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Introductions and Apologies
Minutes of Last Meeting
The minutes of the last meeting were reviewed and accepted by the group. Actions from these minutes were discussed and updates given. With regards to attendance, there were many more LA’s represented at this meeting and those not represented were identified. FS informed the group she has arranged for a representative from CSEP to attend and present at the next meeting.
Matters Arising
The action plan was reviewed: Gathering of baseline data was discussed as so far just 3 authorities have responded to the request for data. Once all collected the use of an analysis tool from BRE was suggested.
UPDATE: This tool is called SBEM (Simplified Building Energy Model) and is available to download at www.ncm.bre.co.uk
The planning issue was discussed and CH advised that Regen SW are running training for planners around writing LDF’s and RE applications on December 7th. It was also mentioned that there may be an opportunity to promote DSEN to planners at this event.
TN fed back information from the Sustainable Energy for Planners event which was held on September 28th.
CH advised Regen also have funding for districts to have training sessions for members, please see information attached.
Action: JS to circulate this information to other CEO’s
JN to circulate to PSSG
It was also discussed that it would be useful to get timetables for each authorities LDF’s to see who is at the stage of needing guidance.
Action: PSSG to obtain Devon authorities LDF timetables.
GW reported on the Energy Technologies in New Developments event and the group discussed the Sherford and Cranbrook developments.
Action: DSEN need to keep abreast of new developments and ensure an energy strategy is incorporated at the earliest design stage.
The group discussed arranging visits to exemplar projects for councillors and the need for a Devon map of RE techs and sustainable developments – possibly using the DTi’s RE map as a starting point.
TN outlined the RED (Renewable Energy in Devon) bid.
It was again mentioned that the scope of this group needs to be identified, especially as transport is not included in the remit of DSEN, and this group does not look at the health sector, government buildings or MOD.
The action plan was reviewed and points 1.1 – 1.5 were updated. Other points which came out of the review were that the Carbon Trust offer free consultancy to help LA’s establish their carbon footprint.
Action: DSEN should encourage LA’s to do this
Also the RSS is out for consultation soon.
Action: JN to provide link to this.
UPDATE: Combined RSS and RES consultation events are being held at Plymouth (24th Nov), Poole (25th Nov), Exeter (30th Nov) and Cheltenham (2nd Dec). For more details about these events and to book a place go to:
www.southwest-ra.gov.uk/swra/ourwork/RSS/consultation_events.shtml
or email rss@southwest-ra.gov.uk
or call 01823 425204
It was agreed the group would consider the other key tasks on the action plan, and return any comments to Jo by November 4th.
Feedback from DSEN Steering Group Meeting on 2nd September
– revised Terms of Reference and Aims and Objectives
AS fed back information from the steering group meeting and presented the revised aims and objectives and terms of reference to the group for input. Some amendments were made – please see revised document attached.
Renewable Energy and the Regional Spatial Strategy – Craig Frost – Regional Policy Manager – Regional Assembly
Craig gave an overview of the RSS and outlined the timetable for consultation. For further info see www.southwest-ra.gov.uk and to view the draft RSS follow links Regional Assembly – meetings – October 2005.
Annual Conference – Fiona Swan
Fiona opened the discussion for the first annual DSEN conference and asked for ideas from the group on target audience, function of the conference, venues and themes. Some of the suggestions made included scoping and re-evaluation opportunity, a platform for raising further issues outside of the county, information sharing between sub group and involvement of CSEP.
News and Upcoming Events
JN advised there are some events coming up which may be of interest to this group or to their colleagues; BRE / EST are holding a seminar on building regulations - part L, on November 22nd in Exeter and the Carbon Trust are running free training in energy management sessions on November 2nd. Details of these have already been sent to DSEN but if you require another copy of the details please contact jo@devon-energy-advice.co.uk
A.O.B
There was none.
Local Authority Sub Group - Formation and Meeting
DATE OF NEXT MEETING
Tuesday 27th September
Committee Room A, Northcott house
Exeter University
1.30pm - 4.00pm
