Severn Wye Energy Agency

>> CLICK for latest information below

RELACS is a 36 month project, supported by Intelligent Energy Europe, which aims to encourage and assist tourist accommodation buildings in the Cotswolds, Forest of Dean & Wye Valley and the Brecon Beacons to install renewable energy technologies, as well as traditional energy saving measures.

Background

Although there are already some initiatives focussing on 'greening' tourist accommodation providers, such as the Green Tourism Business Awards (UK wide) and the Green Dragon Awards (Brecon Beacons), currently there is little focus on improving the overall carbon footprint of these businesses. With increasing public awareness of our impact on climate change, an identifiable logo indicating those accommodation providers that have made a significant effort to reduce their CO₂ emissions could help to both increase their business and increase tourists' confidence that they are minimising their impact on climate change.

Aims

The main aim of the RELACS project is to involve and motivate a significant number of tourist accommodation providers in implementing Renewable Energy (RE) and Energy Efficiency (EE) measures on their buildings. In order to achieve this aim, RELACS will run and co-ordinate a range of activities to encourage installations, from the publication of information packs to the organisation of installer meetings (technology showcases), building audits and feasibility studies, and a competition for the most significant energy savings.

Activities

Steered by an Advisory Committee, consisting of a range of interested parties such as local authorities and AONB representatives, RELACS will consist of a range of activities staggered throughout the 3 years of the project, to include:

• A 'market assessment' of energy related matters in tourist accommodation buildings, to be used to advise the project;
• Case studies on tourist accommodation buildings that have already achieved significant reductions in energy use;
• The opportunity for accommodation providers to join a network; members will be offered a range of services through RELACS, including a telephone and email advice line and the opportunity to join a range of European study tours;
• Publication of brochures containing participating businesses with reduced energy use, along with itineraries and websites containing details, and regular press releases;
• Seminars for managers of tourist accommodation buildings, to learn about significant energy reduction measures, and training workshops for staff to find out about behavioural changes that can impact on energy use;
• 'Technology Showcase' installer meetings, where accommodation providers can meet accredited, reliable installers of relevant energy saving technologies;
• Full energy audits will be offered to a limited number of network members, where significant energy savings are possible;


The sole responsibility for the content of this document lies with the authors. It does not represent the opinion of the European Communities. The European Commission is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained therein.

Severn Wye Coordinators



Kierson Wise - Head of Partnerships & Development

	kierson
	+44 (0)1452 835073



Jackie Williams - Project Manager

	jackie
	+44 (0)1452 835079

Related Projects

Biogas Regions

Bio-NETT

• More detailed feasibility studies will be carried out for accommodation buildings where renewable energy installations are likely to be possible;
• A RELACS logo will be assigned to all participating businesses achieving significant energy savings, and all logo recipients will be entered into a competition - the accommodation provider with the best energy savings will win a trip to the ITB Berlin tourism fair in March 2013, where they will compete with entries from 9 other European countries for the international prize.

Latest - December 2011

Newsletters

See the main RELACS website for the latest newsletters on the European-wide network - the 5th edition is out now.

Networking and Seminars

In November 2011 Severn Wye ran some 'Meet the Installer' events in the Cotswolds (Forest Green Rovers football club) and the Forest of Dean (Speech House). These were an opportunity to meet with local installers of energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies - particularly useful for those tourist accommodation businesses who are planning on making significant sustainable energy improvements over the next few months.

There will be one more 'Meet the Installer' event in the series - to be held in the Brecon Beacons in the early months of 2012. Keep an eye on the RELACS website for details of this event, as well as details of training sessions planned for early 2012.

Join the Network

We now have 25 RELACS members on the network - you too can register your interest in joining the RELACS network at www.relacs.eu - here you will also find full details of the RELACS project, downloadable information sheets and case studies, and European-wide news and articles.

Resources

Information sheets on a range of renewable energy technologies can be found on Severn Wye's renewables page, and RELACS case studies are now available below:

• 2 Danby Cottages
• The Dome Garden
• Four Pillars Hotel

Other News

Holiday Lets and EPCs

Anyone letting out a holiday home as a self-contained unit will soon need to have an Energy Performance Certificate, much like those used for homes when selling or renting. If your holiday home is let out for a combined total of 4 months in any 12 months (or more than 121 days in any 12 month period), you will need to obtain an Energy Performance Certificate. This applies to self-contained units but does not include mobile homes, caravans, tents, park homes or other temporary buildings. This amendment to the EPC regulations becomes effective from 30th June 2011. For further details or clarification, contact the Department for Communities and Local Government at Zone 5/H10, Eland House, Bressenden Place, LONDON, SW1E 5DU. Website: www.communities.gov.uk; e-mail: eve.martin_AT_communities.gsi.gov.uk.

Project Partners

AESS (Modena Energy Agency) - Italy (Co-ordinator)

Instituto dell'Emilia Romagna Addestramo Lavoratori - Italy

Bourgas Regional Energy Agency - Bulgaria

Development Agency of E. Thessaloniki - Greece

Obersteiermark Energy Agency - Austria

Lake Balaton Development Agency - Hungary

Energy Agency of South East Sweden - Sweden

B&SU (Consultants) - Germany

Energy Agency of Almada - Portugal

Proyectus Soluciones e Innovaciones Tecnicas - Spain

© 2007-2012 • Severn Wye is a Registered Charity - No. 1083812
Severn Wye Energy Agency Ltd, Unit 15 Highnam Business Centre, Highnam, Gloucester, GL2 8DN
Telephone 01452 835060 • Fax 01452 526208