Programme 3 – Strategic Support

The Strategic Support programme is currently focussing on the Climate Change Best Practice Programme (CCBP) and the IESE Local Authority MBT Support. Currently newer technologies such as Mechanical Biological Treatment (MBT) are less favourable options to local authorities as there is a lack of understanding and expertise due to the infancy of this market. This project investigates what possibilities are available to authorities to ensure they have access to the widest options.

What did we set out to achieve?

• Offer opportunities for local authorities in terms of regional funding and associated capital funding to help in the delivery of National Indicator 188
• Increase understanding of newer technologies with councils to facilitate efficiency and improvement
• Ensure that councils are supported in responding to the Climate Change predictions and impacts for 2009 in the south east:

Predictions

• Potential increase in summer temperatures of 3.9C with maximum daily increases of 10C by 2080
• Decrease in summer rainfall of 22% by 2080
• Increase in winter rainfall of 22% with maximum daily increase being 45% by 2080

Impacts

• Rising sea levels and the south east vulnerability due to soft geology and glacial tilt
• Increases in summer average temperature will result in risks to our vast diversity of wild life species and their habitats, our food security, water supplies/sewage treatment, and health
• Any planned development will need to take account of flood risk and to be managed appropriately through sequential testing (PPS25)
• Pressures on water supply will also be increased in an already water-stressed region

What have we achieved so far?

As part of the Climate Change Best Practice Programme, three projects have been approved for funding by the CCBPP:

• Hampshire County Council – Hampshire CC will receive funding for a feasibility study into the potential for creating a Combined Heat and Power (CHP) network using the Marchwood Energy Recovery Facility (ERF) as its main source of heat
• Kent County, District and Borough Councils – these authorities wish to undertake a Local Climate Impacts Profile (LCLIP) to provide an effective tool to meeting the Kent NI 188: Preparing to adapt to climate change. The plan aligns to most of the key actions necessary to move through the stages of NI 188 and therefore provides the most efficient route to delivery of their target of reaching Level 3 by 2011.
• Lewes District Council – IESE has approved funding to aid the deliver of Renewable Energy Grants which are provided by LDC in partnership with a local, non-for-profit energy company called OVESco. These grants aid the installation of renewable energy to persons in fuel poverty or on low income, across the district. GoSE suggested that they wished to see this project highlighted as Best Practice for delivery of National Indicators NI 186, 187 and 188 across the region

THe MBT project is still in research phase, but we hope to report on achievements soon.

How can your council benefit?

For more informations, please email david.greenfield@southeastiep.gov.uk