
Would any other partners be
involved?
For waste: Waste Aware Scotland/Scottish
Government, Age Concern, Climate Challenge Fund
projects, schools (including Ecoschools), Community
Councils.
For energy, the involvement of energy companies
would be useful and could assist them in their
promotion of smart meters, the green deal and other
work on energy conservation.
Rough estimate of carbon It is difficult to estimate the direct carbon savings
savings from such work.
The Scottish Government’s Review of the Climate
Challenge Fund10 showed varying degrees of success
in terms of carbon savings but many projects did
achieve notable reductions. The Government has
recognised that behaviour change has to be part of
action to meet Scotland’s Climate Change targets and
has published a Public Engagement Strategy.11
Rough estimate of staff and
financial costs
The Energy Agency is already active in working with
schools on energy saving behaviour, delivering
lessons to pupils since 2000, over which time almost
60,000 children have participated. The lessons link to
the Curriculum for Excellence and also the Ecoschools
programme. There is scope to build on the existing
staff resources.
Possible sources of funding Energy companies may be willing to provide support
and there may be the scope to access funding from
Zero Waste Scotland.
The CCF projects in the area are funded by the
Scottish Government and could work with the CPP to
engage their local communities. Community Councils
and other local groups might also be able to provide
support in terms of time.
What wider
economic/social/environmental
benefits could the project
deliver?
The project could lead to greater awareness and help
build community networks. Improvements in energy
performance of homes will have significant health and
financial benefits. Such work will also contribute to
strong neighbourhoods and an active and informed
local population.
Any other comments One example to draw on in terms of engagement is
Going Carbon Neutral Stirling. Other examples can be
found in the Scottish Government’s report on the
Climate Challenge Fund (link above). Such work could
form part of a Zero Waste Plan for Ayrshire.
10 http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/06/28142552/0
11 www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/336432/0110100.pdf