Agenda item

The Panel is invited to comment on the Building Energy Strategy Report.

Executive Councillor: S Howell

By means of a report by the Facilities Manager (a copy of which was appended in the Minute Book), the Building Energy Strategy was presented to the Panel.

The Panel heard that plans for implementation would be looked at on a site by site basis to balance the Council’s journey to Net Zero with the lifecycle of existing plant equipment.

Concern was expressed regarding the legitimacy of green tariffs nationwide, due to the consistency and origin of the energy these tariffs were comprised of. The Panel were advised that a Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin (REGO) certificate had been provided by the Council’s energy provider validating the green credentials of the origination of its energy. It was noted that the Council’s current energy tariff was due for renewal in October 2026.

Further concern was expressed in relation to the energy efficiency rating of the Pathfinder House site, in particular the insulation of the building, despite it being relatively new. The Panel heard that the buildings construction with glass areas was partially the reason for this, however many improvements had been implemented since 2021 and once a review of these changes had been undertaken, further opportunities for energy saving would be investigated.

In response to a question relating to the energy consumption at Pathfinder House on Bank Holidays, the Panel heard that there had been a fault in the system which had not recognised the changes inputted for the Bank Holidays, this had now been rectified and would not be an issue going forward.

Concerns were expressed in relation to the various interpretations of green tariffs. Following a discussion on the matter, it was proposed to add an additional recommendation to the Cabinet report.

At 19:30 it was

RESOLVED

that the meeting stand adjourned.

Upon resumption at 19:33, the additional recommendation and it’s wording was proposed by Councillor Pitt, this was seconded by Councillor Lowe and the Panel voted unanimously in favour of forwarding the proposed recommendation to the Cabinet;

3) that further consideration be given to the relative merits of different Green Energy tariffs, given that the expression "100% Green Energy" is interpreted differently by different people. That the council takes a view on these relative merits, and that this feeds into the procurement process in a timely manner.

The Panel heard that there was preference to keep using and to increase the use of green fuels across the Council’s estate but that alternatives would be considered on this journey as technologies were developed. Councillor Pitt expressed further concern over the wording of Recommendation 2 in the report and questioned whether the implications could be further teased out.

In response to a question relating to the input of the Climate Working Group adding value to the formation of the report, the Panel heard that the feedback obtained had been a valuable part of the process.

The Panel were advised that any future buildings adopted into the Council’s Estate would be subject to the same processes as existing buildings. It was specifically noted that the Council would be looking to develop the plant room at Sawtry Leisure Centre with energy saving options, however scope would depend on collaboration with the landlord as this would be a leased facility.

Following the discussion, it was

RESOLVED

that the comments of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel be passed to Cabinet for their consideration when making a decision upon the recommendations within the report, and additionally, the Panel request that the Cabinet consider adding the following recommendation to their report;

3) that further consideration be given to the relative merits of different Green Energy tariffs, given that the expression "100% Green Energy" is interpreted differently by different people. That the council takes a view on these relative merits, and that this feeds into the procurement process in a timely manner.

Councillor T Alban entered the meeting at 19:15 during the report presentation and took part in the discussion thereafter.