Appendix 3 - Summary of Public Consultation Findings
Argyll and Bute Council · 21 November 2024
Back to Argyll and Bute Council — 21 November 2024 and its agenda
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APPENDIX 3: SUMMARY OF PUBLIC CONSULTATION FINDINGS AIMS: Question: Argyll and Bute's Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy (LHEES) aims to improve energy efficiency to help reduce carbon emissions and address fuel poverty. As well as advocating for a just transition to low or no carbon heating for our homes and non domestic buildings. To what extent do you agree or disagree with these aims? PRIORITIES Question: Are the priorities identified within the LHEES the right ones for Argyll and Bute? How important or otherwise, would you say improving energy efficiency is to you? How important, or otherwise, is it to you that the LHEES prioritises zero-emission heating? How important or otherwise, is it to you that communities that generate zero carbon energy should benefit from doing so?
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How important or otherwise, would you say addressing electricity grid capacity is to you? How important or otherwise, would you say that ensuring that there is a just transition to decarbonisation? (A just transition means fair and equitable move from fossil fuels where communities are able to experience the benefits of low carbon heating at an affordable cost). How important or otherwise, would you say that the Argyll and Bute LHEES should aim to tackle fuel poverty? How important or otherwise, do you think it is that the LHEES creates skilled jobs in Argyll and Bute and improves opportunities for local businesses working in the green economy?
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OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES Do you agree with the challenges set out in Argyll and Bute’s LHEES? (These challenges are outlined on pages 76-78 of the LHEES strategy) Do you agree with the opportunities set out in Argyll and Bute’s LHEES? (These opportunities are outlined on pages 79-81 of the LHEES strategy) DELIVERY / IMPLEMENTATION How would you rate information available about energy efficiency and heat decarbonisation options? What technologies do you think Argyll and Bute should consider to decarbonise and move towards Net Zero emissions? Please select all that apply. Number of respondents: How would you rate information available about Would you be willing to change your heating system to a zero-emissions system?
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What, if any, energy efficiency measures would you implement in your building? Please select all that apply. Number of respondents: What tools or assistance would you need to enable you to change to a zero-emissions heating system? Please select all that apply. Are the actions proposed in the LHEES Delivery Plan the right ones? (The proposed actions are set out in pages 5-15 of the Delivery Plan)
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QUALITATIVE FEEDBACK Category Consultation Feedback Council Response Information Had air source installed and informed that solar panels would reduce costs but they did not meet eligibility for panels. “Poor quality of support from agencies like Energy Savings Trust - incorrect and poor advice on the viability of heat pump installation. Poor selection of contractors to carry out insulation upgrades etc” "Need to have access to advisers to help folk through the process of insulating homes before looking at heating system changes. Finance is frightening for some folk." "People need clear advice". There is a lot of general information about decarbonising; however, people need bespoke advice about how to decarbonise their particular buildings. The LHEES recognises that people require impartial bespoke advice to be confident enough to decarbonise. Heat Networks and District Heating "District Heating should be considered to address fuel poverty and energy inefficiency". Comment Consider Geothermal District Heating The LHEES methodology found that traditional Heat Networks were not viable in most of Argyll and Bute. Small-scale District Heating Schemes (DHS) may be viable, and the Council are undertaking additional work on shared ground loops to assess potential options. Following the consultation, the LHEES will also explore other district heating schemes. . Grid "Grid concerns overstated". “Agree that limitations of local grid need to be addressed. Currently we can not even export excess production from our solar panels. If this issue can be solved I would anticipate production by domestic wind turbines becoming very attractive benefit…” “Grid upgrade is crucial, especially to the islands”. “increase grid capacity” In some islands, the grid can't power existing heat pumps due to constraints, so generators power them. Improving the grid capacity is a LHEES priority.
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Community Wealth Building and Community Resilience "Should be working with communities to generate power and retain wealth locally". Comment that is one of the LHEES Priorities. "Focus is on big projects and not small scale generation"- Local wind and solar generation is needed Wealth generation through shared ownership of wind farms. “If A&B has excess energy, couldn't people in the council area benefit from this with lower bills”? “If heating is to be electric in whatever form, some kind of secondary heating must be left in and added to a house in case of power cuts” The Scottish Government's LHEES methodology does not consider generation; however, the Council has included local generation in its LHEES to address the problems with grid capacity. The Council is also keen to have a delivery ethos that facilitates a just transition and enables community wealth-building opportunities. Therefore, the LHEES delivery plan will determine how this can be achieved. One of the Argyll and Bute LHEES priorities is to ensure that communities have a sustainable energy supply and that their energy supply is resilient. Insulation and energy efficiency support insulation only if they are made from natural materials. "Fabric first is not just silly it is impossible. Get hydrogen into gas". “Insulation of older less efficient properties HAS to be implemented before moving to heat pumps. Reducing energy use has to be the focus other heat pumps will not be efficient and will use huge quantities of electricity” On ground floor housing underfloor insulation is badly needed "Internal insulation and replacement boilers to assist household’s on low to join grant schemes which the council do not support at present the same as other areas. And give a reason for NOT being part of this scheme ? We do not all get pension credit and do not qualify" Comment -we do have ABS The Argyll and Bute LHEES does not specify what type of insulation should be used, so installers can choose to use a natural product. Most technical experts widely promote and support a “fabric first” approach. It is also the approach taken by other councils. A fabric-first approach ensures buildings are energy efficient before installing decarbonised heating systems. Using Hydrogen to heat homes may be possible in the future. The Council is waiting on the Scottish and UK Governments’ policy on using hydrogen as a heating fuel. The Council are also awaiting findings from the trials taking place in the east of Scotland. The Council has been in communication with the company assessing the use of hydrogen in Argyll and Bute’s town gas system, the Council await their findings on whether it will be viable. Fuel Poverty Fuel Poverty should not be considered in the LHEES. "Fuel poverty is better handled as a poverty problem". Councils have a statutory duty to develop a heat decarbonisation plan. The duty also requires councils to ensure that the plan does not push people into fuel poverty. Fuel poverty considerations have influenced the areas the Council has prioritised for decarbonisation. For
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"The main driver for dealing with fuel poverty should be the national government; local authorities being involved leads to a post code lottery and the waters being muddied Fuel poverty more important than carbon emissions You should not include both carbon emissions and fuel poverty in the edict. example, the Argyll and Bute LHEES does not focus on mains gas areas as the Council consider this more likely to negatively affect fuel poverty. Planning and Building Regulations “New build planning requirements should include an obligation to make better use of insulation and installation of heat pumps, solar heating etc”. Relax planning restrictions on conservation areas for external wall insulation "The discussion does not look at the role of landowners and developers or at their role in creating more resilient, 'wealthy' communities. The Council planning department has been inconsistent in applying conditions to estate developments and industrial [e.g. whisky] developments to ensure that they improve and add to the abilities for communities to move towards low carbon use". Comment not really in the remit of the LHEES but we have included community wealth building as it is an important principle New developments are required to be energy efficient and incorporate renewable energy technologies through the application of Planning and Building Standards. The LHEES has to prioritise. The Argyll and Bute LHEES does not prioritise conservation areas due to the challenges in decarbonising these buildings. Planning restrictions on conservation areas and listed buildings are set nationally. That said, some building owners in conservation areas are seeking solutions to decarbonise their premises. Historic Environment Scotland also produce technical guidance on energy conservation in heritage buildings. New products on the market may provide suitable insulation solutions for these buildings. This will be addressed by providing good information and advice which the LHEES prioritises Net Zero Net zero carbon in ordinary homes will make little or no difference to world emissions and does nothing but for people Net Zero unachievable waste of time trying to achieve it (Net Zero). Net Zero is a waste of time as the UNIPCC are only estimating the CO2 emissions from Peatlands Unfortunately, while achieving net zero in Scotland is a noble aim, it will not affect climate change while China and India continue to open new coal mines. Both the Scottish Government and the Council have a target to reach Net Zero and so must make plans to achieve this target. In addition, councils are legally mandated to have a heat decarbonisation plan (LHEES).
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"Ensure our natural environment of plants and trees are not decimated they will carbon decrease quicker than anything. All other effort will cause carbon in their manufacturing somewhere in the world". Short of knocking down old properties and rebuilding super efficient ones net zero is complete fantasy Category Consultation Feedback Council Response Costs and implementation Concerned about being able to afford to implement. the money required to do any of this will not be available How will we get the money from government to carry out the work Heat grids and networks will be so costly to implement People can’t afford to install these. Cost of insulation too high. Comment schemes are available for those who are on low incomes or in homes with poor EPC. Where are the ordinary person in the street are going to get the money for all this in the current economic climate Never enough money to get anything done Electricity is unlikely to be a realistic contender unless an extreme level of cuts are made into its cost We are keen to reduce our carbon footprint and costs, but the price & disruption of transferring are currently prohibitive don’t want the disruption of installing a heat pump. Too many old properties that cannot be changed over easily. Too expensive to replace with solar panels etc Home owners need financial support to achieve zero carbon Since we have a lot of Cat 3 housing stock there has to be a serious focus on helping people financially to move to zero carbon heating, More importantly we need to have a review of Standing charges for electricity which are unfair for remote areas like Argyll and Bute. Our MP and MSP need to fight for lower charges for their constituents. There is no point telling people to use electrical heating systems if they can't afford to switch it on, due to the costs if they remain the same as now. This topic must be part of the review if we have to address Cat 3 buildings that are not suitable for heat pumps. Get the standing charges for electricity lowered at the same time if you want people to move to electric heating derived from zero emission sources.- funding needed to implement it No cost effective solutions Relying on individuals to choose to take action not going to work. It will take a generation to implement- Decarbonising buildings is an enormous task. The LHEES is not a short-term programme but a long-term strategic vision covering 20 years. Therefore, there is a long time frame for doing this work. There have been some incentives to decarbonise, but the economics of making the change have been difficult to demonstrate for most people. The Heat in Buildings Bill (HiBs) proposes incentivising decarbonisation and enforcing it through a series of measures. The Hibs consultation documents also set out public sector and other funding streams that building owners could use to decarbonise. Most people pay the standing charge once a day to have electricity, so if the
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Gas is much cheaper than electricity. That needs to be addressed. Comment we are lobbying the Scottish Government to encourage them to lobby the UK Government to remove the gas subsidy and transfer it to electricity. Only the UK Gov has the power to address this. Need financial incentives How do you implement this (Implementation) need to be thought through and monitoring of standards and compliance with regulations rigorously implemented. Not just a tick box exercise. Monitored by accredited surveyors. The issue of how is more difficult Most of the options I have seen for making my home fuel efficient, much less zero carbon, make no economic sense to me as a householder. If increasing awareness includes some cost-effective strategies I am more likely to consider any necessary changes. No one wants to live in an uncomfortable house, but some are forced to as the transition is too difficult. A significant challenge is people’s resistance to change This must not be achieved by committing owner occupiers of their own homes to vast expense and immense disruption, with hugely intrusive building works requiring them to evacuate their homes. Many pensioners, living in old, large, stone houses cannot possibly afford the hundreds of thousands of pounds required to virtually rebuild their 19th century home to 21st century building standards and to completely replace their entire old central heating systems with new pipe work, new radiators and heat pumps which cannot cope with the space to be heated. the cost of electric heating is unsustainable in large old home household already uses any electricity, they will be paying the standing charge. Transitioning to electrical heating will not increase the standing charge for most people. A very small number of people who do not use electricity from the grid on a daily basis will be impacted. Category Consultation Feedback Council Response Installers Upskilling and improving the supply chain Need to upskill local people Training straight from school Not being able to get contractors. Installers not trust worthy Need local people. Area is poorly served by them (installers). Our location inhibits the provision of skilled jobs and infrastructure- "a well-established network of supply and maintenance companies to make alternative energy sources (e.g. ground source) transparent and realistic" "no skills to deliver" "promoting heat pumps before there are sufficient people to install them and maintain them would cause problems". (Need) “trusted and reliable supplier”. Providing a pathway for local people to upskill as well as providing opportunities for local businesses to grow their supply chain will benefit local communities. The LHEES recognises that the lack of installers will hinder the decarbonisation journey, and so has prioritised upskilling and improving the supply chain. It is a commonly held view that there will be considerable job opportunities and that jobs in the green economy are higher paid and higher quality jobs.
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“I tried to use an energy free loft insulation provider a few years ago and was conned by the staff they sent out being told they couldn't do it under the scheme (we had no insulation at all!) but they could do it privately at a price. I ended up doing it myself. It makes me not trust these schemes or the people they may send out for advice or to carry out work”. “I don't think the job creation is as great as you make it out to be”. Category Consultation Feedback Council Response Heat Pumps The current generation of Heat Pumps are not cost effective. Obsessed with heat pumps which are not suitable PV - PV generates electricity which then has to be used to make heat either heat pumps or direct electric heat Not going to give up fossil fuel heating as heat pumps are not suitable Heat pumps don't work and are a waste of money. Heat pumps not suitable for older buildings Comment our LHEES can't do everything and so we are not prioritising older buildings in this LHEES we are awaiting technological advances or changes or policy on Hydrogen or Biomass as these would be more suitable for older homes. empirical evidence already exists in the public domain that heat pumps do not work in older properties, particularly where the construction is of solid stone Heat pumps are not suitable for lots of older properties Moreover heat pump technology will require extensive improvement to achieve he performance of a current gas combi boiler, which will be the deciding factor for anyone considering a change. Electricity is unlikely to be a realistic contender unless an extreme level of cuts are made into its cost (also unlikely). “I do not think that attaching heat pumps to the side of every domestic property is the answer. These will be highly susceptible, in many locations, to the vagaries of our stormy, coastal winter weather. I certainly do not believe that in such a rural area, it is in any way sensible to rely on a single form of power supply to homes. Anything but these bleeding heat pumps. Despicable things While there are many options for generating electricity (wind, hydro, Solar PV and, in the future, wave and tidal), There are more limited heating options. The LHEES methodology is not concerned with electricity generation, although the Council has included electricity generation in its LHEES to address grid constraints and ensure a just transition. The LHEES considers how we heat our homes and buildings and requires councils to develop a plan to heat buildings with heat sources that do not directly produce carbon emissions. Heat sources which produce zero direct emissions are as follows: Electrical Heating ( including heat pumps and direct electric heating) Heat Networks- The LHEES methodology determined that traditional heat networks were not viable for most of Argyll and Bute. However, the Council is considering if small-scale heat networks would be viable, such as shared ground loops or small geothermal heat networks.
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I am not a fan of heat pumps, I find them expensive and usually improperly set up, not efficient enough to use just radiators, underfloor heating would make them more efficient (supported by many reports) and the cost of running them I find excessive, so much so I would return to gas today if given the choice , I absolutely hate these heat pumps with a vengeance, horrible inefficient and expensive, but no one listens so why bother complaining its all just a gimmick for the government.. private sector and owner occupied properties are I am afraid in the bracket of if you can afford to buy your home then you are responsible for maintain , updating and for it's energy usage / proficiency.” Not persuaded Worried about cost and efficacy of heat pumps “Although the coastal areas are windy temperatures in winter are often mild. At the same time the area is relatively humid which may I believe affect the efficiency of insulation and heat pumps”. (Air Source Heat Pumps) “expensive disruptive many case need replumbing. Ground source too expensive”. “The majority of homes in AB fall into the off gas. Their locations / exposure doesn't allow heat pump without enormous renovation and at massive costs”. “moreover heat pump technology will require extensive improvement to achieve he performance of a current gas combi boiler, which will be the deciding factor for anyone considering a change”. “Heat pumps are too inefficient to maintain a decent temp in winter for 90% of current builds”. LHEES focuses too much on Heat pumps “ The LHEES strategy is committed to exploring these small heat networks. In the future, Hydrogen may be an option. In addition, the LHEES methodology requires buildings to be categorised on their suitability for a heat pump. Consequently, for these reasons, the LHEES is focused on heat pumps. Category The LHEES will now spell out more clearly the options for heating buildings. The strategy will also more clearly set out the role that electricity-generating technologies play in generating clean electricity, which can then be used by other technology to heat homes and buildings. What other technologie s we should consider? Consultation Feedback Council Response Tidal Future technology to generate electricity. LPG Fossil fuel Sunamp This technology is considered in LHEES in the other technologies category heat store Thermal stores are also considered in the LHEES in the other technology category. solar panels This is an electricity-generating technology mores use of battery storage This technology stores electricity for future use Geothermal The Council will commit to exploring this technology.
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Biomass Biomass is a low-carbon technology but not a zero-direct-emission fuel source. Hydrogen for heating This is a technology for the future Methane from sewage works This is an electricity-generating technology hydro This is an electricity-generating technology No mention of nuclear Nuclear has not been included in the LHEES as it is contrary to the Scottish Government's policy. Wave This is an electricity-generating technology air to air heat pumps These have been explicitly added to the strategy. Emerging technologies The LHEES considers these in the other technologies section. It doesn't mention the source of the energy e.g. renewables- Don’t talk about the source of energy Comment the LHEES only focuses on a narrow part of decarbonisation i.e. Heat in Buildings. The assumption in an LHEES is that electricity is a clean decarbonised heat source and does not ask us to consider how the electricity was generated (i.e. solar, wind, hydro etc) This is an electricity-generating technology "disappointed that there is no mention of wind power. One option would be to allow/encourage households to install 3-5kW wind turbines feeding a battery and inverter to power an electric boiler. This would supply clean energy without having to replace all the plumbing. Alternatively larger wind turbines could be used to power clusters of houses". Comment wind only produces electricity that electricity still has to heat the home either through a heat pump or a direct electrical heating system such as storage heaters which is also disruptive as a supply has to be taken to each heater. Other electric solutions such as boilers and electric radiators are expensive to run. This is an electricity-generating technology A significant opportunity is to ensure that all new housing is carbon neutral New building regulations came into force in April 2024. According to the new regulations, new homes must have zero direct emissions heating systems, although they are not required to meet the Passivhaus standard. However, since coming into force, the new regulations have suspended the prohibition of biomass meaning that this
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low emissions heating source can now be used in new homes. Category Consultation Feedback Council Response Cost to the council “Total waste of time and money ....Better to spend money elsewhere …council should not be providing new services- ….(Council)haemorrhaging much needed council funds…. How many people are involved- and Cost to council” Argyll and Bute Council would be better spending their resources on repairing pot holes “Local government should not be in the business of increased council tax to meet pointless government plans” “It is about time something is being done by official organisations like councils. There is a host of things that can be done and will have to be done. Therefore it may be essential to save money on other parts of a budget to implement those urgent changes” Some respondents believed that the Council should not allocate its budget to the LHEES, while others suggested reallocating funds from other policy areas to invest in the LHEES. Creating a Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy (LHEES) is a statutory obligation. The Scottish Government has allocated specific funding to councils for this purpose, so producing the LHEES has not affected the Council's budget. To answer the question of how many staff were involved in creating the LHEES, only 1 Officer was involved, and their role was funded by the ring-fenced Scottish Government allocated funds. Category Strategy Consultation feedback Council response "too technical" - Due to the methodology that the council is required to follow, the LHEES is considered a technical document. For the consultation exercise the Council produced an easy-to-read document summarising the main points of the LHEES. In the future, the Council could consider making a user-friendly version of the full document. However, other feedback considered the strategy too simplistic, so it's hard to strike the right balance. too simplistic strategy" should be short The LHEES strategy has been evaluated against the nationally established LHEES methodology and templates. The feedback from the assessment indicated the need to incorporate additional information into the strategy to ensure compliance with the methodology requirements, which consequently led to the expansion of the strategy into a lengthy document. However, following the consultation feedback, some technical information has been relocated to the appendices. Additionally, the document has been reformatted to highlight the elements that define the vision and priorities, and the parts of the document which set the scene. So that readers can easily skip to the vision and priorities section.
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Few points of reference or qualifiable data. The Scottish Government stipulated the specific data sets that were to be utilised. Subsequently, a consultant developed a specialised tool to analyse LHEES data. Owing to time constraints, Argyll and Bute Council, along with approximately half of the other councils in Scotland, engaged the consultant to analyse its LHEES data using the aforementioned tool. “this is total nonsense”. “A Scottish Government box ticking exercise which is a waste of money The Council have a statutory duty to produce an LHEES Issues with the quality of the document Noted. The Council prepared the initial draft of the document, but the final text was composed and formatted by consultants in line with Government requirements. I am impressed with the strategy. Examples of a few positive comments Worthwhile aims spot-on. sensible and something which has to be done. approach seems sensible Agree is to be applauded supportive seem fine Category Consultation Feedback Consultation Consultation feedback The Council’s response Process too bureaucrat and consultative Some respondents considered that the Council did not consult enough, while others thought the process was too consultative. The Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy (LHEES) methodology delineates the consultation requirements, against which councils are appraised. The Scottish Government's assessment of the Council's LHEES concluded that the Council had either fully or predominantly satisfied all of the consultation requirements. Consultation "will be used to manipulate the installation of heat pumps” The Scottish Government has set out its policy position in the Heat in Buildings Bill (HiB). The bill is currently making its way through the legislative
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“Scottish Government has already made nonsense decisions on our behalf". process and it will determine whether decarbonising heat will be mandated and the process for doing so. Consultation to justify not providing support to particular groups The Council is not providing any support to any groups as this is a strategy, not a programme of works. The questions were loaded and the survey was flawed The survey asked questions like “How important or otherwise, would you say….” and gave respondents the options to select strongly agree, agree, disagree and strongly disagree, as well as an option to choose don’t know. Qualitative questions were specifically directed at individuals who opposed the proposal in order to gain insight into their reasons for disagreement and to focus the limited analysis resources on understanding why they disagreed. In addition, the questions used were similar to those used by other councils. Consultation platform was difficult to use. The survey was conducted using Microsoft Forms, a commonly used platform. More consultation needed to be done The LHEES is a data-driven process, so it was essential to gather and document the findings so as to have data to consult upon. However, this has led to respondents feeling that the process was completed before they were consulted. This is not the case the production of the strategy is just the start of the engagement process. A better process for the LHEES could be to adopt the approach used by Housing when developing the LHS. The HNDA establishes the evidence base, which is then subject to consultation. The feedback from this exercise informs the strategy. However, the LHS process spans four years, allowing for this, whereas the LHEES had to be produced in just one year. It is hoped to involve wider stakeholders in fleshing out the actions in the Delivery Plan. However, the LHEES has one Officer, and the short timeline makes involving a wide range of stakeholders challenging. It will be difficult to balance consultation, develop specific and detailed delivery actions, and keep up to date with fast-moving legislative and technical changes. As well as responding to consultations from governments, national bodies and both of Argyll and Bute’s DSOs Further consultation at local level through Community Councils could provide more and more accurate feedback.
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This is survey is another Scottish Government box ticking exercise which is a waste of resources. The LHEES methodology requires councils to carry out consultation. Argyll and Bute’s consultation survey is similar to that of other councils. Need more time A longer consultation period would have been ideal, but the timeline did not allow this, as the LHEES process is very short. very few people even have the time to read (the documents) (If) “you do not consider all possibilities then you are not doing your job” The Council listed various technologies and asked the respondents to suggest which ones they thought the Council should consider. The respondent indicated that the Council should not seek others' views on which options to consider A leaflet should have been sent to every Council Tax payer asking them if they thought the Council should do an LHEES The LHEES is a statutory duty, so the Council don’t get to choose whether it does it or not. Ambition and prioritisation Consultation feedback The Council’s response “The strategy identifies 8 priorities, they appear to have equal priority status and levels of interdependency. The Just transition is the more important priority, and this is highly likely to need net-zero rather than absolute zero heating arrangements. “ The LHEES is a 20-year plan, and as such, it has a wide range of priorities which need to be addressed over the long term. It also highlights which of the priorities it will focus on in the next five years. There are three types of priorities: Enabling priorities such as: • improving the grid, • increasing installers, skilled people and the supply chain • Ensuring building owners have access to information that allows them to make informed choices about their decarbonisation options. Delivery priorities such as • improving energy efficiency • decarbonising the heat source. Delivery principles/ ethos priorities such as • ensuring a just transition, • addressing fuel poverty ensuring sustainable, energy resilient communities These are important and laudable aims. They cover a multiplicity of issues and factors in our lives. I am particularly interested in the issue of heating and powering our homes - this needs to be addressed with a clear and realistic look at the capabilities of our current, and therefore long term future housing stock to be energy efficient Don’t try and do too much you cannot focus on everything You cannot 'focus' on everything - be realistic Maybe keep it simple and concentrate on the carbon reduction. The magnitude of the task youve set yourself.
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prioritisation is not easy the target date is optimistic and will necessitate considerable expense householder for householders, unless of course the Government choose to meet the costs involved. More actual focus would make them more achievable and generate more support from the public. You cannot 'focus' on everything. Specific details In this region, tidal energy and sea source heat pumps should be looked at. The geology here is not favourable for ground source. The recent replacement of a power line from Garelochhead towards Rosneath with one of the same capacity was a wasted opportunity. just get on with it (Decarbonisation) Some respondents asked the Council to get on and deliver; however, others wanted more consultation and engagement. A balance between these two positions is required. implement simple cost-effective solutions now, for everyone, and the impact will be significant Please do not let this be a tick box exercise proposals a bit vague As the delivery plan evolves from high-level actions to detailed steps, the proposals will become more specific Too much emphasis on challenges The LHEES methodology requires challenges to be identified and considered. As other respondents have pointed out, without being realistic about the challenges, the approach lacks credibility. This is another case where a balance needs to be struck between the two propositions. Your aims are little more than smoke and mirrors. This viewpoint was not widely held.
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Category Consultation Feedback Other comments Consultation Feedback Councils Response What does just transition mean in a non-domestic setting?- The strategy discusses just transition and explains what this means in a domestic setting. A section will be added to the strategy to explain a just transition in a non-domestic setting. Decarbonisation provides opportunities “more radical options geothermal given consideration/ heat networks; locally owned small pump storage schemes to power heat networks; reliance on grid electricity for much of the transition is a little worrying” Small geothermal heat networks are being explored. “The council is the wrong organisation to do this work ….. extent to which any in individual council can really drive this forward. Surely the main driver should be at a national level, especially when it comes to issues about the grid”. The Council is working with stakeholders across Scotland. However, it is the Council who has a statutory duty to develop the Argyll and Bute LHEES Landlords should have to carry a higher percentage of the cost than owner occupiers - The market will decide the costs, not the Council. Please include people who own their own property All domestic properties are included in the LHEES. Non Domestic Buildings will be forced to decarbonise at their own expense…….Focus on commercial / factory / premises - those that produce products that are totally un necessary. The LHEES methodology requires the LHEES to consider all buildings. However, Argyll and Bute does not have as many non-domestic factories compared to other local authority areas. In addition, most commercial premises are already using electricity as their heating source. However, it is noteworthy that non-domestic users with high heat demands still tend to heat their buildings with fossil fuel. As the LHEES cannot do everything at once, at this time the Argyll and Bute LHEES is focused on domestic properties. All the so-called incentives are for people on benefits, everyone should be rewarded for green changes There is a wide range of incentives and not all are restricted to people on benefits. The Council, however, does not decide the criteria for support for government schemes. However, the Council has developed a ‘statement of intent’ for ECO flex funding to ensure the funds reflect local priorities.
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Sort out smart meters and support everyone who are trying to do the right thing already by installing Solar PV, etc, at our own (substantial) cost Smart meters are being rolled out by electricity providers, and there is considerable advice available online, Government, third sector and through the private sector. Advising caretakers of old buildings e.g. Churches as to how they can become more energy efficient ALIenergy are already active in delivering the following Aims: Priority 1 and 2- Decarbonising heat and addressing grid capacity- Retrofit Private Housing Stock; PRIORITY 3, 4 and 5- Sustainable energy-resilient communities fuel poverty and a just transition-Fuel poverty: Focus on homes where poor energy efficiency contributes to fuel poverty; PRIORITY 6- Fabric first approach- getting buildings heat pump ready- Energy Efficiency Measures; and Priority 8- Knowledge and Awareness-Bespoke advice, Knowledge of decarbonisation programmes, Refuting misconception. The Council has a statutory duty to develop the LHEES and monitor the decarbonisation journey. The delivery of the LHEES will require input from many organisations. In the New Year, the Council will set up a delivery group, and will welcome any organisation that can deliver the strategy It comes across as being imposed on properties. The Council has no control over home owners heat decarbonisation journey. Council tax payers paying for council houses to decarbonise - Council tax is not spent on insulating social housing, as the council is not a landlord. Insulation programmes are funded by the Scottish Government via a separate grant and RSLS. Category Consultation Feedback Council Response Out with the Scope of the LHEES Geopolitical point about the cost of energy- STREET LIGHTING WASTING ENERGY reduce electrical use in the property Hydrogen -Use of Hydrogen for Bus transport. Lithium battery units fire risk to nature and human life very little incentive for going green and using public transport. The amount of ferries running to Mull each day is a joke LHEES is restricted to reducing the amount of carbon emissions generated by heating buildings, so these comments are out of the scope of the consultation. The LHEES remit does not involve reducing electricity usage. As electricity is considered a zero direct emissions fuel. It will only be in the remit of the LHEES to consider reducing the amount of electricity used in the home if the electrical heating systems are pushing people into fuel poverty.