Offaly Local Authorities
Climate Change Strategy
2009-2014
Offaly Local Authorities Climate Change Strategy 2009-2014
Index
1
Introduction………………………………………………………..3
2
International Agreements ……………………………………….4
3
Climate Change Bill 2009………………………………………...4
4
National Climate Change Strategy 2007-2012…………………4
5
Role of Local Authorities within the National Climate
Change Strategy…………………………………………………...5
6
Offaly Local Authorities (OLA) commitment to
reducing Green House Gas emissions……................................5
7
Midlands Energy Agency(MEA)………………………………..5
8
Offaly Local Authorities Green Team…………………………7
9
CLIMATE CHANGE STRATEGY……………………………...8
Appendices
Appendix A
Appendix B
Key Measures of the National Climate
Change Strategy 2007-2012………….……….…11
Current Members of Green Team…………….13
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1
INTRODUCTION
Offaly County Council (OCC) through the Environment Strategic Policy
Committee (SPC) has committed to preparing a Climate Change Strategy for
Offaly Local Authorities. This Draft Strategy has been prepared in association
with the Midlands Energy Agency and OCC Green Team
In recent years, the Earths climate has changed due to human influences. The
earth is heating up at a rate which poses a major challenge for all of us.
Human activities are adding greenhouse gases (GHGs), particularly carbon
dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide, to the atmosphere. This enhances the
'greenhouse effect' and is making the world warmer. One of the consequences
of a warmer earth is more extreme weather.
Households are directly responsible for approximately 16% of the EU’s
GHG’s. Each EU citizen is responsible for the production of 11 tons of
greenhouse gas emissions each year, mainly CO2. Most of the GHG’s in the EU
are caused by the production and use of energy (61%) followed by transport
(21%), both of which use fossil fuels (coal, oil and gas) that release emissions of
CO2 when burnt. Each person contributes to climate change and with small
changes can make a difference. Local Authorities as an instrument of the
Government can show them how. Central and Local Government cannot be
solely responsible for action against climate change, everyone is responsible
for their own carbon footprint and it is imperative that a change in behaviour
is effected by all.
In order to implement national policy on a regional/local basis Offaly County
Council plan to implement a series of measures that will result in GHG
reductions generated by Offaly Local Authorities.
The development of a Draft Climate Change Strategy which will be
implemented through its statutory and non-statutory functions is the first step
to combating climate change. The Midlands Energy Agency is currently
putting together the Carbon Footprint for Offaly Local Authorities and will be
published by the end of May and will be an added to this strategy when
completed.
Flooding at Bracknagh, Clonbullogue September 2008
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2
International Agreements
The first international response to the Climate change challenge came at the
Earth Summit in Rio in 1992 when 137 nations signed up to the UN
Framework Convention on Climate Change. The key initiative from the Rio
Summit was to reduce Carbon Dioxide emissions back to 1990 levels by 2000.
The Kyoto Protocol agreement of 1997 set out individual national targets for a
package of six green house gases, which were to be achieved by the
commitment period of 2008-2012. Ireland as a member of the EU is committed
to a concerned response to limit the growth of green house gasses emissions to
13% above 1990 levels in the 2008-2012 period. In 2004, actual national
emissions were 23.1% above 1990 levels.
3
Climate Change Bill 2009
The Climate Change Bill 2009 is currently being assessed by the Oireachtas.
The purpose of this Bill is to set up a framework for the State to plan and
achieve its long-term goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and to
ensure steps are taken towards adapting to the impacts of climate change. It
establishes an emissions reduction pathway to 2050 by putting into a statutory
framework the State’s medium and long term targets.
The Bill introduces a system of carbon budgeting which constrains the total
amount of emissions in a given time period. The Taoiseach is given
responsibility under the Bill for co-ordinating Government action, including
setting the State’s carbon budget.
4 National Climate Change Strategy 2007-2012
The National Climate Change Strategy 2007 – 2012 sets out the measures that
Ireland will need to take in order to meet its commitment under the Kyoto
Protocol. Chapter 9 of the National Climate Change Strategy 2007-2012 (see
Appendix A) gives cognisance to each Local Authority to develop and put
procedures in place to tackle climate change. It states that indicators will be
developed to reflect the contribution of Local Authorities in addressing GHG
reduction and in particular their energy consumption. A new service indicator
EN01 was introduced in June 2008 and it relates to the energy use in Local
Authority Offices.
4
It notes that the procurement role of Local Authorities offers significant
potential to address environmental and energy efficiency considerations.
5
Role of Local Authorities within the National Climate Change
Strategy
In the context of the National Climate Change Strategy, Local Authorities have
significant influence over emissions in their local areas, both directly and
indirectly in relation to reducing emissions through:
 their own energy use and procurement activities,
 in raising awareness and stimulating action in local communities &
businesses and
 Through the exercise of their housing, planning and other statutory
functions.
6
Offaly Local Authorities (OLA) commitment to reducing Green House
Gas emissions:
OLA are committed to reducing green house emissions through the reduction
of emissions generated by OLA activities, through educating & influencing
business to reduce their carbon footprint and through increased public
awareness. The specific areas of influence by OLA activities are:
1
OLA assets and operations – housing stock, offices, vehicles, methods
of operation.
Management of the impacts of developments through Local
Authorities functions – planning conditions, waste management, use of
our facilities & services, awareness campaigns.
Positively influencing all stakeholders in County Offaly through
leadership, education and initiative.
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Midlands Energy Agency
OLA are committed to working with the Midland Energy Agency (MEA)
in assessing and reducing emissions.
The Midland Energy Agency was established in December 2007 with the
objective of reducing energy expenditure in the four Midland Local
Authorities – Offaly, Laois, Westmeath and Longford. The Agency is based
in Laois County Council and undertakes energy assessments for each
authority and provides information on practicable steps on how to reduce
their energy use.
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Target for the Midlands Energy Agency
Under the National Climate Change Strategy, every Local Authority must
make energy savings of approximately 3% per annum. The target is to
achieve a 33% energy reduction by the year 2020 as set out in Chapter 9 of
the National Climate Change Strategy. The MEA can assist in achieving this
reduction; however, every member of staff has a responsibility to reduce
energy consumption in their day to day work.
2008 Work to date
In 2008 the MEA carried out 4 comprehensive energy expenditure reports,
one for each Council. The reports identified the major Energy usage areas
and CO2 emissions, which helped to target efforts towards the largest
energy user categories. On the basis of this report, the MEA undertook 4 key
projects some of which identified significant savings: The project for County
Offaly took place at Rhode Water Treatment Plant where the efficiency of
the water pumps were assessed (see Appendix C).
In addition, a full assessment of Energy Bills and Tariffs was carried out at
eighteen sites, which yielded a potential €48,000 savings, if fully
implemented by each Local Authority. Several documents were circulated
in recommending approaches to items such as green procurement, low
energy lighting, bio fuels and IT. Through the Association of Energy
Agencies (AIEA) the MEA provide feedback to the CCMA and DEHLG on
national energy issues.
The MEA Plan for 2009
In the first months of 2009, Building Energy Ratings will be completed for
Large Public Buildings in order to comply with the Energy Performance of
Buildings Directive.
In parallel, pump efficiency tests will be carried out at all major water pump
stations. The pumps test will identify where energy savings can be made,
will be accompanied by a certificate of efficiency and recommendation for
improvements where applicable.
The MEA will continue to carry out audits on County Council buildings and
help identify savings. A number of new technologies were tested during
2008 and the rollout of these should commence in 2009.
The Midlands Energy Agency are currently assessing energy usage in Áras
an Chontae and this will be added to this strategy when completed.
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8 Offaly Local Authorities Green Team
The Green Team was set up in 2009 to create awareness amongst staff and
to encourage good environmental practice across all departments. (See
Appendix B for current members)
Proposed Projects 2009:
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Recycling Bins rollout across all departments and canteen
Increase awareness of environmental matters amongst staff
Assessment and implementation of waste minimisation projects
across all departments
Use of Website & Intranet to promote issues and educate staff
Assessment and implementation of energy reduction measures
across all departments
Change
Attitudes
Education
Change
Behaviour
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9.
CLIMATE CHANGE STRATEGY
In developing this five year climate change strategy, the Council needs a
good well thought out strategic framework within which to operate. We
have below, tried to set out one such simple and straight framework with
clear and measurable deliverables by which the citizens of Offaly can
measure our performance over the period of the plan.
Mission Statement:
“To improve the quality of life for people in Offaly”
Our Vision
 Implement the National Climate Change Strategy 2007-2012 as it
relates to Local Authorities.
 Be leaders in communicating and addressing both the causes and
impacts of climate change for the benefit of present and future
generations in Co. Offaly
Our Goal
 To put in place effective and timely measures both at the corporate
and community level to address the causes and impacts of climate
change in Co. Offaly
 To Reduce our Carbon Footprint.
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Our Objectives:
Achieve a 15% decrease in our carbon footprint over life of
strategy
Achieve 3% reduction in our energy costs year on year
Raise public awareness by facilitating 2 public awareness sessions
each year
Continue to include renewable energy technologies in all of the
Council’s building projects
Promote Green Procurement in tendering process
Maximise opportunities for the generation of heat & electricity from
renewable energy sources.
Ascertain the Building Energy Rating of Local Authority Stock &
Civic offices
Creation of Green Team at OCC
Raise staff awareness and encourage an interest in reducing our
carbon footprint at work and at home.
Raise the level of awareness through the displaying of information
in libraries & headquarters
Expand Green Schools programme to include energy awareness
Promote Green Business opportunities
Reduce the amount of unaccounted-for-water through the Water
Conservation Project
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Strategies:
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Examine the viability of renewable energy sources .
Implement the recommendations of the ‘Green Team’
Link with Green Schools campaign
Combine with County Development Board in promoting climate
change strategy
Train staff in BER assessment and carry out the BER assessments on
Local Authority Housing Stock & Civic Offices. – Certificate to be
displayed in all public offices.
Raise staff awareness through Green Team actions
Raise Staff awareness by hosting a competition on the intranet for
staff.
Raise public and staff awareness through the Offaly. ie website –
dedicated page Intranet – staff page
Promote http://www.powerofone.ie and http://www.change.ie
websites through our own website www.offaly.ie
Implementation of Brown Bin Bio-Waste collection systems
Propose the integration of Green Procurement criteria into tender
documents and have at least 3 specific green criteria should be used
in all tender documents.
Implement the planning policies of the Offaly Co. Development Plan
2007-2016 (e.g. Wind Energy Policy).
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Model:
 Link with Midlands Energy Agency
 Develop links with the County Development Board
Control/Indicators:
 Measure current carbon footprint.
 Measure current energy costs.
 Measure effectiveness of Green Team.
 Monitor level of public awareness through surveys - website
Our Commitment
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We will work with central government to contribute to the
delivery of the Irish climate change programme in Offaly Local
Authorities.
We will facilitate 2 public awareness sessions a year with local
communities to address the causes and effects of climate change
and to secure maximum benefit for our communities through our
Environmental Liaison Officer.
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We will strive to achieve a significant reduction of greenhouse gas
emissions from our own operations especially energy sourcing
and use, travel and transport, waste production and disposal, and
the purchasing of goods and services.
We will encourage all sectors in the local community to take the
opportunity to reduce their own greenhouse gas emissions and to
promote their commitment to action.
We will work with key providers to assess the potential effects of
climate change on our communities, and to identify ways in
which we can adapt.
We will monitor and review the progress of our plan against the
actions needed and publish the results on a yearly basis.
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Industry, Commercial and Services (Ch 6)
 Building Regulations and Building
Energy Rating
 Energy Agreements Programme
 Bioheat and CHP programmes
 Support for eco-efficient technology
and practices
APPENDIX A
KEY MEASURES of the National Climate
Change Strategy 2007-2012
Energy Supply (Ch 3)
 15% of electricity to be generated
from
renewable sources by 2010 and 33%
by 2020
 Biomass to contribute up to 30% of
energy input at peat stations by
2015
 Support for Combined Heat and
Power
projects
 National Ocean Energy Strategy
Transport (Ch 4)
 Modal shift to public transport as a
result of Transport 21 investment
 Rebalancing of VRT and motor tax,
supported by improved mandatory
labelling
 Introduction of biofuels obligation
scheme in 2009
 CIE to be required to move to
biodiesel blend
 National efficient driving awareness
campaign
 Sustainable Transport Action Plan
to be published in late 2007
 Support for inclusion of aviation in
EU Emissions Trading Scheme
Residential (Ch 5)
 Revised Building Regulations in
2008 to aim for 40% improvement
on current thermal performance
standards
 Building Energy Rating certification
introduced from 2007
 Grants for renewable energy
heating under Greener Homes
Scheme
 Levy on incandescent bulbs to
encourage shift to low-energy bulbs
 Smart meters to be supplied to all
electricity customers
 Energy efficiency measures to be
funded
in
social
housing
programmes
Agriculture, Land-use and Forestry (Ch 7)
 REPS 4 scheme will support carbon
sequestration and reduction of
emissions from fertilisers
 Support for improved manure
management
 Feasibility of anaerobic digestion to
be explored
 Top-up to EU premium for energy
crops
 New supports for afforestation
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 Biomass Harvesting Scheme
Waste (Ch 8)
 Use of waste biomass in energy
production
 Support
for
waste-to-energy
projects under REFIT scheme
Public Sector (Ch 9)
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Energy Efficiency Programme with
target of 33% energy savings across
public sector by 2020
Biomass heating in schools
All street lighting and traffic lights
required to be energy efficient
All public sector fleets to be
required to move to biofuel blend
Carbon offsetting of all official air
travel
Cross-sectoral (Ch 10)
 €15m multi-annual Climate Change
Awareness campaign
 Examination of incentives and
disincentives
 Assessment
of
potential
for
domestic offset schemes
 Major
funding
for
research
programmes
Adaptation (Ch 11)
 Flood risk strategy being developed
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Overall national adaptation strategy
to be developed by 2009
Implementation, Reporting and Review
(Ch 12)
 Commission on Climate Change to
provide
highlevel
advice
to
Government on progress and to
increase awareness in all sectors
 High Level Group on Climate
Change
to
coordinate
implementation
 Guidance on cost-benefit appraisal
of emission reductions
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Implementation
Status
Report,
including further measures, to be
published each year and presented
to Joint Oireachtas Committee
Periodic
review
by
Cabinet
Committee
Third National Climate Change
Strategy to focus on post-Kyoto
commitments
Appendix B
Members of Current Green Team April 2009
Members
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Michael Roche Director of Services
Caroline Clancy
Marian Healy
Joe Duffy
Helen Rosney
Maria Brennan-Foynes
Gerry Bruton
Cassandra Jones
Jo Elliffe
Leonie Geraghty
Caitriona Hilliard
Eileen Jackson
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