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1. Introductions and Apologies
MH welcomed everyone to the meeting and introductions and apologies were made.
2. Minutes of Last Meeting
The minutes of the last meeting were reviewed and it was confirmed that all the actions had been completed. The group agreed these minuted were a true reflection of the meeting.
3. Matters Arising
There were none
4. Feedback from Steering Group meeting
MH fed back information from the steering group meeting on November 11th. For the full minutes please see attachment.
Annual Conference
The annual conference was discussed at the steering group meeting. JN gave background on how the initial ideas were formed; the sub groups were consulted and their ideas were discussed between the chairs at a teleconference and the final ideas were taken to the steering group for approval.
To summarise the objectives of the conference will be mainly recruitment, networking and raising the profile of DSEN. All four sectors of DSEN will be represented by inspirational speakers at the beginning of the, with the focus gradually moving towards renewable energy, particularly Devon’s potential to become a net exporter of energy and the benefits this will bring to local economy. The proposed venue is Roadford Lake in West Devon as there is potential sponsorship from South West Water for this, plus there are 3 hydro turbines in the dam here which could be toured during the conference.
A discussion ensued around the group’s ideas for the conference, including target audience, exhibition composition and the need for economic specifications. It was agreed that the group would look through the draft conference outline and return any ideas to Jo.
ACTION: Jo to distribute conference draft and ideas to be returned by December 16th.
- RED (Renewable Energy in Devon)
MH gave an update on the Renewable Energy in Devon bid, and explained to the group what it is; The bid was submitted to Objective 2, Government Office South West and Rural Renaissance Devon for approval. It will support the development of Renewable Energy in the county through increasing the supply of good quality RE whilst ensuring the demand exists. It will also provide funding to install RE across all the sectors and through the partners will offer mentored support to all sectors through DARE and Envision (businesses), the Devon EEAC (domestic) and the Local Energy Support Team (public sector). By the end of the year DSEN should know if RED has been approved and if it is it will support the delivery of many of DSEN’s objectives.
ACTION: Jo to send out executive summary with minutes.
5. The Carbon Trust - Duncan Bardsley
Duncan gave a presentation regarding the services of the Carbon Trust. For more information visit www.thecarbontrust.co.uk/carbontrust/
6. Prioritisation exercise
The group had done a similar exercise previously and as time was getting short decided not to do this exercise during the meeting, but to take the plans and return them electronically to Jo.
ACTION: Jo to attach prioritisation plan and group members to fill in and return by December 16th.
7. A.O.B
Quick Win:
MH advised that there may be some funding for a ‘quick win’ from each of the sub groups, i.e. a small project which can be completed or at least well underway by the time of the conference in the spring. An idea being put forward on behalf of this group is an environmentally friendly makeover show. MH explained that it would involve making over a local business from top to bottom with energy efficiency and RE measures, plus training the staff to ensure behavioural changes. Penney Poyzer from the BBC’s “No Waste Like Home” has agreed in principle to be involved with this.
PS introduced another quick win proposal – the Devon concept map. She explained it would be a marriage of art and information and would show the geographical location of sustainable energy installations, suppliers and information agencies in Devon as well as examples of good practice.
Website:
Jo advised the group that the website is now live at www.dsen.org.uk and that the business group has its own page. The page is currently empty barring the group’s aim and is available to be filled with whatever the group decides. A discussion took place regarding the content of the page, including best practice examples from local businesses and links to useful documents.
DEBI Awards:
MH passed round the DEBI newsletter and advised the group of the low carbon award which could be a good opportunity for Devon & Cornwall Business Council
DONM 21st February 2006 - 10.00-12.30
Committee Room A, Northcote House, Exeter University
