RENEWABLE AND LOW CARBON ENERGY
There are considerable opportunities across the District for more buildings to be powered and heated by sustainable forms of energy. We can play our part by promoting and using these forms of energy.
Current activities:
- using sustainable energy in our own developments. For example, the energy for the new leisure centre in Billingshurst has a Combined Heat and Power plant which generates less carbon dioxide in providing most of the heat and power for the building.
- using sustainable energy where we work in partnership on social housing schemes. Schemes in Storrington Abbey Court (8 flats) and Abbey Walk (12 houses) include solar thermal panels (hot water), photovoltaics (which supply electricity), and a small community heating scheme.
- planning policies encourage renewable and low carbon energy generation in new developments throughout the District. For example, certain residential, industrial and commercial schemes should reduce carbon dioxide emissions by at least 10% above current building regulations.
Future Actions:
| Initiative | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 to 2 years: | |
| Building Energy & Carbon Management Policy & Strategy | Will assess the potential for using renewable sources of energy within existing Council buildings |
| Replacement boiler | Feasibility study for replacement boiler within Park North |
| Options for sustainable energy in the wider estate | Work with contractors on potential for retrofitting a Combined Heat and Power plant at the Pavillions in the Park |
| Advice on renewables | Investigate the potential of joining an advice service being developed in West Sussex |
| Renewable and low carbon energy opportunities study | Complete the joint study with other West Sussex authorities on the opportunities for new or extended renewable and low carbon generation for new and existing development |
| 2 to 5 years: | |
| Support the Sussex and Low Weald LEADER Programme | Seeks to support the diversification of the rural economy, including revitalising woodlands, utilising alternative crops and farm waste for additional income streams; all of which could provide renewable forms of energy |
| Wood fuel supply chain | Partnership with other Councils in the Gatwick Diamond to study the potential for wood as a fuel source in the area and to develop a high quality reliable wood fuel supply chain |
| Sustainable design & construction | Review the current policies |
| Grants for renewable energy | Investigate the methods used by other Councils to provide grant funding for households for renewable energy |
| Energy Services Company | Investigate the potential of establishing an Energy Services Company locally; possibly in partnership with another Council |