Agenda and minutes

1.               Ms McKenzie gave a presentation, using overheads; a copy is appended to these Minutes.  She highlighted the key progress since the Select Committee last met. Points raised included:

·       Looking at the Public Sector’s Estate

·       Renewable Energy Study

2.               Ms McKenzie advised that in May 2011 Kent County Council commissioned AECOM to test and confirm the availability of renewable resources in the county and consider the likelihood of these resources being developed. An Action Plan was drawn up and currently out for consultation, which would conclude in the Spring 2012. The results of the consultation would be use to build a Kent strategy. Please see below the extract from www.kent.gov.uk

3.               The study has now been completed and AECOM's findings and recommended actions are available below. The findings of the study, maps and recommendations do not represent the views of the County Council on deployment of renewable energy at this stage. In this respect KCC will continue to work with partners and stakeholders to refine the recommendations and develop an achievable strategy and action plan for Kent.

4.               The study has two parts, one providing an overview and action plan for Kent and the other providing the detailed evidence on which the recommended actions are based.  Read the full reports: Renewable Energy for Kent. Part 1: Overview and Action Plan (PDF, 1.4mb) and Renewable Energy for Kent. Part 2: Underpinning the Vision (PDF, 5.2mb) (This link was sent to Members outside the meeting)

5.               Ms McKenzie advised that £1.8million had been invested in KCC’s estate which would accrue £4.8 million in savings +/-5% reduction CO².

6.               Key Projects – Some Highlights, further information available.

·       There were currently 28 renewable energy projects.

·       LED lighting being placed in Sessions House and Invicta House with a saving in Invicta House of £33k per year alone.

·       Two key KCC properties were Invicta House and Ashford Highways Department £250k on £3 million return with old feed in tariffs.  Officers had looked at the possible 50% cuts but the business case was still there, but this would depend on whether the cuts would be made in December or 3 March as KCC would not in a position to go ahead on 3 March.

7.               Biomass - Permission had been given to build a business case for a Kent Downs AOB Project. 

8.               Recommendation in Report - Energy Display Screens – These would be erected in Sessions House in the next 2 weeks at a cost of £12k.

9.               Working with District Councils –A Climate Change Network had been established.  This work would be extended out to other Public Services such as the Police Service, Health Authority and Fire Service.  The project had won an award.

·       Work had been undertaken with the Kent Public Sector supply chain businesses identifying savings of £4m savings.

10.           The Wind Energy Sector - There was a lot of activity in the wind energy sector including the following: 

·       The London Array - The foundations for Phase 1  ...  view the full minutes text for item 1.