Green projects on agenda at Wales climate event
Speakers are being invited to discuss key issues and challenges around net zero at an event in Wales today (May 17).
The event, Journey to a net zero Wales at Venue Cymru, Llandudno will give people a chance to hear about how public sector organisations are working towards ambitious 2030 net zero targets.
It is also a chance to celebrate low carbon initiatives.
Organised by Salix Finance in conjunction with Welsh Government and Welsh Government Energy Service, the event has attracted speakers from across the country.
They will talk about how to reduce carbon emissions, reduce costs and how they are reaching out to schools, universities, leisure centres and other organisations in Wales.
Speaker Meilir Hughes works as Chief Property and Assets Officer at Isle of Anglesey County Council.
He has worked on projects to install solar photovoltaics (PV) across 50 council sites which were funded through the Wales Funding Programme and delivered by Salix Finance in partnership with the Welsh Government Energy Service.
He said: “It’s been a really positive experience, contributing towards the delivery of such a positive change, and we would not have been able to deliver these projects without the funding delivered by Salix and from the Welsh Government Energy Service.
“I look forward to sharing my experience with other public sector bodies as well as hearing how others have achieved significant carbon and financial savings of their own.”
The council received £5.4m from the Re:fit scheme aimed at implementing a range of sustainable projects including the solar PV as well as a new ventilation system and air-source heat pumps at Amlwch Leisure Centre.
It is estimated that the Isle of Anglesey County Council projects will result in annual carbon savings of 1,670 tonnes which equates to the carbon footprint 618 homes for one year.*
The council also received £1.1m as part of Welsh Government’s Low Carbon Heat Grant to install water-source heat pumps at its main offices in Llangefni. This new low-carbon heating system will provide 100% of the heating and hot water demand for the whole building.
Wales has set net zero target of 2030 for the public sector.
Strategic Lead for Welsh Government Energy Service and speaker Rhys Horan said: “The event aims to facilitate knowledge sharing between key stakeholders and include innovative examples of best practices across the sector with the hope that it will inspire further action in the journey to decarbonisation.”
Event Chairman and Director of Programmes at Salix Finance, Ian Rodger said: “Salix is honoured to co-host this event with the Welsh Government and Welsh Government Energy Service and delighted to have such a wide range of the Welsh public sector’s energy efficiency specialists attending.
“We look forward to the opportunity to champion the crucial carbon reduction work that is taking place by the sector across the nation and cannot wait to share ideas and news with attendees.
“There is huge ambition in Wales which has set challenging net zero targets and there is no time like the present to reduce carbon emissions and strive for a greener future.”
Speaker and Senior Manager, Public Sector Decarbonisation at Welsh Government, Kevin Hammett, said: “Welsh Government is committed to reducing its carbon emissions and has set the ambitious goal of a collective net zero by 2030 for public sector bodies.
“I look forward to discussing the carbon saving projects that play a vital role in the journey to a net zero Wales in our event with Salix Finance.”
Other speakers on the day include Phil Southern from Flintshire Council and Rhys Horan, and Stefan Runge from Welsh Government Energy Services.
The event is the first of two events offering a chance to join net zero discussions. The second event is on Wednesday, May 24, at the Geraint Thomas National Velodrome of Wales.
*the average household in the UK emits 2.7 tonnes of carbon per year – divided by 1,670 tonnes this equates to 618 homes.
