Reducing carbon emissions without
compromising on air quality
16 April 2008 – The Priory Rooms, Birmingham
WHAT IS THE CONFERENCE ABOUT?
This conference is designed to explore how senior officers can use their statuary powers, readily
available tools, and skills acquired through EMAQ+ training, to show leadership on climate change (via
demonstrating responsible use of biofuels) while not giving up hard won air quality gains.
EMAQ+ aims to provide Local Authority professionals with clear, good practice, guidance on the
regulation of emissions to air from industrial processes, accessioning and managing air quality, and
practical advice on the collection, management and dissemination of data to the public. More recently
EMAQ+ has provided training on how to lever the synergies between air quality and climate change
policies.
Local Authority Agreements referring to carbon reduction and air quality indicators will require the
balancing of potentially conflicting policies. Biomass, as part of a balanced package of measures, has
a vitally important role to play in the UK's renewables strategy. Solid bio-fuels, however, tend to emit a
greater proportion of particulate matter than conventional fuels so their uncontrolled use could
exacerbate problems in air quality management areas. This seminar will advise Local Authorities on
how they can demonstrate the responsible use of bio-fuels - either via their own estates or by fostering
its use in local communities.
The existing powers that LA's enjoy, the staff competencies acquired from EMAQ+ training, together
with readily available tools can be used to manage these challenges. The Air Quality training aims to
help staff to assess, in a quantitative way, the nature of air quality problems and what tolerance exists
before good air quality becomes unacceptable. The Emissions Monitoring is designed to assist
officers' meet statuary responsibilities to permit and ensure compliance of industrial emissions. When
integrated these skills, together with LA powers, could be used to ensure the effective use of bio-fuels
in suitable appliances, responsibly operated to minimize their emissions, in those areas where a air
pollution problem will not result. In addition a number of carbon management and air quality tools are
becoming available. Taken as a package the powers, skills, and available tools can enable LA's to
demonstrate both energy savings and acceptable air quality in a transparent way.
WHO IS THE CONFERENCE FOR?
The conference is specifically for those Local Authority Managers with responsibility for sustainability,
air quality, and industrial emission control who are currently managing change in order to demonstrate
progress against performance indicators.
As well as providing specific information and guidance, this conference is an opportunity to network
with LA colleagues.
Queries will be dealt with during the course and, in addition, attendees may forward questions prior to
the course to sue.powditch@aeat.co.uk
Reducing carbon emissions without compromising on air quality
PROGRAMME
10:00
Registration
10:20
Welcome & Introduction to the day
10:30
Session 1 - Scene setting – Keeping air quality good while reducing
carbon emissions.
10:30-10:50 General issues: Mike Woodfield & Beth Conlan
An overview of:
a) The linkages between public sector policies such as comprehensive area
assessments, LA Agreements, and performance indicators for carbon and air quality;
b) Introduction to carbon management policies and their relevance to LAs (including the
EU ETC, CRC, CCA, CHPQA – others (energy use in buildings, energy using products
directive etc);
c) A case study example - The pro's and con's of Biomass as part of a balanced
sustainable energy package;
10:50 – 11:00 - LA perspective Mark Daley, Sheffield City Council
11:00 Discussion
11:30
Break
11.45
Session 2 – What are the AQ wins worth defending?
Speaker: Beth Conlan
a) LA Powers and responsibilities under Part IV of the Environment Act 1995 and related
regulations;
b) A progress report on achievements;
c) The challenges of the new ambient air quality and cleaner air for Europe directive;
d) The Risks of increased biomass use;
e) Problem solving using skills that can be acquired through EMAQ training:
i.e. assessing in a quantitative way the nature of air quality problems and what
tolerance exists before good air quality becomes unacceptable.
12:15 Discussion:
12:45
Lunch
(Lunchtime demonstrations of the various tools to be discussed in the afternoon Joanna Jackson)
13:30
Session 3 – Case study - How biomass can be used responsibly
Speaker: Peter Coleman
a) LA Powers and responsibilities under the Pollution Prevention and Control Act 1999
(PPC Act) and Pollution Prevention and Control Regulations (PPC Regulations), and the
Clean Air Act 1993;
b) Problem solving using skills that can be acquired through EMAQ training:
i) using appropriate technology (using for examples approved appliances, high
performance systems etc),
ii) developing low emission firing systems (development 'auditable' operating procedures,
codes of practice etc).
iii) adoption of voluntary emissions standards (based on the skills that LA regulatory staff
have and use for industrial air pollution);
Reducing carbon emissions without compromising on air quality
iv) inspection and monitoring systems (via instrumental monitoring and audit)
v) reporting of information (to demonstrate to 3rd parties that the emissions are not
exceeding agreed limits
c) How independent auditing can help LAs to gear their investment:
i) Lessons from CCA, CHPQA, and EU ETS demonstrate leadership;
ii) The presentation of air quality and emissions information to the public.
14:00 The industrial perspective (Speaker tba)
14:15 Discussion
14:45
Session 4 – Air Quality and Energy Efficiency tools
Speakers: Joanna Jackson and Mike Woodfield
a) Introduction to AQ, CC, and energy efficiency tools;
b) The DEFRA air quality and climate change indicators, using the Carbon Footprint
management tool for Local Authorities to estimate carbon footprints from housing,
transport and other major sources, forecasting and managing emissions;
c) The Carbon Trust toolkit;
d) Case Study based on NHS Carbon Management experience.
15:30
Closing discussion:
Closing Summary of conclusions for delegates and for EMAQ+
LEARNING OBJECTIVES FOR DELEGATES
Participants will become familiar with:
 The linkages between public sector policies and CC and AP policies and drivers
 The use of established legal powers, staff, and tools for maintaining good air quality when
introducing sustainable energy measures
 Problem solving using skills that can be acquired through EMAQ+ training
 Profiting from AQ, CC, and energy efficiency tools, including the DEFRA air quality and
climate change indicators, using the Carbon Footprint management tool for Local Authorities
 Experience /practice in other public bodies
LEARNING OBJECTIVES FOR THE EMAQ+ PROGRAMME:
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a review of the effectiveness of current EMAQ+ training
areas for improvement and extension
the new areas that should be included
Reducing carbon emissions without compromising on air quality
BOOKING FORM
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When completed please fax (do not post) this form to: Sue Powditch on 0870 190 6608
PLEASE DO NOT send to the CIEH as they are unable to take bookings for this conference.
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Registration Details:
Fees:
£210 + VAT for Publications only Subscribers
Date and Location:
£270 + VAT for non-Subscribers
16 April – Priory Rooms, Birmingham
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NOTE: If you have not received a confirmation letter 7 days after faxing your booking
form then please contact Sue on 0870 190 6551 or sue.powditch@aeat.co.uk
Booking Terms and Conditions
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Fees include coffee, lunch, tea and documentation.
Cancellation without prior notification will render the delegate liable for the full fee.
Substitutions can be made but please let us know who will attend in your place.
Confirmation of your registration and a map of the venue will be sent prior to the event.