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   R   E   S   P   O   N   S   E 
Heat and Energy Saving Strategy
May 2009Northgate Public Services Response
 
 
Response
Introduction
1.
 
Northgate warmly welcomes the opportunity to respond to the government’s consultationon its Heat and Energy Saving Strategy. This sets out the policy proposals for achieving thegovernment’s aim of reducing the emissions from existing buildings to be approachingzero by 2050. It is part of the process of reaching an overarching plan for how we meetour carbon budgets.2.
 
This brief response draws on our experience of working for over fifteen years in innovativepartnerships designed to promote energy efficiency and develop sustainable communities,as well as working with a range of stakeholders in the field of energy efficiency includinglocal authorities, surveyors, architects and most recently energy assessors. It also drawsupon our work with local partners aimed at reducing poverty and promoting communitywell being.3.
 
Our response consists of both general comments and specific comments in relation to thechapters of the consultation document. It is also supported by our specific responses tothe government’s consultations on the increase to the CERT targets and the CommunityEnergy Savings Programme (CESP).
General comment
Meeting the challenge
4.
 
Climate change is one of the most pressing problems facing the world. As the consultationpoints out, if we are to reduce the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions by 80 per cent by 2050,we will have to eliminate emissions from households almost entirely.5.
 
This challenge has to be weighed against the need to break down inequalities within ourdiverse communities in the context of the current economic crisis. The state of oureconomy, combined with higher prices for energy on a global basis, threatens the mostvulnerable members of society and increases the likelihood of fuel poverty within ourcommunities. We, therefore, support the government’s view that any climate policiesmust be fair and reach out to those most in need.6.
 
Indeed we go one step further, and suggest that policies should promote the principle of environmental equity. Linking energy efficiency strategy to the eradication of fuel povertyis crucial to promoting environmental equity for citizens. This promotes equal access toenergy improvement measures, as well as fair protection against environmental hazardsand environmental harm.7.
 
We welcome the government’s four key objectives described in the consultation. It isessential to ensure that people use less energy and reduce their energy bills. This requiresa change in the attitudes that too many of us have in relation to the way we use energy –at home, at work, in leisure and travel. We also need to decarbonise our heat supply andincrease our use of renewable energy to help meet carbon budgets; to reduce our use of 
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fossil fuel; and to take advantage of opportunities posed by the need for the world to shiftto a low carbon economy.
The role of local authorities
8.
 
A long term strategy requires a more co-ordinated response from key organisations -including government, developers, energy services companies, local authorities, sociallandlords, the not for profit sector and the private sector - to enhance collaboration anddevelop innovative responses to the delivery of energy efficient, affordable housing andbuildings.9.
 
Given the critical role of local authorities in delivering place-shaping activities, we havesaid elsewhere and we repeat that we believe that local authorities should be given anadditional statutory role to promote climate change in their areas. This is particularly thecase since councils can use planning policy and development to promote decentralisedlow-carbon and/or renewable energy generation and infrastructure in line with thegovernment’s objectives.10.
 
Legislation does not necessarily need to be overly prescriptive, but given the extent of the challenge, we do not believe that the voluntary approach outlined in the consultationis enough.11.
 
Redressing climate change within our communities requires an approach which recognisesthe environmental impact, but also understands that issues of social equity and economicdeprivation must be considered as central issues. Local authorities are well placed tounderstand and to act upon these issues.12.
 
The government says that it wants local authorities to be able to play a full role in thisagenda, planning and promoting work to save energy, and developing renewable energy.We agree and believe that a statutory duty to promote climate change would help tochannel local authority activity and its work with partner agencies.13.
 
We believe that local authorities have a central role to play in pursuing the twinobjectives of reducing carbon emissions and tackling fuel poverty. Whilst the consultationpoints out that 130 out of 150 Local Area Agreements (LAAs) set carbon reduction targetsagainst indicators, given the severity of the challenge it cannot be acceptable that 13 percent do not.14.
 
We also welcome the forthcoming consultation on the provisions which prevent localauthorities from selling electricity which is produced other than in association with heat.In order for local authorities to play a full role in the development of renewable heat andelectricity it is timely that these restrictions should be reviewed.
Developing a low carbon economy
15.
 
As the consultation points out, there is a need to move beyond simple measures to tacklecarbon emissions and towards new technologies and more complex whole houseapproaches. This will provide more opportunities to expand our low carbon economy andto develop the skills and capacities required to meet the challenge. In this respect, we
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