30k Grant for Green Energy Work at Henley Town Council
Following a successful funding application, Henley Town Council will receive £29.6k from the Rural Community Energy Fund (RCEF) to investigate ways to reduce energy consumption and generate renewable energy across six of their sites (Town Hall, King’s Arms Barn, Old Fire Station Gallery, Brunner Hall, Jubilee Park and Pavilion, Mill Meadows)
After a competitive tender process, Henley Town Council has appointed a consultant, Avieco, to undertake the study. Work should start shortly, and the recommendations of the study should be ready to present to Full Council/FSM after about nine weeks.
In line with the Declaration of a Climate Emergency in 2020, Henley Town Council want to explore all possible opportunities to decarbonise heat and power consumption. Decarbonisation can also reduce running costs and free up council funds for other projects.
An initial desk top survey indicated several potential opportunities for the sites including solar photovoltaic (PV), air source heat pumps, ground source heat pumps, solar thermal, biomass, insulation, draft exclusion, pipework insulation, heat emitter upgrades, efficient lighting, and energy management.
Switching to renewable energy at these sites will reduce the demand on the electricity grid locally and enable the Council to move away from the carbon-intensive heating currently used. The measures would also offer protection from rising fuel costs.
Sheridan Jacklin-Edward, Town Clerk said, “This funding will allow us to review detailed, credible options for decarbonising council buildings. This study offers us the potential to transform our energy consumption. Projects like these are a direct result of the our decision to declare a climate emergency in 2020 – We would like to thank the Rural Community Energy Fund for this opportunity.”
Tony Hoskins, Chair of Henley Town Council’s Climate Emergency Working Group said, “This funding can help us along the path to a brighter, decarbonised future for Henley Town Council. We know that heating contributes to around a quarter of all emissions in this country. These buildings are large and well used, if energy use were decarbonised, it would make a real difference. The Climate Emergency Working Group’s approach is all about action and engagement, I’m delighted to see some action here. I eagerly await the study’s recommendations.”
