Workstream #1 - Buildings and energy
Solar panels in East Manchester
Progress report - workstream #1
(updates included where progress has been made this quarter)
1.1 £19.1m of Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme funding has been secured. This is a major project with a challenging timeframe to deliver by September 2021; pre-contract work is underway to enable contracts with suppliers to be signed early next quarter. Phase 1 of the Estates Carbon Reduction Programme remains on schedule, with the exception of one solar PV scheme where an issue with the roof has caused a minor delay. The European funded project ‘Unlocking Clean Energy’ has engaged the Minor Works Team to lead on the solar car ports at the National Cycling Centre and procurement options are being assessed for compliance. The Hydrogen Zero pilot at Gorton Library is now live and heating the building; a monitoring system is being installed this month to provide a data stream going forward.
1.2 Draft Low Carbon Build Standard KPIs (to baseline and track construction contractor’s overall emissions) have been developed. The Manchester Low Carbon Build Standard is going to Council in March 2021.
1.4 The contract with Local Partnerships (LP) was extended by 3 months to develop a detailed options appraisal and value for money analysis on large scale renewable energy.
1.6 Work continues completing connections to buildings for the Civic Quarter Heat Network and the commissioning phase is to commence imminently. The anticipated go live date for the supply of heat and power is July 2021. For the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), a process of independent, external assurance is currently underway. Browne Jacobson have completed a comprehensive legal advice review, EY are supporting with business plan assurance and KPMG have completed the refresh of the financial model. A report on the construction project and SPV is to be presented to the March Executive and also to the Commercial Board.
1.8 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund are under development for individual property archetypes. The first KPIs are for a 2-bed end terrace and target an increase in the EPC rating from E to C and a reduction in energy costs from £1,529 to £838.
1.10 The Local Energy Market Project is now in the data collection phase.
1.11 Work is underway to develop a means to assess the carbon impact of land and asset disposal procedures. It is targeted for completion next quarter and will also consider the impact of asset disposal on a wide range of related issues, e.g. capital receipts/achieving best value, links to the delivery of other policies, and the impact on procurement/state aid. It will also look at thresholds for transactions, the skills and resource required and how we might measure achievements.
1.13 Collaboration is progressing with the Cambridge Centre for Smart Infrastructure and Construction (CSIC). The draft Low Carbon Build Standard KPIs are supported by CSIC and National Association of Construction Frameworks. These will also be shared with NWCH Sustainability Special Interest Group construction contractors in April. The MCCA Carbon New Build Task have discussed the Build Standard, with a further meeting planned for 24 March.