Harborough Energy Club Meeting Summary
November 27th 8.30am-10.30am 2014
Venue: The Angel Hotel
Chair: Jo Sharman
Guest Speaker: Karl Letten from DeMontfort University
Legislation Update
Andrew Wallace gave the update on ESOS, giving a broad explanation of what ESOS was and
those companies which would qualify.
It was also discussed that although a Lead Assessor is required to sign off a company’s
assessment the amount they are involved in the process is very much in the hands of the
company. It was also discussed about the potential shortage of Lead Assessors in the run up
to the compliance deadline in December 2015.
Presentation
Karl Letten of De Montfort University presented in engaging staff and students in Energy
Awareness.
Karl spoke about the projects which De Montfort University have run specifically explaining
that even though the projects themselves cannot be transferred into all workplaces the
focus behind them do. The four main focuses for these projects are: peer to peer
encouragement, competitive elements, rewards and incentives, positive feedback.
The first project ‘Student Switch Off ‘ looked at how the university engaged students in
reducing energy use in halls, specifically as there was no direct incentive to do this as their
rent included bills at a fixed rate. They found that incentives as small as a tub of ice cream or
cosmetics had a significant impact. They used social media, for students to take photos of
challenges and each floor had a sub meter so floors competed against each other.
Green Impact Project worked with staff and departments using a competitive element.
Where departments and teams completed online workbooks and once completed were
audited by students who were specially trained to ensure activities were completed. The
activities were based on reusing waste, reducing waste, recycling, greener transport, fairtrade, energy efficiency, awareness raising. The Green Impact is now being rolled out to
other places: LCC, Charnwood Borough Council, Loros as well as DMU.
Go Green Week: A specific week where the University set a target to reduce their electricity.
Each area was monitored using a web based programme so each area/ department could
see how they reduced their electricity use, bringing it to the forefront of the student’s and
staff’s minds. The aim was to reduce electricity use by 25% and they achieved a 12.3%
reduction.
Smart Spaces Project: A simple system developed by DMU IESD to engage building users to
communicate energy usage. It uses half hourly metering in DMU and LCC buildings. The
system makes a prediction from this of its energy use and assigns a face depending on how
building performs against its prediction and outside temperature. This updates on a regular
basis showing an up-to-date picture. It was designed by a Harborough resident and it is
currently being looked at for use with commercial applications and DMU are discussing its
potential with companies. See http://smartspaces.dmu.ac.uk/ to see it in operation.
Mastermind/ Problem Solving
Because of the new TEEP regulations, re. Business waste and recycling starting January 2015
general discussions took place about reducing waste and recycling. Members shared the
various schemes which had worked within their organisations.
Motivation of staff members was also discussed following on from Karl Letten’s
presentation.
AOB
The next Energy Club meeting will take place on Tuesday 3rd February. Harborough District
Council have offered to host, and provide a talk and tour.
In future meetings there was an interest in discussions about waste as well as talks about
the different financing options available for businesses.