The focus of the Peterborough Energy study report was to provide sound benchmark information on the energy profiles for the unitary authority. This included establishing how the use of low carbon and renewable energy provision could meet the requirements of existing housing and likely employment growth within the vicinity. Key energy zones, where similar energy types are required across the area, were determined to ensure that the chosen low carbon technology was appropriate for specific areas and their energy types.

The environmental impacts of each energy type were assessed and examined, the carbon footprint was examined particularly closely, minimising the environmental impact of the area. In addition, guidance was required on the future energy efficiency and centralised and decentralised energy for large redevelopment projects within the area. This required extensive consultation with a range of key stakeholders.

Information and guidance was also provided to inform the local development framework including the Core Strategy, Development Control Policies as well as providing any work required for the Regional Spatial Strategy Review at the strategic level. A number of documents were produced including an Energy Baseline Report, a Preliminary Energy Option Report and an Energy Study Report.

Services Provided
Our involvement entailed the project management of the study, along with the technical energy modelling, report writing and stakeholder engagement activities.

The project management role involved the proactive management of the scheme to ensure that agreed timescales were met and targets achieved. Energy profiling was carried out across a large area to establish the energy zones and to ensure that a full understanding was gained of the different energy scenarios. In addition planning policy guidance was acknowledged and addressed to ensure that all relevant planning policy targets were adhered to.

The technical energy modelling incorporated a number of techniques such as energy mapping, energy zone identification in addition to heat density mapping and renewable, low carbon and decentralised energy feasibility.

The stakeholder activities included discussions and negotiations with agencies, regulators and stakeholders at all levels, together with actively involving the community through community engagement activities. A feature of this was a one day workshop designed to highlight the key issues found in the data gathering and baseline report, in addition to gathering stakeholder issues and requirements going forward.

Achievements
The project established a bespoke methodology to meet a set of sustainability targets, which were identified through the Integrated Growth Study. The energy solutions which were identified through the work undertaken will enable Peterborough to grow substantially and sustainably to ensure that Government targets for carbon reduction are achieved in addition to aiding their ambition to become the Environment Capital of the UK.