Post Scrutiny - Executive Response

1. That responsibility for energy efficiency be included in the Warrant of Office of a Member of the Cabinet who currently does not have any operational responsibility for energy use. This will give the Cabinet Member a role independent of the use of energy in Council Buildings or direct operations.

Accepted subject to the following response

Currently this is in the Warrant Office of all Cabinet Members. Subject to Cabinet and Council approval this change could be implemented when the annual revision to Warrants of Office are made.

Robert Landon

May 2009

2. That a clear, well communicated, written council policy which encourages staff to undertake particular practical energy saving measures to reduce the consumption of energy in council buildings, be introduced.

The policy should explain the key approaches that the organisation will take to achieve its objectives in this matter, and should be based on practical initiatives to be adopted by management and staff, which will have immediate benefits to the council.

Accepted

In view of the currently devolved building management structure it is proposed that this be drawn up by Operational Asset Management Group and submitted to Energy Panel for its observations prior to approval by Full Council.

Alan Stopher

March 2009

3. That each Service Unit introduces comparable energy efficiency targets for offices based within TAC and at Outstations, together with adequate publicity measures to encourage the reduction of energy consumption.

Accepted in principle

The fabric of each building is different and the Energy Unit is drawing up Display Energy Certificates which will indicate the current and potential standing of each office building in terms of energy efficiency. Once this information is available and understood it will be possible to identify what measures can be costed and put forward for possible implementation subject to available revenue and capital budgets. This will then lead to targets being set.

All Services with building responsibility on advice from Energy Unit

Certificates by March 2009

4. That an electronic management system, be introduced and utilised for the input of energy invoices as a matter of urgency.

Accepted

This work has now commenced and each utility will systematically be switched to electronic billing.

Robin Monk

June 2009 for completion

5. That the proposed staffing resources for the Energy Unit as follows be supported:-

1. One Full Time Permanent Energy Manager;
2. Three Full Time Permanent Energy Officers;
3. One Full Time Permanent Energy Assistant.

Accepted

Completed. The appointment of additional staff was undertaken during summer 2008

Robin Monk

Completed

6. That so long as financially prudent and to ensure that the Council meets its obligations under the Salix Fund, Economy and Environment Services appoints a suitably qualified/experienced member of staff on a fixed term contract to be funded by Salix, whose responsibility will be solely to deliver the projects approved by Salix.

The Salix Fund is currently under review. However the increase of staff as identified at point 5 above will allow for any work linked with Salix. Close working within the organisation will enable work with Salix should this be considered the most advantageous for the council

Robin Monk

Ongoing

7. That when considering potential projects suitable for Salix Funding, close liaison is made with the Asset Management Group, to ensure that surveys and resources are not wasted on buildings whose long term economic viability might be questionable.

Accepted

This is already being followed

Robin Monk & Alan Stopher

In operation

8. That additional publicity be circulated to staff and councillors on the ways in which energy is wasted, together with the costs associated with this wastage.

Rejected

Would prefer the positive approach outlined in 2 above as it sends the right message to encourage staff buy in.

9. That consideration be given to the overall and long term benefits of "Whole Life Costings", when considering specifications for new building constructions or refurbishments.

Accepted

This is already a feature of the Building Schools for the Future programme.

The Ashton Market Hall project involved considerable options appraisals of engineering solutions resulting in energy saving improvements as the project progressed.

Where possible materials chosen for smaller construction projects take into account their life cycle and energy implications. All projects meet part L of the Building Regulations.

The limitations of capital funding can sometimes mean that the best whole life solution is not achievable.

Construction clients

In operation

10. That consultation with the Energy Unit on all building works, whether new constructions or refurbishments, continues as a matter of course.

Accepted

This can be achieved through close working within the council. Representation on Asset Management groups by the Energy Unit and Head of Environmental Operations now occurs.

Robin Monk

In operation

11. That an update on any new energy efficient equipment installed in any Council buildings be reported to this Scrutiny Panel on an annual basis.

Accepted

Regular reports on energy saving initiatives are provided to Energy Panel. An annual digest can be provided to Scrutiny Panel.

Alan Stopher

First report Oct 2009

12. That bearing in mind the comments received in the staff survey, management promotes the energy saving initiatives that it has already implemented or intends to implement.

Accepted

Propose that an article be prepared for the Wire relating to 2 above. Regular promotions in TAC and other outstations will be undertaken to promote energy efficiency

Alan Stopher

April 2009

13. That whenever practically possible, the existing lighting controls in the Council's Committee Rooms be re-designed to enable greater control over the amount of artificial lighting which can be independently used.

Accepted

All four TAC committee rooms have a range of possible light switching options

Achieved

14. That appropriate signs be displayed prominently throughout the Council's buildings, reminding staff, councillors and visitors to switch off lights, turn off taps, etc

Accepted

Linked to 2 above, and subject to the detailed approach to be adopted on signage.

Alan Stopher

March 2009