David runs a working group approach to developing the sort of plan that a parish council or community group could use to start reducing CO2 production in the parish and local community.
Last updated
This is a working group - so Q&A takes place continuously during the session, rather than have its own section at the end
Video Timeline (min:sec):
00:00 - 60:59 (end) Working Group
TBD, but in the meantime, you can see the original from which today's session was drawn in Banter 52, second presentation
Feb 12, 2025 11:50 AM London ID: 834 5460 8536
The team discussed technical issues related to audio echoes during their meeting and then transitioned to a discussion about a presentation on energy generation in the Isle of Wight. They also discussed problem-solving methodologies, the challenges of engaging people on climate change issues, and the need for a sense of direction and target setting to address climate change. The conversation ended with discussions on the parish's efforts to reduce carbon emissions, the use of thermal imaging cameras and drones, and the potential of smart meters and AI technology to measure energy consumption.
David Morgan-Jones to further develop and refine the methodology for parish-level climate action planning.
Graham to work with David Morgan-Jones to incorporate the presented methodology into the Great Collaboration website resources.
Andrew to work with the graduate student intern to develop communication strategies for sharing climate action plans with parish councils and individuals.
Great Collaboration team to explore setting up working groups to develop action cards for various climate initiatives.
Great Collaboration team to compile and share information on local energy generation and storage solutions on the website.
Great Collaboration team to research and share information on thermal imaging technologies (including drones and satellites) for assessing building heat loss.
Parish councils to consider setting up volunteer teams for updating EPCs and assisting with loft clearance for insulation installation.
Great Collaboration team to compile information on available grants for insulation activities and share on the website.
Great Collaboration team to research and share information on smart meter technologies that can estimate real-time energy loss in buildings.
Effective Problem-Solving and Collaboration
David Morgan-Jones Ewshot discussed his approach to problem-solving, emphasizing the importance of understanding the problem in detail before developing a plan. He suggested that this iterative process involves constant cross-checking and questioning, and that it's crucial to understand all aspects of the problem. He also highlighted the importance of collaboration and the use of tools like a great collaboration website to gather information. The team was encouraged to ask questions and provide feedback throughout the process.
Climate Change Problem-Solving Methodologies
The group discusses problem-solving methodologies and the challenges of engaging people on climate change issues. Andrew suggests adding a review step between "act" and "deliver" in the process. Madeline highlights the importance of understanding others' perspectives and willingness to act, while David acknowledges the increasing resistance to discussions about net zero and climate change. Graham recommends clarifying that the presented process is iterative. David mentions that detailed explanations of the slides are available on the wiki and begins to discuss setting the direction of travel for addressing climate change and net zero goals.
Addressing Climate Change With Tools
David Morgan-Jones Ewshot led a discussion on the need for a sense of direction and target setting to address climate change. He emphasized the importance of understanding the sources of CO2 emissions and measuring the impact of actions taken. The group discussed various tools and methods for measuring CO2 emissions, including the Impact Tool from the Center for Sustainable Energy and the World Wildlife Fund Footprint Calculator. However, concerns were raised about the accuracy and consistency of these tools, with Madeline and Jacky suggesting that individual carbon footprints could provide a more accurate measure of progress. The group agreed that the best approach would be to use a combination of tools and methods, and to focus on areas where they could make a significant impact.
Implementing Net-Zero Carbon Strategy
David Morgan-Jones Ewshot discussed the challenges of implementing a net-zero carbon strategy, emphasizing the need to focus on achievable goals rather than trying to tackle everything at once. He suggested that the domestic sector, particularly household and transport, should be the primary focus for their district. David also introduced a new approach, a hierarchical structure of action cards, to help guide their efforts. The data for their strategy came from consultants commissioned by Heart and Hampshire. Tristram asked about the source of the data, which David confirmed came from consultants. The team agreed to adapt this approach for their specific needs.
Reducing Carbon Emissions and Efficiency
David Morgan-Jones Ewshot discussed the parish's efforts to reduce carbon emissions and increase carbon absorption. He highlighted the need for local energy generation and distribution, as the current grid system is inefficient. He also mentioned the potential for increasing local storage to feed energy into the grid at a manageable rate. The team agreed to focus on the domestic sector, particularly on properties with low SAP scores, to improve insulation and energy efficiency. They also discussed the need to replace gas boilers with alternative energy sources and to address power-hungry electrical systems. The team acknowledged the need for further analysis and understanding of the components involved in maximizing carbon reduction.
Thermal Imaging for Home Assessments
Madeline discussed the use of a thermal imaging camera to help residents assess heat energy loss in their homes. However, she noted that the biggest challenge was linking residents with reliable retrofitting companies. David Morgan-Jones Ewshot suggested using a thermal imaging drone for a more comprehensive assessment and mentioned a satellite company that could provide infrared imagery at a parish level. He also proposed setting up a voluntary team to update Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) and potentially bulk-buying services to fund this. The team also discussed the potential of using satellite or drone thermal snapshots to measure the impact of their actions.
Smart Meters, AI, and Insulation Challenges
David Morgan-Jones Ewshot discussed the potential of smart meters to measure energy consumption and the use of AI technology to estimate energy loss. He suggested that the website could be utilized to explore available technologies for enhancing understanding of building stock leakiness. David also highlighted the importance of insulation, particularly cavity wall insulation and loft insulation, and the challenges of removing rubbish from attics before installation. He noted that some insulation methods, such as solid wall insulation, may not be worth the investment due to long payback periods. David also mentioned the possibility of voluntary teams to assist with attic cleaning before insulation installation.
Energy Efficiency Strategy Development
David presents a methodology for approaching energy efficiency in households, suggesting the creation of action cards and working groups across parish councils to develop resources that can be customized for local needs. Graham agrees that this approach is helpful and sees potential for Great Collaboration to make these resources widely available. Andrew mentions that they have recruited an intern to help with communication strategies to effectively share this information with parish councils and individuals. The group agrees to continue working together to develop and implement these ideas, with a pilot meeting scheduled for the following Tuesday.
(Please note that many of the links that originated in the Chat seem to have been killed by Zoom AI - so I have added links which I hope duplicate what the author intended - and please feel free to revert to the original by letting me know of the appropriate change! Thank you)
00:17:11 Andrew Maliphant, Great Collaboration: There are detailed actions to discuss and share, but communication is paramount
00:19:25 Andrew Maliphant, Great Collaboration: Between act and understand is review?
00:21:03 Andrew Maliphant, Great Collaboration: Kolb's learning cycle is another image
00:23:57 Andrew Maliphant, Great Collaboration: Some opportunities are a problem!
00:28:54 Jacky Lawrence, Napton, Warwickshire: CSE Impact tool https://impact-tool.org.uk
00:30:04 Andrew Maliphant, Great Collaboration: Search | Impact | Community carbon calculator shows figures based on national statistics
00:30:40 Andrew Maliphant, Great Collaboration: Other calculators are needed for accurate data, Impact gives you priorities rather than numbers
00:32:16 Garry Ford - Corsham Town Council: Personally, not interested in Parish levels as can't do much about them, concentrating on making the Town Council Net Zero and influencing where possible the wider area.
00:33:07 Andrew Maliphant, Great Collaboration: We need an updated review of the various calculators - World Wildlife Fund Footprint Calculator for households https://footprint.wwf.org.uk/, Giki Zero for more detail https://zero.giki.earth/, Go Climate Positive for businesses https://go-positive.co.uk/climate-change/carbon-footprint/, Farm Carbon Toolkit for farms https://calculator.farmcarbontoolkit.org.uk/
00:34:19 Andrew Maliphant, Great Collaboration: We have also bid for funding for a local data collection platform
00:35:03 Sheila Churchward - Exminster Parish Council: In Exminster we ask residents to use the World Wildlife tool every six months, we take an annual reading of our Parish from Parish Online. Each of them come with a warning. https://footprint.wwf.org.uk/
00:35:15 Andrew Maliphant, Great Collaboration: Gamlingay Parish Council in Cambridgeshire reached net zero last year in their own council actions
00:35:41 Garry Ford - Corsham Town Council: Link Andrew?
00:39:10 Sheila Churchward - Exminster Parish Council: The Exminster reading is very high due to transport emissions. We sit in a triangle between two major A roads with the M5 going through the middle of us - with loads of holiday makers travelling through to South Devon and Cornwall. So we ask residents to look at their own carbon footprints - its down to engagement and knowledge that we cant be net zero.
00:39:18 Graham Stoddart-Stones - Great Collaboration - Bembridge: One of our future speakers is moving into a brand-new eco-home as we speak: he expects to save 5 tons of CO2e per annum compared to his old home……
00:40:21 Jacky Lawrence, Napton, Warwickshire: National data is always two years behind actual.
00:42:02 Andrew Maliphant, Great Collaboration: Replying to "Link Andrew?"
I can't find the report online, but you can call the parish office on 01767 650310
00:43:28 Jacky Lawrence, Napton, Warwickshire: Net Zero Go - Energy Systems Catapult https://es.catapult.org.uk/tools-and-labs/our-place-net-zero-toolkit/net-zero-go/
00:44:09 Andrew Maliphant, Great Collaboration: Reacted to "Net Zero Go - Energy..." with 👍
00:44:19 Dave Faulkner: It is straightforward to identify savings on a personal level but very nebulous when you go to district or county level
00:44:37 Jacky Lawrence, Napton, Warwickshire: Net Zero Pathways for Parish and Town Councils
00:46:07 Dave Faulkner: Emissions from embedded carbon in everything you eat, buy, get transported to your home
00:46:49 Garry Ford - Corsham Town Council: Replying to "Link Andrew?"
Thanks. I'd be interested to see what they have included and possibly excluded.
00:48:20 Andrew Maliphant, Great Collaboration: Carbon Copy are promoting 25 big local actions Big-thinking local climate action | Carbon Copy https://carboncopy.eco/takeaction
00:48:39 Jacky Lawrence, Napton, Warwickshire: Individual Council Data: English District & Northern Irish councils – Climate Emergency UK https://climateemergency.uk/product/individual-council-data-english-district-northern-irish-councils/. But they charge!
00:50:29 Andrew Maliphant, Great Collaboration: Parish council powers for action are at Powers-and-opportunities-around-climate-change-October-2023-1.pdf - but communication / working with the community is vital
00:52:27 Dave Faulkner: Are you aware of the work done by Climate Emergency UK analysing Unitary, County and District Council Climate and Ecological emergency Action Plans. Follow link and see what your council is doing https://councilclimatescorecards.uk/
00:53:19 Andrew Maliphant, Great Collaboration: The Woodland Trust publish advice on what trees to plant where How to Plant Trees - Plant Trees - Woodland Trust - https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/plant-trees/advice/. Agree that other actions to reduce emissions also needed
00:53:44 Jacky Lawrence, Napton, Warwickshire: PowerPoint Presentation
00:53:52 Graham Stoddart-Stones - Great Collaboration - Bembridge: Replying to "Are you aware of the..."
Very helpful link, Dave - thank you!
00:53:53 Jacky Lawrence, Napton, Warwickshire: APSE Energy - accessing the grid in Warwickshire https://www.apse.org.uk/sites/apse/assets/File/Day%202%20strategic%20forums%20A%20-%20Dr%20Jacky%20Lawrence.pdf
00:53:58 Sheila Churchward - Exminster Parish Council: Thank you, we shall continue with World Wildlife Fund and Parish Online and continue with our engagement endeavours, with Devon Nature Recovery Project https://www.devonlnp.org.uk/our-work/nature-recovery-network/, the Devon, Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Climate Adaptation Strategy https://www.devon.gov.uk/news/climate-adaptation-strategy-to-help-the-region-prepare-for-a-warmer-world-launched/ and our Environment Plan. There are only six of us in our Environment Working Party. Good luck. Bye, Sheila
00:55:34 Jacky Lawrence, Napton, Warwickshire: Replying to "Are you aware of the..."
I'm an assessor and auditor for Climate Emergency UK
00:57:32 Dave Faulkner: There are projects to improve utilisation of existing capacity that is constrained by increasing local storage and bt linking control systems on heat pumps to reduce peak loading
00:57:53 Jacky Lawrence, Napton, Warwickshire: Claverdon Harnessing Alternative Renewable Green Energy CHARGE CIC – Claverdon Parish Council https://claverdon-pc.gov.uk/a-path-to-a-greener-claverdon/
00:59:03 Dave Faulkner: Reacted to "Individual Council D..." with 👍
01:01:12 Andrew Maliphant, Great Collaboration: Under the previous Government there was a proposal to pilot area-based retrofitting in Greater Manchester and the West Midlands for three years from this April - will be interesting to hear their early results once the agreement for the pilot has been agreed and is being implemented!
01:02:26 Jacky Lawrence, Napton, Warwickshire: Retrofit Assesment Advice Leaflet | Resources https://www.cse.org.uk/retrofit-services/professional-retrofit-services/2
01:02:51 Dave Faulkner: Thermal images are very difficult to interpret at a whole house level. Better for internal assessment of draughts, missing insulation etc
01:02:52 Jacky Lawrence, Napton, Warwickshire: Act on Energy is our local energy advice charity - providing neutral advice. https://www.actonenergy.org.uk/
01:04:47 Graham Stoddart-Stones - Great Collaboration - Bembridge: If you take satellite or drone thermal snapshots of your community annually, presumably that gives you some indication of the size of the change that you have made - ie a degree of measurement of the impact of your actions
01:06:26 Jenny Barna, Ditchling, East Sussex: People can use tools such as https://www.gov.uk/improve-energy-efficiency
01:06:35 Dave Faulkner: Who is offering the smart meter AI advice?
01:07:18 Graham Stoddart-Stones - Great Collaboration - Bembridge: You can reduce your energy costs by switching your power usage to off-peak hours - eg dishwasher, washing machine, etc. Smart meters will measure this for you and reduce costs accordingly
01:09:56 Andrew Maliphant, Great Collaboration: Like the action card approach for households supported by PCs
01:12:01 Andrew Maliphant, Great Collaboration: We can also test any new guidance through NALC's climate emergency network
