The road to Net zero carbon
Our use of energy generates by far the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions from human activities. Reducing our personal and community energy demand and increasing use of clean, non-carbon derived energy to power, heat and cool our buildings are urgent priorities for tackling the climate and nature emergency.
Homes and non-domestic buildings in Bath and North East Somerset together create over two thirds of the District’s carbon footprint. Bath and North East Somerset Council has declared the ambitious aim of ‘carbon neutral B&NES by 2030’. Part of its strategy is to ensure that all new buildings will be net zero carbon, in both construction and operation, and that existing buildings will be retrofitted with measures like insultation to help to reduce energy demand and costs. Alongside the strategy to reduce energy consumption, the Council is also planning rapid and large-scale increases in local renewable energy generation.
While B&NES Council has set out a path to decarbonise the district, the practicalities of reducing our energy demand to net zero cannot be done without concerted action at all levels of society; by government, service providers, the business sector, local communities, and by us as consumers making fundamental changes in our personal behaviour and choices.
REPORT TO EAST HARPTREE PARISH COUNCIL
The Parish Council Climate and Nature Emergency Working Group has produced a report that examines how the energy and heat transition will affect East Harptree, and how we can respond. The report identifies specific actions that can be taken by the Parish Council, like using its leadership role to encourage household energy efficiency, and its planning consultation powers to secure clean energy measures in all new development. Ways in which the parish can harness opportunities for local benefit from the energy transition are explored, such as promoting local renewable energy generation, storage and purchase schemes for our community. Recognising that some choices and actions are not straightforward, the report identifies specialist agencies who can help the Parish Council, residents and businesses to deal with the technical complexities of moving from traditional fossil fuel derived power sources to a system that relies on clean, zero carbon, energy.
The East Harptree Parish Council Climate & Nature Emergency Working Group (C&NEWG) Energy and Heat Report can be read here. For further information please contact bernicegroberts@gmail.com
Image courtesy of Reading Community Energy Society