Decision details

Greening Energy Use Reducing Energy Costs

Decision Maker: Executive

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: Yes

Is subject to call in?: Yes

Purpose:

To seek approval for funding a programme of energy greening initiatives across the Borough

Decision:

1          The invest to save bid of £785k, to implement a number of projects as shown in Appendix A of the Executive Director: Delivery’s report, to help reduce the Council’s energy costs and assist with the Council’s carbon footprint with an aim to reach a target of carbon Net Zero by 2050 or earlier be approved.

 

2          That essential building repairs required to be completed prior to the energy saving works, at an approximate cost of £245k be approved, the cost of these works being funded from the 2022/23 capital planned maintenance budget retention monies which would normally be carried forward into the next financial year.

Reasons for the decision:

The council’s climate change strategy seeks to reduce the carbon footprint of the borough to net zero by 2050.  The council must set the example for other commercial property owners in the minimisation of energy usage.  With current cost uncertainty increasing, the council needs to consider options to mitigate this financial pressure, and the changed economics of a rising energy market.  It is therefore seen to be prudent to bring forward options for invest to save projects and funding for enabling projects to reduce the council’s consumption of energy, carbon emissions and revenue spend.  The capital funding is a one-off cost which has an immediate impact in reducing energy costs.

Alternative options considered:

The current energy procurement framework with Crown Commercial Services (CCS) expires on 31 March 2025.  The Council is unable to change to another framework contract until after this date to consider options to reduce utility costs.  The greening of the national grid could address carbon reduction targets but not the need to reduce the energy the Council consumes or provide the template that others could follow.  So, the wait and see approach was rejected as not addressing all of the strategic aims of the council.

Interests and Nature of Interests Declared:

None.

Reason Key: Expenditure >£400,000 & Affects more than 1 ward.;

Wards Affected: (All Wards);

Financial Impact: As set out in the paper

Declarations: None.

Subject to Urgent Proceedings: No.

Making Representations: In writing to the Executive Director: Delivery

Other reasons / organisations consulted

By report

Consultees

Borough Solicitor
Business Partner - Finance

Contact: Kamay Toor, Assistant Director: Property Services Email: kamay.toor@bracknell-forest.gov.uk Tel: 01344 355183.

Report author: Kamay Toor

Publication date: 29/09/2022

Date of decision: 29/09/2022

Decided at meeting: 29/09/2022 - Executive

Effective from: 07/10/2022

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    Contact Information

    Democratic services

    Email: committee@bracknell-forest.gov.uk