The decarbonisation strategy for the council involves a comprehensive approach to reducing carbon emissions across its operations. It begins with a carbon audit to assess current energy consumption and emissions. For instance, this audit identifies all council-owned buildings and vehicles to gather baseline data and analyse energy use patterns. Staff engagement is crucial to raising awareness and compiling input, leading to a report that outlines the carbon footprint and reduction opportunities.
Transitioning to renewable energy is another key strategy. Examples include assessing the feasibility of on-site solar panels and partnering with local renewable energy providers for future energy needs. Funding opportunities for such projects are identified, ensuring initiatives are economically viable. Electric vehicle transitions and green energy contracts further bolster the shift towards 100% renewable energy.
Enhancing energy efficiency across council operations is also emphasized. This involves retrofitting buildings with improved insulation and installing energy-efficient lighting systems. Building automation and HVAC system maintenance optimize energy use, while staff are encouraged to adopt energy-saving behaviors. An energy efficiency handbook and regular updates via publicised energy savings help sustain motivation and progress.
The strategies
⛳️ Strategy 1: Conduct a comprehensive carbon audit
- Establish a task force to oversee the carbon audit process
- Select an experienced external consultant to perform the carbon audit
- Collect baseline data on current energy consumption and emissions
- Identify all council-owned buildings and vehicles for audit inclusion
- Analyse energy use patterns and sources of emissions
- Engage with staff to raise awareness and gather input
- Produce a comprehensive report detailing current carbon footprint
- Develop a list of potential emission reduction opportunities
- Set initial quantitative carbon reduction targets based on audit findings
- Present audit findings and recommendations to council leadership
⛳️ Strategy 2: Transition to renewable energy sources
- Assess the feasibility of on-site renewable energy installations
- Partner with local renewable energy providers for supply agreements
- Set a timeline and targets for transitioning to 100% renewable energy
- Identify funding opportunities for renewable energy projects
- Install solar panels on council buildings where viable
- Conduct a council vehicle fleet review for electric vehicle transition
- Provide charging infrastructure for electric vehicles across council sites
- Negotiate green energy contracts with existing energy suppliers
- Promote renewable energy use through council communications
- Monitor and report on energy transition progress annually
⛳️ Strategy 3: Enhance energy efficiency across operations
- Conduct energy efficiency assessments for all council properties
- Install energy-efficient lighting and appliances in council buildings
- Implement building automation systems for optimised energy use
- Retrofit old buildings with improved insulation and materials
- Set energy efficiency guidelines for procurement processes
- Engage with staff to encourage energy-saving behaviours
- Regularly maintain and calibrate HVAC systems for peak efficiency
- Develop and distribute an energy efficiency handbook for council staff
- Track and publicise energy savings as motivation for further action
- Review and update energy efficiency initiatives biennially
Bringing accountability to your strategy
It's one thing to have a plan, it's another to stick to it. We hope that the examples above will help you get started with your own strategy, but we also know that it's easy to get lost in the day-to-day effort.
That's why we built Tability: to help you track your progress, keep your team aligned, and make sure you're always moving in the right direction.
Give it a try and see how it can help you bring accountability to your strategy.
