Net zero talks at Wales' Geraint Thomas National Velodrome
Speakers from across the country will be discussing the key successes and challenges around net zero at an event in Wales today.
The event is the second of a two-part series, Journey to a net zero Wales, and will hear about how public sector organisations are working towards ambitious 2030 net zero targets for Wales.
Organised by Salix Finance in conjunction with the Welsh Government and Welsh Government Energy Service, the all-day discussion follows last week’s successful net zero talks in Llandudno.
At that event it was agreed that collaboration was a key factor in moving forwards.
Today’s event is taking place at the Geraint Thomas National Velodrome of Wales. The site is home to the largest solar rooftop project of its kind in Wales. It also houses an array of LED lighting installed as a result of the Wales Funding Programme, funded by the Welsh Government and supported by Welsh Government Energy Service.
Attendees will also get an opportunity to explore the incredible venue at the Geraint Thomas National Velodrome of Wales giving them a close-up chance to see the cycle track named after a national hero.
On the agenda will be discussion about how to reduce carbon emissions, reduce cost and the challenges of reaching out to schools, universities, leisure centres and other organisations in Wales in a bid to meet net zero targets.
Speaker Ceri Williams works as Energy and Finance Officer at Torfaen Council, South Wales.
She said: “I thoroughly enjoy making a difference across schools and seeing the results achieved from the relationship I have with the staff and pupils and ultimately reducing energy and carbon across the region.
“I am looking forward to speaking at the event and sharing my knowledge as well as hearing how other people have achieved carbon reductions.”
Salix Finance helped Torfaen Borough Council to realise its plans for supporting local schools by installing a range of energy efficiency measures which has resulted in a carbon saving of more than 670,000 tonnes per year.
This equates to 13,036 homes’ electricity use for one year on average.
Another scheme to benefit from support from the Welsh Government’s Wales Funding Programme is Aberystwyth University. The university was able to implement 4,500 solar panels at its Fferm Penglais campus.
The energy generated by the panels at the university will be equal to that of 500 homes and result in a saving of £13m over the lifetime of the project.
Strategic Lead for Welsh Government Energy Service and speaker Victoria Camp said: “Welsh Government is committed to reducing its carbon emissions and has set the ambitious goal of net zero by 2030 for public sector bodies.
“This event will be a brilliant opportunity to showcase and celebrate the projects undertaken by the public sector across Wales, supported by both Salix Finance and Welsh Government Energy Service.
“The event aims to facilitate knowledge sharing between key stakeholders, include innovative examples of best practices across the sector and provide the opportunity for face-to-face networking with colleagues from across Wales.”
Event Chairwoman and Assistant Director of Programmes at Salix Finance, Chiara Lorenzetti, said: “Salix is delighted to be supporting this informative event. We cannot wait to share ideas and news of projects on the day and look forward to welcoming our guests.
“There is huge ambition in Wales which has set challenging net zero targets and there is no time like the present to reduce the use of fossil fuels and related carbon emissions.”
Other speakers on the day include Dewi Day from Aberystwyth University, Ross Cudlipp from Newport Council and Gareth Jones Amgueddfa Cymru.
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