1. Attendance

2. Apologies

A big thank you was made to Alex Hurth for arranging the meeting at the National Marine Aquarium.

3.Minutes of Last Meeting

Were approved.

4.Matters Arising

AH discussed the possibility for an exhibition, showcasing businesses to the members of DSEN at the National Marine Aquarium. There was a lot of talk about whether it would take too much time/money to organise such an event and who would the exhibition benefit?

GH suggested having the exhibition after 6.00pm. AH will look into the possibilities for a reduced rate, maybe having the showcase in the discovery theatre.

Action: F.S. and A.H. to negotiate whether there is potential for this. Maybe asking DSEN members maybe through a survey, what they would like to see.

F.S. to talk to Tim German from Cornwall Sustainable Energy Partnership  about the potential for a joint event.

5.Feedback from  Steering Group

GH presented a paper that is being put forward by the DSEN steering group regarding the proposal for a sustainable energy strategy for Devon. This will go to the Devon Plymouth and Torbay Local Strategic Partnerships by the 1st of November. GH also highlighted the funding crisis now that EST have withdrawn funding from the Devon Local Energy Support Team. The paper has already gone to Torbay Council who have confirmed that will be able to offer some financial support for the DSEN secretariat. There may also be potential to get sponsorship from private sector companies who want to improve their image. Overall the draft summary was welcomed by the group. There is also potential for Plymouth Chambers of Commerce to lend a hand in helping.

GH also highlighted the benefits of DSEN i.e. it has supported projects like Renewable Energy 4 Devon, which will help SMEs install RE technologies in the objective 2 area. RDA has “ear marked” RE4D as a pilot project and may be duplicated in other counties. There has been interest from Cornwall.

The Launch of RE4D is on the 18th of October at Kittley House. Invitations have been sent out. There have been approximately 500 people interested in RE4D so far, so it is looking positive so far. Training in integrating RE technologies into new build to for planning officers has also been arranged.

Action: LS - To put RE4D executive summary on the DSEN website.

DB expressed his concerns about rogue traders in the market place of RE technologies, because some of the public are being miss-sold RE products.

DB also suggested that more should be done for the private sector housing, with regards to RE installation maybe through DSEN and RDA. RE4D is there to give extra support and guidance but mainly to SMEs, so something more is needed for the general public.

A number of other general issues were also raised. i.e. More money is needed if RE technology businesses are going to take off in the South West. There are also a lot of problems from the aspect of planning permission especially for technologies like roof mounted turbines.

DB – had a presentation from REGEN on Low carbon buildings which actually commented on the fact that new builds actually added to carbon and a payback period of 17 years before it started to make any savings. DB went on to add that we should be focusing on existing housing stock.

Action: Feedback needed from DSEN Business sub group on the proposal regarding the Devon Sustainable Energy Strategy. LS – To e-mail the paper to all.

6.Date of next meeting

Tuesday 28th November 9.30 – 12.00

Northcote House

University of Exeter