From Strategy to Practical Action

Friday 17th October 2003 Arle Court Manor, Hatherley Lane, Cheltenham, GL51 6PN

The Severn Wye Energy Agency recently held their first ever conference, which took place at Arle Court Manor in Cheltenham. The event, titled ‘From Strategy to Practical Action’, looked at the how we can move towards more sustainable methods of supplying and using domestic energy, and how local authorities can help implement practical improvements on a local level. Over eighty delegates had the opportunity to view examples of best practise, and discuss the challenges set out in Government’s recent Energy White Paper.

“Sustainable Energy is all about using energy more efficiently, and reducing our use of limited fossil fuels.” said Bart Venner, Chair of Trustees at Severn Wye. “Moving towards sustainable energy brings wide benefits for our communities.”

The event gave the opportunity to showcase some inspiring examples of local achievement as well as looking closely at the challenge of the future and the tasks that lie ahead. Key speakers included Philip Sellwood, Chief Executive of the Energy Saving Trust, Tim Perrin, Director of Health and Community at Forest of Dean District Council and Mathew Spencer, Chief Executive of REGEN South West.

Representatives from all of Gloucestershire’s local authorities were joined by colleagues from Wiltshire, South Gloucestershire and Monmouthshire. “It’s encouraging to see so many people from throughout the South West showing such an interest in sustainable energy” said Kaye Welfare, Project Manager from Severn Wye Energy Agency. “The way that we all use energy has a huge impact on the environment. By working together, planners, councils, housing associations, the voluntary sector and community groups can come up with viable alternatives.”

The event was sponsored by Scottish Power and the EAGA Partnership. Both organisations work closely with the Severn Wye Energy Agency on projects such as the Warm and Well scheme, which offers energy efficiency advice and grants on behalf of the local authorities in Gloucestershire.

The speaker’s presentations from the conference are available to download via the highlighted links below.

You will need a copy of Acrobat Reader to view these PDF documents. To download a copy, click on the link on the right.

From Strategy to Practical Action - Agenda

9.45	Registration and Coffee
10.00	Welcome
	Kaye Welfare, EEAC Manager, Severn Wye Energy Agency
10.10	Keynote Speaker - Local Action for Sustainable Energy
	Tim Perrin, Director of Community and Environment, Forest of Dean District Council
10.40	Renewable Energy and the Rural Economy
	Mathew Spencer, Chief Executive, REGEN South West
11.00	Affordable Solar Water Heating
	Graham Ayling, Severn Wye Energy Agency
11.15	Coffee
11.40	Affordable to Heat and Affordable to Build
	Debbie Brookes, Assistant Director (Development), Severn Vale Housing Association, Rob Ackerman, Senior Surveyor, Markey Builders (Gloucester) Ltd
12.00	Sustainable leisure: Cotswold Water Park
	Roger Brown, Chief Executive, Cotswold Water Park
12.20	Local examples:
	Village flagship - Brockweir and Hewelsfield Community Shop, Fred Simpson Outreach in partnership - Kayla Needham, Partner Liaison Manager Department of Works and Pensions Monnow Court Housing Development - Neil Barber, Charter Housing
1.00	Lunch
2.00	Advice: an Integrated Approach for the Future
	Philip Sellwood, Chief Executive, Energy Saving Trust
2.30	Next Generation Sustainable Newbuild and Refurbishment
	John Willoughby, Energy Consultant
3.00	Renewable Energy - A Supplier's Perspective
	Gerry Magee, Head of Environment, Scottish Power
3.15	Future Energy Sources - Meeting the 60% Target
	Professor David Elliott, Director of Energy and Environment Research Unit and Professor of Technology Policy, Design and Innovation Department, Open University
3.45	Summing Up and Thanks
	Kaye Welfare, EEAC Manager, Severn Wye Energy Agency
3.55	Close